The Gilded Iguana

Overview

The Gilded Iguana is a chic, contemporary hotel located just a stone’s throw from Costa Rica’s Playa Guiones, a stunning seven-kilometre stretch of beach in the north west of the country. Due to the consistent surf break here, the hotel is known first and foremost as a top surfers’ retreat, but it will also appeal to anyone into mountain biking or yoga retreats. Originally opened back in 1988, the hotel has generated significant growth in Nosara but, despite its increasing popularity, the town still maintains a certain undeveloped charm and the Gilded Iguana provides the perfect spot to ‘escape the rat race’ and unwind.

All of the hotel’s rooms are modern, spacious and air conditioned with high ceilings that let in plenty of natural light. Each room has its own outdoor living space complete with seating area and shower, along with an indoor bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and a minibar. All guests are provided with a key to their own surf board locker. There are four categories of room ranging from the more economic Surf Rooms, to the impressive Surfer Suite, which is the hotel’s largest and most expensive option – all come with complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are popular with visitors and locals alike; the food is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisine, and there are live music evenings. There’s also a lovely spa offering a good range of treatments.

Without a doubt one of the key features of the hotel is its surf school which is open to everyone regardless of experience or skill level. Lessons are available for advanced surfers as well as complete beginners, and the retail surf shop sells surfboards and other essentials. Handily enough, the beach is just a short 200 metre walk from the hotel. While it’s true that surfing naturally dominates the property, there are plenty of other activities on offer. For example, the hotel has its own mountain bike centre with bike rentals and a number of two-hour guided excursions to choose from, along with birdwatching, snorkelling, paddle boarding and boat excursions.

The hotel is child-friendly and there are plenty of flexible accommodation options – some of the suites have bunkbeds and some house more than one double bed. Youngsters will love the large swimming pool and the beach and there’s plenty for all age groups to do in the area.

Nearby Alternatives

Harmony Hotel

Nosara

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

- Upmarket hotel with chilled-out feel
- Direct beach access, yoga, wellbeing spa
- Surfing for all experience levels
- Snorkelling, kayaking, biking

Lagarta Lodge

Nosara

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

- High-end Boutique Hotel
- Surfing, hiking, kayaking, zip lining
- 2 infinity pools, spa, yoga classes
- Costa Rica's best sunsets

Suggested Itineraries for The Gilded Iguana

Costa Rica Highlights for Families

Two week self-drive Costa Rica family holiday covering all the highlights including Tortugeuro, Arenal, Monteverde Rain Forest, Nosara Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Tailor-made Classic 15 days

From $2,820 per person

Costa Rica Adventure For Families

2 week adventure including surfing in Nosara, rafting Pacuare River and tubing and canyoning at Rio Perdido. Classic rainforest and beachside accommodation.

Tailor-made Luxury 2 weeks

From $3,047 per person

Costa Rica Luxury Surf Holiday

The ultimate Costa Rica holiday for surfers and their families. Explore Arenal Volcano, surf in hip Nosara and surf and see the wildlife in the stunning Osa Peninsula.

Tailor-made Luxury 2 weeks

From $5,999 per person

Costa Rica Highlights - Value

Superb value self drive Costa Rica holiday designed for those on a tight budget with comfortable 3* accommodation. Includes Tortugeuro NP, Arenal Volcano and the Pacific Coast beaches.

Tailor-made Classic 10 days

From $2,018 per person

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Overview