On Costa Rica's Pacific coast, in Sámara, Samara Pacific Lodge offers intimate accommodation designed for travelers who want to stay close to the beach without settling in the heart of the tourist hub. European-style décor, English-speaking staff and a range of family rooms make it a versatile address, suited to couples and groups alike.

Why stay here

Sámara remains one of Guanacaste's most peaceful bays, with calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. The lodge benefits from this laid-back atmosphere while remaining just a few hundred meters from the sand. Its range of accommodations, from double rooms to villas for eight people, allows you to tailor your stay to your group's composition. Staff speak English, Spanish and French, making it easy to arrange excursions and handle day-to-day communication.

Atmosphere and setting

The lodge's spirit leans toward relaxed beach vibes: understated European-inspired décor, tropical garden, outdoor pool surrounded by loungers. The whole place is sized to remain peaceful, away from large hotel chains. The bar and restaurant occupy a central part of the lodge, where travelers mingle at the end of the day after the beach or boat outings.

Rooms

The lodge offers several non-smoking categories, designed in European style:

• Congo Family
• Lapa Room
• Mapache Room (Pacific Grande)
• Coati Room
• Pacific Apartment
• Villa Pacific
• Superior Lapa (Pacific Garden Superior)

Depending on the category, accommodations sleep 2 to 8 people and have 2 to 4 rooms. Some units feature a kitchenette, living room with sofa bed, mini-fridge, safe and cable television. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms featuring hot-water showers, hairdryers and toiletries. Several open onto a balcony or terrace overlooking the pool or garden.

Food and services

Buffet breakfast is served from 07:30 to 10:00, with tropical fruits, fresh juices, Costa Rican coffee and heartier options. The restaurant operates at lunch and dinner with a menu blending local and international cuisine, and offers a children's menu. The bar rounds out the offering for drinks and snacks throughout the day.

On the services side, the lodge provides free Wi-Fi, private parking (with supplement), laundry service and daily room cleaning. Bicycle rentals, airport shuttles on request and professional massage services can be arranged directly at reception.

Location

The accommodation is located approximately 800 meters from Sámara Bay and just over a kilometer from the village center, in Guanacaste province. The bus station is within a few minutes' walk. From Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia), allow around two hours' drive. This position gives easy access to the beach while staying away from the immediate bustle of the waterfront.

Around the area

Sámara Bay remains one of the country's best spots for learning to surf, thanks to gentle waves and schools based right on the beach. Calm waters are also perfect for stand-up paddling, snorkeling and kayaking. From the beach, you can paddle out to Chora islet, a short excursion popular for marine wildlife spotting.

Further north, Playa Ostional wildlife refuge is among the region's major sites: it's one of the rare places on Earth where you can witness arribadas, the massive nesting events of olive ridley sea turtles. Boat excursions to spot dolphins and whales, hikes in the nearby hills and horseback rides round out the options available.

Planning your next stop

Sámara fits well into an itinerary combining Pacific coast, cloud forests and central valley. To extend the experience, explore the Cloud Forest Lodge near Monteverde, Hotel Autentico in San José, or Hotel Grano de Oro for a more refined urban stopover. To craft a bespoke stay, check out our Costa Rica trips.