Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center

Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center

Costa Dulce Surfside Community, Playa Escameca Ostional Road 14km South of San Juan Del Sur, San Juan del Sur 48600 Nicaragua
Traveler (542)
Pool & Beach (117)
Costa Dulce
Videos (1)

View prices for your travel dates

Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.

About

#2 of 29 hotels in San Juan del Sur
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
4.7
Costa Dulce ( the sweet coast in Spanish) is a true eco lodge integrated with nature. Much thought and consideration has gone into the location of all of our buildings keeping the jungle undisturbed and vibrant. To preserve the natural beauty of the jungle the entire place has been has been hand built using traditional construction methods. Spread across a jungle hill rising up from the from playa Escameca Grande, Costa Dulce consists of 11 individual Bungalows and Cabins and 1 room, two yoga shalas, a large lounge/common area , wellness centre and a restaurant the Dulce Cocina. Enjoy ocean views from our eco friendly pool or while relaxing in a hammock or sofa from your front porch. Open air design in all of our unique rooms keeps you cool while connecting you with nature. The Dulce Cocina keeps you healthy and happy with delicious family style meals. Delicious is an understatement the food is amazing! Traditional Nicaraguan food blended with yoga inspired healthiness.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Yoga classes
Pool with view
Bar / lounge
Beach
Boating
Indoor play area for children
Secured parking
Wifi
Yoga room
Fitness classes
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Hiking
Horseback riding
Snorkeling
Canoeing offsite
Entertainment staff
Fishing
Patio
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Massage chair
Neck massage
Pedicure
Steam room
Waxing services
24-hour security
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Room features
Desk
Dining area
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Sofa
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Pool view
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Harbor View
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, German

Location

Costa Dulce Surfside Community, Playa Escameca Ostional Road 14km South of San Juan Del Sur, San Juan del Sur 48600 Nicaragua
Traveler rating
  • 339
  • 18
  • 8
  • 1
  • 4
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
mar wrote a review Feb 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I would definitely recommend Costa Ducle for a relaxing week off. My two girl friends and I were here in January and we did the yoga package with 2 added surf lessons to try it out. The surf instructor was patient and made us feel extremely safe. The yoga classes were great, there was a mix of challenging and relaxing classes 2 times a day - some instructors we definitely preferred over others but genuinely enjoyed every class. We would have maybe rather that the night time yoga was before dinner instead of after but that would have been our personal preference… The food was delish, their fish tacos stole the show. Our room had a lovely outdoor shower and hammock - and we got to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. The only con with regards to our room was the fact that we had crabs crawling everywhere at night… the beach was stunning, very private. The sunsets were fabulous. The people who worked at the resort were all great. We also celebrated a birthday there which was a lot of fun - cake and salsa dancing under the stars. We had a hard time coming back to reality when we returned home.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz C wrote a review Mar 2023
New York City, New York
+1
Hotel's Favorite
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you're considering booking a stay at Costa Dulce don't hesitate, just do it. I've traveled all around the world, and will attest that this is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and special places that exists. Whether you are there to practice some yoga, try surfing, or just take it easy on the beach and opt for other activities, there is something fun and unique for everyone here. Speaking of, there are even extra activities like bonfire nights, a live band (who are amazing!), a temazcal sweat lodge, Cacao ceremonies (Thanks Tara!), sound baths, trips to San Juan del Sur, & more. The rooms are all gorgeous, with fantastic views and comfortable furnishings (I loved the hammocks and outdoor showers). And, let's not forget the food. Like other reviews mentioned, it is fantastic - truly delicious, healthy & amazing; there is always something for every dietary restriction and they really try to make everyone happy (and succeed). Further, it was a wonderful location for a solo traveller as they set it up to take all your meals together and create a very inclusive and open community to connect with other travelers - something I find really lacking in other places when I travel alone. The sunsets were also so magical, each and every night.

On a personal note, I found Costa Dulce to be extremely healing and a place I needed to visit at a certain time in my life, from the people to the location to the ambiance of it, it provides a tranquil space to 'just be' and more importantly a place to be grateful for the moment and world you are living in. Thank you so much to the whole staff for such a wonderful time and experience, and special shout outs to Willie, Lester, Fredy, Tony, Jose, & Diedrys for all their hard work & efforts. As much as I would love to keep this place a secret, I would not hesitate to shout from the rooftops to all my friends & family that this is a must see destination and wonderful ecolodge to visit, I highly recommend it!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittany G wrote a review Nov 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is incredibly overdue, but I absolutely loved my stay at Costa Dulce! As many other reviewers have mentioned, this is truly a special place and hidden gem.

In my short and sweet five days, I ended up doing an a la carte itinerary focused on surf lessons with a sprinkle of yoga, a massage and a few activities. Everything was amazing, but I definitely want to shout out the surf program. Freddy, Andres, Anthony and Miguelito were all so kind, patient and extremely helpful. Special shout out to Miguelito, he helped me to relax and with his guidance I was consistently riding waves. His energy is contagious and with his encouragement, I felt so much more confident.

Tl;dr the location is gorgeous, every meal is delicious, the staff is incredible and all good vibes! I left feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, grounded and with an abundance of gratitude. Highly recommend and would love to return!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little Time In a Big World wrote a review Jan 2023
Chicago, Illinois
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I loved my stay at Costa Dulce! I went in January to have a fresh start to the new and as a solo female traveler I can say that the Costa Dulce staff was very responsive leading up to the trip and super helpful while I was there. There's a lot of solo travelers there too. They even matched my flight with another guest traveling so we can share and split the cost of the car ride to Costa Dulce. Also, I only stayed 5 days, so if you're not traveling long, look into paying a la carte for things like the yoga, surfing, spa since you don't need the services for the full week. I was also worried about the heat at not since there's no air conditioner (being sustainably solar powered), it was never an issue. And the weather while I was there was noted as unseasonably warm, I slept very comfortably at night. Also, you can ask for a mosquito net if you're sensitive to bugs bites like me, but do it ahead of time just to make sure you reserve in advance.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ND wrote a review Mar 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Costa Dulce is an amazing place. The owners and staff are very helpful and go above and beyond to make everything special. The place is very clean and feels incredibly safe. Its a beautiful space and my time there was special.

I have to specifically point out that the surf instructors (Freddie and Will) are amazing. They are very knowledgeable and Kind hearted. Everyone will learn to surf with them and have a great time. Freddie always made sure that we felt safe and caught waves no matter our skill level. He arranged for us to go to the best beach possible for each day and went way above what's required. They are truly amazing.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johanna S wrote a review Dec 2022
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The resort is beautiful and the reviews are on point. Sam who is one of the yoga instructors made the trip, her classes were perfection! The food is amazing 90% of the time, but there were a few meals that were not great [Sheppards Pie and Bean soup] and the desserts were ok - very repetitive and previously frozen.

The only complaint I had, which I raised while I was that there, were the unsupervised children running around, screaming and splashing in the main pool. It was not a relaxing vibe, but after 3 days, the owners and also parents of the children [who live on the property] addressed the issue and the kids were not seen for the rest of the trip.

The wifi is pretty touch and go, so if you are looking to relax, this is your spot, but it is NOT good for video calls. Also, there is little to no hot water and it's frequently broken - ie. no running water in your villa. The staff is great though and very quick to fix all issues.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Ask for Nido if you are looking for a private room with a private bathroom on the ocean!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen B wrote a review Mar 2024
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I had a terrible experience at Costa Dulce. My bungalow "Colibri" was a rickety structure at the top of a hill with no overhead fan, just a small occilating fan. In 93 degree weather and hot windy nights, this is simply NOT ADEQUATE. The wind was so sever up there that the structure shook and the doors rattled all night long. I literally slept 2-3 hours a night, period. I was so exhausted near the end of my stay, I was beside myself. When thye finally had the space to move me to another room, which was lovely and HAD A PROPER FAN, I slept well. But they could only move me for one night even though I had two nights left so I had to leave early and pay to updata my airline tickets. Martine, the manager, was obnoxious. He did not even try to make it work. I heard similar complaints with the people I rode with to the airport about services they did not recieve and no refunds issued, just a "credit"....as if they would ever return. The food was great, the beach was lovely, but if you can't rest at night, none of that matters.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roam262760 wrote a review Mar 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My son and I spent a month at Costa Dulce. It was a great opportunity since he has online school currently and I can work from anywhere with good internet. The hotel is a series of bungalows spread out across the hillside and each offers privacy and a view of the ocean and jungle. The vibe was laid back, with daily yoga, meditation, surfing, beach walking or just chilling in the hammock. The food is all freshly made with any option you want i.e,. vegan, etc., and prepared by locals, one of whom is a pastry chef. The desserts were yummy! Meals are served at a group table on the deck by the cocina, and the people we met during our stay become friends, which was really nice. It did not feel like a hotel as much as it did a community. We each had a weekly spa treatment as part of our package. We had pedicures, massages, my son got a body scrub, and the therapists were locals who were knowledgeable and good at their craft. The owner, Tyson and his team are working to achieve sustainability through all solar power, using all locally sourced foods, and they have built a itchen/ testing facility where they are working with the local community to develop healthy foods used in the hotel, as well as producing their own soap, cleaning sprays, etc. If you are looking for a chill place to be who you want to be , work/ relax and learn more about yoga and medidation than you ever thought you would (Katja and Paul are wonderful people and excellent and knowledgeable yoga/ bodywork teachers and yogis). you might want to check this place out.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Costa Dulce, General Manager at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center
Responded Mar 16, 2021
Thank you so much for your lovely words! We're very happy that you enjoyed your stay with us! It was an absolute pleasure having you and your son here! Thank you for all your wise words, the laughter, the book recommendations, the caring and sharing and positive vibes! :-) Wishing you all the best! Your Costa Dulce Family
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LucyBill wrote a review Jun 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at Costa Dulce for 1 week between jobs and did the yoga retreat. I did a massage every day and yoga most of the days. It was a beautiful property with incredible staff. Everyone was very accommodating, friendly, and I could tell that guest comfort was top priority for them. I had some issues with bugs in my room (it was rain season) so they had me change rooms a couple times, and they were very understanding and accommodating.
The yoga was incredible, and lead by Irene. She was such a calm presence, and I really enjoyed her energy. I also did hypnosis and highly recommend it! The entire time I was at Costa Dulce I had an overwhelming sense of calm, and I recommend it for anyone that's looking to get away, and not have any worries. It was an incredible trip!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
335maya wrote a review Mar 2024
Saint Louis, Missouri
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We came as a family and did the dulce vida package (adults) with our two young teens. This was a spectacular trip, we were safely taken to the resort and loved our accommodations, the food, location which is a bit wild and most importantly the staff. This resort walks the walk and truly gives back to the community and I had many discussions with the staff about how transformative and supportive the resort had been in their lives. We all learned to surf, the instructors were kind, patient and wonderful. I can't recall all the names Miguel, Anthony , Andres and Freddie, the driver Martin and Alphonso , Gabby at the bar. The spa staff, the amazing kitchen staff and Neffi can't wait to see you all again. The yoga and communal atmosphere was also wonderful, met people from all around the world. Tyson the owner deserves a special shout out , in the days we were there many staff members without prompting shared stories of his kindness .
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Scott H asked a question Jan 2020
San Antonio, Texas118 contributions24 helpful votes
How do you get there from the airport?
Answer from Costa D
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua3 contributions
We can pick you up from either airport. We offer airport transfers from Managua (MGA) or Liberia (LIR) Costa Rica. 24 hours a day from Managua and you can arrive in Liberia on any flight that gets in before 10pm. And if you are coming through Liberia our drivers help you negotiate the border you are never on your own, making crossing the border easy.
Answer from Kit Rybak
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua1 contribution1 helpful vote
Hola I would recommend that you don't exchange a bunch of money to Cordobas. USD are accepted everywhere and that way you don't get nailed on exorbitant exchange rates. Food packages are available for $35 USD or 1156 Cordobas ( will be slightly different by the time you arrive). You can also do meals a la carte but after trying the food you probably won't want to miss a meal.
Answer from Kit R
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua2 contributions1 helpful vote
Yes the turtle hatchery is right in front of the hotel, you can't miss it. Turtles however are seasonal with most of the arrivals happening between June and December, there are still turtles arriving year round at our beach but less frequently during the rest of the year.
Answer from Costa D
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua3 contributions
Our turtle hatchery is on the beach directly in front of the hotel (literally a stones though) so you will definitly see the hatchery. Mothers come to lay eggs on their own schedule so there is no guarantee that you will see a mother laying her eggs, though it is the right season so chances are good. It is also very likely that you would see babies, we currently have about 30 nests waiting to hatch and our next one expected to hatch over the weekend. There is also La Flor, a very busy turtle reserve 2 beaches south where thousands of turtles can lay eggs in one night, we offer tours to this beach as well.
Answer from Kit R
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua2 contributions1 helpful vote
Totally varies from week to week. If you like send a message to the website and we can tell you what kind of demographics we have for whatever dates.
john q wrote a tip Aug 2024
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We felt 100% safe the whole time. All needed activities and food are available there. The staff is amazing and very sweet. "
Read full review
Deanna T wrote a tip Jul 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you're looking for a special place - this is it! Be sure to take advantage of the activities they offer. "
Read full review
Vanessa J wrote a tip Mar 2024
Brooklyn, New York2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Come with an open spirit."
Read full review
Cruiser61548223489 wrote a tip Jan 2024
2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Be prepared that you are out of town and there isn't anything else around. It is a place to escape to"
Read full review
Melody212 wrote a tip Dec 2023
New York City, New York6 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask all you're questions and get details they are extremely helpful!"
Read full review
…
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the San Juan del Sur area.
LOCATION
NicaraguaRivas DepartmentSan Juan del Sur
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

COSTA DULCE BEACH HOTEL & RETREAT CENTER - Updated 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center
Which popular attractions are close to Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Nearby attractions include Playa Hermosa (2.8 miles), La Flor Beach Natural Reserve (2.4 miles), and Playa El Coco (1.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Top room amenities include a desk, a dining area, and a view of the mountains.
What food & drink options are available at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Yes, free parking, secured parking, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Conveniently located restaurants include Lainup Bar, El Pollito Pescador, and Restaurant Puesta del Sol.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool, fitness classes, and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center have airport transportation?
Yes, Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and German.
Does Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
All San Juan del Sur HotelsSan Juan del Sur Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in San Juan del SurHotels near Costa Dulce Beach Hotel & Retreat Center
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars