A Weekend Gateway on the Nicoya Peninsula Arriving by flight or ferry, driver or renta- car, the Nicoya Peninsula’s ultralush scenic route leads you through green acres of farmland and hilly ocean-view terrain before landing at your first overnight destination: the quaint beach town of Montezuma. The perfect beachfront escape, Ylang-Ylang Resort’s private “jungalows” provide the ultimate in vacation relaxation, topped off with morning yoga sessions, tropical open-air restaurant and Vujadé Bar. Soak up the laid-back international culture in town with a hearty-healthy lunch on Sano Banano’s patio before exploring miles of undisturbed shoreline, mountain hiking trails and waterfall adventures—all within walking distance of the town center. Setting the standard for evening dining in Montezuma is Playa de los Artistas, a chic beachfront spot with decadent herb-seared tuna sashimi, Carpaccio in orange-tomato-lime sauce and fresh sushi Fridays. Wind down with a glass of wine over a fruity dessert as the waves splash to shore.

For an off-road adventure and unforgettable views of Cabo Blanco Island, take the rugged unpaved road to Malpais, your second destination on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Hotel Playa Carmen at the crossroads between Malpais and Santa Teresa is the perfect location to explore the area, with tasteful accommodations, poolside bar and beach lounge chair service, just 50 meters from the beach.

Begin your day in paradise at Hotel Tropico Latino’s Spa Natural, pampering yourself with an indulgent Four Hands Massage—two therapists working on your body simultaneously—or customized Tropical Facial using fresh local ingredients. Brunch at Artemis Café combines breakfast favorites with creative sandwiches and paninis, inventive salad recipes and rich pastries—with as many custom coffee drinks and smoothie options to leave your mouth watering for more.

Spend the day at the beach, catching a tan on the soft white sand, collecting seashells and exploring the tide pools along the shore at low tide. Surfers delight in the numerous beach, point and reef breaks found at Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, MarAzul and Sunset Reef, where you’re sure to find a wave for all experience levels. Experience the famous sunset over the Pacific horizon, soaking up the sun’s late afternoon rays as colorful clouds light up the sky. For creative pizza recipes—goat cheese and bacon--, delicious fish specials— seared yellowfin tuna, almond-leek braised red snapper filet—and the best dessert on the peninsula—chocolate mousse cake with homemade whip cream--, Mary’s in Malpais is the perfect spot for open-air dining and evening cocktails. Relax back at the hotel or follow the local international crowd to the nightly hotspot, where you’ll find a reggae or techno night lasting long into the early morning hours--adding a spicy splash of local nightlife to your Nicoya Peninsula weekend getaway.