Playa Danta Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Casa ChameleonCliffside ocean hideaway
Perched on a Guanacaste ridge, open timber decks and a zero-edge infinity pool look out over quiet Pacific sunsets.
“Set in the town of Las Catalinas, it features 21 villas with saltwater plunge pools and ocean views.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Canopied king beds with fine linens, dedicated concierge planning, and private saltwater infinity plunge pools on clifftop terraces.
Notable
Cliffside timber villas featuring retractable walls, handcrafted Costa Rican furnishings, cool tile floors, and expansive open-air ocean decks.
Notable
Multiple ocean-view dining venues, a central infinity pool, and direct access to coastal hiking and biking trails.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The look is clean and modern, yet romantic enough for your honeymoon — it’s an adults-only hotel, after all.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The pedestrianized village of Las Catalinas and the calm cove of Playa Danta sit directly below for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The rooms
Each cliffside villa features a private saltwater infinity plunge pool, canopied king bed, and open terrace overlooking Danta Bay.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The zero-edge infinity pool stretches along the ridge, reflecting the sky and timber pavilion above Danta Bay.
At the table
Dinner at Sentido Norte brings coastal Costa Rican cooking, marked each evening by sunset cocktails and a torch-lighting ceremony.
The cliffside resort boasts 21 villas, each with a private saltwater plunge pool and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
How it began
Architect Douglas Duany planned the car-free town below to preserve surrounding tropical forest, inspiring this clifftop outpost.
“Set on a hill overlooking Las Catalinas, a coastal town north of Tamarindo, the hotel features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.”
Good to know
Stay here
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
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Las Catalinas
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.