Staying in Guanacaste? Did you know you get better
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This wonderfully open hotel, part of the Hyatt group, aims to provide an enriching natural environment by capturing the spirit of ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life). The location, on the Gulf of Papagayo between two beaches and surrounded by the bluest of waters, is only 25 minutes from the airport at Liberia, yet it is the ideal retreat.

Amid some spectacular scenery, the 11,000 sq ft ONDA Spa is a must, especially if you too fancy capturing the ‘Pura Vida’. It has nine treatment rooms, three of them outside to allow full immersion in nature, offering scrubs, wraps, massages, facials, and beauty treatments. The dual ONDA suite gives couples the chance to relax in tandem, with its own soaking tub and private area for relaxation. Guests are also free to use the 24-hour fitness centre.

The resort has 153 rooms and suites, all crisp, calm and contemporary, while taking traditional local elements – such as woven textiles and Costa Rican carvings – as their inspiration. Rooms come with large balconies, air-conditioning, cable TV, complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, free wifi, work desk, walk-in rain shower, robes and slippers.

You can be active or as inactive as you choose here and you’re encouraged to chill by the pool – whether the adults-only infinity pool or the family option. But if you feel inspired to get active, there’s a whole host of activities you can try out, not least a game of tennis at one of the hotel’s four Har-Tru surface courts or its grass court. You can also have a go at canopy zip-lining, snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Away from the hotel, you can arrange an excursion to one of the area’s four national parks or the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, or try your hand at caving.

The resort has three themed restaurants: all-day Rio Bhongo majors on the flavours of Costa Rica; Ostra, with its lovely terrace area, specialises in seafood; while Chao Pescao Small Plates & Bar is a relaxing space with a terrace and high ceilings where you can sample Latin American culinary highlights – try out the tasting menu – and a range of liquors and craft beers. If you prefer, you can also arrange to eat in the privacy of your own room.