The Harmony Hotel

Eating

Meals are generally taken in the open-sided restaurant at wicker tables and chairs. Food is local and organic, with vegetables provided by the hotel’s patch.

Breakfasts, particularly, are very good. Guests return from surfing to tuck into smoothies blended with protein powder (surprisingly delicious), homemade granola, fruit, and the Breakfast Burrito (food of champions: a tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and avocado and served with fries).

Lunch can be taken in the restaurant, by the pool or at The Juice Bar, an attractive rancho-style, open-sided bar with a thatched roof. This serves more health-restoring fare: fresh juices, salads, tuna burgers and the like. There are plenty of variations on the Tico staples of black beans and rice.

The dinner menu has a global feel with ceviche, satay and coconut curry (and lots of vegetarian options). I’d say, for the most, stick to the Costa Rican dishes, which are cooked with confidence. When we were there, some US guests complained about the prices, but the exchange rate for Europeans is kinder and, in volume and quality, our meals were good value. Cocktails are delicious and the bar is an appealing place to hang out.

Alternatively, you can walk to the local restaurants at night: there are fireflies to light your way, but the hotel provides a torch, too. In the village, ensure you drop in to Robin’s to try the owner's superlative peanut butter ice cream (such is their colossal calorific content, she’ll only allow you 2 scoops a day!). For a romantic experience go for a candlelit meal at La Luna, a restaurant overlooking Playa Pelada, with outdoor tables lit by candles and moonlight. Lastly, don’t leave Costa Rica without eating some extraordinarily good Italian food, served in the strangest location (a tree house), at La Dolce Vita, just outside Nosara. Let the charming Italian owner pick your meal, knowing you’re in safe hands. If you fancy a drink Kaya Sol is a lively bar in town.