Shaded by almond and frangipani trees - whose white flowers give Florblanca its name, this small resort combines luxury with an intimacy with its natural surroundings. The ten secluded villas are huge and very comfortable, with a semi-alfresco living area and enclosed garden bathroom that invite sea breezes and the sounds of the surrounding forest.

Guests can participate in yoga, take guided nature walks, ride horses or stroll along the beach and admire the crests of the combers that roll in from the Pacific.

Location

Florblanca is situated within the rainforest and behind a rocky beach with rolling surf, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Beautiful Hermosa Beach is 30minutes' walk away.

Access is by all-weather road from the airstrip at Tambor to Malpais, and then a further 20 minutes along a bumpy, sometimes muddy cart track, which runs through the partially cleared forest and the scattered settlements of the surfing town of Santa Teresa. The hotel has a shuttle service (it takes about an hour) to the airstrip. If you're driving, you'll need a 4WD.

Things to do

Guests can relax with a book by the pool or on their patio. On site, opt for a session in the small, open-air gym or participate in yoga or fitness workouts. Other activities include horse riding along farm tracks and the beach, snorkelling or mountain biking. Resident biologist guides offer guided tours through the forest and nearby national parks. Quad bikes can be hired locally to explore the area (but check if this is covered under your travel insurance premium). The ocean has a lot of breakers, and is a popular surfers' playground.

Our comment

"Emphasis is on unobtrusive service (excellent food when we inspected), and a yoga ashram complements the atmosphere of calm. Pacific breezes murmur in the bamboo mobiles that hang in the threshold of each villa."