Encantada Ocean Cottages

This was my 4th time in Costa Rica and I have to say there is no reason to go anywhere else. From the moment you arrive at Encantada to the moment you have to leave you experience paradise. Beautiful casitas, gardens, pools, birds, butterflies, the grand Pacific Ocean, and the hospitality from the staff and owners feels personal and authentic. Step into lush, tropical, thoughtful, paradise.

I absolutely loved my stay at Encantada for a yoga retreat. The rooms and outdoor spaces were lovely and quiet, every meal was amazing, and the staff is so kind. It was such a peaceful, rejuvenating stay and I can’t wait to go back. 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for the perfect spot in Costa Rica.

I absolutely loved my stay at Encantada during a recent wellness retreat. It is truly a magical place, you can feel it as soon as you step foot on the grounds. My week here felt like a cozy oasis and home away from home. The staff are incredible! The grounds are a luscious paradise, and the salt water pool was perfection. The beach is just a few steps away, so you have the best of both worlds. Everyone was so warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. And the food.. absolutely delicious! You have to experience it for yourself. I would highly recommend staying here for a vacation or retreat!

The magical adventure started with easy pick up at the airport by a friendly driver who drove a comfy van with AC and made a perfect rest stop along the way to pick up cold drinks and enjoy the most fun souvenir shop! The ride was actually enjoyable to view the beautiful mountains and chat about the country with Gustavo! Upon arrival at Encantada Costa Rica (Encantada Ocean Cottages), we were greeted by staff who brought us to our cottage, and immediately felt the special vibe at Encantada! The lush beauty of the gardens that surrounded the grounds made us feel like we were fully rooted in nature. The cozy size made getting around very easy, like going from the salt water pool to the beach or filling up on water at the bar. The resident cat Nala could be spotted sunbathing or shade seeking so she made us feel like we could relax too and added to the you are at home vibe. The beach was the softest sand we have ever walked on! The food was outstanding! Every day, we enjoyed the fresh local fruit, and beautiful choices of local fish, chicken, steak or vegetarian. Our dinners were cooked on an outdoor wood burning grill so it was extra delicious! The yoga area was covered and outdoor so we had the ocean breeze, shade, the view of rolling ocean waves in front of us, and the sound of the waves!! The restaurant was also outdoor, covered so again, we had the breeze, sound and view, which was so immersive! The beds were comfortable and the cottages were spacious, clean, and AC & fan options. And the staff was super friendly, the morning coffee was outstanding, and I know I will be back to visit!!!

I've stayed in a lot of beautiful places, but Encantada in Esterillos Este is something different. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel like we genuinely mattered, not in a scripted, hospitality-industry way, but in a way that felt human and real. The clean and quiet beach for my morning coffee walk was a highlight! So many spaces to relax on the beach, by the pool, and well appointed areas throughout the property to hang out.
Kyrstin organized bonfires, massage, surfing, horseback riding, and more keeping the energy and options flowing the entire time. Roger shared his expertise on the local fruit, facilitated cold plunges, and then took us on an impromptu adventure to find sloths in the wild which honestly might have been the highlight of the trip. And Tiffany, the owner, brought a warmth and genuine love for her property and her guests that you felt in every small detail because she clearly thought of all of them.
I wish I could name every single staff member, because every one of them deserved to be mentioned. The attention to detail, the quiet kindness, the way they anticipated what you needed before you asked it was palpable across the board.
Since our meals were fully handled by the Encantada team, we were nourished from arrival to departure. The food was not just good it was outstanding. Thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and served with the same genuine care that defined everything about our stay.
I have never felt more comfortable or cared for on vacation. If you're looking for a place where you can truly exhale and be looked after by people who actually mean it this is it. We will absolutely be back.

Encantada Ocean Cottages is such a special place!!! I attended a yoga retreat here, and it was magical!! The cottages were adorable and the beach was perfection! The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I loved the live music night, and the food was delicious. It was one of the best vacations of my life. 10/10 - would recommend.

Beautiful location with just fair service and fair food
Great transportation drivers! They were fabulous! Carlos, Alberto and Gustavo!

I had an extremely small room compared to most, but I do know that the other rooms were much larger
We had really good service the first night but then very poor Service the next four nights

Like they didn’t even refill our waters…

And when I asked them to refill the water and washcloths in my room, I was told to do it myself

Again, I like the location, but I was highly disappointed with the coordinator Kristy(Kristen?) She was not very thorough and spoke quickly, and didn’t want to be bothered by too many questions it seemed.
Very disorganized and not informative
and we were not thoroughly informed of the excursion details. She seemed too busy to deal with us
One of the girls in our retreat, researched the excursions on our own and gave us the details

I loved the retreat because of the people I was with,
but I will not return to this excursion destination

My wife and I spent a week at Encantada Ocean Cottages as part of a yoga retreat, and it was a deeply calming and memorable experience.
The location is absolutely perfect for yoga. Practicing twice a day in the beachside shala, with the sound of the ocean and open views of the sea, created a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. The resort is intentionally away from crowded tourist areas, which made it exceptionally quiet and restorative—exactly what we were looking for.
The beach area is beautifully set up with hammocks and chairs under coconut trees, making it easy to relax between sessions. Being able to order a fresh coconut while lounging by the ocean was a simple but delightful touch. They have a clean and beautiful pool to relax.
The food deserves special mention. Every meal was delicious, healthy, and thoughtfully prepared using farm‑fresh produce. You can really feel the care that goes into both the ingredients and the preparation.
We stayed in an upstairs loft room, which was small, cozy, clean and comfortable. While we would have appreciated a bit more closet space, the room overall met our needs. The wooden floors did carry some sound from the downstairs guests, The owners responded immediately and took steps to make our stay more comfortable, which we truly appreciated.
The resort also did an outstanding job organizing local excursions. Roger took us on a waterfall hike and shared fascinating insights about the local flora and fauna. We also wanted to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, but tickets were unavailable when we looked on our own. Krystin somehow managed to find a tour with openings and arranged an excellent guide who gave us a fantastic experience in the park—above and beyond service.
The staff, both in the restaurant and through room service, were always present, kind, and eager to help. What really sets Encantada apart is that the owners are onsite every day, personally ensuring that everything runs smoothly. It’s clear they have poured their hearts into this place, and it shows in every detail.
Tips for Future Guests:

Let the resort know about dietary needs in advance—they are very accommodating.
Book excursions early, especially popular ones like Manuel Antonio.
If you’re a light sleeper, consider rooms on the inner side of the resort, as neighborhood dogs can be noisy at night and rooms have thin walls.

Overall, Encantada Ocean Cottages is a special place—peaceful, thoughtful, and run with genuine care. We left feeling relaxed, nourished, and grateful for the experience, and we would absolutely return.

The location is perfect for sight seeing and getting around conveniently. Also have everything you need on location.

Atmosphere is relaxed, this is a tropical paradise. You can be adventurous and surf, or go horseback riding right from the resort if you don’t want to lay back.

Super private, with private cottages you can really get your own space. Without paying a huge premium. The secluded beach makes you feel like you’re the only ones there.

Super clean and tidy, convenient storage and hooks in rooms and lines to hang your wet suits and towels outside.

Amazing experience. Beautiful location with beach access, a heated pool, the most delicious and healthy food and full service bar with the kindest and most attentive staff. I can’t say enough good things about this resort. The atmosphere is relaxing, the rooms are spotless and have everything you need including coffee and tea. The excursions offered were so fun- so far I have tried horseback riding, zip lining, sound bath, yoga, waterfall hike, on site massage, monkey mangrove and have loved every single one! Can’t wait to be back.

We have loved this beach for 35-plus years, and discovering Encantada Ocean Cottages will keep it on our annual visit list. There is nothing quite like walking out of your room in the morning, grabbing a cub of coffee and walking to the beach. Or, if you are a yoga enthusiast, starting your day with a sun salutation. And, of course, ending the day with a view of the sunset from comfy hammocks and seating near the playa. The rooms are LARGE and well appointed, lots of shelves and closet space, fridge and TWO desks. The staff is friendly, bilingual (they almost won't speak to you in Spanish!) and helpful. If you've not been to this part of CR before, you're going to be amazed at the wide open beaches ... almost to yourself. Plus, there are several quite tasty restaurants within driving distance because you probably won't want to have every meal at the Encantada bistro. Be enchanted too.

This was my second time leading a yoga retreat at Encantada Ocean Cottages! It never disappoints! You can't beat the location... right on a very secluded beach! The food is great, the beds are comfortable, and so many pillows! But the best part is the staff. Most of the same staff was there this year, that we loved last year. They remembered us and made us feel as though we were returning home when we arrived! Special thanks goes to Kyrstin, our retreat coordinator, for making sure everything ran smoothly!

This is a great place that is relaxing and sleepy. The food is great, the people are better. Would come back in a second and likely will next year.

Encantada Beach Cottages was truly one of the most magical places I’ve ever stayed. This quiet boutique hotel feels like a hidden paradise tucked into lush tropical gardens, perfectly positioned right on miles of open, peaceful beach that often felt like it was entirely ours. Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean and ending each day with an unforgettable golden hour sunset was pure bliss.
The food was absolutely incredible — fresh, vibrant, and beautifully prepared — and the staff delivered a level of warmth and service that felt deeply personal. Within just two days, everyone knew my name, which made the entire experience feel even more special and welcoming.
Practicing yoga with the sound of the waves and a soft ocean breeze drifting through was something I’ll never forget. Macaws flew overhead during our stay, sand dollars and colorful seashells dotted the shoreline, and the pool area — surrounded by lush plants and bursts of tropical color — was simply stunning.
I truly cannot say enough good things about the team, the atmosphere, or the experience as a whole. Encantada Beach Cottages is peaceful, beautiful, and deeply rejuvenating — and I already cannot wait to return to this little slice of paradise.

This place is an absolute gem. I came here last year for a retreat and fell in love with the location, the food, the accommodations and the staff. I loved it so much, I came back this year for a retreat and added on 5 more nights to celebrate my 50th birthday. On the last day of the retreat, the retreat guests departed and several hours later, my friends and family arrived.

I really can’t explain the warmth and heart this place emanates. If you need a place to fill up and become the best version of yourself, this is the place.

Encantada is the perfect place for an intimate women’s yoga and wellness Retreat! The food is outstanding, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the staff are thoughtful and attentive. The yoga shala right on the beach is so serene. I’ve hosted a Christ-centered yoga retreat here three years in a row, and the experience has been exceptional every time—so much so that I’m already planning my fourth. It’s an oasis and a little piece of heaven on earth!

Thank you, Encatanda, and the best staff (mis favoritos) for everything!!!!

SO much love for each of you.

I typically do I return to the same place again, but Encantada is special. The location, tranquil atmosphere, rooms, food (!!), and value of the hospitable service, staff, grounds and basically-private, secluded beachfront is a true retreat on the coast. The staff are truly special - remembering me/us from the previous year, and making every detail intentional. A special mention for the food: each meal was unique, so nutrient dense and fresh, and the staff had accommodations / options for anyone who needed it.

Thank you thank you Encantada! A gift. I hope to be back soon.

This was a retreat experience and was definitely a treat the facilities are so tranquil and clean the staff called me by name the entire time, the food was so amazing I would never miss a meal, so many excursions are available if you’d like to see the island I would definitely go back and probably will!

This place is a dream! Located right on the beach, it’s the perfect place to wake up and take a stroll in paradise.
The food is incredible and the staff so nice and accommodating.
Love having retreats here as things are so organized and conveniently located.

Here’s a clean, no-nonsense TripAdvisor-style review you can post as is:

⸻

A Hidden Gem on the Beach

Encantada Ocean Cottages is one of those rare places that gets everything right. Tucked away and peaceful, it’s perfect whether you’re traveling with kids, family, or friends. The property sits right on the beach, so you wake up to the sound of the waves and can start the day with yoga facing the ocean — a simple pleasure that makes the whole stay feel grounded.

The cottages are small, charming, and thoughtfully set up with everything you actually need. There’s a kid-friendly pool, which makes downtime easy, and the whole layout feels safe and relaxed. The on-site restaurant is excellent, serving hearty local dishes, solid wine options, and well-made drinks. The atmosphere throughout the property is warm and friendly without trying too hard.

A place with real character and all the essentials handled well. I’d return without hesitation.