Coffee, rain forests, eco lodges, zip lining, and lizards. These are typically what come to mind when one thinks about Costa Rica. As someone who has traveled to this beautiful country half a dozen times, those used to be my thoughts, too. However, a recent stay at Los Altos De Eros, located 20 minutes outside of Tamarindo in the northwest province of Guanacaste, recently changed that. Los Altos De Eros claims that they are “somewhere between heaven and earth” and while that is an incredibly bold statement, after an amazing stay at this property, I couldn’t think of a better description.
After a 20 minute drive winding around switchbacks up a dirt road, I began to doubt my decision to stay at this property. That is until the van came to a stop and I stepped out on top of a mountain with a 360 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. I heard nothing but the sounds of chirping birds and howling monkeys, saw a clear blue sky and smelled fresh flowers. These were what a stay in Costa Rica was supposed to offer.
Los Altos De Eros is a 5 bedroom all-inclusive resort with each room surrounding an infinity pool. Typically, the words – all-inclusive – tend to make me run the other way. I visualize buffet lines, lousy cocktails, frustrated guests, dinner reservation requirements, and sub-par service. However, LADE (as Los Altos De Eos is affectionately referred to) has completely changed my mind about this, as it’s what “all-inclusive” should be. Calvin Haskell, the property’s dedicated owner, has made sure of that. At check-in when you’re handed a delicious smoothie made from the freshest fruit by the property’s chef, you’ll know that you’ve made a wise choice. A dedicated “personal assistant” escorts you to your private bungalow with an outdoor shower. Instructions are given on how to enjoy the property; relax, and let one of LADE’s 28 member staff do the planning for you. With a maximum of 10 guests at this exclusive resort, that’s almost a 3:1 ratio of staff to guest for all you math buffs. This is practically unheard for all-inclusive stays.
A typical day at Los Altos De Eros begins with either sunrise yoga in the onsite ashram or a hike throughout the property and the local town, escorted by an official body guard (a sweet chocolate Labrador Retriever). Fresh Costa Rican coffee is brewed to be enjoyed lying by the pool while the chefs whip up a custom Costa Rican breakfast (complete with a side of beans and rice). After breakfast, you can have a personalized spa treatment or be shuttled into town where you can shop, surf, go zip lining or ATV-ing through the rainforest. Lunch is always freshly prepared and usually served poolside. Most guests spend the afternoon either in the spa or sunbathing before catching the dramatic Costa Rican sunset. On some nights live music is played in preparation for that while guests enjoy refreshing caipirinhas, perfectly chilled wines or the local Costa Rican beer. Excitement builds for the four course dinner each night and it’s served family style while guests share the day’s activities and make plans for tomorrow’s adventures. On certain nights, guests can opt to participate in the on-site cooking classes where they will help prepare dinner side by side with the executive chef and learn some Costa Rican culinary secrets. And if you’ve been lucky enough on your deep sea outing to catch a big one, you can bring it to the kitchen and have it prepared for everyone.
Los Altos De Eros is also home to Spa De Eros, a destination spa where guests enjoy special pricing. Throughout the day it’s not uncommon to see guests from the other resorts in Tamarindo make the 20 minute trek to spend the day there, all the while admiring how beautiful the property is and vowing to “stay here next time.” The spa, carved into the mountainside, is open air and complete with a waterfall and thatched roofs. Spa treatments take place overlooking the jungle where you’ll hear nothing but silence except for the sounds of the animals bustling in the flora and fauna below. The Spa has five private rooms, a heated hydro-therapy pool, a Balinese soaking tub, and padded teak lounge chairs that allow you to fully enjoy the experience. Whether it’s a massage, body wrap, facial, or manicure, all treatments feature 100% pure and natural Costa Rican fruits, vegetables, nuts, minerals, coffee, and raw sugar. For those looking for romance, the spa can be rented out for the evening for private sunset massages followed by a secluded steak and lobster dinner served in the spa.
Los Altos De Eros is truly is a hidden gem, a very special place, and now one of my all time favorite hotels. It’s no wonder why TripAdvisor.Com consistently provides the property a Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Service and Top Luxury Lodging.
The country code for Costa Rica is 506