Esh Hotel & Spa Nosara Review – A Michelin Key Retreat in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone
A Blue Zone is a geographically designated area where residents live exceptionally long lives, often well into their hundreds. The philosophy is based on diet, activity, strong social connections, and a rich sense of self. The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is a Blue Zone. Attention to natural resources and respect for the land and sea are ingrained into everyday life.
About halfway down the 80 miles of coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula is the town of Nosara, named after the Chorotega princess who died on the beach fighting for love.
The Spanish occupation cleared the jungle for ranching, and in the modern era, large developments have been fought off to create communities that are engaged in slow growth and resource management. Electricity was not available until the 1980s, and even now, local preservation is at the forefront of future plans.
Quick Info – Esh Hotel & Spa, Nosara
| Hotel | Esh Hotel & Spa |
| Location | Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica |
| Hotel Type | Michelin Key Boutique Luxury Hotel |
| Rooms | 29 rooms (including 10 suites) |
| Dining | Almar Restaurant & Ember and Ash Bar |
| Pool | Three-tiered jungle lagoon pool |
| Breakfast | Included (served until 11:00 AM) |
| Extras | Yoga classes, complimentary shuttle, beach chairs |
| Best For | Couples, wellness seekers, surfers |
Nosara – A Laid-Back Surfing Mecca
For decades, Nosara and its beach towns of Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada have been surfing meccas. Seven kilometers (4.5 miles) of beach and a sandy ocean bottom create waves year-round for all levels of experience.
No shoes, no shirt—Nosara is exactly that. It is a very casual beach community that is advancing at its own pace. Tourism is the number one commodity. It’s definitely not the big resort, all-inclusive, bucket drink destination, and the plan is to keep it that way.
The one paved road in town is slightly better than the dirt roads leading down to the surfboard-bustling center of town. Boutique hotels, surf shops, houses, and restaurants are the epicenter of Playa Guiones.
Arriving at Esh – A Michelin Key Hotel
Outside of the town proper, up a hill in a residential neighborhood, lies a world-class Michelin Key hotel, Esh. Esh, the Hebrew word for fire, was built with intent beyond being just a luxury hotel.
Esh fulfills three philosophies: Honesty, where the pursuit of truth frees the soul; Love, which binds us to our higher purpose; and Responsibility, where strength is found in purpose and fortitude.
Architecture and Grounds
With 29 rooms, 10 of which are suites, Esh is small but by no means confined. The space is open, allowing the natural landscape to flow through and embrace the structures.
There is tremendous tranquility in the soft brutalist blocks, and their grounded contact with the native landscape creates a living contrast between weight and breath.
The reception area is an open foyer, transitioned with large wood structural beams, evoking a welcoming sense of strength and serenity. A stone fire pit is the focal point and heart of the entrance, with its eternal flames paying respect to Esh’s founding philosophies.
There is one central path leading to the rooms and pool. Framed by lush landscape, the crushed stone path leads past gently wafting clouds of aromatic incense and is the passage into the entity that is Esh.
The intimacy of the grounds creates an atmosphere of belonging. Brushed concrete buildings are set back from the path and framed by natural landscape, alluring one to escape into a sanctuary.
The Suite – Tropical Modernism at Its Finest
Our suite is a stand-alone structure with a private side entrance. The interior embodies the tropical modernism aesthetic. The floor-to-ceiling sliding window brings the jungle in, and natural light warms the stone-toned walls.
A king platform bed sits prominently on the top tier of the two-level space. You step down into a sunken seating area suggestive of a 1970s conversation pit. A large, free-standing soaking tub on the balcony is an embellishment of tranquility.
The open floor plan allows for a spacious bathroom, complete with a generous outdoor rain shower, naturally curtained from the outside by abundant foliage.
The Three-Tiered Jungle Pool
Esh’s vibe emanates from the three-tiered pool. Only a short walk from any room, but feeling far away, the pools evoke a jungle lagoon.
Shallow areas gently cascade into deep plunges that fall into an island fire pit. Lounging on one of the large, plush daybeds at the waterline is the perfect way to unwind. Soft ambient lo-fi music accompanies the birdsong as the warmth of day calls for an easy, cool, refreshing dip.
Dining – Almar Restaurant and Ember & Ash Bar
The restaurant Almar offers exceptional poolside service and table dining options. Fresh ceviche, tuna poke, or the grilled chicken quesadilla are excellent lunch choices. T
he Ember and Ash bar offers original craft cocktails such as the Esh 75, cold draft beer, and a curated wine list. Dinner under the thatched roof in the warm night air is a special evening. The Octopus Satay, illuminated by glowing chunks of charcoal, is as delicious as it is visually stunning.
Activities and Things to Do in Nosara
Breakfast is included in the mornings and available until 11:00 AM, leaving ample time to wake up for the yoga and exercise classes taught by local yogis and athletic trainers. Complimentary shuttle service will take you into town or to the beach, where Esh provides shaded beach chairs.
If surfing is your jam, bring your board or take advantage of the numerous surf schools and board rental shops. A long walk on the beach is highly recommended. At sunset, the crowds gather, locals and tourists alike, to simply look west and embrace the vibrant glow as the ocean absorbs the day and the blue sky fades to black.
Final Thoughts on Esh Hotel & Spa
A stay at Esh and Nosara is revitalizing. The lo-fi vibe is in the air, and there is a communal understanding you can feel that makes Nosara special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Esh Hotel & Spa located?
Esh Hotel & Spa is located in Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, a region recognized as one of the world’s Blue Zones.
How many rooms does Esh Hotel have?
Esh Hotel has 29 rooms, 10 of which are suites. Each room features tropical modernism design with natural materials and jungle views.
Is Esh Hotel a Michelin Key hotel?
Yes, Esh is a world-class Michelin Key hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica, recognized for its outstanding hospitality, design, and guest experience.
What dining options are available at Esh Hotel?
Esh Hotel features the Almar restaurant with poolside and table dining, plus the Ember and Ash bar serving craft cocktails, draft beer, and a curated wine list. Breakfast is included daily until 11:00 AM.
Is Nosara good for surfing?
Yes, Nosara and its beach towns of Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada are renowned surfing destinations with seven kilometers of beach and year-round waves suitable for all levels.
What activities are available at Esh Hotel & Spa?
Esh offers yoga and exercise classes, a three-tiered jungle pool, complimentary shuttle service to town and the beach, shaded beach chairs, and easy access to surfing, beach walks, and sunset viewing.
- About the Author
- More info
Blending a passion for exploration with a trained eye for detail, Cameron McIntyre has built a career as both a trusted travel advisor and an accomplished photographer. His travel experiences provide unique insights allowing him to curate journeys for clients across the globe. Cameron specializes in creating personalized travel experiences that go far beyond itineraries. Every trip is designed to reflect the traveler’s unique interests, whether that means discovering hidden cultural gems, indulging in luxury escapes, or embarking on immersive adventures off the beaten path.
