Arenas del Mar

Rooms

The 7 blocks of suites are spread out along a winding path which descends from the reception area down to the beach, with another swimming pool and bar; so you can choose to be nearer the beach, or nearer the restaurant. The architecture is remarkable, fitting so organically with the rainforest all around it. All of the blocks will be covered with plants, as if reclaimed by the forest.

Yet inside, the design is smart, sophisticated and carefully considered. The 38 rooms and suites are elegant and welcoming: neutral walls and polished wood floors; lavish fabrics in warm colours, and white Egyptian cotton sheets. Original paintings by celebrated Costa Rican artists are inspired by the natural world.

Ocean Breeze Suites have a bedroom with a balcony and a pretty tiled hot tub. Along a corridor, there’s a sitting room with a sofabed, and a separate bathroom. Ocean View Premium Suites are similar, but they have an extra bathroom and (as the name suggests) views of the ocean.

Superior Rooms are also divided into ocean breeze or ocean view categories. They all have an ensuite bathroom, but no sitting room or Jacuzzi, though they're still quite spacious. The Rainforest Superior Rooms are a little different as they have a living area (with a sofabed) and a terrace with a hot tub, and they are set furthest away from the ocean.

The bathrooms are gorgeous: ochre tiles, period lamps and glass bricks bring a 1920s feel. Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion) are provided in big bottles, and to be used with confidence: they’re excellent quality, biodegradable and organic. There are bathrobes too, and a hairdryer; you also get a safe, an LCD cable television, an Ipod dock, a well-stocked minibar, air-conditioning above your bed and living rooms have a fan.