The Gilded Iguana

Nosara, Costa Rica

Modern surf hotel with posh amenities located a five minutes’ walk to the breaks of Playa Guiones.

Originally built in 1988, The Gilded Iguana has almost been around since the beginning of Costa Rica’s surf boom and due to a recent remodel, this charming surf hotel has never been better.

Designed by local award-winning architect Benjamin Saxe, the hotel features open breezy spaces with sleek modern touches, relaxed vibes, and lush landscaping. With an in-house restaurant and bar, multiple pools, hot tub, surf lessons, and their Surf Club (which gives you access to over 150 surfboards you can take for a spin), you’ll have access to everything you need for a pampered surf trip in paradise.

Location-wise, The Gilded Iguana is just 200 meters from Playa Guiones, one of the marquee beaches and surf spots on the Nicoya Peninsula.

If you’re interested in a more immersive experience, Lush Palm offers exclusive 5 or 7-night Surf Packages which can be booked with flexible dates. The package includes accommodations, daily surf lessons/coaching, video analysis sessions, surf theory, membership to their surf club (with unlimited surfboard access), and more. The surf coaching accommodates beginners to advanced surfers.

The Lowdown

VIBE: Relaxed modern oasis

LOCALE: Charming quiet beach town

ROOMS: 29 / various rooms accommodate 2 – 6 guests

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes 

CLOSEST AIRPORT: Liberia International (LIR)

PRICING: from $240+ per night (rates vary greatly by season and room type)

Features

The Surf

Details

CHECK IN: 3 pm

CHECK OUT: 12 pm

Rooms

Good to Know

– The Gilded Iguana’s Surf Club is a luxe setup located along a path on the way to the beach and offers surf lessons, video coaching, photography, and guided surf excursions. Services can be booked a la carte, or you can become a Surf Club member for discounts on services, personal air-conditioned board storage, and access to all surf equipment (over 150 different boards for all levels and styles). Surf Club memberships are included in the Surf Packages outlined above.

– Mountain biking rentals, lessons, and excursions are available at the hotel, and the staff at the front desk can help coordinate a number of tours such as fishing, ziplining, snorkeling, and more.

– The hotel is family friendly and has a kid’s pool for toddlers and babysitting services available at an extra charge. The first floor rooms are more easily accessible with little ones, and if you would like a crib, just ask when booking.

Location

Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is both a district and a village on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Known both for its world-class waves and vibrant yoga scene, the village has seen extensive growth over the past decade, but still maintains its quiet Central American charm.

In addition to great waves and other adventure sports, Nosara is also home to a variety of fun animals such as white-faced monkeys, coatimundi, and olive ridley turtles. A tidal blowhole and numerous animal rehabilitation and wildlife refuges round out the experience at this Costa Rican staple.

Getting There

By plane: Nosara (NOS) is the local airstrip, and flights on the domestic carrier Sansa can be as short as 20 min from Liberia (LIR) and 45min from San Jose (SJO). The planes for these connections are small prop-engined aircraft. A taxi from NOS to The Gilded Iguana is $20 + tax each way and it’s only about a quick 12 minute drive.

The closest International airport is Liberia International Airport (LIR) which is a two and a half hour drive to the hotel, and San Jose International Airport (SJO) is a five-hour drive. You can rent a car, or the hotel can help arrange transportation from the airport. The price for transport in an air-conditioned minivan is around $150 per trip from Liberia, and $260 per trip from San Jose (a minivan can carry a group of 4 – 6 people with a piece of luggage for each person).

The Small Print