Nicely hidden by a wilderness personifying dense forest, Almonds and Corals is a  ocean front jungle resort nestled in the heart of the Gandoca-Manzillo Wildlife Refuge. The property is a heady concoction of a charming Caribbean resort, a minimalist, adventure-packed safari camp and a luxurious eco-friendly hotel.  Almonds and Corals is devoted to achieving the right balance between a sustainable accommodation choice and a luxurious getaway. It is manna from heaven for visitors who are after the much written about back-to-nature Costa Rican experience without forgoing luxury and an environmentally conscious attitude. The resort is a luxurious Caribbean destination, with a not-so-minimalist demeanor sporting camping premises featuring tents on stilts of raised wooden platforms, comfortably connected by boardwalks. Sprinkle the resort’s landscape with a golden sand beach, a casual bar along with an unadulterated relaxation offering Jacuzzi (in the threshold of the rainforest) and guests get to witness an almost surreal blend of a chic rustic camping destination. A regular Almonds and Corals day starts with early morning wake-up calls from the howler monkeys and a constant chatter of birds, while ending with a gourmet meal at the forest covered sea front restaurant.

Tours and Amenities

Amenities at Almonds and Corals include a spacious and intimate open-air restaurant flanking the beach, an informal and restful bar (that is the center of all pre and post-dinner conversational exchanges of exciting expeditions). The luxury camping property also features a tastefully appointed Ocean and Jungle Spa Pavillion (providing a full range of wellness treatments such as aroma therapy massages, reflexology and cooling massages using locally sourced natural oils and other indigenous elements).

Visitors can pick from a good selection of action-packed adventure tours and relaxed excursions. Snorkeling buffs make a beeline for the Cahuita and Puerto Vargas National Park, while patrons who savor a more unruffled adventure enjoy the guided walk through a supposedly secret trail that lead into the jungle. Other popular and quirky activities organized by the resort are charming dolphin spotting tours at Punta Mona, kayaking and the aptly named “Crazy Monkey Canopy Ride” (visitors witness the beauty of the tropical rainforest from tree tops via a canopy cable ride). Another favorite expedition with tourists is bike riding through a quaint Caribbean village, to rub shoulders with the locals, while learning about their fascinating everyday lives and adding a slice of unusual native charm to the trip.

Rooms

Almonds and Corals offers 24 safari pavilion style luxury tents, which are elevated and linked through wooden walkways (spectacularly lit up at dusk to accentuate the rustic safari camp appearance) to take visitors into the jungle, open-air restaurant and connected beach. Each tent comes with a palm roof and is plush with features of rustic luxury, created for combing comfort with a heady ‘in communion with nature’ setting. Every suite opens into the forest through a chic wooden paneled door. Apart from this, each suite is also structured like a private balcony that allows guests to enjoy relaxing naps on hammocks amidst lush views of the adjoining tropical rainforest.

Room Prices

The rates for a Jacuzzi Suite are $ 235 USD for single occupancy and $ 300 USD for double occupancy. Each additional adult’s stay is priced at $ 65 USD. The luxuriously appointed Master suites will put you back by $ 315 USD for single and $ 400 USD for double.

In addition to the standard night rates, the resort also lists some exclusive package deals. A 3 nights 4 days Honeymoon package in the Jacuzzi Suite is priced at $ 400 per person for a double. Standard packages include round trip transport facility from San Jose to Almonds and Corals, lodging for the designated nights and breakfast and dinners for the specified number of days.