Hotel Punta Islita wins four top travel awards in 2013

[Danny Solano Alvarez]

Hotel Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of Costa Rica's most awarded hotels, recently gained yet another feather in its cap by being inducted into the travel world's prestigious "Autograph Collection" by Marriott International. The Costa Rica boutique hotel is the 50^th luxury hotel in the world, and the first in Central America, to be added to the exclusive portfolio that prizes travel properties for their uniqueness, elegance, top-of-the-line service, and corporate social responsibility.

Hidden away on a remote stretch of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, overlooking a white sand beach and an azure cove on the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Punta Islita is like no other Costa Rica hotel. Its off-the-beaten-path destination caters to sophisticated travelers and allows you to slow down, deeply relax, and really enjoy your Costa Rica vacation or honeymoon.

The list of Hotel Punta Islita's awards is long and impressive. In just 2013, Hotel Punta Islita was named one of the Best 100 Hotels in the World by Travel & Leisure Magazine, chosen for the Gold List by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, and given a Traveler's Choice Award by TripAdvisor.

Holding the maximum level in the Costa Rican Tourism Board's (ICT) Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program, the five-star eco-hotel showcases the unique design of prominent Costa Rican architect, Ronald Zurcher. The hotel cascades down a hilltop in tiers to the Islita Beach, where their private beach club is located. On Hotel Punta Islita's 300 acres, there is an executive nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa, conference room and two restaurants. The hilltop infinity-pool is one of the most spectacular features. To stay at Hotel Punta Islita, you have the choice between luxury rooms and suites or private villas.

Just because Hotel Punta Islita is secluded, that doesn't mean that it's isolated from the surrounding Costa Rican community. Nearby, you can enjoy Costa Rica eco-adventures like river kayaking, canopy ziplines, wildlife-spotting safaris, night-time sea turtle watching excursions, or bird-watching hikes led by local naturalist guides. The hotel has a private landing strip for small commuter aircraft, with commercial flights operating from San Jose on a regular schedule throughout the year.

Costa Rica Guides can help you with your Costa Rica vacation plans and to make reservations at Hotel Punta Islita. Operated by Expediciones Tropicales, a Costa Rica travel agency with more than 18 years of experience, Costa Rica Guides, assists with hotel reservations, Costa Rica tours, Costa Rica vacation packages, private transportation, rental cars, shuttle services, local flights, and information on what to do, where to go and what to see while you're in Costa Rica.

Article by Shannon Farley