The Gilded Iguana
Nosara, Costa Rica
Modern surf hotel with elevated amenities just a five minutes’ walk to the breaks of Playa Guiones.
Price from: $3,800 PP for a 7-Night Surf Trip
Originally built in 1988, The Gilded Iguana has been at the heart of Nosara’s surf scene since the early days — and after a thoughtful redesign, it’s better than ever.
Designed by award-winning architect Benjamin Saxe, the property blends tropical modern design with a relaxed, social energy. Open-air spaces, lush landscaping, and clean architectural lines create a setting that feels both elevated and easygoing. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with surf checks and coffee, and afternoons roll into pool hangs, good food, and connecting with fellow travelers.
Location-wise, you’re just a short walk (about 200 meters) from Playa Guiones — one of the most consistent and user-friendly surf breaks in Costa Rica, with a long stretch of beach that works for a wide range of levels.
The hotel is dialed for surfers and active travelers, with multiple pools, a well-known on-site restaurant and bar, fitness facilities, spa services, and the Gilded Iguana Surf Club which offers access to a massive quiver of boards, lockers, and a seamless beach setup. There’s also a fun, welcoming social scene that makes it easy to meet people and settle into the Nosara lifestyle.
Through Lush Palm, The Gilded Iguana is available as part of our curated surf trips — designed to bring everything together into a seamless, done-for-you experience. Our Signature 7-Night Surf Trip includes accommodations, surf coaching, surfboard rentals, airport transportation, a personalized itinerary, logistics, and more, so you can experience the best of the area with ease.
Full trip details and inclusions can be found below.
Lush Palm Signature 7-Night Surf Trip
What’s Included
- 7-Night Stay at The Gilded Iguana
- Daily Breakfast
- 5 x In-Water Surf Coaching Sessions (1.5 Hours Each)
- 7 x Days Surfboard Rentals
- 1 x Professional Surf Photography Session
- 1 x 80-Minute Massage (per adult)
- 1 x Half-Day Excursion (Catamaran Boat Trip, ATV Adventure, or Ziplining)
- Done-For-You Itinerary & Logistics
- Roundtrip Airport Transportation
- Lush Palm Travel Guide to the Area
- All Taxes and Fees
Price from: $3,800 per person
Two ways to book this stay
Signature 7-Night Surf Trip
Our ready-to-book experience
– Premium pre-designed surf getaway
– 7 nights with set inclusions
– The easiest & fastest way to book
Tailor-Made Surf Trip
Custom-crafted for you
– Designed for your surf level & travel style
– Flexible dates, length & inclusions
– Perfect for families, groups & custom travel
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)
Features
Inside
The architecture and interiors throughout combine simple and unpolished materials such as teak, palm thatch, jute fabric, and concrete tiles with modern tropical furniture made with local materials and craftsmanship. Light-filled rooms feature indoor and outdoor showers and outside living spaces.
Outside
When you’re ready to relax after a full day of surfing, there’s no better way to do so than to kick back on a plush daybed at the pool or enjoy an in-house spa treatment. The hotel features numerous outdoor pools (including a hot tub and kid’s pool), surrounded by a peaceful picturesque deck area.
Eat & Drink
The on-site restaurant and bar is open all day serving Mediterranean fare and Costa Rican favorites. From fresh seafood and pasta to ceviche and mojitos, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to refuel for another day in the waves. Live music Tuesdays from 6-10pm.
The Surf
Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula enjoys consistent surf all year long, with the peak season being between April and September, when south swells are frequent. Nosara’s marquee spot is Playa Guiones, a long beach with numerous, punchy sandbar peaks and a reef break at the northern end. While the user-friendly waves at Playa Guiones have become rather popular in the past few years, the surrounding coastline is home to a number of semi-secret spots. Advanced surfers might want to explore north or south to search out more powerful and potentially hollow waves.
WATER TEMP: 77 – 86 °F (25 – 30 °C)
PEAK SURF SEASON: April – Sept
SHOULDER SURF SEASON: Nov – Mar
SURF EXPERIENCE: Beginner to advanced
Rooms
DOUBLE BED
Location
Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara is both a district and a village on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Known both for its consistent waves and vibrant yoga scene, the village has seen extensive growth over the past decade, but still maintains its quiet Central American charm.
Rates & Details
7 nights private trip from ~$3,800 PP
This stay is available in two ways: as a Signature 7-Night Surf Trip, our ready-to-book surf experience with set inclusions, or as a Tailor-Made Surf Trip, custom-crafted around your preferences with this hotel as your home base.
Rates vary depending on travel dates and number of travelers. Please inquire to check availability and receive a personalized quote.
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