Hotel Sugar Beach

 

UPDATE JUNE 2021:  It is with much regret that we realized our favorite local resort is closed.  "As of October 19, 2020, Sugar Beach Hotel has been sold and the property is undergoing an exciting revitalization project. This project will culminate in a new transformative wellness retreat centre which will remain rooted in the serenity and beauty of the Sugar Beach property but operate as an entirely new brand that will be offering unique experiences."

We have visited this local resort 3 times now.  It's a great place to stay if you want something somewhat remote and local.  The views from the rooms are all great whether you have a view of the pool or some of the foliage with wildlife hanging around... regardless with both views the ocean is right behind and you can hear the ocean waves all day and night.  I can never get enough of that sound... it's scary and exciting as well as calming and relaxing.  Ocean waves can be unpredictable and treacherous yet as they hit the beach, they fizzle out spreading water and calmly becoming quiet.  Love that, but I digress and can write about that later.  Back to the actual reason for this post...

We enjoy staying here a few days at the beginning of each trip when it's just the 2 of us.  One day we may bring the kids, but we enjoy the beauty, quiet, and simplicity of this place.  We feel that would be wasted with little appreciation from the younger crowd in our household... and they are never quiet, so that defeats the purpose of our wanting to retreat here to relax!  Another reason for us not to bring our boys would be the beach area... it's beautiful,  but rocky, so swimming and playing in the ocean here can be dangerous.

 I enjoy laying on the beach reading and watching the numerous species of butterflies fluttering around.  If you really want to spend your days swimming in the ocean, then I would suggest another beach and there are probably a few nearby worth the trip.  The pool is divine and that's where I enjoy my swimming and cooling off from the day.  It's nice and shady, yet enough sun if you want to soak up some rays.  It's an infinity style pool with a nice view through some foliage and the ocean right beyond.  I like to float and hang out on the side watching the iguanas and butterflies along with the ocean waves crashing along the shore.
Peaceful.  Relaxing.

The food is always amazing!  Breakfast is included and while there are a few options, our favorite is the Costa Rican Breakfast.  The Tipico -if you want to use the local lingo.  It includes 2 eggs, gallo pinto (seasoned black beans and rice), corn tortillas and fried bananas.  It's delicious and a great way to start the day!

 Their lunch and dinner menus have great options with different daily specials for dinner each night.  If you enjoy seafood with a local Costa Rican flair... go and enjoy!  I like steak and chicken, and they have delicious options for those as well.  I was disappointed that some of my favorites were switched off the menu... chicken fajita nachos, patacones, and bananas flambe, but Victor made that happen because they can sometimes be a bit flexible and make exceptions to the menu rules.  Another perk of being local and small is that you can make special accommodations for special people... and you just can't beat the gorgeous view from the restaurant.  Beautiful!!!

The staff has been pretty much the same since our first visit in June 2013.  Alejandro, Victor, Erick, and Isaac are always there to serve your meals and drinks with a smile.  There is a new guy and I failed to get his name... oops!  I guess we will need to go back again so I can ask...
Since this is a small and local resort, there are not many people around.  In the few times we have stayed in June, I doubt there have been more than 5 other families or couples on the premises.   Granted this is typically the beginning of their "off" and rainy season, so I have no idea what it would be like to go during a peak time.
They have accommodations for larger groups and families, so check them out if you get the chance!   Hotel Sugar Beach