Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas.

Perched on a cliffside above the car-free village of Las Catalinas, this adults-only retreat swaps traditional resort sprawl for a collection of 21 private villas. Each stand-alone suite is a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living, featuring a saltwater plunge pool and direct sightlines of the Guanacaste coast. The design is contemporary but rooted in its environment, using carved wood, tile floors, and canopied beds to create a refined jungle escape. While the central infinity pool and sunset bar offer a social pulse, the focus remains on secluded luxury. Dining centers on Sentido Norte, where the open-air layout complements a menu of farm-to-table Costa Rican flavors. Given its high-point location, expect plenty of steps and steep slopes, all rewarded by panoramic views of the Pacific.