Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

A relaxed little Pacific paradise, with 20 simple rooms and bungalows, accessible only by beach

Fling back the shutters of your little dome and the ocean is right there. Ylang Ylang offers simple accommodation in dome-shaped bungalows with balconies, in luxury tents, or in rooms - all with fabulous views of the sea. This laidback little resort is 15 minutes' walk along the beach from the backpacker mecca Montezuma, but Ylang Ylang is in a totally natural setting, between a pristine rainforest reserve and a white sandy beach, with more coves and longer beaches to explore nearby. Domes are reached along a winding path through beautiful vegetation, which also hides a lovely swimming pool and a small spa.

Try a yoga class or massage, take a trip to nearby Cabo Blanco or Curú nature reserves, or just sprawl out on the beach and wait for happy hour. This is a fun place to come to hang out for a few days. The restaurant serves good healthy snacks and meals, and friendly staff can arrange trips to nearby activities. There’s plenty of wildlife in Ylang Ylang’s own reserve: you’ll hear howler monkeys from bed. Nearby Playa Grande is a fabulous long beach with excellent surf.

Highs

• The stunning location is right on the beach
• It's good value considering breakfast and dinner are included, especially in the 'jungalows' (jungle bungalows) or for families
• The restaurant and bar serve Costa Rican-inspired meals and cheap cocktails
• The staff are very friendly
• There's plenty to entertain you if the beach gets dull: a lovely pool, yoga classes, massages in the spa and surfing lessons - or you could explore lively bohemian Montezuma, 15 minutes' walk away
• The rainforest reserves of Curú and Cabo Blanco are within reach

Lows

• This isn't necessarily the place for a quiet retreat - you might find large groups and people who’ve come to enjoy some beach nightlife, though it's possible to do your own thing
• The Land Rover shuttle service along the beach from Montezuma might take a while to collect arriving guests
• As with all natural resorts, you're likely to find wildlife in unexpected places
• Don’t expect an exclusive designer place. Rooms are basic, but beautifully situated
• Service is pretty relaxed. Adjust your pace accordingly