Gilded Iguana Resort

This surfer's paradise is every bit as cool as it sounds. Hanging ten since 1988, The Gilded Iguana offers you the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate surf getaway. Located 200 meters (656 feet) from the beach, you're steps away from the immaculate white sands of Guiones. Located within the increasingly posh region of Nosara, Costa Rica, The Gilded Iguana offers beachside adventure, health and wellness, and more than a little bit of indulgence. This vacation, have it all!

Welcome to Nosara's first hotel, established for surfers by surfers. That might conjure images of beach shacks on the sand, but The Gilded Iguana is hardly that. Designed by architect Benjamin Saxe, The Gilded Iguana offers a bright, airy, and cheerful interior with plenty of aqua and wood tones — effortlessly drawing upon the colours of the beach. You'll also enjoy a seamless blend of indoor/outdoor living from both your room and throughout the hotel overall.

Surfing is an awesome, but it can also be exhausting! That's why you'll be resting your head in artisanal comfort — this is rather luxe beach bumming, after all. Choose from seven different accommodation options, each of which comes with a desk, private outdoor space, surf storage, and plenty of natural light.

• Standard Surf Rooms are entry-level accommodations which sacrafice none of the comfort and beauty The Gilded Iguana has to offer. Your room comes with two full size beds, vaulted ceilings, and a private garden space.

• Standard Surf Room - Handicap Accessible was designed for guests who need accessibility options. The room is equipped with a single queen size bed, and all of the thoughtful touches you would expect in any of The Gilded Iguana's other rooms — including vaulted ceilings and a private garden space.

• Premium King Room offers you a king size bed, and additional amenities such as a mini bar/fridge, and coffee/tea maker. You'll also enjoy an outdoor terrace and outdoor shower, or vaulted ceilings and an outdoor balcony.

• Premium Double Queen Room comes with two queen size beds, and additional amenities such as a mini bar/fridge, and coffee/tea maker. You'll also enjoy an outdoor terrace and outdoor shower, or vaulted ceilings and an outdoor balcony.

• Premium Plus King Room is an upper level accommodation featuring a king size bed, extra large bathroom, table and chairs, vaulted ceilings, and outdoor balcony.

• Premium Plus Double Queen Rooms are gracious upper level accommodatins with two queen beds, an extra large bathraoom, vaulted ceilings, and an outdoor balcony.

• Surfer Suite is ideal for groups, so bring your family or friends. Spread out over two rooms — the 'main room' has one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds, each with a single/twin bed (totals four single/twin beds); this room also has closets and storage. The bathroom is equipped with two toilet rooms (water closets), double sinks, and a large shower. The suite's 'second room' includes the kitchenette, dining set, and living space. You and your gests will also enjoy a large terrace.

The Gilded Iguana helps you fuel up for your day surf school by making sure you start each day with a complimentary breakfast. Your dreams of riding the waves are about to come true whether you're a beginner or an expert; The Gilded Iguana offers classes for children and absolute beginners, intermediate and elite training, and even private lessons. All surf instructors are International Surfing Associate (ISA) certified. Your instructor will be experienced, kind, and patient...even a pro had to pop up and ride a wave for the first time. You can pack light, because the onsite surf shop can outfit you with everything you need.

Need a break from surfing? Enjoy outdoor swimming pools, mountain biking, yoga, spa treatments, zip lining and more. Or, you can hang out at the hotel's Surf Club, where you can enjoy snacks, games, TV, and more. If you'd prefer to veg out solo, you can take advantage of the hotel's Wi-Fi and stream a movie or do a little reading.

Tropical fantasies come true at The Gilded Iguana hotel and surf school, where you can become the surfer you've always wanted to be at outdoorsy, yet luxurious, beachside accommodations.