Tucked away in the charming village of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s beautiful Caribbean coast, Aguas Claras is an elegant and effortlessly charming colonial-style boutique hotel just moments from the coral reefs and soft sands of Chiquita Beach.
An adults-only elegant boutique located on the Caribbean Coast, near the sleepy town of Puerto Viejo
Filled with carefully curated works of art by local Costa Rican artists and the owner herself
Just a few moments’ walk from the warm, tropical waters of Chiquita Beach
Enjoy yoga and meditation in the open-sided wooden yoga sala hidden away in the jungle gardens of the hotel
Built in the style of a Caribbean banana plantation house from the Victorian era to pay homage to the area’s colonial past, Aguas Claras was the brainchild of a Costa Rican artist and her daughter, wishing to capture the whimsical spirit of this colourful corner of Costa Rica whilst leaving a minimal impact on the environment. Using reclaimed timber, antique furniture and natural materials in tandem with local works of art, Aguas Claras was designed to offer a peaceful yet inspiring space that reflects the unique culture and history of the Caribbean coast.
Located in a Victorian row house, the six suites or ‘sweets’ as they are charmingly termed, are light, bright and airy, with splashes of colour from the art and sculpture that render each one unique. Each of the individually named suites has a small living room, Moroccan style terrace and small living room with mini bar, desk and sofa, with shutters and ceiling fans providing a constant reminder of the hotel’s plantation roots. The six bungalows are spread across a jungle trail and are the modernised version of the original plantation houses, complete with outdoor decking areas and more quirky art installations and pops of colour.
At the heart of the hotel, the Papaya Restaurant with its thatched vaulted roof and open sides is a relaxed, barefoot experience. The menus are ever changing based on the best seasonal produce available, blending international flavours with local Costa Rican delicacies. The in-house mixologists create delicious cocktails with Caribbean flair, served poolside throughout the day. The oasis-style pool is surrounded by lush jungle foliage and a curved deck, complete with colourful loungers for soaking up the sun after a day of exploration. Deeper into the jungle gardens lies Casa Gandhi, an elegant, open-sided wellness centre where daily yoga and meditation occurs amongst the tranquil surrounds. A few steps further on lies Chiquita Beach with its soft sands and onshore reef, perfect for lazy days under swaying palms or snorkelling adventures in the warm, shallow water.
When to visit
Splurge a little and stay in a bungalow - it's worth it for the extra space and covered porch area! On the Caribbean coast, you may experience a tropical shower one moment and clear blue skies the next. This way, you can cosy up on the porch and enjoy the jungle sounds around you even when it rains!
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Enquire NowAguas Claras is located in the village of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The Costa Rican capital of San Jose is between 4 and 6 hours away by road and there is a small airport at Limon, approximately 60 minutes north of Aguas Claras by road, which operates flights to San Jose’s Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Epic Costa Rica
Famed for its amazing wildlife, adrenaline-inducing activities and gorgeous beaches, Costa Rica makes for tropical tour holidays packed with unforgettable moments. See monkeys, sloths and turtles, learn to surf, kayak through the jungle, cycle along the palm-fringed coast, and sip cocktails while enjoying the most spectacular sunsets.
