National Geographic recommends Olas Verdes Hotel for Costa Rica’s Green Season

Black-heated trogon at Olas Verdes Hotel

National Geographic recommends Olas Verdes Hotel for Costa Rica’s Green Season

We’re honored to share that National Geographic Travel recently featured Olas Verdes Hotel as one of its recommended places to stay while exploring Guanacaste during Costa Rica’s beautiful green season.

In her July 10 article, travel writer Sunny Fitzgerald highlights why visiting destinations like Playa Guiones, Nosara, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Ostional between May and October offers travelers the chance to experience Costa Rica at its most vibrant, when forests, rivers, wildlife, and landscapes come alive after the first seasonal rains.

That couldn’t resonate more with us.

Why the Green Season Is One of the Best Times to Visit Guanacaste

Just a few days ago, our naturalist guide, José Acuña, shared photographs taken along Playa Guiones that perfectly captured the dramatic transformation between the dry season and the green season. The contrast is remarkable. The forests become lush, wildlife becomes more active, and every walk through the refuge reveals something new.

Unlike many destinations, Costa Rica doesn’t experience four distinct seasons. Instead, we enjoy two equally beautiful ones. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, while the green season brings refreshing afternoon showers that nourish the forests and create some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

A Boutique Hotel That Connects You with Nature and Local Culture

For travelers seeking nature, fewer crowds, excellent surf, incredible wildlife, and authentic local experiences, many of us believe this is one of the very best times to visit Guanacaste.

We’re especially grateful that National Geographic recognized Olas Verdes Hotel as a place where travelers can truly connect with the destination.

As Sunny Fitzgerald writes:

“With surfboard rentals, daily yoga classes, complimentary bikes, and guided walks through the refuge, guests have everything for a quintessential Costa Rica experience.”

Those experiences reflect what we’ve always hoped to offer; not simply a place to sleep, but a way to experience Nosara through its people, nature, and culture.

Experience Nosara at Your Own Pace

Our guests return year after year because Olas Verdes sits beside the Ostional-Nosara National Wildlife Refuge, just a short walk from the legendary surf of Playa Guiones. The private jungle trail connecting the hotel to the beach allows visitors to experience the sounds, wildlife, and beauty of the forest before stepping onto one of Costa Rica’s most pristine beaches.

Whether you’re planning a surfing vacation, a wellness retreat, a wildlife adventure, or simply looking for a peaceful boutique hotel in Nosara, our team is here to help you make the most of your stay. From airport transportation and guided nature walks to bicycle rides through Playa Guiones and unforgettable visits to witness the famous sea turtle arribadas at Playa Ostional, we’ll help you experience Guanacaste at your own pace.

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica during the green season, we’d be honored to welcome you.

Explore our suites, experiences, and availability, or contact our reservations team; we’d love to help you discover why National Geographic believes this corner of Costa Rica deserves to be experienced.

reservations@olasverdeshotel.com

Looking for an All-Inclusive Hotel in Nosara?

A tourist exploring Nosara. Culture inmersion

Many travelers begin planning their Costa Rica vacation by searching for an all-inclusive hotel. It’s easy to see why: the convenience of having accommodation, meals, and activities bundled together can make budgeting and planning easier while alleviating some common vacation stressors.

Aside from a few wellness and yoga retreats offering meal and activity packages, you will not find a traditional all-inclusive resort in Nosara. Instead, you will find a small beach town that has grown organically around independent hotels, locally owned businesses, and a community-centered way of life that prides itself on warm welcomes, enriched experiences, and effortless vacations.

That difference is part of what makes Nosara so special.

The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you’re an independent traveler or prefer the added assurances of an included meal and a local concierge to do the planning, Nosara is sure to captivate.

Instead of large all-inclusive resort properties, most accommodations in Nosara are independent boutique hotels and vacation rentals, many of which are locally owned or managed, with teams that live in the community and care about helping guests enjoy the best of Nosara.  

These alternative stays offer greater personal service, stronger connections with local hosts, and a more authentic experience of the region. Breakfast, suite-style rooms, and concierge services are included at several hotels, and most have pools where you can play, lounge, and sip tropical beverages.

With a collection of beaches, trails, restaurants, shops, wellness studios, surf schools, and gathering places, all connected by a shared appreciation for nature and community, Nosara is also a destination to be explored.

One evening, you may enjoy fresh seafood at a cozy restaurant. The next morning, stop for specialty coffee before a surf lesson. Later, discover a “pipa” stand, a local art gallery, or a sunset viewpoint recommended by someone you met that day.

In Nosara, you have options.

More Than a Vacation

Nosara offers an incredible variety of experiences. Surfing, yoga, horseback riding, mountain biking, sea kayaking, wildlife tours, and massage treatments are just the beginning.

The culinary scene alone surprises many visitors. Along Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, you’ll find everything from casual cafés and food trucks to sophisticated dining experiences rivaling those in much larger destinations. The quality, creativity, and diversity of the food scene often exceed expectations for a small beach town tucked between the jungle and the Pacific Ocean.

Some of the most memorable moments, however, are often the simplest: watching monkeys move through the trees, walking a jungle trail between neighborhoods, sharing a conversation with a local business owner, enjoying a fresh coconut after the beach, or accidentally finding your new favorite café.

These experiences cannot be discovered in a fixed package, and that’s exactly what many visitors love about Nosara.

Supporting the Community

For many travelers, there is a bonus to Nosara’s independent hospitality model. When you stay at a boutique hotel, dine at local restaurants, shop at neighborhood stores, book activities with local operators, or enjoy treats from small vendors, your travel spending circulates directly through the community. It supports local families, entrepreneurs, and employees, as well as conservation efforts that help preserve Nosara’s character.

In a destination surrounded by protected forests, wildlife refuges, and sensitive coastal ecosystems, this community-based approach helps maintain the qualities that attract visitors here in the first place.

Is Nosara Right for You?

If you’re seeking beautiful beaches, exceptional dining, meaningful experiences, outdoor adventure, and a genuine connection to the place you visit, Nosara is the all-inclusive community offering something rare: the freedom to discover a destination rather than simply consume it.

Ready for the adventure?  We would love to assist you with the arrangements at reservations@olasverdeshotel.com – www.olasverdeshotel.com

 

Finding the Best Breakfast in Nosara: A Parent’s Guide to Starting Your Day Right

Best places for breakfast in Nosara, check El Manglar

Ever wondered how to choose the best breakfast spot in Nosara, or anywhere you travel?

As a parent and frequent traveler, I’ve learned that breakfast can make or break your vacation day. One bad meal, and suddenly your beach adventure turns into an unexpected bathroom emergency, not exactly the Costa Rican experience you had in mind!

After countless conversations with fellow travelers in Nosara, I’ve discovered we all share the same top priorities when searching for breakfast restaurants.

Food Safety & Freshness Come First

Let’s be honest, when you’re on vacation, especially in a tropical paradise like Nosara, the last thing you want is to spend your day feeling unwell. That’s why food safety standards and ingredient freshness are non-negotiable for most of us.

I’ve learned to look for restaurants that proudly showcase their fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Yes, these breakfast spots might cost a bit more than a roadside vendor, but there’s a reason: quality ingredients and proper food handling come at a higher cost. As my grandmother always said, “You get what you pay for”, and when it comes to your family’s health, it’s worth every colón.

Beyond Safety: What Makes a Great Breakfast Spot?

Staying healthy is priority number one, but when you’re traveling with family (and if you’ve been to Nosara during school vacation, you know it’s the family destination), other factors matter just as much.

Dietary Options for Everyone

Whether you have a vegan teenager, a gluten-free partner, or a picky eater who somehow survives on only three food items, finding a breakfast restaurant in Nosara that accommodates different dietary needs is crucial. The best breakfast places understand this and offer variety without compromising quality.

A Welcoming, Family-Friendly Atmosphere

There’s something magical about watching your kids eagerly try gallo pinto for the first time or seeing them devour fresh tropical fruit they can’t get back home. When everyone at the table feels comfortable and excited to explore new flavors (while still having familiar options available), breakfast becomes more than just a meal, it’s part of the adventure!

How to Find the Best Breakfast Restaurants in Nosara

Nosara has several excellent breakfast spots that check all these boxes, and they’re easy to identify once you know what to look for. I trust my instincts when I walk into a place; clean spaces, happy staff, and bustling tables are all good signs; but I also check reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. It’s just an extra layer of confidence, especially when traveling with family.

Our Family’s Go-To Breakfast Spots in Nosara

During our last trip to Nosara with another family, we stayed in a vacation rental home and made a point of exploring the local breakfast scene. We wanted authentic Costa Rican flavors alongside international favorites (because, let’s face it, my youngest orders practically the same thing every single day, no matter where we are).

Our top three breakfast restaurants in Nosara are:

Each offers that perfect balance of traditional Tico breakfast dishes, fresh local ingredients, family-friendly service, and options for various dietary preferences. Starting your morning at any of these spots means you’re fueled up and ready for whatever adventure Nosara has in store; whether that’s surfing, yoga, wildlife watching, hiking, or simply enjoying the beautiful Guiones beach.

Ready to find your perfect breakfast in Nosara?

Look for restaurants that prioritize fresh ingredients, offer diverse menu options, and create a welcoming atmosphere for families. Your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you.

Ingredients and preparation are key for a delcious and healthy breakfast in Nosara