La Perla Negra

Travis was an extraordinary host. When I had a medical need, he drove me to a pharmacy, then loaded my bike up and took me to the next beach in the heat of the day. I wish I’d had more time, I could have stayed a week. If you have kids, this is the place to stay. The rooms have cold water and no TV, but great fans and air conditioning. This family-run hotel is priceless, right beside a real Costa Rican beach that’s perfect for evening walks, with lots of private spots to hang out, plus a private dock in a rural setting. We had a full kitchen, great food, and breakfast was included. The staff were all pleasant. Travis took us out on his boat for an ace tour, swimming and visiting the San Lucas Island pen. There are waterfalls, fishing, or snorkeling too.

The laid-back feel, perfect kitsch, good quality food, free pool table, and breakfast all made for a lovely stay. At low tide you can walk around the bay past the mangroves and chat with a local heading for a swim in the calm water. Or sit on the boat jetty, listen to parrots, and look out over the islands and blue water. I hear the place also runs good boat tours. It’s a hidden gem in a small, mostly local village just around the corner from the ferry, though you wouldn’t know it. We enjoyed being there and wished we’d planned more time in this area instead of the busy west side of the peninsula.

The beach isn’t the most picturesque, but the bioluminescence after dark was really cool. The water lit up each time it was disturbed. We had a great stay in a fabulous room, and the food, including breakfast, was really good. The host was a lot of fun, and the place is cleverly decorated with pirate props. We expected a fun spot and it delivered. It’s ideal if you’re catching the ferry the next morning, which is only about 500m away.

A day on the water with Captain Travis is something I’d make sure to do each time we return. We saw amazing sights, fed monkeys, did a bit of fishing, and island-hopped. That tour really captures what makes La Perla Negra special. I was here on a business trip, and the stay offered a rare mix of getting work done and unwinding. The accommodations were clean, comfortable, and carefully maintained, with ice-cold A/C and strong, steady WiFi. After long workdays, it was a great place to recharge. The weather was warm and breezy, mornings felt fresh, and evenings were calm. Nature is all around, with lush greenery and wildlife, and the sense of local culture feels real. The welcoming people seem invested in making guests comfortable, and I came away with a feel for Costa Rican life, values, and hospitality. It’s not a luxury property, it’s an authentic experience connected to the land. La Perla Negra is one of those rare places that stays with you. It’s a great fit for work or adventure if you want to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty and still have comfort and cleanliness. I can’t recommend it enough and would go back in a heartbeat.