Florblanca

Peeping out of the rainforest on a pristine beach fringed by almond and plumeria trees, Florblanca is a wonderfully secluded hideaway where you can relax in style, take to the surf and indulge in the fantastic spa.

Its ten romantic air-conditioned villas are all very private, and designed with an understated elegance that blends local arts and crafts with soft Balinese furnishings. Each features a spacious open-air living area with comfortable seating; complete with a hand-made Costa Rican hammock for two where you can snooze away the afternoon or watch colourful birds and monkeys. The bathroom is creatively designed and features the owner's signature outdoor bath with sunken tub in a garden setting, while the bedroom is fitted with a king size bed adorned with luxurious linens. Two of the villas are situated with a direct view of the beach and present stunning views of the beautiful Pacific, just a minute's walk away.

Set amongst lush gardens is a two-tiered swimming pool with landscaped waterfall, a bar, an art studio, a teak-floored dojo in the garden for Pilates, as well as an open-air yoga studio where free yoga classes are on offer. The Spa Bambu, is surrounded by water filled pools and tucked away in the Costa Rican jungle offering a spectacular and tranquil setting to indulge in a number of treatments.

During any stay, a wealth of activities can be enjoyed which include hikes to the nearby waterfalls at Montezuma, guided nature tours of Cabo Blanco Wildlife Refuge, surf lessons, fishing and horse riding. Whether its relaxing on the beach or getting outdoors and exploring the area, there is no better place in the world to enjoy a honeymoon or a romantic getaway.

When to go

With a warm climate most of the year, the Nicoya Peninsula is known for its great weather. However, during the rainy season from April to November most of the roads can get quite impassable due to rivers washing them out. Mid November trade winds from the north-east arrive, marking the end of the rainy season. The following months these offshore winds, called Papagayo, relief the heat and provide perfect surf conditions. Sunshine is guaranteed during the high-season months of January - April. During this long and pronounced dry season many trees and shrub drop their leaves which makes it easier to spot animals.

In May a mellow rainy season follows which the tourism industry has dubbed the Green Season.

It's the time of the year preferred by eco-tourists as nature is verdant green, sunsets multi-hued, and many hotels offer low season rates.