We arrived after driving our rented mid-size 4x4 from the La Fortuna area, finding that the road was not nearly as difficult as some have reported. The road was very well signed from the main highway to the hotel making all but impossible to get lost. We had booked a double room but the hotel upgraded us to a casita with plunge pool to offset the inconvenience of restaurant remodeling. When viewing the room with our concierge Marvin, I questioned the comfort of the sofa bed (one king bed and one sofa bed, we were two guys traveling) and we agreed that it would be fine once converted. However, about 15 minutes later Marvin told us they would like to upgrade us further to a 2 bedroom villa - an offer we gratefully accepted and enjoyed for four days.

While at Punta Islita we enjoyed golf on the excellent 9-hole par 3 course, canopy ziplining and kayaking down the nearby river. We also took advantage of our vehicle to explore nearby Samara and Corozalito beaches. The infiniti pool was open contrary to other recent posts and the attached pool bar made for delightful afternoons. Lunch was brought up from the beach restaurant on request for no extra charge. The beach restaurant offered quality food although expensive, but we felt this was to be expected in a somewhat isolated locale. We also walked the 500m to the local bar restaurant in Islita town were more traditional (and excellent) Costa Rican food was on offer for much less cost - and let's not forget the icy cold beer at all venues! The beach is not the classic sandy expanse but a combination of stony and sandy sections. However the swimming is safe and easy. When the conditions were right there was also a decent surf break but this is not really a surf destination.

The entire staff at Punta Islita were friendly, welcoming and consistently helpful - nothing we wanted seemed to be a problem. Our Spanish ability was limited but the English of the staff is excellent and everybody made us feel at home - literally. A fabulous property in a gorgeous area of Costa Rica and the highlight of our trip through Costa Rica. Hopefully the future presents an opportunity of a return visit or two.

Our stay was incredible, thanks to Mavin and the crew. The view is incredible, the food was great, and the service was second to none. We had gone for our honeymoon 10 years ago and returned this year for our anniversary. Only watchout was that there is significant updating going on at the main building. They had completely renovated the bottom area but the top pool was not as usable due to the construction going on all day. While we found that disappointing (our favorite pool and area in the final trip), the folks there were willing to do whatever it took to make it an amazing trip. I would double check before going to see if their construction in the new kitchen is done. Even if we knew, we probably still would have stayed.

We left the Under Sea Argo dive live aboard in Putaneras for our 3 hour 20 minute van transfer by VDT to the Hotel Punta Islita! Well worth the transfer...........we love the coast line and country side of Costa Rica! It was magic from the minute we saw the beautiful reception with resturant and infinity pool! Gorgeous views of the sea......breath taking! Marvin greeted us and did not waste time making our Avacado Hydrating Couples Spa treatment apt. (we loved this) and setting us up for the 6 MAX turtle nesting night adventure. We were disappointed to see 8 people and that there was absolutely no presentation. None.......first time we have ever experinced this kind of tour. Wish we could have had information on what to expect.....our guide did not volunteer information only gave us information as we asked him questions. Not enough to complain about.....we only focused on one Olive Ridley coming up from the sea, preparing her nest, laying her eggs, and returning to the sea. The 3 hour tour was over in less than 2 hours.
We enjoyed every day exploring the hotel grounds and all of the wildlife and every night in our Villa...........it was absolutley perfect - Manfred made our bedroom special everyday with his special touch!! The staff was wonderful - sharing all kinds of helpful hints to make Punta Islita outstanding! A special thanks to Jose - he spent time with us answering questions and sharing the Costa Rica culture when he had the extra time. We must also thank Edgar for the Praying Mantis - really nice!!!! The staff did a great job of making Hotel Punta Islita very special...........we are returning!
Thanks again Marvin for making Hotel Punta Islita a perfect finale to our Costa Rica adventure!
See you again soon!
Vern and Teresa Johnson
Wyoming, USA

The staff were extraordinary on every count. We rented three homes adjacent to each other and did most of the cooking. Yes, they gave us oversize owns and pots so we could cook and feed the entire group of 19. Everything was as expected . . . a little rustic, very charming, very welcome, exceptional staff, great service, and a wonderful time.