Our family recently stayed at Botanika Osa Peninsula in Puerto Jimenez. We have visited Puerto Jimenez many times during our years living in Costa Rica, so we were curious about this newer luxury option, especially for such a remote spot. This was our second time staying at the hotel. Here’s our take on the resort and what you can expect.
Note: This is an unbiased review based on our two stays at Botanika Resort. We paid for our stays and received no compensation. We share our honest opinions to help you plan your trip.
Overview
Set in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, Botanika Resort is a beautiful mid-size property that opened in 2022 as part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection.
The resort has about 125 rooms spread across four buildings. The property has a luxury feel but architectural features like large windows, wide verandas, and native gardens help it blend into the gorgeous natural surroundings. Throughout the grounds, mature trees create a jungle feel, and you’ll likely spot wildlife right on the property.
The resort has great amenities. We loved the large lagoon-style pool and posh cabanas. As is typical of a Hilton resort, Botanika Osa Peninsula has restaurants onsite, a spa, and well-equipped fitness center.
Interestingly, Botanika is the only high-end hotel in the small town of Puerto Jimenez. The resort feels a bit out of place in this modest fishing village, but it does offer local experiences that will let you get a taste of everyday life and experience the culture.
While the property doesn’t have ocean views (it’s slightly set back from the coast), the ocean is just a short 15-minute walk away.
This resort is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing escape in nature or want to visit the famous Corcovado National Park. It’s also a great option for those traveling on Hilton points who want a true rainforest experience.
Location
The most important thing to know about staying at Botanika is its location.
Since the Osa Peninsula is so remote, the drive from San Jose is about 6-7 hours. Many visitors opt to take small planes from San Jose to save time, but we personally don’t recommend this due to safety and reliability concerns.
If you’re up for driving, it’s a beautiful trip along the coastal highway. Since it is long, we recommend breaking up the journey with stops along the way (more on this later). If you’re renting a car, be sure to check out our rental car discount to save 10% and get free extras through one of Costa Rica’s most reputable rental companies.
Once at Botanika, the closest town is Puerto Jimenez, which is about a 5-minute drive away. While Puerto Jimenez is a simple locals’ town with just a handful of streets, it does offer basic amenities. You’ll find a grocery store and other shops, bank with ATM, and a handful of simple restaurants serving mostly traditional Costa Rican food.
For many visitors, this remoteness is part of the appeal – it allows you to disconnect from the busy tourist areas and experience one of Costa Rica’s most pristine environments. You also can get a taste of the culture if you want by heading off the resort. We have visited Puerto Jimenez several times, staying both in and out of town, and have always felt safe.
Customer Service
We found the service at Botanika to be very good throughout our stays. Check-in was smooth and helpful, with welcome drinks of fruit punch (with optional local guaro liquor) and chocolates for the kids.
After check-in, a friendly bellboy took us to our room in a Tuk Tuk – a fun touch that our kids enjoyed.
Throughout our stays, we had good service in the restaurants, with attentive staff who were happy to help with special requests when needed.
Room Options at Botanika Osa Peninsula
The rooms at Botanika are spread across four larger multi-story buildings, about a 5-minute walk from reception and the main restaurant.
During our two visits, our family stayed in a 2-bedroom suite and standard room, giving us a good perspective on the different accommodation options.
The rooms are tastefully decorated using local wood and furniture crafted by Costa Rican artisans. Large windows look out to the rainforest to bring the outdoors in. If you have a suite, the balcony is a wonderful place to hang out and take in the view.
We found our rooms to be very clean and quiet.
Standard rooms – Come with 1 king bed or 2 queens
Suites – Very spacious 1, 2, or 3 bedroom options with an open floor plan, large kitchen with full-size refrigerator and dishwasher, modern design, and private balconies.
Pricing
Botanika is definitely on the expensive side for Costa Rica. Prices vary seasonally, with the rainy season (May to November) offering the best rates.
In general, you can expect to pay $260-340 per night for a standard room and $375-800 per night for a suite. These rates include breakfast, which is optional. Check Rates and Availability at Botanika Osa Peninsula.
As with most hotels in Costa Rica, peak season pricing applies during Christmas/New Year’s and Easter Week, when rates can increase significantly.
Pool
The resort’s large, centrally located main pool was definitely a highlight for our family.
The lagoon-style pool loops around to create plenty of space, so it never felt too crowded. Palm trees and gardens surround the area, and the back of the pool faces the thick rainforest, creating a beautiful backdrop.
Two large jacuzzis are available.
Many lounge chairs and umbrellas are spread out along the deck, making it easy to find a spot even during busy times.
Our family enjoyed getting a snack from the pool bar in one of the shaded cabanas.
Towels, sunscreen, and after sun are available at the pool. They had a few floats/toys for the kids.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pool Bar/Restaurant (Driza Bar and Grill)
The pool bar (Driza Bar and Grill) has a small, but good, menu with sandwiches, salads, burgers, tacos, nachos, etc. We appreciated that they incorporated local ingredients into many dishes, and the food for lunch was very good overall. Main dishes are $15-26, and there’s a full bar serving cocktails, beer, wine, and fruit smoothies.
For families, there’s a kids’ menu with a few options.
Driza Bar & Grill is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s the only lunch option on the property.
Main Restaurant (Tierra a la Mesa)
The resort’s main restaurant, Tierra a la Mesa, focuses on sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu isn’t huge but has pasta dishes, steak, local fish, and some specialties. There are limited vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, though they can accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
We found the restaurant to be expensive for what it was, with entrees averaging $30-35. Because of this, we often opted to eat at restaurants in town (get recommendations in our Puerto Jimenez post).
Tierra a la Mesa is open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Room service is also available, but only from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Breakfast
For breakfast, Botanika offers an à la carte menu with things like traditional Costa Rican gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs), omelets, eggs benedict, smoked salmon on toast, pancakes, and French toast, with typical sides like bacon, sausage, and fried plantains. Fresh tropical fruit is served to start.
There’s also a self-serve area with breads, pastries, cereal, yogurt, and granola. Our kids loved the fresh local juices, while the adults enjoyed the Costa Rican coffee and mimosa bar.
Breakfast was inconsistent during our two visits. On one stay, it was excellent, while the other time, it was just okay. An example is that one day, we had delicious homemade hash browns, and the next day, we were given frozen ones. It’s still a decent option, though, and easier than going to town for breakfast. We would get it again for the convenience if we ever go back.
Breakfast is served at the main restaurant from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is good because some tours start early in the morning.
Activities on Site
There aren’t a lot of things to do right on the resort property. Botanika does have Insectopia, a small, but really cool, insect museum run by the BioSur Foundation, a local non-profit. Here, you can see displays with beautifully preserved butterflies, beetles, and other less common insects.
There are also short trails through the rainforest where you can spot wildlife.
The real draw is the activities available in the Puerto Jimenez area.
These are mostly nature tours like day trips to Corcovado National Park or the Rio Nuevo Nature Reserve, chocolate tours, dolphin watching, sloth tours through a local family, mangrove kayaking, and boat tours in the Golfo Dulce for snorkeling.
Corcovado day trips typically start early (around 6 a.m.) and return in the late afternoon, so plan for a full-day excursion if this is on your list.
Other options include birdwatching, surfing in Cabo Matapalo (about 30 minutes south), and if you’re up for some adventure, visiting King Louis Waterfall.
Sportfishing is very popular in Puerto Jimenez. Botanika has a relationship with Crocodile Bay, the former hotel that was on the property for many years. They specialize in sportfishing and have a very good reputation (we’ve had clients go and they loved it).
Crocodile Bay also runs the tours desk at Botanika. In our opinion, some of the tours offered are overpriced, but the resort coordinates all the transportation and logistics, which makes things easy.
For more information about what to do in the area, read our destination guide for Puerto Jimenez.
Beach Access
While Botanika doesn’t have direct beach access, Playa Platanares (also known as Playa Preciosa) is nearby.
The resort offers a free excursion where they will take you by boat (short 5-10 minute ride) to Cahui Beach Club. This is a small private resort with loungers right on the sand and a restaurant that serves simple, but good, food.
Playa Platanares is gorgeous (very wild feeling) and peaceful. Towels and basic shower facilities are available for Botanika guests.
The main beach in Puerto Jimenez (about a 5-minute drive from Botanika) is also very scenic if you want to explore on your own. It has calm water that’s great for swimming and is a popular spot among locals.
Pier and Golfo Dulce
A 15-minute walk along the jungle trails at Botanika takes you to a pier over the Golfo Dulce.
The Golfo Dulce is a tropical fjord, a unique geological formation that is extremely rich in marine life. It’s one of only a few tropical fjords in the world and definitely worth exploring.
Our family did a dolphin tour with a local operator, and it was awesome! In addition to dolphins, humpback whales also migrate to this area seasonally to breed and rear young.
During our stay, we were also lucky enough to spot dolphins right from the pier.
If you are interested in the dolphin tour we did, we’d be happy to help with the arrangements. Learn more and book a tour. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website. Learn more about our travel agency.
Spa
The spa offers massages and facials for around $85-95 for a 50-70 minute session and $105-180 for 50-80 minutes.
Fitness Center
We were impressed by Botanika’s very large, modern fitness center, which we used during our stay. It has several treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, yoga mats, weightlifting equipment, and free weights. The facility is air-conditioned.
The fitness center is open 24 hours a day with your room keycard.
Lounge/Game Room
Near the Reception and main restaurant is a comfortable lounge/library with a nice ambiance. It’s a good place to relax with a book. They also have some board games if it’s raining or you need to entertain the kids.
Wifi
The free Wifi was strong in our rooms and throughout the resort.
Amenities for Kids
The pool is great if you’re traveling with kids. There’s a shallow area for young children and the rest of the pool isn’t super deep.
As mentioned, the lounge has some board games.
During one of our stays in high season (January), there was a local woman working (“Mama”) who came to talk to our kids and make them feel welcome. She made them cute pillow stuffed animals, which they loved. She wasn’t there during our stay in off-season (June).
Both restaurants have a kids’ menu.
Sustainability
Botanika Osa Peninsula has attained the Certification of Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica. This is given to tourism businesses that have taken specific actions to mitigate their environmental impacts while advancing social, cultural, and economic goals.
The resort supports a local non-profit called BioSur that works to preserve ecosystems on the Osa Peninsula. They also run an internship program for local high school students, organize tree plantings, and offer educational workshops to the local community. The resort’s architecture is LEED Certified, and they’ve planted native species throughout the property.
Value for Money
Considering Botanika’s remote location, high-end amenities, and quality of accommodation, we found it to be a reasonable value within its luxury category. That said, it’s definitely not a budget option, and the restaurant prices in particular were high relative to the quality.
If you’re a Hilton Honors member using points, the property is a great option to explore this remote and special area of Costa Rica.
Best For
Botanika Osa Peninsula is best for:
- Wildlife enthusiasts who want to see some of Costa Rica’s most sought-after species
- Travelers looking to visit Corcovado National Park with comfortable accommodations
- Hilton Honors members wanting to use points in a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination
- Families wanting a luxury resort experience while still experiencing authentic Costa Rica
- Those seeking a balance between rainforest immersion and modern amenities
The resort is less ideal for:
- Budget travelers (there are much more affordable options in Puerto Jimenez)
- Those seeking a walkable beachfront location
- Visitors wanting extensive on-site activities or entertainment
- Foodies looking for diverse dining options (the onsite restaurants are limited, though you can find some basic alternatives in Puerto Jimenez)
Pros and Cons of Botanika Osa Peninsula
Pros:
- Beautiful, modern resort in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions
- Excellent wildlife viewing on and near the property
- Gorgeous lagoon-style pool with good service
- Large, well-designed rooms with rainforest views
- Free excursion to a beautiful, uncrowded beach
- Great fitness center
Cons:
- Remote location requires significant travel time
- Higher price point than many options
- Restaurants are expensive and options are limited
- Not really walkable to town, requiring transportation
- Limited on-site activities compared to some resorts
Getting to Botanika Osa Peninsula
San Jose International Airport (SJO) is the best option to fly into when visiting Botanika Osa Peninsula. From there, you have three choices for local transportation.
Small Plane
This is a popular option that saves time (about a 50-minute flight), but as mentioned, we don’t personally recommend it for safety and reliability reasons.
Driving
The drive from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez is along well-maintained, paved roads.
We recommend renting a car and designing an itinerary that breaks up the drive from San Jose. Some possible stops along the route are:
- Esterillos and Bejuco: Small towns about two hours from San Jose with a local feel.
- Manuel Antonio: A very popular, family-friendly beach town with many activities and amenities.
- Uvita/Dominical: More rural and off-the-beaten path, with thick rainforest and abundant wildlife, but still offering good restaurant options.
Be sure to check out our rental car discount to save 10% on a car and get free extras.
Taking a Shuttle
If you’re not comfortable driving, you could take a private shuttle van. These are comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. The cost is around $630 each way since it’s a long trip.
If you need help with the arrangements, we work with an excellent local transportation company and could help with stops on the way to break up the drive. Here’s a link to our Private Shuttles page with more info.
Best Times to Visit
The Osa Peninsula is located on the southern Pacific coast, one of the rainiest parts of Costa Rica.
The rainy season goes from May through the end of November, with the driest times being mid-December through April.
We have visited the Osa Peninsula many times during different seasons.
The dry season months are hot (into the 90s ℉/32 ℃) and typically have sunny skies and little rain, though you should always be prepared for the occasional downpour. On one of our visits in February, it rained for about an hour early one morning, which was a surprise. This is what keeps the rainforest so lush and vibrant, after all!
Early rainy season (May through July) is typically slightly cooler but still very tropical feeling. Mornings are usually nice with downpour-type rain in the afternoon or evening for an hour or two. Sometimes, it will rain more. During our last visit in mid-June, it rained on and off during our three-day visit. We were still able to do all the activities we wanted to, though.
August through mid-November can be quite rainy, depending on the year. For more information, check out our Weather post.
Conclusion
Botanika Osa Peninsula offers a luxury experience in one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and biodiverse regions. While it requires some effort to reach, those looking to experience the unique nature of the Osa Peninsula while enjoying comfortable accommodations will appreciate what Botanika has to offer.
During our two stays, we really enjoyed the beautiful pool area, comfortable rooms, and friendly service. We also liked that the resort is near Puerto Jimenez. It was great to be able to eat at some of the local restaurants and have a more authentic stay.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, want to visit Corcovado National Park, or are looking to use Hilton points for a unique Costa Rica experience, Botanika is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botanika Osa Peninsula on the beach?
No, Botanika is not directly on the beach, but offers transportation to nearby beaches.
What are the closest major towns to Botanika?
- The main town area of Puerto Jimenez is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the resort.
- Golfito is across the bay and can be accessed by taking the small ferry from Puerto Jimenez. It has duty-free shopping and a marina but doesn’t offer much for most travelers.
- The tiny village of Cabo Matapalo is about 30 minutes south via a dirt road and is known for great surfing and wild jungle.
How can I get to the main town area of Puerto Jimenez?
Driving is the best way to get to town. Although you could walk (about 15-20 minutes), the resort is located on a dirt road next to the airstrip and is somewhat isolated. There are no safety concerns really, as long as you follow the usual precautions, so walking is possible if you’re up for it.
If you won’t have a car, the resort offers a shuttle to town for $10 per person each way. Taxis are also available.
Is there a grocery store in Puerto Jimenez?
Yes, there’s a medium-sized store called BM that has a decent selection, including fresh produce, meat, and other essentials.
Is there a resort charge?
Botanika Resort has a $35/night resort charge.
Can you see wildlife on the property?
Yes! In the rainforest around the property, it’s possible to see scarlet macaws, iguanas, frogs, monkeys, and sloths. A stream runs through the resort, and the short trails near the pier are good for wildlife watching.
What should I pack for a stay at Botanika?
Due to the hot, humid climate, we recommend packing moisture-wicking clothing, bug spray, sunscreen, a good hat, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and hiking boots if you’re planning on hiking. Also be sure to bring a light rain jacket.
If you’re traveling during the rainy season, have an umbrella handy. Because it can feel cooler because of the humidity when it rains, you may want lightweight pants as well.
For a complete packing list, check out our Costa Rica Packing List.
Are there other high-end accommodation options in the Osa Peninsula?
If you prefer a smaller, boutique-style luxury lodge, Lapa Rios is a good option. It offers a more intimate experience in a similar setting. Learn more with our Cabo Matapalo post.
On the other side of the peninsula, Drake Bay offers many more high-end options with a similar environment.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free, or you can use the valet service for $10 per day. The lot is very close to Reception.
Check in and out
Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m.
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Our Review Policy
This review is based on our family’s personal experience at Botanika Resort. We paid for our own accommodations and received no compensation or special treatment in exchange for this review. Our goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to help travelers make informed decisions about their Costa Rica accommodations.
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Have a question about Botanika Osa Peninsula or have you been? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information about Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
First-time Visit to Costa Rica: If you’re visiting for the first time, learn what to expect and get general trip-planning tips.
Puerto Jimenez: An Outpost to the Osa – Get all the details about the small town of Puerto Jimenez, including recommended restaurants.
Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion – Not sure about renting a car? Check out our article that explains how insurance works in Costa Rica and what pitfalls to avoid.