Hotel Aguas Claras
Puerto Viejo de Limon, Costa Rica
A boutique jewel on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, Hotel Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo is a beautifully curated collection of Victorian-tropical bungalows and suites, discreetly tucked within two acres of lush gardens. Untouched by the development of the Pacific Coast, Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean has long captivated local Ticos with its laid-back vibe, crystal clear seas, and influence from Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures. Renowned Costa Rican artist Elizabeth Steinvorth first fell under Puerto Viejo’s spell 32 years ago, and has returned nearly every other month since. In 2014 she and her daughter Elena Rohrmoser purchased the old Hotel Aguas Claras property and began meticulous renovations, focused on using reclaimed materials, highlighting the natural surroundings and collaborations with local artists and makers.
Opened in 2018, the hotel is an expression of their creativity and love of place. A brief stroll down a forested lane leads guests to the hotel’s DaLime Beach Club and the clear waters and coral reefs of Playa Chiquita. The property is a 10-minute bike pedal from the restaurants and shops of Puerto Viejo, and a 45-minute drive from the Limon Airport. Black, gold and white sand beaches dot the surrounding coast, offering multiple locations to surf, swim, or snorkel. Both Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge–home to monkeys, sloths and endangered Great Green Macaws–are within 20 minutes of the hotel. Aguas Claras is an ideal retreat for writers and artists or anyone who wants to have the option to get a little work done while still enjoying paradise.