A sophisticated beachside hotel that feels like a home in the jungle

The term “family-friendly” can be a turn-off for many when it comes to travel, but at Silvestre—a newly opened property in Nosara, Costa Rica—what it really translates to is a hotel that feels like a home. Nestled between the beach and the jungle in the Nicoya Peninsula, this four-key property is designed around options: guests can be almost entirely self-reliant, but have access to all the amenities of an upscale hotel. 

Each suite (two that sleep four, one that sleeps five, and a double-family residence that sleeps seven) is remarkably well-equipped. Within 1,000 square meters, each airy space contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a washer, dryer, and an open living space with a full kitchen, dining table and lounge area—as well as a surfboard. Three of the four residences have a private balcony and the ground-floor one boasts a small garden, grill, outdoor dining table, ice bath and sauna.

All guests have access to the stylish basement gym and daily breakfast at the open-air rooftop bar and restaurant. Ideal for a couple of people traveling together, group trips or multi-generational family vacations, the hotel balances their premium offering with an inherently laidback atmosphere.

The communal rooftop space—lined with lush plants and accessible via the stairs or elevator—has a breezy indoor-outdoor setup with the dining and lounging areas protected from the sun and rain, while a few stairs higher, the pool seems to sit in the tree canopy.

Your evening cocktail could be sipped next to a tiny lizard making its way through the rooftop garden. When swimming in the pool, you can watch orange-chinned parakeets playing in the trees. While sipping your morning coffee on your balcony or in your garden, chances are you’ll see a local coati scamper across the fence. Even in the middle of town, it can feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle.

Originally, Nosara was home to the indigenous Chorotega people, whose language has become largely extinct, except for various names in the area—for example, the Nicoya Peninsula is named for the Chorotega chief who ruled when the Spanish conquistadors invaded in the 16th century. While the Chorotega fought for their land, the Spanish enslaved many of them and ultimately used much of the region for farming. In 1824, Nicoya officially became part of what is now Costa Rica, after it separated from the Federal Republic of Central America and became the First Costa Rican Republic. The area remained mostly used for cattle farming, which meant vast amounts of deforestation. 

During the 1970s, a group of foreigners created Proyecto Americano (or the American Project) and purchased several cattle ranches, with a mission to restore the tropical environment while building residences—essentially responsible development. Nosara’s first dirt road came in the late ’70s; electricity arrived in the ’80s. Built in 1977, a kitsch local hotel has its restaurant located on the sand of Playa Guiones, but the community banned further beachfront properties to preserve the ecosystem and protect the thousands of sea turtles that come to lay their eggs each year. There are strict regulations regarding building heights, construction coverage on a lot, and exterior lighting. That means the three-mile Playa Guiones is almost entirely abutted by long grass, shrubs and native trees—making the short walk from Silvestre through the lush green boundary feel like an adventure into the jungle.

Several sections of Silvestre’s structures have been carefully constructed around existing trees (with many more planted after completion) to protect the immediate environment and keep the jungle atmosphere thriving. The property uses a Bionest water-purification system to reuse wastewater for rooftop plants, gardens and landscaping. And they are also a gold sponsor of Costas Verdes—a local non-profit dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems, including Playa Guiones. 

Of course, plenty has changed over the years and what was once a very quiet surf town has seen a lot of development. Opinion seems divided on whether there should be more infrastructure support regarding roads, as most remain unpaved—something to keep in mind when visiting. While many locals have cars, many travelers get around on foot, motorcycles, ATVs or golf carts. The super-approachable and helpful team at Silvestre will book a private car service any time you need a ride further afield.

They are also happy to organize all kinds of activities for guests: sailing and fishing trips; horse-riding; private classes in pilates, yoga, strength training or boxing; and in-room spa treatments ranging from acupuncture to facials and massages. If you’re considering a little more adventure, there are opportunities to drive ATVs, hike to waterfalls, take a dip in swimming holes, go zip-lining and more. Rookie surfers can take lessons right on Playa Guiones—where the waves are consistent—while experts can join a surf boat charter to ride lesser-known breaks.

Whether you’re down to hurtle through riverbeds, climb waterfalls or take a sunset swim at the beach, once you rinse the mud and sand off your feet at the front door of Silvestre, all the spoils of a considered, relaxed, upscale hideaway await.