My Laid-Back Stay in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Hotel Jaco: Easy, Friendly, and Just What I Needed
When I rolled into Hotel Jaco, I was pleasantly surprised. The location was super convenient, just a short stroll to the beach and close to everything I needed. The best part of my stay was definitely the staff. Angelica and Ramon were incredibly kind and helpful. They even let me check in earlier than planned and didn’t rush me out after checkout. That small gesture made the whole experience feel more relaxed. The room itself was simple but had everything I needed. The air conditioning worked, and get this, the hotel had a couple of cats hanging out near the office. They had this air of confidence like they ran the place, and honestly, they kind of did. It made the stay a little more charming in a quirky way.Every day the staff checked in to ask if I needed anything or wanted housekeeping, which felt really thoughtful. It wasn’t over the top, just genuinely kind service.Would I stay again? Maybe. But if I’m being real, Jaco itself didn’t exactly vibe with me. It had a lively energy, but something about it felt a bit too busy and touristy for my taste. After being spoiled by all the peaceful boutique spots in Guanacaste, I realized I’m more into the quiet jungle escapes than the party beach towns.
Los Vivos: A Hidden Slice of Paradise in Costa Rica
After Jaco, I was craving something different. Not just another hotel or another beach. I wanted something quieter, more untouched. A real escape. I had no idea I was about to land in one of the most special places I’ve ever been. Los Vivos is tucked away between Santa Teresa and Jaco, hidden in Costa Rica’s lush Central Pacific coast. You can’t just drive there. You have to take a boat. That alone tells you everything. No noise. No rush. Just ocean, jungle, and a sense of peace I didn’t even know I needed. The boat ride across the calm waters of Bahia Ballena felt like the beginning of an adventure. And it was. The moment we pulled up to the beach, I could feel it. This place was different.
Where I Stayed: Ocean View Balcony Room
This was no ordinary room. It felt like a dream. Spacious and calm with a big king bed and a comfy sofa. Air conditioning and a ceiling fan kept it cool, but I barely noticed anything but the view. The shower was open to the jungle, which made it feel like nature was part of the room. I didn’t even know I wanted that, but it was amazing. The balcony though. That was the real magic. I sat out there for hours. Mornings with coffee as the sun came up. Afternoons with nothing but the sound of the waves. And evenings when the sky turned into soft pinks and deep blues. It was hard to leave that spot.
The People and the Food
What made Los Vivos unforgettable wasn’t just the room or the view. It was the people. Emily stayed in touch with us all the way through. We had a power outage on land which made us late, but she was super understanding. Gustavo came to get us by boat and greeted us like old friends. When we arrived, chairs were already waiting for us on the beach. Jessica and the guy making drinks were two of the kindest people I’ve met on this trip. Genuine smiles, good vibes, and a warmth that made the place feel like home. And then there was the food. I can still taste it. Fresh fish fingers, ceviche with plantain tortillas, fish tacos, and a salad that actually felt like it came from an organic farm because it did. Everything was so fresh, so full of flavor, like it had been cooked just for us. It honestly felt like the kind of meal you remember long after the trip ends.
The Night Swim That Changed Everything
Just when I thought the day had peaked, Gustavo offered to take us out for a night swim. I didn’t know what to expect. But what happened next felt like magic. The ocean lit up around us. Bioluminescence. Like swimming in stars. Every move we made set off tiny sparks of light in the water. It didn’t even feel real. I’ve never experienced anything like it. And the best part was seeing how proud Gustavo was to share it. He loves this place. You can feel it in everything he does. That pride, that joy, that Pura Vida spirit was contagious.
A Place I’ll Never Forget
I’ve stayed in some beautiful places. But Los Vivos wasn’t just beautiful. It was soulful. Thoughtful. Wild and peaceful all at once. This might have been the best day of my life. I always imagined an experience like this, and somehow, it still managed to surprise me. I fell in love with this place. The people, the nature, the silence, the stars in the water. It all left a mark. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a little piece of paradise where everything feels right and time slows down, this is it.
I’ll be back. No doubt.
Adeluna Luxury Villas: Jungle Bliss in Montezuma
After soaking in the raw beauty of Los Vivos, I decided to continue the vibe but with a touch more comfort and privacy. That’s how I ended up at Adeluna Luxury Villas in Montezuma. And let me tell you, this place is something else.
Tucked up in the hills above one of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches, Adeluna feels like it was designed for people who just want to breathe again. It’s peaceful, green, and luxurious in a really effortless way. Like nature and design decided to team up and create a perfect little pocket of calm.
I stayed in one of their private one-bedroom villas, and the second I walked in, I knew I’d made the right choice. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors, modern furnishings, everything spotless and beautifully put together. The space felt light, open, and totally in sync with the jungle surrounding it. The king bed was ridiculously comfortable, and I loved having a little desk area where I could journal or plan the next leg of my trip.
Views That Stop You in Your Tracks
The villa had its own private terrace with a sofa and chairs, and that’s where I spent most of my time. Just sitting there, doing nothing. You don’t need much when the view in front of you looks like something out of a dream - lush green hills rolling into the Gulf of Nicoya, with birds calling and the occasional monkey swinging by like it’s no big deal.
Oh, and the pool. That infinity pool. It sits at the edge of the property and looks out over the jungle and ocean. I floated there more times than I can count, just watching clouds drift by. It’s one of those rare spots where you feel completely disconnected in the best way.
Designed for Slow Living
What I really appreciated was how thoughtfully everything was set up. You’ve got a little kitchenette for snacks and simple meals, a rain shower that feels like a waterfall, and even a smart TV if you want to zone out for a bit. But honestly, I barely touched any of that. The vibe at Adeluna makes you want to slow down. Read a book. Watch the sunset. Let time melt. The staff were amazing too - super warm and helpful without ever being overbearing. I didn’t feel like I was at a hotel. It felt like I was staying at a friend’s luxury hideaway tucked in the trees.
A Little Local Flavor: Soda Típica Las Palmeras
While the villa had a small kitchenette, I wanted to explore some local food spots too. One place you absolutely have to try while you’re in Montezuma is Soda Típica Las Palmeras.
If you're after delicious, homemade Costa Rican food with that real local flavor this is your spot. I went in craving something comforting and left basically licking the plate. The seafood pasta was insanely good. Creamy, flavorful, just the right kick and yes, I was scooping up every last bit of the sauce like a savage (no regrets). The quesadillas were also on point crispy, cheesy, totally satisfying.
But what really surprised me was their drink menu. Fresh juices, cocktails, super refreshing combos probably one of the best selections I’ve seen in a local soda. It felt like they knew exactly what you needed after a long, hot jungle day.
Jungle Escape Done Right
What makes Adeluna stand out isn’t just the beauty or the villas (though those are both on point). It’s the way it blends comfort with nature. You’re up in the jungle, surrounded by birds and trees and ocean views, but you’ve got everything you need to be totally at ease. It’s rare to find that balance. If you’re heading to Montezuma and want a proper place to rest, reset, and just enjoy being present, this is it. Adeluna was one of those places that made me feel like I’d found a little piece of something sacred.
Have you ever stayed somewhere that just clicked with your mood and made you forget what day it was?
That was this place for me. And I’d go back in a heartbeat.
