Renovated
2025
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
Brutalist jungle roost
An open-air concrete lobby features a living palm tree rising through the ceiling and an ever-burning firepit for intention rituals.
“Concrete was the main material used throughout, with black wood accents inspired by Japanese Shou Sugi Ban, art by Costa Rican painter Mael Victory...”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Brutalist concrete meets wabi-sabi warmth, pairing lava-stone soaking tubs, palm-filled courtyards, and open-air pavilions.
Notable
Thoughtful hospitality includes welcome charcoal refreshments, attentive concierge excursions, and complimentary shuttles down to Playa Guiones.
Notable
A jungle sanctuary with daily yoga classes, cacao ceremonies, an outdoor cold plunge, and dry sauna.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
There’s a slow burn to Esh Hotel, a retreat where fire is both inspiration and ritual.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Perched in the Las Huacas hills, the retreat sits above the protected surf breaks of Playa Guiones and Pelada Beach.
The rooms
Rooms pair raw concrete with blackened timber and artisan textiles, while ground-floor suites open to semi-outdoor double rain showers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A three-tiered swimming pool steps down through jungle foliage, lined with cushioned loungers beneath thatched palapa eaves.
The spa, sauna, and studio
Vitalis Spa hosts sound journeys and cacao rituals. A cedar sauna and open-air yoga deck sit steps away.
Dogs stay too.
Almar Restaurant
Open-air palapa tables serve Mexican Pacific seafood and farm produce rooted in Nicoya Blue Zone longevity principles.
Ember & Ash Bar
Bartenders shake mezcal cocktails and charcoal-infused drinks beside the pool under a curved concrete pavilion.
At the table
The lounge serves health-focused à la carte breakfasts under the warm glow of an open-air thatched pavilion.
How it began
Taking its name from the Hebrew word for flame, the retreat was created by hotelier Jaime Bravo around elemental fire rituals.
Good to know
Stay here
Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels
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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.