Central and South America / Central America / Costa Rica / Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast / Playas Cocles, Chiquita & Manzanillo / Best Hotels

Shawandha Lodge

Located in a patch of thick forest across the road from the lovely Playa Chiquita, this was one of the first boutique lodges in the area and it’s still going strong. The individual wooden bungalows are beautiful, and they spread out among the trees and gardens, giving each a sense of privacy and seclusion. They all feature high-pitched thatched roofs, private verandas, and mosaic-tile creations in the bathrooms and showers. A short path leads to a pretty beach with tide pools and little coves stretching. There’s a midsize pool just off the main lodge, with a stone waterfall in a garden setting. The restaurant, Wandha, serves a blend of French, Dutch, and tropical fare, though it’s pricey for the area.