Where Nature meets Style, and the Rainforest meets the Sea.....
Welcome to Rancho Pacifico, in Costa Rica's "last, best place".
We claim on our website to be a bit “unusual” – in a good way according to our satisfied guests! RP is a place of
contrasts - providing an authentic Eco-lodge experience with the refinements of a Small Luxury Hotel. The approach here
is, in the words of one guest, “of casual elegance, refined but not pretentious - like a spacious estate with lots of privacy
and personal attention.” In the words of another, "Where nature meets style".
Costa Rica is one of the top 5 "Adventure Travel" destinations in the world - and #1 for "Adventure Honeymoons".
Chances are if you are reading this, the word adventure is meaningful - but it needs to be understood. Simply, adventure
implies risk. You simply cannot have an adventure in an absolutely controlled environment. People seek adventure travel
to experience something other than their everyday, controlled environment.
In this spirit, Rancho Pacifico was created - but with a twist. While the founders were dedicated to preserving an
authentic adventure element - they also wanted to add some unexpected creature comforts - along the lines of a classy
African Safari camp or High-end Nature Lodge. So as you consider spending your vacation time with us, please read
through what follows for a clearer idea of what it means when we say, "Where Nature meets Style"....
Q: What do you really expect from your visit to Costa Rica?
A: All of Costa Rica is not created equally.
Many areas along the northern and central Pacific coast have become highly developed and "touristy".
As they have developed, they have lost extensive natural rainforest - depleting wildlife and eroding natural vistas.
For example, in Manuel Antonio, Jaco and much of Guanacaste it is almost impossible to escape road noise, beach
crowds and t-shirt shops. And from Dec to April, most of this area (covered by Tropical Dry Forest) becomes brown
and lifeless.
If you are looking to experience the Costa Rica of your dreams - laid-back, private and always green - there is really only
the South Pacific Coast and Costa Ballena ("Whale Coast") - where the beaches are wide and empty, primary rainforest
awaits exploration and the local people are friendly.
Rancho Pacifico occupies a mountainside in this beautiful and still wild area. Our rainforest is in bloom all
year, there are no distant road noises and your desire "to get away from it all" is immediately fulfilled.
Q: Them or us? - making the right choice among Costa Rica's finest hotels
A: We get a lot of inquiries from folks who have researched the internet and narrowed their choice to a few of the
obvious, fine hotels around Costa Rica. Frankly, because our reputation allows us to care more about their well-being
than our occupancy rates, we have come up with a few very honest comparisons designed to help people make their
best choice. We are always happy when they are happy.
We hope this helps clarify your thinking - we sincerely want you to be ecstatic with your choice, wherever
you decide to go.
Q: How tolerant are you of travel related inconveniences?
A: In the very efficient world in which we live, many of us have lost touch with “the rest of the world”. Although Costa
Rica is better than most Latin countries in regards to efficiency – it is not North America. There are sometimes
unanticipated delays (as there are of course on U.S. freeways) that can extend travel times and cause plans to have to
be adjusted. By average standards, some roads are "rough". Road signs are in Spanish.
Adventurous guests are prepared to tolerate such inconveniences and see them as part of the travel
experience. They expect this to be "the Central American Tropics" - and enjoy the cultural change.
Q: Do you really want to stay in a “Luxury Hotel”?
A: Costa Rica has long had a reputation of being an inexpensive travel destination, and some (especially) first-time
visitors arrive with expectations of $5 dinners, 50 cent beers, and $20 a nite accommodations. Over the last few years,
the country has seen a birth of a luxury sector – kicked off with the opening of the 4 Seasons Hotel in 2003. For three
years in a row, Rancho Pacifico has been one of only six hotels nominated for a World Travel Award (The "Oscars of the
Travel Industry" according to the Wall Street Journal) as “Leading Boutique Hotel" and "Leading Green Hotel" in Latin and
Central America, as well as in the Same categories in Costa Rica. We are also proud to be a member of SLH - Small
Luxury Hotels of the World, according to Nielsen, the most respected name in Luxury Hospitality worldwide (ahead of
Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and other notable hotel groups)
Discerning travelers understand that the cost structure one expects throughout a luxury establishment does not fit the
“budget travel” model. Rancho Pacifico is among a few boutique hotels throughout the country that have raised the bar in
quality and service – and is priced consistently with these.
Adventurous guests choose RP based on quality and uniqueness and have purposely chosen a "high-end"
experience. They appreciate personalized service, the quality of the spa, the innovation of organic,
tropical cuisine and the simple beauty of award-winning, well designed architecture, interiors and
gardens.
Q: Do you want to experience a remote location – and the nature one finds there?
A: Again, we are all impacted by the conveniences of the modern world. Some visitors to Costa Rica are seeking a more
"citified" experience than they will find at RP. For example, our local wildlife does not appear when called. When a
tropical downpour hits it can get damp. Occasionally you’re going to see a horned beetle or oversized grasshopper or
walking stick. You’re going to travel 1.2 miles up our remote access road which is going to transport you to “another
world” - "the real thing". Its mountainous - so if you hike it’s going to be fairly strenuous.
One guest recently said that RP's location was like visiting a national park. Our entrance is the gateway to a 250 acre
private nature preserve - containing one of Costa Rica's wildest expanses of primary (never cut) rainforest. There are
even spectacular waterfalls. Unlike the central and northern Pacific - it is green here all year round. For guests
unaccustomed to wilderness it probably seems isolated and remote.....but to the more adventurous, this is why they
came to Costa Rica.
Adventurous guests respond to our promise of an “authentic tropical experience” and come to
experience nature as it is – with early rising howler monkeys, the roar of a waterfall, and frequent wildlife
sightings based on the rhythms of nature. All of this is balanced with close proximity (2 miles) to a handy
supply of convenient stores, banks, groceries, restaurants, beaches and activities.
Q: Are you clear on what you want to do for fun?
A: Costa Rica has become very diverse. In more developed areas than ours there are large hotels, marinas, night life and
American food. You can find cable TV at most hotels.
Rancho Pacifico is a relaxed place – modern in appearance but a bit old-fashioned in its ways. We purposely do not
have TV’s in the rooms (we do have a very comfortable movie room) - and we do have portable dvd players to lend and
a good movie library) nor are there phones in the rooms (we do have phones which guests are welcome to use - free to
the U.S. and other countries worldwide). We don’t have a business center (although we do have WIFI internet through
our own satellite system if you bring your computer - at no charge).
There is a lot to do close-by during the day….playing in the sea (boats, kayaks, surfboards, bodysurfing) and
surrounding rainforested mountains (hikes, ATV’s, nature watching, river tubing, waterfall explorations). Many guests
go out everyday, some never leave the property.
Adventurous guests appreciate RP as an opportunity to unplug from their usual routine. They generally
enjoy a full day of rigorous activity or highly focused quiet time. Dinner is a treat and afterward guests
either turn in early or enjoy a quiet nightcap at the bar or in the outdoor, stone whirlpool. Tuning in to a
natural beat and “finding the moment” amidst comfort and personal attention is what they enjoy most.
Q: Are you sure you want the “small hotel” experience?
A: Boutique hotels are “in”, and many travelers seek them out. Someone described RP as “boutique in every way” – and
travel journalist Anthony Bourdain, himself a boutique hotel afficianado said, “in the end what defines a boutique hotel are
the people”. We have only 13 rooms and accommodate a maximum of 24 guests – with a full time staff of 22.
The downside is that small out of the way places such as ours offer a different set of standards than large convenience
hotels. At RP the chef for example is not a figure-head, you will get to know Alex – maybe even meet his son Sebastian.
Adrianna, our concierge will ask you how you enjoyed the canopy tour. – and personally go to the pharmacy for you
should you need something. Vianey will remember your favorite drink – and how you like it. David will prepare your
breakfast with a smile. Rather than sharing a passing hello with other guests, at RP guests tend to get to know each
other – often resulting in sharing meals and activities and becoming friends. We also have lots of space making it easy to
choose privacy and alone-time.
Adventurous guests consistently echo Mr Bourdain’s comments – they appreciate the sincere personal
attention they get from the staff and the camaraderie of sharing time with like-minded guests.
Q: How are you going to get around?
A: Rancho Pacifico’s remoteness is countered with its close proximity to many activities, diverse beaches and quaint
villages. It is not however by any means in the center of a bustling beach / surf town such as one finds on the northern
Pacific coast or Manuel Antonio.
The serenity and pristine nature of our immediate environment (far above consistent road noise below) requires a 1.2
mile trip “down the mountain” (through gorgeous jungle and amazing ocean vistas) to a newly paved main highway. A
string of 13 quiet beaches begin right off the highway – and a host of other activities are conveniently accessed.
Because about half of our guests would prefer not to rent cars – we can arrange private van transportation to and from
RP, and have our own local taxi service via 4wd vehicles once you arrive. We will also pick you up at our close-by
regional airports (Quepos or Palmar Sur) after a beautiful, fast flight from SJO if you choose. Utilizing our transportation
system results in costs for a week about equal to that of a 4wd rental vehicle. (details can be found on our website). The
upside is you don't have to worry about a rental car and it is more convenient. The downside is you will have to
schedule your "comings and goings" each day.
If you like to explore back roads or feel that full - freedom mobility is better for you, rental cars can be picked up in San
Jose (you can arrange or we can) – or at RP (for as few as one day). The upside is you can go where you want and
when - the downside is relatively high daily rates, some rough roads, uncertain travel conditions, high cost of gasoline,
and high insurance deductibles.
Adventurous guests plan ahead to minimize hassles regardless of whether or not that includes a rental
vehicle. They either depend on us for transport – or listen carefully to the advice we have to share based
on reliable experience. Our area is exciting - and depending on your personal needs, you can see the
best of it either way.
Q: Can you handle changing weather conditions?
A: Based on the time of year you visit, there are many different weather conditions to expect.
Costa Rica is tropical - just 9 degrees above the equator and 1000 miles south of the Yucatan.
It is a country of rainforest - and yes, at least part of the year, it rains in the rainforest - all over the country. While Costa
Rica does not experience wind driven hurricanes, it does get a dose of hard rains.
Those seeking bright, sunny days with hardly any rain will best enjoy December through April.
May, June, July, November and most of August are thought of as Indian summer here - clear mornings and late afternoon
showers. Late August, September and October usually have clear mornings - with longer rain showers in the afternoon
and evening.
Many guests during the rainier season tell us they love the rain and look forward to it! They plan their mornings out - and
settle down for a restful afternoon. But some don't care for this routine - they would rather be at the beach all day or out
fishing. While this is possible because it is warm even when it rains - it's not for everyone.
Adventurous guests understand what the conditions are likely to be during the time of their visit and set
their expectations accordingly. They come with an attitude (and gear) that allows them to experience the
authentic diversity of tropical nature.
Welcome to Rancho Pacifico, in Costa Rica's "last, best place".
We claim on our website to be a bit “unusual” – in a good way according to our satisfied guests! RP is a place of
contrasts - providing an authentic Eco-lodge experience with the refinements of a Small Luxury Hotel. The approach here
is, in the words of one guest, “of casual elegance, refined but not pretentious - like a spacious estate with lots of privacy
and personal attention.” In the words of another, "Where nature meets style".
Costa Rica is one of the top 5 "Adventure Travel" destinations in the world - and #1 for "Adventure Honeymoons".
Chances are if you are reading this, the word adventure is meaningful - but it needs to be understood. Simply, adventure
implies risk. You simply cannot have an adventure in an absolutely controlled environment. People seek adventure travel
to experience something other than their everyday, controlled environment.
In this spirit, Rancho Pacifico was created - but with a twist. While the founders were dedicated to preserving an
authentic adventure element - they also wanted to add some unexpected creature comforts - along the lines of a classy
African Safari camp or High-end Nature Lodge. So as you consider spending your vacation time with us, please read
through what follows for a clearer idea of what it means when we say, "Where Nature meets Style"....
Q: What do you really expect from your visit to Costa Rica?
A: All of Costa Rica is not created equally.
Many areas along the northern and central Pacific coast have become highly developed and "touristy".
As they have developed, they have lost extensive natural rainforest - depleting wildlife and eroding natural vistas.
For example, in Manuel Antonio, Jaco and much of Guanacaste it is almost impossible to escape road noise, beach
crowds and t-shirt shops. And from Dec to April, most of this area (covered by Tropical Dry Forest) becomes brown
and lifeless.
If you are looking to experience the Costa Rica of your dreams - laid-back, private and always green - there is really only
the South Pacific Coast and Costa Ballena ("Whale Coast") - where the beaches are wide and empty, primary rainforest
awaits exploration and the local people are friendly.
Rancho Pacifico occupies a mountainside in this beautiful and still wild area. Our rainforest is in bloom all
year, there are no distant road noises and your desire "to get away from it all" is immediately fulfilled.
Q: Them or us? - making the right choice among Costa Rica's finest hotels
A: We get a lot of inquiries from folks who have researched the internet and narrowed their choice to a few of the
obvious, fine hotels around Costa Rica. Frankly, because our reputation allows us to care more about their well-being
than our occupancy rates, we have come up with a few very honest comparisons designed to help people make their
best choice. We are always happy when they are happy.
- If you want to be ON the beach - we're afraid you will have to go "there". If you want an authentic Costa Rica
experience , with spectacular views of the ocean, easy access to 13 distinct beaches and surrounded by
nature and wildlife - come to RP. - If you want just a nice hotel "room" - "there" is probably your choice. If you prefer a unique, award-winning,
architecturally designed dwelling to call your own - please come here. - If you want to feel like you are in a classy city-like "hotel" with traditional urban amenities- go there. If you like the
idea of feeling like you landed in an exclusive private estate in an exotic part of the world - by all means, come
here. - If you prefer cozying up in front of a big screen while enjoying room service in bed - there is the better choice. If
you figure you can do that at home and want to get away from your routine and lose yourself in paradise, you
will love RP. (We have Room Service, a movie room and free Wifi available in our clubhouse) - If awakening in the comfort of an enclosed, climate controlled room meets your needs, there may be a good
choice. If waking up to the sounds and rhythms of "the most biologically intense place on earth" (as our area has
been called by National Geographic) meets your fancy then please come here. We refer to sleeping at RP as a
"sensual event" - where the cool breezes of the rainforest - and our altitude, insure perfect temperatures year-
round. Our guests constantly praise our naturally ozonated air,premium beds, organic linens, sights, sounds and
connection with the surrounding nature as some of our most endearing qualities....and conducive to the best
sleep ever.
We hope this helps clarify your thinking - we sincerely want you to be ecstatic with your choice, wherever
you decide to go.
Q: How tolerant are you of travel related inconveniences?
A: In the very efficient world in which we live, many of us have lost touch with “the rest of the world”. Although Costa
Rica is better than most Latin countries in regards to efficiency – it is not North America. There are sometimes
unanticipated delays (as there are of course on U.S. freeways) that can extend travel times and cause plans to have to
be adjusted. By average standards, some roads are "rough". Road signs are in Spanish.
Adventurous guests are prepared to tolerate such inconveniences and see them as part of the travel
experience. They expect this to be "the Central American Tropics" - and enjoy the cultural change.
Q: Do you really want to stay in a “Luxury Hotel”?
A: Costa Rica has long had a reputation of being an inexpensive travel destination, and some (especially) first-time
visitors arrive with expectations of $5 dinners, 50 cent beers, and $20 a nite accommodations. Over the last few years,
the country has seen a birth of a luxury sector – kicked off with the opening of the 4 Seasons Hotel in 2003. For three
years in a row, Rancho Pacifico has been one of only six hotels nominated for a World Travel Award (The "Oscars of the
Travel Industry" according to the Wall Street Journal) as “Leading Boutique Hotel" and "Leading Green Hotel" in Latin and
Central America, as well as in the Same categories in Costa Rica. We are also proud to be a member of SLH - Small
Luxury Hotels of the World, according to Nielsen, the most respected name in Luxury Hospitality worldwide (ahead of
Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and other notable hotel groups)
Discerning travelers understand that the cost structure one expects throughout a luxury establishment does not fit the
“budget travel” model. Rancho Pacifico is among a few boutique hotels throughout the country that have raised the bar in
quality and service – and is priced consistently with these.
Adventurous guests choose RP based on quality and uniqueness and have purposely chosen a "high-end"
experience. They appreciate personalized service, the quality of the spa, the innovation of organic,
tropical cuisine and the simple beauty of award-winning, well designed architecture, interiors and
gardens.
Q: Do you want to experience a remote location – and the nature one finds there?
A: Again, we are all impacted by the conveniences of the modern world. Some visitors to Costa Rica are seeking a more
"citified" experience than they will find at RP. For example, our local wildlife does not appear when called. When a
tropical downpour hits it can get damp. Occasionally you’re going to see a horned beetle or oversized grasshopper or
walking stick. You’re going to travel 1.2 miles up our remote access road which is going to transport you to “another
world” - "the real thing". Its mountainous - so if you hike it’s going to be fairly strenuous.
One guest recently said that RP's location was like visiting a national park. Our entrance is the gateway to a 250 acre
private nature preserve - containing one of Costa Rica's wildest expanses of primary (never cut) rainforest. There are
even spectacular waterfalls. Unlike the central and northern Pacific - it is green here all year round. For guests
unaccustomed to wilderness it probably seems isolated and remote.....but to the more adventurous, this is why they
came to Costa Rica.
Adventurous guests respond to our promise of an “authentic tropical experience” and come to
experience nature as it is – with early rising howler monkeys, the roar of a waterfall, and frequent wildlife
sightings based on the rhythms of nature. All of this is balanced with close proximity (2 miles) to a handy
supply of convenient stores, banks, groceries, restaurants, beaches and activities.
Q: Are you clear on what you want to do for fun?
A: Costa Rica has become very diverse. In more developed areas than ours there are large hotels, marinas, night life and
American food. You can find cable TV at most hotels.
Rancho Pacifico is a relaxed place – modern in appearance but a bit old-fashioned in its ways. We purposely do not
have TV’s in the rooms (we do have a very comfortable movie room) - and we do have portable dvd players to lend and
a good movie library) nor are there phones in the rooms (we do have phones which guests are welcome to use - free to
the U.S. and other countries worldwide). We don’t have a business center (although we do have WIFI internet through
our own satellite system if you bring your computer - at no charge).
There is a lot to do close-by during the day….playing in the sea (boats, kayaks, surfboards, bodysurfing) and
surrounding rainforested mountains (hikes, ATV’s, nature watching, river tubing, waterfall explorations). Many guests
go out everyday, some never leave the property.
Adventurous guests appreciate RP as an opportunity to unplug from their usual routine. They generally
enjoy a full day of rigorous activity or highly focused quiet time. Dinner is a treat and afterward guests
either turn in early or enjoy a quiet nightcap at the bar or in the outdoor, stone whirlpool. Tuning in to a
natural beat and “finding the moment” amidst comfort and personal attention is what they enjoy most.
Q: Are you sure you want the “small hotel” experience?
A: Boutique hotels are “in”, and many travelers seek them out. Someone described RP as “boutique in every way” – and
travel journalist Anthony Bourdain, himself a boutique hotel afficianado said, “in the end what defines a boutique hotel are
the people”. We have only 13 rooms and accommodate a maximum of 24 guests – with a full time staff of 22.
The downside is that small out of the way places such as ours offer a different set of standards than large convenience
hotels. At RP the chef for example is not a figure-head, you will get to know Alex – maybe even meet his son Sebastian.
Adrianna, our concierge will ask you how you enjoyed the canopy tour. – and personally go to the pharmacy for you
should you need something. Vianey will remember your favorite drink – and how you like it. David will prepare your
breakfast with a smile. Rather than sharing a passing hello with other guests, at RP guests tend to get to know each
other – often resulting in sharing meals and activities and becoming friends. We also have lots of space making it easy to
choose privacy and alone-time.
Adventurous guests consistently echo Mr Bourdain’s comments – they appreciate the sincere personal
attention they get from the staff and the camaraderie of sharing time with like-minded guests.
Q: How are you going to get around?
A: Rancho Pacifico’s remoteness is countered with its close proximity to many activities, diverse beaches and quaint
villages. It is not however by any means in the center of a bustling beach / surf town such as one finds on the northern
Pacific coast or Manuel Antonio.
The serenity and pristine nature of our immediate environment (far above consistent road noise below) requires a 1.2
mile trip “down the mountain” (through gorgeous jungle and amazing ocean vistas) to a newly paved main highway. A
string of 13 quiet beaches begin right off the highway – and a host of other activities are conveniently accessed.
Because about half of our guests would prefer not to rent cars – we can arrange private van transportation to and from
RP, and have our own local taxi service via 4wd vehicles once you arrive. We will also pick you up at our close-by
regional airports (Quepos or Palmar Sur) after a beautiful, fast flight from SJO if you choose. Utilizing our transportation
system results in costs for a week about equal to that of a 4wd rental vehicle. (details can be found on our website). The
upside is you don't have to worry about a rental car and it is more convenient. The downside is you will have to
schedule your "comings and goings" each day.
If you like to explore back roads or feel that full - freedom mobility is better for you, rental cars can be picked up in San
Jose (you can arrange or we can) – or at RP (for as few as one day). The upside is you can go where you want and
when - the downside is relatively high daily rates, some rough roads, uncertain travel conditions, high cost of gasoline,
and high insurance deductibles.
Adventurous guests plan ahead to minimize hassles regardless of whether or not that includes a rental
vehicle. They either depend on us for transport – or listen carefully to the advice we have to share based
on reliable experience. Our area is exciting - and depending on your personal needs, you can see the
best of it either way.
Q: Can you handle changing weather conditions?
A: Based on the time of year you visit, there are many different weather conditions to expect.
Costa Rica is tropical - just 9 degrees above the equator and 1000 miles south of the Yucatan.
It is a country of rainforest - and yes, at least part of the year, it rains in the rainforest - all over the country. While Costa
Rica does not experience wind driven hurricanes, it does get a dose of hard rains.
Those seeking bright, sunny days with hardly any rain will best enjoy December through April.
May, June, July, November and most of August are thought of as Indian summer here - clear mornings and late afternoon
showers. Late August, September and October usually have clear mornings - with longer rain showers in the afternoon
and evening.
Many guests during the rainier season tell us they love the rain and look forward to it! They plan their mornings out - and
settle down for a restful afternoon. But some don't care for this routine - they would rather be at the beach all day or out
fishing. While this is possible because it is warm even when it rains - it's not for everyone.
Adventurous guests understand what the conditions are likely to be during the time of their visit and set
their expectations accordingly. They come with an attitude (and gear) that allows them to experience the
authentic diversity of tropical nature.
