Escape to Paradise: Tamarindo's Most Luxurious Hideaway Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Tamarindo's Luxurious Hideaway - A Review (For Real)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a little slice of heaven called Escape to Paradise: Tamarindo's Most Luxurious Hideaway, and let me tell you, my expectations were… well, they were high. After all, the name practically demands it. And did it live up to it? Let's dive in, and trust me, this ain't some sugar-coated travel brochure spiel.
(SEO Keywords: Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Luxury Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Beachfront, Wi-Fi Free, Restaurant, Accessibility, Family Friendly, COVID-19 Safety)
First, the Ground Rules (and the Grumbles):
Accessibility: Okay, this is my first BIG win. "Accessibility" is usually a dirty word in the travel world, but Escape to Paradise gets it. Wheelchair accessible isn't just a box ticked; it's a genuine effort. The ramps are smooth, the elevators are spacious, and the public areas are thoughtfully designed. Facilities for disabled guests are actually… useful! This is a HUGE plus. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you're in a high-up room. The exterior corridor felt a little weird, not gonna lie, but it didn't ruin anything. But, and it's a tiny "but", I wish some hallways were wider…but at least the whole place is usable.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where the gold stars really start flying. In this post-pandemic world, this really mattered. The Anti-viral cleaning products make me feel safe. Daily disinfection in common areas is on point, and the Professional-grade sanitizing services are evident. I was happy to see the hand sanitizers, hand sanitizer AND the sterilizing equipment at the entrance and at elevators, The staff is amazing and staff trained in safety protocol: the staff actually cares, which brings me a peace of mind. Room sanitization opt-out available: for guest that feel safer with staff cleaning, they have this option offered. Food wise the safe dining setup and sanitized kitchen and tableware items are appreciated, and individually-wrapped food options are available.
Internet, Internet, Internet!!! Look, I need my internet. It's a requirement. Free Wi-Fi is in all rooms! Thank the heavens! And it's actually fast! Internet access – wireless is a godsend. Internet access – LAN is also available, for those who need it, but let's admit, not many people are using LAN anymore. Wi-Fi in public areas is also on point, which is great for working by the pool (more on the pool later). The laptop workspace is perfectly set up.
The Luxurious Bits (and the Bits That Made Me Go "Whoa!")
The Room: Let me paint you a picture. Air conditioning blasting (essential in Tamarindo!), blackout curtains that actually WORK, a ridiculously comfy extra long bed, and a seating area where you can actually, you know, sit and relax. The in-room safe box is a thoughtful addition. The mini bar is… well, expensive, but hey, you're on vacation, right? The hair dryer is a decent one (no wimpy ones here!), and the bathrobes are ridiculously soft (I may have accidentally taken one home…). The slippers are great. I dig this.
Oh, The Amenities! Oh, My Goodness! The spa! Forget about it! (Not literally, go there!). The massage was epic – I'm talking "melting into the table" good. I dove into the sauna and steam room, back to back, but the whole spa area is so relaxing. They offer body scrub and body wraps. The foot bath was oddly satisfying. The gym/fitness center is also there, for the gym rats. The pool with view? Yeah, it's real. You're swimming, drinking cocktails, and staring out at the Pacific. I'm pretty sure I saw a dolphin. Or maybe it was the happy hour Mai Tai…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, let's talk food. The restaurants are fantastic. From the A la carte in restaurant to the international cuisine in restaurant, they will cover you. Of course the bar is great for chilling by yourself, and the poolside bar is heaven! Also, happy hour is a must. The Western breakfast is amazing, and they also have Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant. The room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you want a guilty-pleasure midnight snack. The coffee shop has amazing coffee, and the breakfast [buffet], is honestly the best. The salad in restaurant is tasty. I went on the breakfast takeaway service, which was awesome for a morning beach walk. The vegetarian restaurant is there too.
Things to Do (and NOT Doing):
Things to do: Well, besides lounging by the pool like a lizard in the sun, there’s plenty. The Fitness center is great if you're that type (I'm not, but it's there!). They gave me a bottle of water and also complimentary tea and coffee/tea in restaurant. You can hit the beach, browse the gift/souvenir shop, you can swim, you can spa, you could get some desserts in restaurant. They hosted a meeting/banquet facilities and seminars; for the business types, if you're one of them.
Ways to relax: You can get a massage, hang out by the pool, relax in the sauna, get a body wrap, get a foot bath.
For the Kids: I didn’t bring kids, but I did witness a few families having an amazing time. Family/child friendly is an understatement. They have babysitting service, kids meal, and kids facilities.
The Bittersweet Stuff:
The Imperfections: No place is perfect. The room decorations were a bit generic. The elevator sometimes felt a bit slow when you are in hurry for the perfect sunset photo. But honestly, these are nitpicks.
The "Meh" Stuff: I didn’t use the business facilities much, but it seemed well-equipped. The car park [free of charge] is a bonus. The meetings were happening a bit away from my room.
The Verdict…and What Makes It Truly "Escape to Paradise":
This isn't just a nice hotel, people. It's an experience. It's about waking up to the sound of the ocean, strolling to the breakfast [buffet], and then spending the day feeling like you're the only person on earth. The staff? Stellar. The location? Unbeatable. The accessibility? A breath of fresh air. It felt like they truly WANTED you to relax. This place gets hospitality.
Now, for the BIG finale…The Booking Offer:
Tired of the Same Old Vacation? Escape to Paradise – It's Time to Rejuvenate!
Are you ready to ditch the stress and step into a world of pure bliss? Then Escape to Paradise in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is calling your name! Imagine this:
- Wake Up To Paradise: Luxurious rooms, many with stunning ocean views (and, you know, actual blackout curtains so you can sleep in!).
- Spa Day Delights: Melt away your worries with our renowned spa treatments – from rejuvenating massages to invigorating body wraps.
- Poolside Bliss: Spend your days lounging by our stunning pool, cocktail in hand. Seriously, the pool view alone is worth the trip.
- Gastronomic Adventures: Indulge in exquisite dining experiences, from fresh, local cuisine to international favorites.
- Accessibility with Heart: We’re proud to offer accessible accommodations and amenities, ensuring everyone can experience the magic of Escape to Paradise.
- Unmatched Safety & Peace of Mind: Our top priority is your health and well-being. Enjoy your stay with confidence, knowing that we are committed to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
Book your Escape to Paradise right now and receive:
- 15% OFF your first stay!
- Complimentary breakfast in room
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, plus fast internet access.
- Early check-in and Late check-out
Don't wait! Spaces are limited. This is your chance to rediscover the joy of vacation. Click the link below to book your Escape to Paradise today!
(Please note: This review and booking offer are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as official endorsement or promotion. Always check the hotel's actual website and booking policies for the latest information.)
Escape to Paradise: Ceylon Kingsmen Garden Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's the totally unfiltered, probably-too-honest, and definitely-not-perfect itinerary for my stay at the Epic Tamarindo Luxury Boutique Hotel in La Garita Nueva, Costa Rica. This ain't your glossy brochure, folks. This is real-life travel, with all the beautiful, messy, and sometimes-borderline-cringeworthy glory.
Day 1: Arrival, OMG THIS PLACE IS GORGEOUS (and slight jet lag)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Land in Liberia (LIR) airport. Okay, first impression? Sweltering. Like, "I already regret wearing these skinny jeans" sweltering. Smooth enough customs, though. Gotta love the Costa Rican "Pura Vida" vibe – even the airport staff is radiating chill.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Private transfer to the Epic Tamarindo. The driver, bless his heart, was blasting some serious reggaeton. I don't speak Spanish, he didn't speak much English. Awkward smiles and enthusiastic head-nodding for the entire hour. I think I agreed to marry him at one point, purely out of politeness.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Arived in epic! (pun intended). The hotel is nestled in the jungle, the air smells of rich earth and salty sea. Check-in was a breeze – maybe because they saw the "thousand-yard stare" of jet lag in my eyes. Unpacked, then wandered around my room: The decor? Effortless chic. The view? Unbelievable. I might never leave my balcony.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): First meal at the hotel restaurant. Ordered the ceviche. Oh. MY. GOD. Fresh, tangy, perfectly balanced. Seriously, I think I could eat ceviche for every meal. Immediately started plotting how to recreate it at home. (Spoiler alert: I won't be able to.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Beach time! The hotel has its own private beach access. The sand is a different color here, golden like a rich girl's hair. The waves are strong. Spent an amazing time in there, laughing with the tide. I can't believe I haven't been to the beach for so long.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Shower and get ready for dinner. The sun sets early here, and the colours in the sky are breathtaking.
- Dinner (7:30 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant, again. (Ceviche cravings. Don't judge.) Tried the grilled local fish. Delicious, but the ceviche still reigns supreme. Talked with a very nice girl from Ireland. She had the most stunning tan I'd ever seen.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Fell into bed, exhausted but blissfully happy. Jet lag is a real thing, and I was feeling every moment of it, but ready for the first night of my trip.
Day 2: Surfing, Sunburn, and the Quest for Coffee
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up with the sun (and a mild sunburn from yesterday). My first thought: "Coffee. MUST. HAVE. COFFEE." Searched for the coffee. The staff was so lovely and showed me around where to find it.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Surf lesson! Okay, so I'm pretty sure I look like a graceful swan. But, as it turns out, I look more like a deranged seal trying to mate with a surfboard. The instructor was patient, even when I face-planted into the waves for the millionth time, but I'm really proud of the progress I've made.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Spent some time laughing at myself.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Relaxed. The food here is amazing. It's easy to see what a great hotel this is. Ordered the tuna tartare. Absolutely delicious.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): More beach, more sun, more sunscreen. I'm learning! The waves are a little less daunting today, and I'm actually starting to feel the "stoke."
- Evening (6:00 PM): Some pool time. I had a sunset cocktail. The perfect end to a perfect day.
- Dinner (7:30 PM): I was in the mood for Italian. I ordered pasta. It was actually the best pasta I've ever had.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Fell asleep.
Day 3: Rain, Relaxation, and a Renewed Appreciation for Towel Warmers
- Morning (8:00 AM): Rain. POURING. Like, "Noah's Ark might be necessary" pouring. My pristine beach plans? Officially washed away. But hey, this is the tropics. Embrace the weather!
- Morning (9:00 AM): I ate a lot of food. I went to the spa. The spa was amazing, relaxing massages, and an amazing coffee.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): In my room and read a book.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): I went to the gym.
- Evening (6:00 PM): I went for a beer with some new friends.
- Dinner (7:30 PM): I ate in the hotel.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable sadness)
- Morning (7:00 AM): One last glorious sunrise! The smell of the ocean, the jungle sounds… I'm going to miss this place. BIG TIME.
- Morning (8:00 AM): A final, desperate attempt at ceviche. Success! (And possibly a slight ceviche-induced addiction forming.)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Check-out. Snapped a million photos of the hotel, the beach, everything. Trying to capture a piece of this magic to take home with me. Saying goodbye to the staff felt like saying goodbye to friends. Seriously, the service here is impeccable.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Private transfer back to the airport. Same reggaeton, slightly less awkward head-nodding this time. I think I might have actually learned a few Spanish phrases. Maybe.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Fly back to the real world. Already planning my return. Costa Rica, you have my heart. And my stomach, thanks to that ceviche.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- Mosquitoes: They're relentless. Pack bug spray. Seriously. And maybe a hazmat suit.
- The monkeys: They're adorably mischievous. Keep your food locked up!
- The staff: They're the heart and soul of this place. Genuine smiles, impeccable service, always willing to help. They make you feel like family.
- The sunsets: Prepare to cry. Happy tears, of course. But still.
- My luggage: Is a mess. I packed way too much stuff. And now I feel like I need new luggage.
Final Thoughts:
This trip? Epic. (Yes, I'm using the word again. Sue me!). The Epic Tamarindo Luxury Boutique Hotel? Worth every single penny. The food, the service, the location… it's all just… perfection. I'm leaving here refreshed, inspired, and with a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life: sunshine, waves, ceviche, and the sound of the jungle. And hey, maybe I'll learn to surf one day. Or, at least, not face-plant quite so often.
Hamamatsu's Hidden Gem: Ascent Plaza Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
So, Escape to Paradise: Is it REALLY paradise? Like, for real?
Paradise? Okay, let's be real. It’s *close*. I mean, palm trees swaying, the scent of saltwater, the sound of the waves... Yeah, it's got the ingredients. I went in expecting… well, a brochure come to life. And honestly? It mostly was. The pool? Instagram-worthy. The cocktails? Dangerous levels of yum. But paradise? Uh, no. Paradise is, like, a philosophical concept. This place? This place is *gloriously* flawed, just like me.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they worth the hype (and the price tag)?
Alright, the rooms. Okay. The *rooms*. Look, I splurged. I went for the ocean view suite because, well, *treat yo' self*, right? The view? Breathtaking. Seriously. Woke up every morning to that vibrant blue, and it was enough to make me momentarily forget my crippling student loan debt. The bed? Cloud-like. Felt like I was sleeping on a giant marshmallow.
BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?), the AC unit sounded like a dying pterodactyl. First night? Toss, turn, sweat. Second night? Called reception (more on *that* later). They fixed it, eventually. And the water pressure in the shower? Let's just say I felt like I was being gently misted. Small price to pay? Maybe. Depends how much you value your sleep and a proper shower.
Okay, the food. Spill the tea. Is it as good as the pictures make it look?
The FOOD. Oh my GOD, the food. The breakfast buffet? Heaven. Fresh fruit, pancakes that practically melted in your mouth, and STRONG (and I mean *strong*) Costa Rican coffee. Lunch at the beach bar? Seriously good fish tacos. Dinner at the main restaurant? Mostly stellar, but... (Here it comes). One night, I ordered the surf and turf. The surf was perfection. The turf? Well, let's just say I think the cow had a bad day. It was chewy. *Very* chewy. I should have sent it back, but I'm British. Confrontation? Never. I just, you know, discreetly fed it to the stray cat lurking beneath my table. No judgment.
What about the service? Is everyone actually *that* friendly?
The service is generally fantastic. Everyone smiled, everyone was helpful, and yes, some of them are *genuinely* friendly. Which, honestly, is a nice change from the robotic interactions you get in some fancy hotels.
BUT… I had a little incident with the aforementioned AC. It took, oh, about four calls and a visit from a very confused technician to fix it. And even THEN, it still wasn't perfect. But I’m a forgiving soul. Mostly.
Okay, the pool. How crowded is it, and is it as good as it looks in the photos?
The pool. *Sigh*. The pool is glorious. The pictures don't lie. It's stunning. Infinity edge, ocean views, swim-up bar… Seriously, pure bliss.
The crowding situation? That's a mixed bag. During the day, it can get a little… shall we say *lively*. Kids splashing, people hogging the prime sunbeds (yes, I'm judging). But, if you’re an early bird like me (or, more accurately, if the dying pterodactyl-AC unit gets you up early), the pool is pure, unadulterated joy. Sunrise swim with the ocean in view? Worth it.
What's the vibe like? Is it all couples and honeymooners, or is there a mix?
Vibe check! Okay. Lots of couples. Honeymooners? Yes, a fair few. But also families, groups of friends… it's not *exclusively* lovebirds, thank god. I was traveling solo, and I didn't feel out of place. There’s a certain… let's call it *relaxed luxury* vibe. People are chilled, friendly, not overly stuffy. Think more "chic beach bum" than "strait-laced socialite." Thank goodness.
What about activities? Anything besides swimming and sunbathing?
Oh, absolutely. They've got the usual suspects: surfing lessons, yoga classes, snorkeling trips. I tried the surfing lessons. Let's just say I spent most of my time underwater. My instructor was a lovely, patient man who kindly refrained from laughing at my pathetic attempts to stand up. The yoga? Much more my speed (as long as you don't count the time I face-planted during a sun salutation). They also had a spa. I didn’t go because, again, student loans.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes and no. They *accept* children. There's a kids' club, which is pretty cool. But the overall vibe is more geared towards adults. So, if you're looking for a full-on family holiday, maybe not ideal. If you want some peace and quiet to sip a cocktail by the pool while your kids are entertained, then it works. But a romantic getaway? Pretty much a guarantee.
Okay, the location. Tamarindo itself... what's the deal?
Tamarindo? Fun. Busy. Touristy, for sure. But also vibrant, with good restaurants, bars, and a cool beach vibe. Escape to Paradise is a little outside the main drag– which is a huge PLUS! You can easily get to the main town, but you can escape the crowds when you need to. And trust me, you *will* need to at some point. After a couple of days, I was SO glad to retreat back to the quiet of the hotel.
Would you go back?
