Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
Playa Danta
Vibe
Perched on a Guanacaste ridge, open timber decks and a zero-edge infinity pool look out over quiet Pacific sunsets.
“Cliffside ocean hideaway”
Canopied king beds with fine linens, dedicated concierge planning, and private saltwater infinity plunge pools on clifftop terraces.
Cliffside timber villas featuring retractable walls, handcrafted Costa Rican furnishings, cool tile floors, and expansive open-air ocean decks.
Multiple ocean-view dining venues, a central infinity pool, and direct access to coastal hiking and biking trails.
High on the ridge above car-free Las Catalinas, overlooking Playa Danta and the Pacific coastline.
“The look is clean and modern, yet romantic enough for your honeymoon — it’s an adults-only hotel, after all.”
Rooms
Each cliffside villa features a private saltwater infinity plunge pool, canopied king bed, and open terrace overlooking Danta Bay.
Wellness
Private yoga sessions and tailored massage treatments take place inside your villa, with coastal trails waiting right outside for mountain biking.
Backstory
Architect Douglas Duany planned the car-free town below to preserve surrounding tropical forest, inspiring this clifftop outpost.
Eat & drink
Sentido Norte serves coastal cuisine and sunset cocktails on an airy clifftop terrace, alongside open-fire cooking at La Pampa Grill.
The neighborhood
The pedestrianized village of Las Catalinas and the calm cove of Playa Danta sit directly below for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.