Esh Hotel & Spa

Esh Hotel & Spa in Nosara, Costa Rica, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently garners exceptional reviews for its luxurious design, outstanding service, and tranquil wellness atmosphere. Guests frequently describe it as an "absolutely amazing" and "stunning" retreat, offering a perfect blend of modern elegance and immersive rainforest experiences.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Esh Hotel & Spa is overwhelmingly positive, with an average "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on numerous guest reviews. Guests often highlight the hotel as a "quiet reset" and a place that makes them feel "cared for, relaxed, and inspired."

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Esh Hotel & Spa:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's architecture is celebrated for being "clean and calming," "super stylish and new," and featuring interiors that are "to die for." The design is inspired by the Hebrew word for "flame" (Esh), incorporating elements like lava-stone soaking tubs and blackened wood.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives continuous accolades for being "super friendly," "attentive and responsive," "intuitive," and "beyond friendly and courteous." Many guests feel a personal connection, noting the staff's dedication to making their stay perfect.
• Wellness Amenities: A significant draw is the "relaxing wellness vibe," which includes complimentary daily yoga classes, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool. The three-tiered outdoor pool area is also a major highlight, inviting deep unwinding.
• Dining: The food quality is consistently rated as "great" and "delicious," with specific mentions of the "gringa al pastor" as a must-try.
• Eco-Consciousness: The property utilizes eco-friendly cleaning products and energy-efficient lighting, and offers guests the option to reuse linens and towels.

Room Quality

The rooms at Esh Hotel & Spa are designed for comfort and luxury. They are described as "cozy and well-decorated," "super comfortable," and "exquisitely decorated." Each room features comfortable beds with high-quality pillows and sheets, beautiful bathrooms, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms also offer garden views and private balconies. Some higher-end villas boast lava-stone soaking tubs, private plunge pools, and indoor-outdoor showers for an immersive nature experience. Notably, rooms are TV-free, encouraging guests to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Dining Experience

Esh Hotel & Spa offers a delightful culinary journey with its main restaurant, Almar, and a cafe. Almar, whose name means "soul of the sea," focuses on Mexican, seafood, international, and Latin American cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from fishermen and organic farms. Guests rave about the food quality, describing it as "absolutely incredible." A complimentary breakfast is provided, offering American, à la carte, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The poolside bar, Ember & Ash, serves unique, smoky cocktails with a focus on mezcal.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Esh Hotel & Spa are frequently cited as one of its strongest assets. Guests commend the team for being "impeccable," "friendly and intuitive," and demonstrating a genuine care for guest comfort. From a personal welcome to attentive service throughout the stay, the hospitality is often highlighted as a key reason for a memorable experience.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated in the mountains of Nosara, providing a serene jungle setting. It's conveniently located 1.3 miles from Guiones Beach and approximately 3.1 miles from Nosara airport. While not directly on the beach, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to Guiones Town Center, Guiones Beach, and Pelada Beach, ensuring easy access to local attractions and surf spots. It is an adults-only property and does not offer wheelchair accessibility.

Value & Pricing

Esh Hotel & Spa is positioned as a luxury property, with prices reflecting its high-end offerings and exceptional service. A one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately CA $549.05 (about USD $407). While some guests note that extras like cocktails and spa services can be expensive, many feel the overall experience, including the luxurious amenities and attentive service, justifies the cost. The inclusion of daily yoga, sauna, cold plunge, and a shuttle service adds to its perceived value.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some minor recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Unfinished Areas: As a relatively new property, some guests have noted that certain areas, such as spa rooms, were still under construction or appeared unfinished, with visible building materials.
• Minor Maintenance Issues: Occasional practical concerns like water on stairs, weak drainage, and non-working electrical sockets after rain have been reported.
• Noise: The restaurant's morning music, starting at 6 AM, has sometimes been a source of disturbance, particularly as breakfast service begins later at 7:30 AM.
• Pricing of Extras: Some guests found the cost of cocktails and spa treatments to be quite high.
• Breakfast Quality: While breakfast is generally praised, one review specifically mentioned that the orange juice was not fresh, which was unexpected for a hotel of this caliber.
• Room Brightness and Shower Pressure: Minor criticisms included rooms being overly bright in the mornings due to window light and occasionally subpar shower pressure.

Sources

1. booking.com
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4. tablethotels.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. expedia.ca
7. michelin.com
8. guanacaste-hotels.com
9. hoteles.com