It’s no wonder that Jacó Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. There is so much to do on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica – beaches, surfing, outdoor adventure sports, the Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Tarcoles River with its famous huge crocodiles.
The thing about Jacó, though, is that it is one of the closest beaches to the capital city of San Jose, and is always really busy. If you’re like me, and you want to experience this spectacular region of Costa Rica without the tumult and chaos, all you have to do is travel a few miles past Jacó to the quiet surfing beach of Playa Hermosa. You are still close enough to enjoy Jacó’s shops, restaurants and nightlife, and yet have relaxing peace and quiet, and the beauty of an uncrowded beach.
Playa Hermosa is famous for its surf. The Costa Rica National Surfing Tournament Finals are held annually at Playa Hermosa in June. The 8 km long, dark sand beach also is great for long walks, relaxing, sunbathing and sunsets.
Up until now, there weren’t any upscale places to stay in Playa Hermosa Costa Rica . That changed last December when Hotel Tramonto opened. The stylish and modern hotel is located less than a mile (1 km) down a quiet dirt road fronting the beach from the little community of Playa Hermosa. Tramonto means sunset in Italian, and indeed the sunsets here are breathtaking.
“This is a nice change of pace from Jacó, which is more of a party/tourist city,” wrote one traveler on TripAdvisor. “If you took a big city hotel and put in on a small beach, it would be this place,” wrote another guest.
Perfect for families and couples, Hotel Tramonto offers 76 stylish and modern comfortable rooms in two three-story buildings surrounding an inner courtyard with a large swimming pool. There are rooms for disabled guests.
The ocean-view restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, and there is a beautiful second-story sun deck and terrace lounge area. Free Wi-Fi access in public areas and free private parking are offered.
To get to Hotel Tramonto from San Jose (approximately 90 minutes), take Highway 27 toward Puntarenas. After the toll booth past Orotina, take the turn-off for Jacó Beach on the Southern Coastal Highway. Playa Hermosa Costa Rica is the town just past Jacó Beach. At the far edge of town by the Backyard Café, turn right and follow the access road along the beach to Hotel Tramonto.
Check Hotel Tramonto’s Facebook page for frequent special offers and promotions.
Article by Shannon Farley
