Esh Hotel & Spa, a Member of Design Hotels
Nosara, Costa Rica
Vibe
An open-air concrete lobby features a living palm tree rising through the ceiling and an ever-burning firepit for intention rituals.
“Brutalist jungle roost”
Brutalist concrete meets wabi-sabi warmth, pairing lava-stone soaking tubs, palm-filled courtyards, and open-air pavilions.
Thoughtful hospitality includes welcome charcoal refreshments, attentive concierge excursions, and complimentary shuttles down to Playa Guiones.
A jungle sanctuary with daily yoga classes, cacao ceremonies, an outdoor cold plunge, and dry sauna.
In the hills of Las Huacas, overlooking the canopy minutes above Playa Guiones.
“There’s a slow burn to Esh Hotel, a retreat where fire is both inspiration and ritual.”
Rooms
Rooms pair raw concrete with blackened timber and artisan textiles, while ground-floor suites open to semi-outdoor double rain showers.
“Concrete was the main material used throughout, with black wood accents inspired by Japanese Shou Sugi Ban, art by Costa Rican painter Mael Victory...”
Wellness
Vitalis Spa combines a dry sauna and cold plunge with cacao ceremonies, yoga sessions, and a three-tiered jungle pool.
Backstory
Taking its name from the Hebrew word for flame, the retreat was created by hotelier Jaime Bravo around elemental fire rituals.
Eat & drink
Under an open palapa, Almar serves fresh Pacific seafood, while poolside bar Ember and Ash pours smoky mezcal cocktails.
The neighborhood
Perched in the Las Huacas hills, the retreat sits above the protected surf breaks of Playa Guiones and Pelada Beach.
More like this
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Sendero Hotel & Villas
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Tierra Magnifica
“Hilltop canopy refuge”
Secluded
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.