Perfect Beach Vacation!
We stayed in unit #42 that is overlooking the Ocotal beach, the quiet and very nice location, within a short walking distance from the beach. The view from the window and the patio is perfect, the ocean on one side, and the trees and a beautiful tropical garden on the other. The place is safe, clean, nicely decorated and has all kitchen gadgets needed for a week stay. The place is air conditioned with the state of the art AC units, very quiet and efficient. The unit owners were very helpful with accomodating our needs and providing excellent directions and pointers to the local food and markets. When we arrived, everything was just as we expected and better – the spatious patio with ocean view, rocking chairs and a hammock. We also appreciated the multi-system DVD player. The Internet is available in the manager’s office down the hill (a pleasant 3 minutes walk down the hill), wireless connection is available 24 x 7, the night guards always allowed us in to use the Internet. We had a car to get to Coco (about 3 km away from Ocotal) and other places. The only nuisance we experienced was the power and water being down a couple of times in the area, for short periods of time. Overall, we loved our stay in Los Almendros, and would come back and recommend the place to our friends!
Ms Dash, Oregan
“More than we could have wished for…”
Growing up in Hawaii led to a decades-long quest for the best beach in the world, and Playa Ocotal is now at the top of the list. This is a squeaky-clean, black and white sand beach with an abundance of tidal pools and offshore marine life, complemented by a sea cave and a blow-hole, all within its span of 500 meters. Snorkel in crystal-clear water around the rocks at either end of the beach and you will be rewarded and surprised every single day. This was a secluded, quiet get-away for us that will never be forgotten. The accomodations at Los Almendros are superb. It is an impeccably clean, safe, guarded community consisting of 43 widely-spaced, completely furnished units. The competent office staff is multi-lingual, more than willing to help with any question or request, and you will find that they really become your trusted friends after a few emails, even before you arrive. They are not faking it–that is how they truely feel. The pictures you see online do not do justice to this place. As of May, 2009, the commercial marketers and hawkers had not feasted on Los Almentros. I hope they never do. If you´re looking for an active night life, there is one restaurant near the beach, but many others are close–a ten minute, $5 taxi ride to Coco. After three weeks, we are sad to leave.Bill Geo, Meridian, Idaho
So Much Better Than A Hotel
Renting a condo at Los Alemendros was one of the best decisions we made in planning our trip to Costa Rica with our kids, ages 13 and 11. Perhaps a description of the first 24 hours would best describe it: We flew into Liberia in the evening, and Stephani of the Los Almendros staff had arranged a driver to pick us up (for a very reasonable fee). The driver was a very nice gentleman, who didn’t mind stopping by the grocery store on the way to pick up some staples for breakfast and such. After about 25 minutes of driving we got to the two bedroom two bath and full kitchen condo overlooking the beach, but we were too tired to take it all in and went to bed. In the morning after a great night’s sleep we were simply amazed. We walked down the street 150 feet or so, and 150 feet more down a beautiful path, emerging on the beach under a tree. No one was there, the sun was rising, we had shade from the volcanic cliffs, and we simply luxuriated all morning long. We rented some snorkel gear (very reasonable) and then learned that some of the best snorkeling is right there amongst the rocks and tide pools at that end of Playa Ocotal, so we spent a lot of time doing that, all to ourselves. (Notably, Ticos come to this end of the beach on the weekends a bunch because it is quiet, has great tide pools for little ones, and I was told no rip tides). We asked for a recommendation from Stephani and she rightly suggested an evening sunset cruise on the Kuna Vela, a beautiful sailboat with a great captain and crew. We had rum punch and snacks while watching the dolphins, turtles, and finally the sunset on about a 3.5 hour trip that took us up to Coco, Hermosa, Panama and other beaches, and around Monkey Head rock. It could not have been better. Later, walking up from the beach, we stopped at Father Roosters’ and enjoyed drinks and appetizers at a table under a tree in the sand. The sound of the surf at Los Almendros, whether on the beach, at the restaurant, or in the condo is simply soothing beyond belief, and we were all ready for a great night’s sleep. It was great every day, with adventures to Coco Beach (walked there and took a taxi back), parasailing, and lots of time enjoying the water and more snorkeling. We saw Howler Monkeys one morning our drive as we wended our way to the beach, and could hear them most mornings in the jungle. The pools were great in the evening, and we even made friends and went running early one morning with a neighbor. We did not need a car for the first few days, and when we did, the folks there arranged to have one dropped off for us. Finally, I made a mistake in our reservation and left a day earlier than I had planned with them via email, but without asking they emailed me when they caught the mistake, and reduced my charges accordingly.
Anonymous
Memories of a Lifetime
What an oasis! Listening to the sounds of the ocean waves waking you in the morning and rocking you as you go to sleep. My week long stay with three other friends at Los Almendros de Ocotal was fantastic. The 3 bedroom villa was clean, the views were spectacular and the grounds and amenities were first rate. I can’t wait to go back!
Marti33, Minnesota
Everything you need and more!
Our family stayed a total of ten days at Los Almendros and loved every day of it. The staff and maintenance workers were the nicest and most helpful people! They helped us get taxis to nearby towns and vans to take us to and from the airport as well as to a nearby national park. The staff treats you like family and most of them speak English very well. A short drive to Playa Coco is best the place for nightlife and shopping as well as any needed groceries. They have great local food there. The restaurant on Playa Ocotal is nice but overpriced. The beach is one of the cleanest in all of Costa Rica and has excellent snorkeling on sunny days! You can rent sea kayaks and snorkel gear right on the beach for a very reasonable price as well as take sunset cruises or day cruises. Another popular thing to do is sport fishing trips. We highly recommend the Congo Trail Canopy Tour which is just about 30-40 minutes away from Ocotal. Although it was the middle of the rainy season, we only had one day where it rained all day. Most days were sunny with showers in the evenings. There is a lot of wildlife right outside (and inside) Los Almendros which includes birds, iguanas, and lots of butterflies. (Bug spray is a must!!!) Los Almendros has their own water system and it is safe to drink the water. They also have three different pools which are all kept very clean and are very private. Our whole family (Two adults and two teenagers) had a great time and we highly recommend staying at Los Almendros.
Anonymous, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Lovely location.. overlooking beach!
My sister and I just came back from our Costa Rica trip. Our ‘wind-down’ week was at Los Almendros. And what an excellent choice! The complex clean and well maintained. The staff ( Nino and Stephanie especially) made every effort to anwer our questions and accomodate our needs. They were very professional and helpful. The complex has lots of privately owned units, so the state of the interior of each unit may vary.. but ours was lovely. Clean, bright and with an absolutely fabulous balony looking directly out over the beach and the cove. A lovely infinity pool to cool off and sunset drinks and waves crashing on the rocks below.. it was so relaxing! Playa Ocotal a quiet little cove.. at at the end of seaon when we were there.. but it was great swimming and snorkelling.. clean beach .. and a great bar/restaurant right on the beach. The community is entirely residential ( no shops/stores or buses) but Playa de Coco only a $6 taxi away.
A lovely way to end our vacation.
Thanks Stephanie and Nino for your part in making it so relaxing.
Anonymous, Halifax, Canada
Great value, great service, right on a beautiful beach!
Los Almendros was perfect for our family of four’s two week vacation in Costa Rica – beautiful scenery, great activities, and a clean, relaxing place to stay at a very reasonable price. Los Almendros is right on the beach and our kids loved it – safe swimming, exciting snorkeling, and interesting tide pools. The two swimming pools were clean, refreshing, and peaceful. We especially liked the shaded infinity pool. The staff was tremendous especially Nino and Stephanie, who helped with many things including Monteverde reservations, booking a private boat rental, and finding a local soccer match. Hard to imagine a better option.
Boston Family; Boston, Massachusetts