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Recreo

Customer Reviews
5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
Based on 4 reviews
Prices
Starting at $339 (USD) / night
Suggested Nights Stay: 3 Nights

Enjoy Costa Rica in an exclusive way by booking a stay at Recreo. Nestled on a private plot of land in Bahía Salinas are six types of private villas, each of which offer guests private living quarters and plunge pools. The white beaches of Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo are steps away and Nicaragua just a short drive.

Overview

Villa 19 Pool at Recreo
Villa 19 Pool at Recreo

Recreo is a rare Costa Rican treat in that it offers expansive views of the bay, forests and mountains. Nestled on a private plot of land in Bahía Salinas, Guanacaste, are six private villas, each of which offers panoramic views of the surrounding nature and that are just steps away from two of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo. If you want to feel close to all the natural splendors Costa Rica has to offer while still enjoying the creature comforts of home, take a trip to Recreo.

At Recreo, guests enjoy private bungalows of one to five bedrooms. Each bungalow is equipped with all the creature comforts one might expect from a vacation home, including a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances, state-of-the-art electronics, private bathrooms and access to recreational facilities including a gym and tennis court. However, Recreo goes above and beyond. Each villa comes with its own private plunge pool and patio with comfortable furnishings perfect for sunbathing, outdoor dining and socializing.

Though Recreo is a retreat in and of itself, guests are encouraged to explore beyond the grounds. The beaches and crystal blue waters of Bolanos Bay are just a walk away. There, guests can kite surf either on their own or with the help of an instructor. Local boating companies offer boat tours on which patrons can deep sea fish, go snorkeling or just enjoy the ocean views.

If guests want to explore beyond the beaches, they can take a full-day hike to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, on the way to which they will be privy to splendid wildlife, beneath-the-canopy views and lively waterfalls. Once there, they can relax their tired muscles in the volcanic mud baths, thermal hot springs or natural steam room. Horses are available for those who don't wish to trek the whole way, and adventurers can zipline back to base camp if, once at the volcano's base, they don't think they can walk another mile.

Nicaragua is close by, a city guests should go out of their way to see. From there, they can take a boat tour of the 300 islands formed from volcanic eruptions, or a horse and carriage tour, which will take them to the other nearby cities of Masaya, Rivas and Granada. There, they can enjoy local cuisine, art and shopping.

Key Features

Relaxing chairs by the pool at Recreo
Relaxing chairs by the pool at Recreo
  • The Mountain Top Lookout
  • Fitness Center
  • Private pools
  • Secluded beaches
  • Onsite amenities included
  • Private villa community
  • Extraordinary bay views
Prices
Starting at $339 (USD) / night
Suggested Nights Stay: 3 Nights

Amenities

Air Conditioning
Babysitting Service
Cable TV
Daily Maid Service
Family Friendly
Fan
Fitness Center
Flat Screen TVs
Hair Dryer
Hotel near Beach
Hotel near Forest
Hotel near Volcano
Iron Available
Laundry Service
Pool
Refrigerator in Rooms
Security Box
Smoke Free Rooms
Wi-Fi Internet

Rooms

Beautiful colonial style bedroom at Recreo
Beautiful colonial style bedroom at Recreo

Guests have the choice of one of six types of villas, each of which sits on a private plot and offers one to five bedrooms. Amenities all guests can enjoy include the following:

  • Private plunge pool
  • WiFi in the Welcome Center
  • Television and DVD player
  • Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances
  • Private bathrooms
  • Free parking
  • Ceiling fans and AC
  • BBQ on the private patio
  • Outdoor dining
  • Washer and dryer
  • Complimentary beach services, including access to towels and beach chairs
  • Access to fitness center and tennis courts
  • Purified water
  • 24-hour security


Vista del Mar – This three-bedroom, 2,200 square foot villa with an optional bunk room features two levels, a private terrace and sitting room, an infinity pool and three queen beds. An optional fourth bedroom provides for extra sleeping space via two twin beds. This villa is ideal for outdoor dining and entertainment.

Casa del Sol – Casa del Sol is another three-bedroom unit that features a spacious kitchen, two upstairs patios, two queen beds and two twin beds (twin beds are in the same room). The adjacent living and dining room overlook the plunge pool.

Su Casa – Su Casa is Recreo's latest addition to its six-villa collection. This particular structure is eco-friendly as it was created to blend with the landscape and from indigenous woods. Su Casa grants views of the forest, ocean and Nicaragua, all of which can be best enjoyed from the infinity edge plunge pool. It features a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed and private balcony with dipping tub and a second bedroom with one queen-sized bed and two optional built in bunk beds.

El Cielo Bonito – Like Su Casa, this four-bedroom, two-story unit blends into its natural surroundings. It offers panoramic views thanks to windows that span almost the entire lengths of each wall. The master bedroom features 360-degree views of the ocean, a king-sized bed and a master bathroom with jacuzzi tub. The other three bedrooms, two of which are upstairs and one of which is downstairs, have their own private bathrooms and queen-sized beds.

La Casa Grande – As its name implies, La Casa Grande is a large, 3,200-square-foot, five-bedroom villa. This unit sits at the base of the mountains, adjacent to the resort's spa and fitness center. In the main unit, guests can come together to cook in the luxurious private kitchen, eat in the large dining room and relax on the plush sofa big enough for 10 or more guests. The main unit houses one bedroom and two bathrooms. The other four private bungalows on the property can be accessed by connected outdoor walkways. Each bungalow and the main-house bedroom contain a queen-sized bed and private bathroom.

Cabana – Guests who want more of a romantic atmosphere can stay in the one-room Cabana, which features a queen-sized bed, tub and shower. It has its own private patio and plunge pool, intimate living and dining quarters and cozy kitchen.

Prices
Starting at $339 (USD) / night
Suggested Nights Stay: 3 Nights

Activities

KAYAKING: Half Day
Sea kayaking is one of the most low impact ways to enjoy the beauty of the waters off of Playa Rejada or Manzanillo Beach, known as “fisherman’s beach”, only 5 minutes from Recreo.

SNORKELING: Anytime
Get an up close view of the world beneath the waters off the shores of Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo. An abundance of marine life is waiting to be discovered.

SPORT FISHING: Half Day
Experience the thrill of the rod and reel in your hand as you fish for red snapper, tuna, mahi mahi, sailfish, and rooster fish.

HIKING AND NATURE WALKS: Anytime
Explore our 68 acre mountain as you walk along the roads and forests of Recreo. Learn about the area’s plant and animal life and spot iguanas, birds, land crabs, frogs and monkeys along the way.

SUNSET LOOKOUT POINT: Sunset
Walk or drive to one of the most beautiful places to catch the sunset and the incredible views of the surrounding coastline. Enjoy a visual treat of yellow, orange and violet hues as the sun sets into the distance.

HIKING AND NATURE WALKS: Anytime
Explore our 68 acre mountain as you walk along the roads and forests of Recreo. Learn about the area’s plant and animal life and spot iguanas, birds, land crabs, frogs and monkeys along the way.

THE MOUNTAIN TOP LOOKOUT: Anytime
Enjoy the indoor/outdoor social area at the top of Recreo mountain, with spectacular views of the bays, ocean, national parks and volcanoes. This is the perfect destination to watch the sun rise and set. Play cards and darts, share a few cocktails with friends as you take in the beautiful views.

ISLA BOLANOS: Half Day
A short boat ride will take you to this 14 hectare island, designated as a Bird Sanctuary. Located in Boloños Bay, this is the home and nesting grounds for Brown Pelicans, Frigate Birds, and the American Oystercatchers. They generally nest from December to March. The Brown Pelicans favor the treetops on the north side of the island, whereas the Frigate Birds favor the south side. For anyone who is physically fit, a three-hour hiking tour provides an opportunity to explore the entire island.

RINCON DE LA VIEJA HIKING TOUR: ½ Day
Take this half day tour with an English speaking guide to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, and hike through steamy sulfuric fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, boiling thermal waters and vapor geysers while exploring the 2 miles of trails in the middle of the rainforest. This tour includes a picnic lunch in the park.

RINCON DE LA VIEJA HIKE TO THE SUMMIT: Full Day
Climbing Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to the summit is best done during the dry season (Feb - April) to take advantage of the breathtaking views. It can be cool at the top so be prepared with a light jacket and long pants.

HACIENDA GUACHIPELIN: Full Day
A working cattle ranch set below the Rincon volcano. Raft along the Rio Negro, zip line above the forest canopy, and horseback ride to the spa. Soak in the volcanic mud and hot springs.

SURFING TOUR TAMARINDO: Overnight
Enjoy world class surf along with all the necessary equipment and lessons with our overnight surf trip to Tamarindo. With its sandy bottom and smooth, perfectly shaped waves, it is the ideal location to learn how to surf.

KITE & WIND SURFING: Full Day
The Recreo staff is happy to arrange kite surfing or traditional surfing lessons for adults and teens. A number of kite surfing schools are located at Bahia Salinas bay, just minutes from Recreo. This is one of the windiest bays in Costa Rica, where you’ll cruise along some of the best waves Costa Rica has to offer. Ideal months to kite and wind surf are December through April.

SURFING TOUR SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA: Full Day
Nicaragua is a surfer’s paradise and Recreo has the benefit of being located just 30 minutes from the border of Nicaragua. Once inside Nicaragua, the quaint surfing town of San Juan Del Sur is only 45 minutes away.

SAFARIS COROBICI: Full Day
A gentle river boat ride will take you down the river, allowing you to observe exotic plants and animals along the way. Birds such as aracaris, parrots, cuckoos, falcons can be observed. Monkeys, iguanas and otters are also observed during your tour. A half-day adventure on the river Corobici is a sightseeing experience that should not be missed.

RIO COLORADO RAFTING: Full Day
Brave the class I and II rapids of the Rio Colorodo, on a two person inflatable canoe. Located in Cañas, this white water adventure is designed for beginners and those skilled in the sport.

BUENA VISTA: Full Day
A full day of adventure for young children and adults. Experience horseback riding, zip lining across the forest canopy, sliding down the large waterslide, and relaxing in the mud baths.

NICARAGUA: Full Day
Tour three historic cities, including Granada, which was founded in 1524 and is the oldest city in all of Latin America. Feed the monkeys on Monkey Island, dine in three rustic restaurants, watch the sulfur rise from the active volcano, Masaya, and purchase souvenirs while shopping at the Sioux Indian Market. Perfect for all ages, and those who love sightseeing.

Tours Offered

Bird Watching
Canopy Tours / Zip Line
Canyoning
Family Friendly Tours
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Kayaking
Kite Surfing
National Park / Reserve Tours
Night Hikes
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Sportfishing
Sunset Cruises
Surfing
Surfing Lessons
Swimming
White Water Rafting
White Water Tubing
Wildlife Viewing
Wind Surfing

Rates

Prices Starting at $339 (USD) / night
Click the Check Rates button to see detailed pricing.

Location & Map

North Pacific Coast Map
North Pacific Coast Map
Recreo is located on Playa Jobo in Bahía Salinas

Customer Reviews for Recreo

Overall Rating
5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
Based on 4 reviews

5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
Mandy
From: United States8/25/2014
 
"The best vacation we have ever taken. Both times. And are planning our next visit! Great out of the way place to connect with nature while experiencing the pleasures of an all inclusive. Nothing better than having a private pool and a semi private beach!!!"
 
Number of times you have visited this Hotel?
2
How friendly were the employees?
5 (very nice)
Would you stay there again?
Yes
Languages spoken at Hotel?
English
How many times have you visited Costa Rica?
2
 

5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
leisurept
From: United States9/8/2009
 
"Viila:We stayed at villa #10. I was with my wife, 2 kids (4 and 6), in-laws, wife's uncle and cousin. So 8 in all.
The locations of the bedrooms are great to get away from the main level. The bedrooms are also pretty
separate. I didn't feel like the 8 of us were on top of each other. Each bedroom had it's own bath. Very
spacious. Tremendous outdoor living. We barely spent anytime inside. Great views. We looked at the other
home's views and this one we felt was the best. The private pool and golf cart were great.
Beach: The beach (playa rajada and playa el jobo) amazing. Very secluded. One night we had a campfire
and roast marshmellows. Very sandy. Water at el jobo is calmer and clearer. A lot of fish of the shore. Saw a
huge rooster fish break water. Must have been 40 pounds."
 
Number of times you have visited this Hotel?
1
How friendly were the employees?
5 (very nice)
Would you stay there again?
Yes
Languages spoken at Hotel?
English
How many times have you visited Costa Rica?
1
 

5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
CALGARY
From: United States9/8/2009
 
"My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Recreo at the end of May and beginning of
June! We were initially set to go to Mexico but because of the flu outbreak our flights got
cancelled and we were scrambling to find a new place to go! I must say that that was the
best bad news ever! Recreo was beyond our dreams for a honeymoon...and we would
never have seen it if the flu outbreak didnt happen."
 
Number of times you have visited this Hotel?
1
How friendly were the employees?
5 (very nice)
Would you stay there again?
Yes
Languages spoken at Hotel?
English
How many times have you visited Costa Rica?
2
 

5 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 55 of 5
Orsquiggy
From: United States9/8/2009
 
"I have been long overdue to write a review about Recreo since we got back to the States
on July 2. This place is GREAT! We stayed in Villa #10 which was roomy, gorgeous, and
had a fabulous view. Our bedroom (the largest one of the four in the villa) was huge. The
king bed was very comfortable and the master bathroom was spacious along with the
large shower. Our personal chef Corey was very talented. The breakfasts were
unbelievable. The freshest fruit and tastiest coffee ever. The lunches were like 5-star
restaurant quality. And the dinners were spectacular, especially the desserts! The beach
(a 10 minute golf cart ride) was gorgeous and almost completely private. Your chef will
pack a cooler of beer and water or whatever else you want to take down with you.
Definately go out in the kayaks at the beach. We saw a sea turtle just 40 yds off shore
and you can see parrot fish swimming around if kayak out near the Bird Island."
 
Number of times you have visited this Hotel?
1
How friendly were the employees?
5 (very nice)
Would you stay there again?
Yes
Languages spoken at Hotel?
English
How many times have you visited Costa Rica?
2
 

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