You may have heard about Playa Negra and assumed it was only for diehard surfers.  And it is one of the premier surfing spots in Costa Rica, if not the world.  But what’s more is that Hotel Playa Negra and the surrounding area offers a truly relaxing and authentic experience that’s guaranteed to delight everyone in the family.

Let’s start with the area itself.

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Bona Fide Pura Vida

Many Costa Rican beach destinations are either convenient, but really touristy.  Or they’re more laid-back, but completely isolated.  Playa Negra is a great compromise between the two.

You can make the 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Liberia’s international airport.  Another option is to take a domestic flight from San Jose (which is a 4-5 hour drive away) to Tamarindo.  There are also buses, taxis, and of course rental cars that can get you to the hotel from nearby Santa Cruz.

Once you arrive you’ll find a quaint little surfing town that isn’t the least bit tawdry or touristy.  It’s just simple and clean and quaint for those seeking a bona fide tropical getaway without any of the unnecessary accoutrements.  It’s also only a short drive to other popular destinations like Tamarindo, which offers a bit more in the way of development and tourist infrastructure should you desire it.

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World-Class Surfing Without the Crowds or Commotion

One of the most popular activities in Playa Negra is surfing.  In fact, the world famous surf break, featured in the movie “Endless Summer II,” is situated directly in front of Hotel Playa Negra.

It has a rock bottom with right-hand barreling waves and a well-defined channel for easy paddling out.  The water is crystal clear, and the swells are consistent year-round.  The dry season of December to April provides a steady supply of cloudless skies and offshore breezes.  While May through November is generally rainy, there is the occasional veranillo, or “little summer,” that offers the same near-perfect conditions coupled with a Southern Hemisphere swell.

Within walking distance are a number of other breaks, as well as some offshore reefs.  You can also make the 10-minute drive to nearby Avellanas with its reef, beach, and river mouth breaks.  Another half hour will find you in Tamarindo, which is considerably more crowded at popular spots like Playa Grande and Langosta.

If surfing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach at Hotel Playa Negra.  The shore that lies along the property is composed of a beautiful sand beach that’s dotted with rocky outcroppings and tide pools that beg for exploration.  Just 100 yards south lies a white sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, boogie-boarding, or just relaxing near the water’s edge.

There’s plenty of sea life to observe, including sea turtles and parrot fish.  There isn’t much development around the hotel, which makes for a pristine, private setting that easily trumps any artificially manufactured beachfront tourist development.

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Privacy and Relaxation with Top Notch Amenities

The property itself consists of a sprinkling of bungalows that are nestled into a tropical garden.  Each is a stand-alone hut with a roof of palm leaves, known locally as “rancho.” The many windows allow the ocean breeze to flow freely, and many boast a wooden deck complete with a sitting area and hammock.

There’s a large oceanside swimming pool, just steps from the sand.  There’s also a yoga area and surf shop on-site.

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The hotel’s restaurant and bar are also located right on the beach.  From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. the kitchen serves up salads, burgers, tropical fruit platters, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, and traditional Costa Rican cuisine.  There’s also a weekly Argentinian barbecue, which guests love.

The bar stays open much later and offers fresh fruit smoothies, cocktails, margaritas, and other frozen libations.  It’s the perfect place to sit a while or even an entire day, just relaxing under the thatch roof, watching the surfers, and conversing with other travelers from all over the globe.

In the evenings, people gather on the beach to watch the spectacular sunsets.

Hotel Playa Negra is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy an authentic tropical beach vacation, without having to compromise any of the creature comforts you’d get at other, more well-visited locales.  Whether your interests include surfing, sunning, or just soaking up your surroundings, this is a destination that promises not to disappoint you or the family.