The idyllic, authentic tropical jungle fishing village of Tambor and its beloved luxury hotel that is organically entwined with the jungle on Tambor Bay come as a surprise to travelers who think that they know Guanacaste. Unlike the rapidly developing northwest, this southern tip of the province, on the Gulf of Nicoya, is more isolated.
Those not inclined to fly into the very small Tambor airport a short distance from town, have to reach Tambor by an hour and a half ferry ride from Puntarenas to Paquero, and then a 30-minute drive down the winding, fantastically scenic road to Tambor.
For those in search of an escape into nature while indulging in luxurious comfort, the travel time is no issue. The owner from Oregon worked painstakingly with the architect to disturb as little of the natural jungle as possible, and to build into that jungle 10 hexagonal-shaped buildings, each housing two units—one upstairs, the other down—from 16 different tropical woods, all intricately blended and varnished, creating an aesthetically pleasing whole that serves practical purposes as well.
Every unit shows windows
on all sides, providing multiple views of the bay, of Lagosta (Spanish for alligator)—the name of the mountain shaped like an alligator that lies across from the bay—and of the surrounding jungle and gardens, are enhancements of the natural plant life. The surrounding nature can be even more enjoyed by relaxing in one of the tropical wood chairs on the wraparound verandas—a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise over the bay, and the primordial howls of the neighboring howler monkeys.
Tambor Bay is unusual in that the waves break on a coral reef 100 yds from shore, causing the louder-than-ordinary sound of crashing waves, which gave this bay its name: tambor means drum.
The distance from shore to the coral reef is filled by calm waters, perfect for wading or swimming. For guests who prefer freshwater swimming, a sparkling pool awaits on the lawn above the beach. Artistically placed ocean rocks separate the pool from the inviting whirlpool.
Alfresco dining is available at tropical wood table and chair groupings, or under the palm-roofed bar. When downpours come, guests enjoy the large palm-roofed building at the back of the property, also popular for weddings and meetings.
Monday, the hotel chef, who usually cooks for all to see in a small out-building on the grounds, stokes up the huge rock and brick outdoor oven and serves barbecue to delighted townspeople and guests, who eat it on the beach around a bonfire.
The restaurant, which serves the sumptuous complimentary breakfast and an inventive international and Costa Rican menu, is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. The bar opens at the same time as the restaurant and stays open a bit longer. There are a few exceptional restaurants in town that offer friendly local service and home-cooked meals.
Another building in the back of the property houses a masseuse who takes care of the sore muscles of guests sore from too much horseback riding. At inspection, a palm-roofed open-air bungalow was being put up to house basic exercise equipment for guests who opt to stay in the hotel's snug environs rather than getting their exercise by taking on one of the adventure tours offered.
The hotel is happy to arrange with numerous local companies the tours that most interest its guests, which include visits to nearby wildlife reserves; Canopy Mal Pais; and a boat ride to the world-famous Tortuga Island in the Gulf. A local rancher offers guests a variety of horseback riding tours. The favorite is a ride over the Panica River to the six cascades of Panica. Riders stop for a short climb to the base of the cascades, where they can indulge in a dip under a waterfall.
Phones and TVs are blessedly absent in the rooms. If guests absolutely must communicate with the outside world, they are welcome to use, free of charge, the phone and computer in the cozy front office on the edge of the property. They are welcome also to put their valuables in a safe here. The hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access to guests with their own laptops.
The design of the accommodations is ingenious. Every inch of the interiors is a blend of tropical woods. All of the units, except the new garden units with garden views, feature beds raised on a platform high enough that guests have a view of the sea from their bed, albeit a partial sea view for the lower units. A second entry door opens into the baths, so that guests can enter a shower directly after a swim. All of the doors are works of art, showing intricate carvings made in Sarchi—the arts and crafts capital of Costa Rica.
The units, measuring 1,000 sq ft (including the wraparound veranda) are spacious and comfortable. The vaulted ceilings in the upper units give an especially airy feel. Large sitting areas feature bamboo chairs and sofas. A bar with heavy-wood swivel captain chairs serves as a partition for the fully equipped kitchens with stoves, refrigerators, blenders and coffeemakers.
The beds with a view are either double or king with artsy pastel floral spreads. A fan in the living room area and another above the bed make the lack of air conditioning not a problem, except for a few days during the hottest months. The handsome blue-tiled and tropical wood-paneled baths house deep showers and modern fixtures.
Security is good. Though Tambor is a small and safe community, a security guard makes rounds all night for safekeeping. Pets are not allowed, and neither are children younger than 16. Smoking is allowed in all of the units, because the hotel maintains that they are airy enough to take care of the smoke. Two of the rooms are soon to be wheelchair-accessible. Fire security consists of a large pump designed to use water from the swimming pool in the event of a fire, which is unlikely in this humid jungle.
The Tango Mar Hotel in a nearby town sits up higher and boasts better views than any in the area, but its beach is not safe for swimming and its service is not known for being as personable as the service at this hotel, where the housekeeping is impeccable, and the general manager has hired an on-site English teacher to assist with communication between staff and guests.
The hotel practices service to the community as well. Guests will find an invitation to contribute to the ASEPALECO Foundation. For every dollar contributed, one sq yd of rain forest is protected. For a genuine tropical experience without sacrificing luxury or service, this hotel is a better choice than the Tango Mar.
