In a time where we’re all traveling less, our travels need to be better. More immersive, more meaningful, more revitalizing, and as stress-free as possible. Escapes located in remote natural settings or small communities like most of the Cayuga Collection Hotels are in great demand. And of course, we need to feel safe in this new place of refuge.
As we’ve begun to reopen our hotels, resorts and lodges in Costa Rica this month, we are finding that more and more guests are asking for buyouts, a trend recently noted in the Skift Magazine article “The best Way to Social Distance on Vacation is to Rent the Entire Hotel.” And in the case of the Cayuga Collection, taking over one of our properties may mean that you also get the benefit of having your own private island.
So let’s look at the options here.
The Hotel Aguas Claras is the only luxury boutique hotel on the entire Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, and the favorite beach escape for well-traveled residents of San Jose. Tucked amidst lush tropical gardens, the hotel feels like an oasis on a road that ‘dead ends’ at a National Refuge connecting Costa Rica with the border of Panama. The privacy and seclusion of Hotel Aguas Claras have enticed several buyouts, including just last year when a famous Hollywood celebrity chose to celebrate his 50th birthday here. Hotel Aguas Claras can accommodate a maximum of 36 guests, across 12 units and includes a poolside restaurant, a yoga Shala, bicycles for exploring Puerto Viejo and direct access to a beach club restaurant and secluded beach with crystal clear water and tropical reefs. Daily buyout rates for renting out the whole hotel start at $6,800 including breakfast and tax, but are negotiable depending on the time of the year and number of guests. The minimum stay is three nights. The owners’ connections with local artists and musicians make Hotel Aguas Claras an especially fun place to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary with friends who want to dance the night away to live Reggae & Calypso music.
With only eight ocean-view suites, Kura, perched on a hilltop overlooking Uvita, Costa Rica, is straight out of a Bond Movie The sunsets over the infinity pool are legendary and the striking architecture of the property + ultra-exclusive location led Forbes Magazine to deem Kura “The most glamorous resort in Costa Rica.” Check them out on Instagram. Kura is an adults-only hotel and is best for couples or friends who want unbeatable views, sleek & stylish accommodations, and the adventure that comes with exploring the rainforests, mangroves, and waves of Costa Rica’s wild southern Pacific Coast. Daily buyout rates for up to 16 guests start at $9,700 including breakfast and tax but are negotiable depending on the time of the year & occupancy. The minimum stay is three nights.
Then there is Isla Palenque, our 400-acre, private, tropical island resort in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui, one of the best places to see humpback whales during their annual migration. The island features seven secluded beaches, tropical forests, hidden coves, and several archeological sites that lend clues to the island’s past inhabitants. It’s the perfect escape to disconnect from city living and reconnect with nature, whether you join a guided birding hike, take a kayak out for a paddle, or simply meditate on the lapping waves. Isla Palenque boasts 8 beachfront casitas and a 6-bedroom villa located on its own private beach. Buyouts of the entire island (for a maximum occupancy of 30 people) start at $11,400 per night and include all meals, guided excursions & and taxes. Smaller groups may opt to take over the Villa Estate, which can accommodate up to 12 adults and 2 children between six rooms. The minimum night stay for buying out the entire property is four nights and rates are negotiable based upon occupancy.
Our other private island property is Jicaro Island Lodge, located on Lake Nicaragua, just a short boat ride from the colorful colonial jewel of Granada. It is the perfect escape for a family reunion, wellness retreat or getaway among friends and an ideal, peaceful base camp for exploring the volcanos, lakes and artisan towns that this region of Nicaragua is known for. Jicaro Island Lodge consists of nine casitas, an open air restaurant and bar, spa and yoga platform. The island has hosted private weddings, birthday parties and retreats previously, and our local staff go the extra mile to ensure your stay is magical. Daily buyout rates for 18 guests start at $4,900 with all meals and taxes included and are negotiable based upon occupancy. Minimum stay is three nights.
The two larger Cayuga Collection Hotels, Arenas del Mar Resort in Manuel Antonio (37 rooms & suites) and Senda Monteverde in the Cloudforest of Monteverde (28 rooms) may be slightly larger than what is typically considered ideal for private takeover, but both properties are located on secluded pieces of land within or adjacent to private nature reserves and are ideal for small corporate retreats, workshops or nature groups. Arenas Del Mar is also a popular venue for intimate weddings on the beach and we can recommend an experienced local event planner to help coordinate all of the details for your special day. Daily buyout rates for Arenas del Mar start at $33,200 including breakfast and tax and rates for Senda Monteverde start at $12,200 including breakfast and tax. The minimum stay for a buyout at either property is three nights.
Interested in a private getaway? Contact info@cayugaonline.com. We are happy to organize private charter flights, helicopter transfers, or ground transfers as well as private tours and activities to ensure a completely curated and exclusive travel experience for just your group of friends or family.
