Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort

Breakfast was a real highlight, especially the beef stew, scrambled eggs, and omelets Yousser made. The restaurant has a good range of tasty fusion dishes and local food. Staff were friendly and helpful, and spoke English easily. I also appreciated that smoking was forbidden on the property. We came to Costa Rica for the first time and stayed at hotel Cariblue, right by the beach in an amazing spot. The grounds feel like a garden, and the hotel is clean and well kept. There are activities like yoga and dancing, including bachata and salsa lessons with a wonderful instructor. Our room was large and clean, and the drinking water stations and free in room coffee were great. The mattress and pillows were just okay, about 3 out of 5. We seemed to have one of the older rooms, in a house by the pool and road. Its bathroom felt dated and needed maintenance and an upgrade. That was our main issue.

The grounds are full of wildlife. We watched a sloth climb down a tree and slowly make its way right past us. There were also Aguitas, Howler monkeys, hummingbirds, lizards, and frogs. The pool was lovely, and the location is incredible, on what might be the best beach in the area.

The breakfast was excellent, hot and cold, with vegetarian choices, plenty of fruit, and gluten free pancakes. Dinner had too few vegetarian options, though Puerto Viejo has lots of alternatives nearby. The location is perfect, and after four weeks traveling around Costa Rica and staying in different places, this was one of the best. The chalets and rooms sit among the jungle, giving you privacy while wildlife carries on around you. Agoutis joined us for breakfast most mornings. Our bedroom was huge, with a lovely shower and steady hot water, plus a large balcony and hammock for taking in the surroundings. I was disappointed when the bar had closed at 9:00 and my request for orange juice to take with medication was first refused. A kind young woman at reception soon sorted it out.

The sloths around the pool made the end of our trip really special. The bungalow was comfortable, with a fridge and good air conditioning, and there are restaurants just outside the grounds, so you have dining options. I liked being surrounded by jungle and nature. Breakfast was okay, with the egg station keeping it from being boring. The tables and dishes were often not fully clean. After my husband had a stomach upset, I wiped them with napkins to be safe, though I know it’s hard to tell where that came from.