At a time when most North American cities were experiencing a cold front of the most miserable proportions, I – with my carry-on luggage in hand – wheeled my way through bright sunshine, warmth (and moderate humidity) from San Jose, Costa Rica’s international airport to their much smaller, yet incredibly modern, domestic terminal.
After a quick five-minute walk, and a check-in process which included weighing myself and my bags, I proceeded through security to catch my flight from the capital to Quepos, a remote destination about 110 miles away.
Packed into our small hopper flight, I took a seat right behind the first officer, eager to shadow her instruments and watch the Costa Rican countryside float by below. It was my first time in Costa Rica, and I was eager to take in all I could during my brief stay.
And while to some, taking an additional flight may feel like a hassle (or the prospect seems frightening on such a small plane), the resort I was headed to in the Costa Rican mountains was well worth any misgivings I may have had traveling there.
Perched atop a mountain peak just south of Playa Ventanas, a destination in and of itself reminiscent of a Jurassic-era tropical jungle, Hotel Three Sixty is most aptly named for its stellar panoramic views of both the lush rainforest-ed mountain tops and the idyllic seaside coves below.
Arriving at this architecturally stunning oasis, I had made it just in time for my first Costa Rican sunset. The beauty I encountered watching the sun sink below the ocean horizon served as a stunning parallel to my hotel stay thereafter. My next several days were a vacation of a lifetime -- one of those that you take and think: “wow, the world really is a beautiful place.”
Hotel Three Sixty, An Overview Of A Costa Rican Paradise
Southwestern Costa Rica’s most beautiful hotel
Hotel Three Sixty is an adults-only resort located in Ojochal, a village nestled on the southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica near the villages of Uvita and Dominical. The area around Ojochal is one of those uniquely breathtaking spots to exist on the planet, where sloping forested mountains dive into the sparkling sea.
It's at this convergence of land and ocean that you’ll find the tucked away, luxury secret that is Hotel Three Sixty. About an hour's drive from Quepos Airport, or alternatively, a three-hour drive from the capital of San Jose, you’ll feel lost in the jungle here in all the best ways.
My first impression, while approaching the hotel, was one of absolute awe. As an admirer of architecture, when I ascended the first staircase to the hotel’s lobby, I was immediately struck at the building’s design. The lobby area, circular with a sunken, stone-filled center, was completely open to the elements.
Ruby red sunlight poured into the space from the rapidly descending sun, casting the bar, the restaurant, and the pool, all of which you could see from the front entrance, into a warm glow.
It’s no wonder Hotel Three Sixty is a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World cooperative – everything about the hotel’s design oozed opulence, but in a sleek, modern, yet warm way. I was greeted with a beautiful cocktail before being ushered towards the sunset to appreciate the view. Understanding that the procedure of checking in was second to this natural beauty, the hotel staff’s warmth matched the sun’s glow.
Though Hotel Three Sixty is very much a luxury experience, the hotel still maintains rustic elements that remind you that you’re in the middle of a Central American jungle. Whether it’s the hotel’s relaxed, yet well-curated spa environment or the streamlined tropical design of their bungalows, Hotel Three Sixty is a unique gem of a boutique hotel that’s setting a luxury standard – one that’s approachable but still decadent.
A Sustainable Focus: How Hotel Three Sixty Is Leading The Green Hospitality Movement
Living at the heart of Hotel Three Sixty’s existence is their commitment to environmental stewardship, and every design choice, menu item, and service act all reflect how much the hotel values its natural setting. In fact, while the footprint of the resort itself is quite compact with only a handful of villas onsite, a petite spa area, and one central hotel building, the resort’s grounds are quite expansive.
This was a conscious choice, effectively preserving the rest of the hotel’s grounds as a nature reserve where the natural jungle ecosystem can thrive. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and Hotel Three Sixty is doing its part to keep it that way.
The hotel boasts a number of conservation efforts, including water recycling and gathering systems, a partnership with One Tree Planted, locally sourced ingredients for the restaurant, and eco-conscious room servicing initiatives. This all manifests in a luxury experience that doesn’t compromise the unspoiled beauty of its surroundings.
A Jungle Bungalow Experience: A Hotel Three Sixty Room Review
A small-format, catered experience for guests who love individualized attention
Hotel Three Sixty’s lodgings are composed of a series of villas, and each villa features views of either the glorious mountains or the expansive ocean. They’re all oriented such that you don’t feel like you’re on top of other guests. In fact, it’s likely you’ll forget there are other buildings around you since the jungle seems to cocoon each villa in its own little bubble.
If you're an early riser, opt for the Sunset Villa, a premium bungalow that will serve you the absolute most stunning early morning views of the mountain. Of course, if you're more of a sunset person, a Sunset Villa -- as well as the pool area -- will provide the most stellar places to watch the sun go down.
I appreciated how restrained the room’s decor was while still feeling luxe. These villas are not ones that are dripping in quarried marble or industrially wasteful materials, but rather the focus on the design felt sustainable, organic, tropical, and fresh. And since you are in your own individual bungalow, there’s no sound pollution from other guests to disturb you – though the geckos might make their chirping selves known!
This all comes at a price tag that is not prohibitively expensive either, and could fit well into the parameters of a special occasion vacation or a nice getaway without spending an inordinate amount of money. In line with Costa Rica's budget-friendly reputation, a stay at Hotel Three Sixty won't break the bank while still providing the best service and quality of stay you'd expect at hotels that cost three times the price.
Tip: Costa Rica is known for its budget-friendly resorts, and while this luxury hotel is a bit more upscale than some of the more wallet-friendly destinations in the country, Hotel Three Sixty features offers throughout the year that make the price of a stay there even more reasonable than their already decent nightly prices.
For example, their Extended Stay promotion offers a free night if you stay for four nights or longer at the hotel. Other promotions include tour packages, couples getaway packages, and additional amenities like Swarovski Optik scopes for onsite birdwatching.
Exceptional Luxury Onsite Amenities You Can't Miss
Living the dream with Hotel Three Sixty's pool, spa, and onsite restaurant/bar
There’s a certain level of amenities you expect when staying at a hotel that exhibits the caliber of service that Hotel Three Sixty does, and though the hotel is small, its amenities are quite mighty.
From a wrap-around infinity pool that packs a powerful architectural punch to the onsite restaurant, whose ambiance and menu feel like a treat for all three meals of the day, the hotel consistently swings and hits a home run for many of its services.
Living the Poolside and Spa Dream: Hotel Three Sixty’s Best Onsite Amenity
Now I have mentioned that the pool was one of the most striking features of the hotel’s main building, and as I reflect, this may be one of the most stunning pools I have ever seen in general. A rounded infinity pool that appears to drop straight into the jungle below, it provides the perfect vista point to see the beach, ocean, and namely, the sunset. It became my evening ritual to sit in one of the stylish loungers or take a dip in the pool, watching the sun sink below the sea with a cocktail in hand.
That’s one of the best features of Hotel Three Sixty’s strategic location; given its western-facing orientation towards the Pacific Ocean, you have a perfect, unobstructed view of the brilliantly colored sunset every night. In the evenings, the pool becomes the perfect spot to stargaze as well, with only the low, ambient light from the restaurant behind you.
Otherwise, it was the most stunning place to take in this mountaintop location, where during the day it wasn’t uncommon to see toucans chatting in the trees or, if you’re lucky, a sloth moseying across a branch.
If you want to stay on-property for an afternoon of relaxation, book a service with the hotel’s spa. Though the spa facilities are petite, given the hotel’s small population, booking a massage service was not a problem in the slightest.
The spa bungalow was large enough to accommodate a couples service, and you can end your massage with a nice soak in the spa area’s above-ground hot tub. Surrounded by the jungle and its natural song of animal chirps, it’s an extremely unique experience.
As for dining, the more premium villas have the option of choosing an al-fresco breakfast on your private balcony or terrace, but for other meals including dinner, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Kua Kua was nothing short of a delight.
Located in the same stunning central building as the lobby, with the infinity pool spread out before it, Kua Kua’s newly debuted menu features international fare with exceedingly fresh ingredients. And each dish plated to perfection.
Every detail, down to their dishware (local, handmade ceramic, of course) was meticulously chosen to reflect the culinary heritage of Costa Rica mixed with globalized recipes that would appeal to the traveling set.
And beyond the food and ambiance of the restaurant, the service staff there and at the bar will undoubtedly become those “friends you meet on vacation” – the friendly face who you check in with at the end of the day, chat about your experiences with, share your thoughts on the food, discuss ingredients, and say goodnight to before retiring to your bungalow.
Explore Costa Rica With Hotel Three Sixty’s Friendly Concierge Service
And speaking of service, the staff at Hotel Three Sixty represent some of the crème de la crème of hospitality staff I have encountered in this world. Everyone who represents the hotel seems exceedingly proud of it, and all staff do whatever they are able to make sure your stay is one of utmost luxury and relaxation.
In particular, Hotel Three Sixty’s front desk and concierge staff execute flawless service. I had essentially no need to plan anything myself – my itinerary, transport, and even restaurant reservations were all handled by the concierge staff at my request. Need a taxi? They can book it. Want to do a snorkeling adventure on Caño Island?
They’ll sort out the time and day if you ask. Want to head down the mountain for dinner in the village? They’ll happily snag you a table. And at the end of your adventures each day, they’ll warmly greet you every time you arrive back at the hotel, and they’ll be there to send you off when you head out on your next excursion. In between, they’re simply a WhatsApp message away.
And someone, just like that, my stay with Hotel Three Sixty drew to a close. As I handed my key back to the front desk staff, I praised them for their service, and they in turn gushed about how they loved getting to know their guests.
That’s the beauty of staying at such a small format, boutique hotel – particularly in the middle of a rural nature reserve – the attentive, catered service you receive is like staying with a bunch of your most hospitable friends. Bougie friends, yes, but with the warmth that only true hospitality can provide.
Of course, Hotel Three Sixty’s incredibly striking architecture and location don’t hurt either, and it'll probably take your breath away as it did mine.
