Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

The Gilded Iguana, in the heart of Nosara

The Gilded Iguana has been part of Nosara since 1986, in the heart of the town and a short way from Playa Guiones, one of the most consistent surf beaches on the Pacific coast. It suits surfers, yoga lovers and active families who want to be in the middle of Nosara's easy, healthy pace.

Nosara has no high-rise condos and no fast food, and the Gilded Iguana fits that: low buildings, gardens, and a crowd that is up early for the waves.

Why we choose it

• Made for surfers. There is a surf club and athletics center on the property, and Playa Guiones has waves for every level, all year.
• Families welcome. Families and children are welcome, and the Surfer Suite sleeps 6, which makes it one of the easier surf hotels for a family trip.
• A Nosara institution. It has been here since 1986, so the restaurant is also where the town meets, and you feel part of Nosara rather than visiting it.

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Rooms and views

The rooms are generous. The Surfer Room, at 35 square metres, sleeps 2. The Premium rooms, at 52 square metres, come with one king bed or two queens, and the Premium Plus rooms add a little more space at 56 square metres.

The TreeTop Suite, at 62 square metres, sleeps 4 and looks out over the tropical green. For a family or a group of friends, the Surfer Suite has 87 square metres and sleeps 6. Some rooms are on the ground floor and some upstairs, so tell us which you prefer.

On the property

Life here runs between the surf club, the outdoor pools and the restaurant. The athletics center is there for the days when the surf is flat, and the spa is there for the days after a big session.

The tour desk books the rest of Nosara, from yoga classes to mountain biking, and there is an airport shuttle for guests flying into Nosara's airstrip.

Location and getting there

The Gilded Iguana is in the heart of Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula, about 3 hours by road from Liberia airport. Most of our clients come with a private driver, or fly in and use the hotel's shuttle.

Playa Guiones is close, and the rest of the Nicoya coast is within reach for a day trip.

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