Punta Gabriela

After 4 days of Envision Music Festival; sleeping on the rough floor of our tent, working for our food and walking around in the jungle sun covered in medicinal blue clay, we dragged our suitcase and backpacks, which just days earlier were the contents of our home in Peru, across the festival ground towards the exit, ready for one of our regular, luxury-rejuvenation sessions. We knew nothing of Punta Gabriela, other than it was a few miles walk or hitchhike up the road in Dominical, it had a pool and commanded magnificent hill-top views across the Pacific Ocean – so far so good.

Dominical is a small and pleasant town with a variety of nearby beaches to choose from and the most consistent surfing waves in Costa Rica. There are loads of activities to choose from, including horse riding, deep sea fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and there are several waterfalls to explore.

Two hitchhikes later (one car and one builder’s truck) we arrived at the gates of what looked like a luxury mansion, we were met by Edwin, Mainor and Anthony – who look after the guests and the property – and led upstairs to the penthouse suite on the top floor. This place really is something truly spectacular; the penthouse suite occupies the entire top floor and the roof doubles as a helicopter landing pad, just in case driving and walking seem a little too dull for you! The pentagonal bedroom is vast, almost dwarfing the king-size bed in the center and the widescreen LED TV on the wall. The contemporary design, lavish furnishings and rustic touches like the bamboo ceiling combine to create a unique style all of it’s own, setting it far apart from any chain hotel room. This is real boutique style.

Penthouse Suite Bedroom

The three glazed front walls open up completely to views of Playa Dominical and the Pacific Ocean, stretching to the horizon in all directions. The stylish bathroom leads out to an outdoor shower on the patio, so you can wash yourself while gazing out at those same incredible vistas, from where it’s a just a few steps more to your private Jacuzzi, comfortably big enough for two people. It’s the perfect place to watch Costa Rica’s world famous sunsets.

 Sunset from the Penthouse patio

Downstairs on the second floor is a much larger family suite, including a kitchen and huge living room, great for big groups exploring Costa Rica together.

Passing the large swimming pool, hot tub and sun deck, down the path to the cliff side, there are three more private villas, one with a private infinity swimming pool, jacuzzi and the panoramic views over the ocean.

Villa 1, with private pool and hot tub

Edwin and Mainor can help you organize any activities and excursions you want, including helicopter tours, sea fishing quad biking and beach exploring.

Punta Gabriela has all of the great, personal service of the best five-star hotel, with the seclusion and privacy of your own private mansion. Clearly designed for the more affluent traveler who prefers to maintain their privacy and individuality rather than checking into the Four Seasons, the intelligent and thoughtful design of every space means you never feel like you’re sharing your space with others. Seriously, when you’re sitting on your penthouse patio eating your breakfast with views of the ocean, and a private helicopter lands on the roof (hopefully for you), you’ll feel like Tony Stark (that’s Iron Man by the way)!

At the end of our stay here, we were ready for the next stage in our journey, with our new car, Miguelito! Only  100 km drive  north to the stunning beauty of the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio and the Hotel Parador and Spa, to continue our search for the best accommodations in Costa Rica!

Edwin and Anthony loading up the chopper, on the roof of our penthouse suite!

If that hasn’t convinced you already, check out some more pictures below…

Bird watching station high in the trees

Hammocks and pool with an ocean view

Ocean view from the private Penthouse terrace

Luxurious open plan bed and living room in Villa 1

Villa patio and garden

For real customer reviews search ‘Punta Gabriela’ in Trip Advisor

For rates and reservations visit the Punta Gabriela website.

Note: We were invited guests by the hotel and all opinions and text are all mine!

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