Encantada Ocean Cottages

This review is long overdue, as our extended family has been fortunate enough to stay at Encantada twice, once in 2018 and again in 2022. Both times, we booked all of the cottages for an entire week, bringing together a group that spanned from young children to travelers in their 70s. The property could not have been more perfect for our group, which ranged in age from young children to travelers in their 70s. From the moment we arrived, Tiffany, Nome and the entire staff treated us like family. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care created an atmosphere where even the pickiest travelers in our group felt at ease. We loved it so much the first time, that a group of 20+ family members agreed to return 4 years later. The cottages themselves were comfortable and inviting, blending the charm of a beach vacation in Costa Rica with modern comfort. I love swimming in the warm ocean waves of Costa Rica, but their salt water pool was a gathering spot for the family. The stretch of beach that Encantada calls home is perfectly positioned so that we could witness both the sunrise and sunset casting their glow over the ocean each day. The daily sunsets really captured the pura vida vibe you find in Costa Rica. Our days were filled with adventure, thanks to thoughtful recommendations and planning. Each morning, there are yoga sessions offered on the property. They also coordinated horseback rides along the countryside, waterfall hikes, mangrove tours, and zip-lining. This hotel suits travelers of all ages. Some of us wanted adventure, others preferred relaxation, and everyone found joy. To return after four years and find the same warmth, beauty, and attention to detail was truly special. For large groups coming in from out of the country, the location is ideal. It’s less than 2 hours (~75 miles) from the San Jose Airport and they will help you arrange transportation. If you choose to rent a car, the roads between San Jose and Esterillos are easy to navigate. This is more than a hotel on the beach. It is a restorative place of connection, comfort, and care. Tiffany and Nome have created something extraordinary, and we will always treasure our time here.

We LOVE the Encantada!!! Between their beautiful rooms stocked with the highest quality, organic body wash/shampoo/conditioner, to the lovely restaurant with the most incredible food and great vibe. The pool is wonderful and private. The staff is always so sweet and helpful. Oh and not to mention the yoga out front, overlooking the ocean, is the absolute BEST!! Tiffany just really knows how to do it! We will continue to come back year after year❤️

Wonderful staff. Very accommodating. Our room was clean and spacious and the staff was friendly and attentive right from the reservation process to the stay.

After seeing all the reviews & beautiful website I had high hopes for our stay at Encantada. This was our final stop in Costa Rica and sixth hotel and sadly was the worst. I think it has the potential of being an amazing gem however it fell short in many aspects. And I think there is a disconnect between what was presented online and what it is like in real life. Firstly, although the location is amazing ad peaceful our experience was not as on the first night the neighbours dogs barked & howled the entire night so no sleep! We were in Room 6 which apparently is the worst for this. The hotel know about the issue but don't seem to be able to do much. The second night they started barking but then we had heavy rain so luckily they stopped and the third night there was no barking thankfully however there were very noisy guests in the pool till late - the pool is open 24 hours. So unfortunately our experience was not peaceful. The breakfast was ok but definitely let down by the coffee, which i found undrinkable - again disappointing for Costa Rica. And the juice is also watered down & not very tasty. My mother requested a hairdyer and was given one that was very dirty & had packing tape over the electrical wires - needless to say we didn't risk using it! Positives: - gorgeous location - lovely soft sheets - great activities can be arranged through the hotel Negatives: - needs some TLC - noisy & bothersome dogs - possibly noisy if other guests aren't mindful as the rooms & pool are very close This could be an amazing property but I think it is in need of attention.

We loved our stay at Encantada Cottages! Gorgeous pool and surrounding grounds and comfortable rooms. The attached restaurant is also fantastic and all the staff very friendly and helpful. Sunset on the beach is magical - it stretches on for miles with only jungle, sky, and ocean in sight. We made a quick drive down to manual Antonio for the day and were very happy we decided to stay at Encantada rather than the busy tourist zone surrounding the national park.

Our stay last week at Encantada was truly an enchanted and magical experience. Our family of four had an amazing time. The staff are so kind and helpful and the grounds are beautiful and the cabinas (cottages) are lovely. Beds super comfy. Kids liked the spiral staircase to the loft and we all enjoyed the AC and included breakfast with lots of fresh fruit and juice. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, this is the place. We looked for a long time but are so glad to have found something off the beaten trail (not in a high rise / busy resort) that was still helpful in booking tours/guides/rental car/airport shuttle. They really answered all our many questions and gave us great suggestions as this was our first time to Costa Rica. Being steps from the ocean and their open air restaurant (with friendly cat visits) and all the cottages surrounding a lovely pool was so great. And again... the staff were soooo awesome - top notch! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐