For every night that a guest books a stay at Hotel Three Sixty in Costa Rica, a tree is planted. The adults-only boutique hotel is nestled within a 58-acre rainforest reserve in Ojochal, a village in the Puntarenas Province that spans Costa Rica’s western coast. It partners with One Tree Planted to give back to its natural surroundings, but Hotel Three Sixty and its setting are equally restorative for guests. I should know: as a visitor from the Canadian Rockies — where the climate is dry and cold for eight months out of the year, and greenery is scarce — it was as if my stay at the hotel replenished me from those months without sunlight and vitamin D.
Photo: Hotel Three Sixty
This Dreamy Costa Rican Hotel Feels Like Your Own Private Rainforest
Indoor-outdoor villas that immerse you in the rainforest
Photo: Hotel Three Sixty
Upon entering Hotel Three Sixty, I was greeted with a complimentary guava smoothie, giving me a literal taste of the Costa Rican bounty that rings the property. Hotel Three Sixty has 12 villas; I stayed in a deluxe villa. At 516 square feet — with a 130-square-foot balcony — the deluxe villa is one of the biggest hotel rooms I’ve ever lodged in.
What stood out to me first in the spacious bedroom was the expansive windows, which open to breathtaking views of the rainforest and Pacific Ocean from any angle. This indoor-outdoor design immerses you in the lush landscape even when you’re in your room, which comes outfitted with a king-size bed, a his-and-hers bathroom, a separate half bath, standard amenities including a fully stocked bar, and Indonesian furniture that fosters both elegance and comfort.
My favorite feature of the villa was the balcony. Furnished with a coffee table and two chairs, the balcony was the perfect place to start the day, sipping a morning beverage while listening to the soothing sounds of the surrounding wildlife. But on days when it’s too hot and humid to sit comfortably outside, you can still admire the view from the comfort of the air-conditioned room.
The ultimate pool and spa days
Photo: Hotel Three Sixty
Hotel Three Sixty has a host of amenities that reinforce its natural beauty, from an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to a rainforest spa and yoga deck, to hiking trails. And because the hotel only has 12 rooms, the common spaces are never crowded. This proved to be particularly refreshing at the panoramic pool and poolside bar. Eventually, the hotel staff will learn your name and your favorite drink or preferred bite, adding to the sense of intimacy.
At the hotel’s spa, you can book treatments ranging from facials to massages and body scrubs. During my visit, I opted for the hot stone massage. Ten minutes before my appointment, a golf cart picked me up in the hotel lobby and whisked me two minutes away to an indoor-outdoor wellness center that’s divided into two sections: half gym, half spa. The waiting area offered shelter from the tropical rain outside.
When I met my massage therapist, Shirley, I was able to select a target area and quickly drifted into a deep relaxation — so much so that I fell asleep. After my treatment, I was offered a tea of my choice and escorted back to the main property.
Dining at Hotel Three Sixty and beyond
Photo: Hotel Three Sixty
Hotel Three Sixty’s on-site bar-restaurant, Kua Kua Bar, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily until 9:30 PM. The menu is diverse, featuring options like chia seed pudding and French toast, a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, and sushi and poke, as well as a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Conveniently, breakfast is included for guests, and nearby alternatives are limited due to the hotel’s secluded location.
The closest off-property restaurant is called Citrus. It’s a five-minute drive, and the hotel can arrange transfers. Citrus serves a blend of French, Costa Rican, and European meals in an airy atmosphere. All of the food I tried at Citrus was fresh and packed with bright flavors — one standout was the steak frites with chimichurri.
Roughly 40 minutes from the hotel, Fuego Brew Co is a must-visit if you want to sip craft beer in a jungle-like setting. Fuego’s in-house brewery pours exclusive beers that pair nicely with its range of Costa Rican and American fare. Some of my favorite dishes were the patacones (fried plantains) and ceviche. While the beer and menu largely cater to adult taste buds, Fuego is also welcoming for kids.
Another restaurant in the area, Heliconia, is located 15 minutes from the hotel. Heliconia is more upscale than Fuego but on par with Citrus, with an ambiance that feels like an extension of the rainforest. The menu is a mix of Costa Rican dishes and international cuisine. The sea bass, rice, and vegetable plate with Caribbean sauce that I ate there was one of my favorite meals of my trip — spicy but delicious.
Outdoor activities on and off the property
Photo: Nature’s Charm/Shutterstock
You don’t need to travel far to participate in one of Ojochal’s finest activities: nature walks. In fact, Hotel Three Sixty has a network of nature trails that cover a little less than a mile of moderate terrain. As you walk, take in the area’s biodiversity and wildlife, including eagles, hummingbirds, toucans, scarlet macaws, and capuchin monkeys. The hotel can provide binoculars for optimal viewing.
Another exciting adventure within an hour’s drive of the hotel is the Nauyaca Waterfalls. There, you can climb the falls and jump into the large basin below to swim, as well as explore the rainforest and falls area on foot or by horseback. Ask the hotel about arranging a transfer or excursions — just be sure to book the activity in advance as hourly time slots are limited.
For a different perspective on the rainforest environment, consider a Sierpe Mangrove Tour. Beginning with a 45-minute drive from the hotel, this 2.5-hour guided boat tour along the Sierpe River creates an opportunity to observe countless species, from monkeys and birds to Jesus lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and macaws. Of course, you’ll also get to see a mangrove forest up close.
How to get to Hotel Three Sixty
Photo: Hotel Three Sixty
There are several ways to reach Hotel Three Sixty. I flew 4.5 hours from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, my group took a shuttle to a nearby domestic airport — the transfer only took a couple of minutes. From there, we boarded a private mini-plane for a 20-minute flight to the Quepos airport. Finally, a private shuttle drove us to the hotel, which took about an hour, and a car led us into the gated property. You can also arrange a private car transfer through the hotel or rent a car and drive four hours to the property from the airport. This is a cheaper alternative but may take longer due to traffic.
When planning a visit to Hotel Three Sixty, be sure to account for travel time and the various transportation options, as reaching the property might take an entire day. If you intend to rent a car and drive from the airport or off the property, choose an SUV due to the uneven roads. 