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.
Our tailored surf trips include
Luxury accommodations
Trusted expert surf coaches and surf guides
Talented private chefs
Private transportation
Tailored trip & itinerary planning
Expertise & support before, during, and after your trip
Exclusive Lush Palm Travel Guide to the area
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
Daily breakfast is included with your stay, and 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
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
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.
Details & Rate
Surf trips to this property are highly customizable. We specialize in private luxury surf trips for families and groups tailored to your surf level, surf style, and travel preferences. Whether you’re looking for a getaway that’s full of activities, super laid back, or somewhere in between, our expert travel designers will work with you to create your dream surf vacation.
Because of the custom nature of your surf trip, rates vary depending on your travel dates, length of stay, and final trip inclusions. INQUIRE HERE to start planning your trip.