Hotel Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Morning light slips through banana leaves and spills across hand-painted tiles; the air smells of hibiscus and sea salt. 

Tucked in Puerto Viejo, Limón, Hotel Aguas Claras is an intimate jungle escape of just 6 villas, steps from the Caribbean’s pale turquoise shallows. 

Think vintage Caribbean charm, tropical gardens buzzing with hummingbirds, and slow days that blur between beach and canopy. It feels like staying in an artist’s hideaway—because it is.

What Makes It Special

• Boutique scale (6 villas) for true privacy and a residential rhythm.
• Jungle setting a coconut’s toss from the beach—monkeys are your quiet neighbors.
• Artist-owned aesthetic: curated antiques, bold tropical palettes, original art.
• Pool and beach club vibe: wander from hammock to sea and back again.
• Conscious hospitality with local sourcing and a low-impact ethos.

A Day at Hotel Aguas Claras

Morning

Barefoot to the verandah: papaya and pineapple glisten on a plate, and Costa Rican coffee steams in the cup. Cicadas tick like a metronome while a sloth drowses in the almond tree. You stroll the sandy path to the Caribbean; the water is the temperature of a warm bath.

Afternoon

Back at your villa, the ceiling fan is whispering, and linen curtains are breathing with the breeze. Lunch is shrimp with lime and herbs and plantains caramel-sweet. You bike to a hidden cove; the reef flickers with parrotfish and rays.

Evening

Golden hour paints the hibiscus a deeper red. A mezcal-lime cocktail at the pool; the scent of ylang-ylang drifts through the garden. Dinner brings coconut rice and just-caught snapper, a hint of chile warming the finish.

Night

Rain begins, soft and steady on the leaves; the jungle becomes an orchestra. You read under a rattan lamp until the tree frogs take over the lullaby.

Insider tips for Hotel Aguas Claras

• Bring mosquito repellent, especially at dawn/dusk.
• The on-site wellness programs (yoga, massages) are excellent.
• The on-site restaurant is stylish and uses local ingredients; expect light, fresh, creative meals.
• Parking is private, free, and secure, a rarity in Puerto Viejo.
• Don’t leave food outside—you’ll meet raccoons and curious jungle visitors.
• Expect to see sloths, toucans, monkeys, and iguanas right from your veranda.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Gallery in the green—artist-curated interiors turn every villa into a little museum of Caribbean color.
• Steps-to-sea simplicity—sandy-foot living with reef snorkeling before breakfast.
• Tastes of the tropics—coconut, cacao, and citrus woven through the menu, sourced from nearby fincas.
• Beach-cruiser freedom—bikes at the ready for coves, cafes, and craft stalls along the coast.
• Low-key luxury—linen, wood, and handmade pieces that whisper rather than shout.

For Whom

For couples: secluded verandahs, candlelit dinners, starry beach walks.
For design lovers: hand-picked antiques, bold patterns, and art that tells a story.
For slow travelers/remote workers: tranquil corners, good coffee, and nature’s white noise.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica—~1 hr from Limón Airport; ~4.5–5 hrs by road from San José (SJO)
Rooms: 6 artful villas (some with private gardens/porches)
Rates: From USD 373 (worth it for true privacy, beach access, and thoughtful design)
Best for: Couples, design-forward beach lovers, eco-minded travelers
Style: Boutique, Villa—tropical, airy, art-led