Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas

A luxurious cliffside Costa Rican resort
VERIFIED LUXURY
Editor’s note: As part of its expansion efforts, Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas is undergoing construction. The hotel will remain open but says it will keep noise to daylight hours and respect weekends. For details, visit Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas' website or contact the hotel directly.


Situated in the secluded northwest corner of Costa Rica is the luxurious jungle hideaway of Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas. This adults-only boutique hotel, just outside of major city Liberia, combines eclectic luxuries with endless adventure.

From the moment you enter the open-air lobby, you’ll be greeted with warm Costa Rican kindness and a tropical drink that will set the mood for your serene stay. The cliffside resort boasts 21 villas, each with a private saltwater plunge pool and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. Though if you can pry yourself from your own pool, the infinity-edge public pool stuns with vistas of the pristine Guanacaste coast. You’ll want to linger here with a cocktail as the sun sets and the pool lights up with in-water fire pits.

Meaning “the simple life,” pura vida is a local greeting that will embody your trip as you leave relaxed and recharged from the Zen of the Costa Rican jungle and the scenic property’s sumptuous amenities, from in-villa massages and facials to activities ranging from ziplining to horseback riding.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • Enjoy a chilled towel and fresh fruit juice as you start your trip by planning any number of activities with the impeccable service of the Casa Chameleon concierge. Can’t-miss experiences include canopy tours and a sunset catamaran cruise.
  • Those who enjoy an outdoor hiking adventure can trek through the Costa Rican jungle in the surrounding 1,000 acres of Las Catalinas or take a quick 30-minute drive to Rincon De La Vieja National Park, a spectacular site with an active volcano and multiple waterfalls.
  • The hilltop resort offers complimentary electric golf cart shuttle service to two pristine public beaches nearby. Ocean lovers can swim to a floating dock in the crystal-blue waters or test their balance while paddleboarding.
  • You won’t want to leave the comfort of your private villa, but the luxurious public spaces across the resort grounds are worth it. From plush poolside cabanas to 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean during weekly yoga sessions, you’ll find spectacular sights at every turn.
  • Make it a point to arrive at the resort restaurant, Sentido Norte, 30 minutes prior to sunset to secure a lush daybed and enjoy the gong celebration and torch-lighting ceremony that takes place each evening.

Things to Know

  • Costa Rican road quality can vary and depending on the route, the ride from Liberia to Las Catalinas can be bumpy. Always ask locals for directions, as there are often seasonal closures due to rain.
  • If you’re considering renting a car, we recommend going with a 4x4 and keep in mind that insurance is mandatory.
  • The luxury hotel sits on a mini peninsula and is the highest point of small town Las Catalinas. You will experience steep inclines and steps accessing the resort’s main areas and rooms, but the friendly staff will handle transportation of all luggage and is always happy to assist.
  • Although all private villas have sprawling ocean views, to take in the vibrant Pacific Ocean sunsets from the comfort of your suite, request one of the accommodations that face Playa Dante.

The Rooms

  • Stacked strategically along the cliffside, each private villa at the Costa Rica hotel features a zero-edge infinity pool, well-positioned for a secluded and intimate stay.
  • Bring the euphoric jungle sights and sounds into your villa with a retractable fourth wall, creating a seamless outdoor experience.
  • Each with a unique name, villas are outfitted with eclectic boho décor, a king-sized canopy bed, an open-air shower and a complimentary beach tote.
  • A large private deck space allows you to soak in the Costa Rican sunshine on your daybed or focus on wellness with a complimentary yoga mat and weights.

The Restaurants

  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, hilltop resort restaurant Sentido Norte impresses with local Costa Rican fare from native chef Jose Lopez. Food comes with a side of peninsula panoramas.
  • Local flavors shine through the plentiful and tasty complimentary breakfast options. Highlights include the tropical chia pudding, huevos rancheros and French toast with plantains, coconut and cashews.
  • Enjoy the sunset from the bar area of Sentido Norte before you make your way to the restaurant for dinner. The sprawling drink menu features authentic Costa Rican cocktails made with fresh fruits and vegetables daily, such as the refreshing Agua de Sapo featuring lime, ginger, guaro (a sweet Central American liqueur) and locally sourced brown sugar.
  • If you’re looking to eat clean during your tropical vacation, the resort’s restaurant provides healthy options all day long, including organic fruit and vegetable smoothies, protein bowls and fresh-caught fish entrées.

Amenities
Bar
Fitness classes
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Guancaste Province, Las Catalinas, 50304 Costa Rica
TEL888-705-0274
TEL506-2103-1200
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
LIR (1 hr 5 min)   SJO (3 hr 50 min-4 hr 10 min)  
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