Aguas Claras

Set within tropical gardens of bougainvillea vines, cycads and palms, the pool is a delight with plenty of brightly-painted loungers and a thatched bar. Just next door, the Papaya has been dubbed one of the finest hotel restaurants around, serving fabulous seafood including an inventive take on rondon soup - and a triple coconut dessert to follow. Open-sided lounges are a lovely spot to just chill, while the Casa Ghandi yoga deck and spa offers some good R&R. Head to DaLime for reggae music, sunset cocktails and delicious local dishes.

Aguas Claras' suites (aka 'sweets)' are all perfectly curated, their pristine, white interiors splashed with artwork, vintage furnishings and eye-popping headboards that all offer a nod to each unique theme from 50s Havana to oceanic. The suites all have a living area and massive bathrooms with spa-like showers, while the stilted bungalows are Caribbean-cool and feature a kitchenette. Two-bedroom bungalows also enjoy an open-air living and dining space, and the Cacao bungalow is the most exclusive with a wrap-around veranda for sunbathing and private massages.

Aguas Claras is surrounded by beauty spots, whether it's the beaches right on the doorstep or the sights and sounds a little further away. Go kayaking up 'Eduardo Creek' (eyes peeled for river turtles and swooping kingfishers), or visit a BriBri community and learn about their deep connection with cacao. Dive the incredible coral reefs of Cahuita National Park, where shoals of tropical fish, reef sharks and stingrays await, or hike into the forests where sloths, iguanas and poison dart frogs rustle amongst the leaves.