Jaco Hotel Accommodations: Villa Caletas

Location: North of Playa De Jaco Beach
Phone: 506-637-0606
Fax: 637-0404
Room Information: 35 units, A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, safe
Rates: $150-$165 double; $190 villa; $255-$380 suite. Rates slightly lower in the off season. Extra person $35
Credit Cards: AE, MC, V
Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; midsize pool w/spectacular view; spa; concierge; tour desk; beach shuttle; in-room massage; laundry service

It's hard to find a luxury hotel in Costa Rica with a more spectacular setting than this. Perched 350m (1,148 ft.) above the sea, Villa Caletas enjoys commanding views of Costa Rica's Pacific coast over forested hillsides. The regular rooms are all elegantly appointed and spacious, but you'll definitely want to stay in a villa or suite here.

Each individual Costa Rica villa is situated on a patch of hillside facing the sea or forests. Inside you'll find a main bedroom with a queen-size bed and a comfortable sitting room with couches that convert into two single beds.

The villas feature white-tile floors, modern bathrooms, and a private terrace for soaking up the views. The junior suites are even larger and come with their own outdoor Jacuzzis. The suites and master suites are larger still -- and even come with their own private swimming pools. There are only two master suites, and one is a vigorous hike downhill from the main hotel building and restaurants. The same is true of some of the villas and juniors.

Although most guests are happy to lounge around and swim in the free-form "infinity" pool that seems to blend into the sea below and beyond, Villa Caletas offers hourly shuttle service to its own little private beach, as well as a host of tour options. There's also a Greek-style amphitheater that hosts periodic sunset concerts of jazz or classical music.

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, only 1 hour South on the Central Pacific Coast. Here you can enjoy bird watching and Costa Rica's wildlife. Or spend a day in Quepos, next to Manuel Antonio, famous for its world class sportfishing. Have a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica.