Sunshine Sanctuary

Costa Rica , Pacific Central Coast
CÃ³bano, 200m NW of Amor de Mar HotelSuspension bridge on
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

Rhonda

Clean, staff were great, price was good, pool was lovely. It’s a bit of a hike to town but the swinging bridge helped!!! Definitely check out the Montezuma Falls #3 free to guest

2/10

Poor

12 Dec 2025

Angelie

No one was there to greet us. I had to contact them via WhatsApp to find out that they had placed keys already in the hotel door the road from Montezuma to the hotel was extremely steep and the road looks like it was freshly cut out of the rock. the views were very, very nice, but the hotel itself felt very much like a youth hostel. We decided not to stay the night and to the credit of the hotel they did give me a refund minus one night . The pool is super tiny and had a dirt ring around it not very cared for.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2025

Vesna

We had a lovely eight day stay. This small hotel is on the top of the hill with the fantastic view, surrounded with the tropical forest. Very quite and idyllic. Very close to the waterfall. I could even go on a trail and have my morning coffee on the waterfall. Or on the cover rooftop of the hotel, or at the pool.
Room was spacious and clean. Hotel is pretty new and well maintained.
The only drawback was that to go to Montezuma and to the beach we had to drive. I wouldn't mind walking over the suspension bridge and to the village, total of about 15 minutes, but my family didn't want to join me.
Overall it was a great experinece.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

22 Nov 2025

william

The room was lovely - clean and bright but unfortunately the construction in the adjoining unit was noisy and we had a lack of privacy. The breakfast was delicious. However, the main reason why we left a day early was the very rough state of the access road. Bottoming out in our rental car meant we were fearful of coming and going to the point of going without dinner one night. I believe your guests should be warned that they need a high clearance vehicle and warned that their room may be next to a room under renovation in your “sanctuary”.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2025

Monty

Wonderful location and staff!! The oceanview is amazing from the hotel, and is very close to the waterfall. The waterfall is difficult to get to, no matter where you start, but worth the hike.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

HENRY

Great location and friendly staff, Thank You !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2025

Amanda Lea

It’s absolutely beautiful here

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2025

Margaret

Host Anastasia was super friendly and helpful. Great breakfasts in a treehouse like setting. Arranged fabulous zip line tour.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2025

Catherine

Il faut être assez autonome, car le personnel n’est pas souvent présent ! Le déjeuner est vraiment excellent. L’accès à la chute gratuitement est vraiment agréable! Les installations tel que la piscine et la cuisine sont des plus. À quatre, nous avons trouvé qu’il commençait à y manquer un peu d’espace de rangement. En gros, nous avons vraiment apprécié notre séjour et la vue est magnifique !

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2025

Allen

Beautiful jungle retreat on the hill above Montezuma. Limited number of rooms, bright and airy. Clean, with mini fridge and a complete kitchen below an open air dining with a great ocean view patio where a nice breakfast was served daily. Laundry is available for a fee. Access is up a steep, potholed road just out of town. Turnoff to lodge is a narrow dirt with ample parking. A trail head leading to upper falls with swimming is right out the door. Staff is outstanding and the owner was from the State where I live. Some erosion control work was being done during our visit and only a minor distraction. Highly recommended if your in the Montezuma area.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2025

Ana

Intimate small hotel with beautiful views of the ocean and tropical landscape (monkeys come visit you at the balcony). Staff and owner go beyond to make you feel at home. You do need a car (as there are no Ubers/taxi readily available). Access to the waterfall was a plus!

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2025

Peter

Tucked into the jungle it is definitely a Sanctuary. Monkeys and birds greet you along with an amazing view of the sunrise. A short walk to the water falls and Butterfly Brewery. The owner is a sweetheart and her hotel shows that. Everything about my stay was great

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2025

Sylvia

Excellent stay, cute and relaxing! Close to the waterfall, friendly helpful staff, very clean rooms and easy parking. Amazing breakfast. After reading some reviews we were a little worried about the place, but it was not the case. Would highly recommend this place.
If you are driving you can park right beside the hotel. If you are walking it would certainly be a trek, but the whole area is like that.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Nov 2024

Anita

The property itself had a nice view but there was garbage around the property. Walkway to property for pedestrians was a hanging bridge, if your scared of heights you’ll have to walk the long way around.
The tile at the start of the bridge on the property side was slippery, myself & others almost fell. Was an okay experience overall.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2024

Elisha

We loved the property itself however it was difficult getting into the parking as it is a very narrow dirt road with large bumps, the water was also not working and we needed tubs of water to flush, now sink water or shower water. Views were incredible!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2024

Louise

We enjoyed our stay a lot.

We really loved this property.

Location: it is a little out of the town, not by much but it is a steep hill to climb, so if you don't like a bit of a walk this is not the place for you.
It has 2 access points, 1 by vehicle and 1 by foot. We read reviews about the vehicle access being concerning if you didnt have a 4v4. We had a Yaris and managed just fine. It is not a paved access road, but that is similar to most of Costa Rica.
Walking access is available over a suspension bridge across the gorge. Only people at the hotel have a key to access the bridge.
The views are amazing, from the balcony, the pool and the breakfast area. You also get free access to a paid trail down to the waterfall.
It is about a 10-20 minute walk down to the main town/beach area.

Room: spacious, clean. Extremely comfortable beds. The shower was big. Balcony's all overlooking the gorge and water.

Pool: on the smaller side but the deck over looks the forest and you are in the canopy. You can see the coastline.

Breakfast: was delicious. They have a set menu for the week. We had french toast the first day and scrambled eggs with avocado and toast and pinto gallo.

Overall a lovely stay! I recommend!

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

05 Jun 2024

Gabriela

No tengo nada bueno que comentar. No estuve ni 1 hora en la propiedad ya que cancele mi reservacion al momento que llegue.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2024

Robert

I wouldn't stay anywhere else after staying here!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2024

Susan

Sunshine Sanctuary is a beautiful property, with gracious and helpful staff. Staff were very helpful with transportation as we did not have a car. Being so close to the waterfall was delightful, and the views were amazing! Tours to Tortuga can be picked up right at Montezuma beach. As others have noted, it is a steep hill, making one think twice about making the journey more than once a day.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Feb 2024

linda

Beautiful views and nice balcony
Rooms need fans in bathrooms and bedrooms.
In our room the air conditioning was leaking on the television. Television did not work this wasn’t a problem for us but might be for someone else.
This hotel has good access to beautiful falls if you like a little hike down and back about 20 minutes down to the falls. You will have to take a taxi to town if you’re not good to walk. The hike back to the hotel is very steep.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

09 Aug 2023

Joshua

I found a dead lizard in my room. Another lizard kept coming into my room from the heat exchange housing. There was construction on the property from 7AM-4PM everyday. And the walls definitely were not sound proofed.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2023

JAMES

My wife and I recently stayed 6 nights at the Sunshine Sanctuary. There were things that we loved & things we feel would make for a better experience.

We Loved…
Location is exceptional!!

We especially enjoyed breakfasts in the lookout where you felt like you were living in a treehouse with all the animals that CR offers.

A variety of daily breakfasts.

Rooms are spacious with a great view.

Easy trail access to waterfalls.

What would’ve made for a better experience…

Better quality linens. Towels were a bit thin & rough.

The building was under construction so there was no Yoga studio which wasn’t communicated prior to our arrival.

Poor Wi-Fi in rooms.

The cable service (TV) did not work for the first 4 nights.

The room was spacious but lacked hooks to hang bathing suits, etc. A retractable close line in the shower would have been fine.

Most importantly…we would definitely stay here again!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2023

Ana

Stunning view

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2023

Hayley

This was a very nice place to stay but wasn’t super clean and the breakfast was just a bowl of fruit. But it was very cute and the property was awesome with the bridge and waterfall.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Apr 2023

carol

Better be in great shape

I think there should have been more of an emphasis on the many stairs that one needed to negotiate. Some of us seniors are young at heart, but not in the greatest shape. I for instance could not negotiate the stairs without my husbands help.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2023

Chris

Beautiful sunrise views, room was spacious, wildlife was amazing.

Pool was murky, breakfast was simple , room was not cleaned everyday. On a steep hill so could not walk back from town, needed a taxi

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Sep 2022

Bruce

The property has a LOT of potential, the landscaping needs more plants to hide pipes, and dead vines need out of the trees. The driveway into the hotel needs some dirt to fill in ruts. Swinging bridge needs lights in the night.

The positive the hotel has a nice view,
the rooms were clean,
the staff was very nice.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2022

Theresa

A beautiful small quiet hotel in the middle of the jungle! Great, clean room with an excellent view and easy access to town! Free access to Montezuma waterfall trial from Sunshine Sanctuary property. Good breakfast and lots of wildlife right on the property!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2022

Amin

Very unique, Lovely people. Dedicated suspension bridge for the hotel. Friendly environment

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2022

Monique

Nice view of the sea, lot's of birds & capuchin monkeys, easy access to waterfalls, and quiet area. Guests should be aware beforehand that: without a vehicle there's a very steep hill of a good mile up to the narrow dirt path to the hotel, not easy walking with bags or if a certain age/health state; to access money people must go to Cobano 7km away; need to ask for the room to be cleaned including throwing out garbage; breakfast is set and change is difficult- not enough to eat. Staff presence not evident most of the time.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2022

Esther

We felt unsafe the first night because the sliding door did not lock and anyone could have entered although they claimed nothing ever happened.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2022

Kathy

Beautiful spot!

We found our stay at Sunshine Sanctuary very enjoyable. Rooms were clean, view was amazing and breakfast the next morning was perfect!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

Wonderful!

We were the only guests staying here which was nice. We booked sort of last minute and when we arrived the place looked close, but after we honked our horn a bit someone came to get us. Joseph was working at the tune and he was so very helpful and hospitable. He made sure we had everything we needed, answered all our questions, and helped us with answering questions about things to do in the area and tours. The room was very nice and was the property that is minutes from a waterfall and has a hanging bridge to see nature from. The only issue we had were ants in our room, but this is largely due to the environment the hotel is located in and this is a common occurrence in many hotels in Costa Rica. We noticed Joseph and he was quick to help us out. Overall it was a wonderful stay.

Partner

4/10

Poor

01 Dec 2020

Monika

Did not have room when we arrived

We got to the hotel around 6pm, tired after a long jungle hike and looking forward to what looked like a nice room on the booking site. But we were told they do not have a room for us, despite our confirmed reservation. Would not even let us in on the premises to connect to the wifi and with no cell signal, we could not reach booking agency to raise the issue. They did recommend other place, which ended up being just a below-par tiny room with a small bed, no breakfast, and 15% more expensive. Well, it was OK to crash in for the night and it had an AC, but it surely was not what we booked.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2020

Verified traveler

This a little jungle hide away. It’s basically a dirt trail you drive through to get to this little jewel. The rooms are all modern clean with lots of room. Only down fall is it’s about a 5 minute drive DOWN the mountain to get to the restaurants and beach. Did I mention Montezuma Falls are right there a 10 minute walk. Top notch as far as I am concerned.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

It's a hidden beautiful little hotel near montezuma beach. The staff was really nice and the balcony view its amazing!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2020

It looked kind of shady but the hotel is close to the Montezuma Falls which is was a plus. The hotel looked completely empty.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2019

Tom

Samara Gem

Great hotel as advertised. Clean, comfortable room, comfortable beds, great AC. Easy 10-minute drive to town. Even saw howler monkeys from the hotel restaurant. The only suggestion would be to have coffee makers in each room. Otherwise, fantastic stay!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The property is very well kept, the staff did the best they could, not their fault I don’t speak Spanish. It was very quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of town which is close and easy to get to.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful spot overlooking gulf, nice and quiet. Nice little pool. Big rooms.
Only 1 face cloth and 1 small towel for 2 people.
Need a hand railing on top part of gravel steps, could be dangerous for seniors.
Lots of steps.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Very stepp starts and walkway. Would be good someone would have problems

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

I really like where they serve breakfast.
The view was amazing and we loved the bridge.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2018

Scott

Dream spot.

Great place, amazing view, chill town. Extended our 2 nights to 4 because we didn't want to leave.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2018

Arianne

The location was great! It was nice to be on the hill above town, the view was amazing, the staff was very friendly, wildlife surrounding the hotel was diverse and nice, the balcony was big and the amount of rooms kept it from feeling crowded. The only things I didn't love were the small pillows and the placement of the air conditioner.. we needed the A/C to keep cool but it blew in my face all night when I tried to sleep.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Feb 2018

Lynn

Interesting unique Hotel!

We had difficulty finding the entrance to the hotel even with the hotel employee help.
Once in the employees were very helpful. The view was wonderful and location was close to everything local.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2018

Jaime

A great escape.

A nice, new hotel with a beautiful mountain and ocean view, AND it's own suspension bridge. It's up a long hill from town, so you'd probably want a car, but walking IS possible. Few options within close walking distance except for Clandestina, which we loved. The suspension bridge isn't essential to cross (that's unclear from the photos) but it's fun to explore. All in all, we appreciated the quiet and being out of the Montezuma craziness. Room was modern and spacious. Also, being affiliated with the Suntrails people made it easier to book their ziplining and other tours (although they didn't push it on us at all - we actually had to ask. I appreciated that!)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2017

Saranne

Perfect!

Great breakfast. Great staff. Peaceful, beautiful views.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Aug 2017

Savannah

Nice hotel and scenery.

Ok location but far from town and beach. Great staff and very clean and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2017

Barb

I don't have a negative thing to say about this lodge. The location and staff were wonderful. I would highly recommend this place!

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Good price/value but less comfortable than hotel

The room does not include AC, which we didn't realize when booking so that's our fault. But the room can get pretty hot in the late morning and afternoon, even with the fan on. The lodge's location on Google Maps was incorrect so we ended up having to drive another half hour or so after we thought we had reached our destination. When we told the hotel staff about it, she said she knew the Google Maps location was wrong, but didn't seem interested or concerned about correcting it so that guests won't get lost like we did. The room was clean, but it was hard to get enough cool air through at night without the blinds banging against the window and making lots of noise.

Partner