Clandestino Beach

Clandestino was an absolute dream. This magical beach haven is a hidden gem that should be discovered by families, couples, and solo travelers seeking solitude. The drive to the Airbnb was a unique way to experience the coast of Parrita: palm trees, dark brown sands, surf-ready waves, and blue and red crabs dodging cars on the dirt road. The large, iconic hut housed the office, dining area, bar, and kitchen with the friendliest staff. The food was out of this world, with special visits from the chef adding to the ambiance. Receiving VIP treatment from all the staff created a special atmosphere. Frequent visits from the Diana, who was always engaging, ensured that each guest received the best service. The walk to our room was enchanting. The individual huts, each with its own porch and adequate seating with mosquito netting, provided a comfortable stay. The beds were cozy, and the jungle ambiance, with toads croaking at night, added to the experience. I would love to return here with my family or for a solo vacation to focus on writing. It’s the type of place that inspires many stories.

A hidden gem right on the beach which goes for miles. Beach is nice sand, rolling pacific warm waves. Hotel has a pool, great rooms and a warm welcome from the host. If you like peace and quiet, this is a great place for you. Only down side is the food is more expensive

So this place was not what I expected, but it was what I needed. It is a local hotel, the rooms are super clean and the beach was right there. This is not an all inclusive typical resort. It is locally owned, private, and quiet. I didn't really look at the reviews before I booked so I was expecting more of busy resort. We didn't do a lot of research before arriving to Costa Rica so it was amazing how the owner of the hotel set up our itinerary for our last days in the country. It was such a relieve because we didn't have to worry about much once we arrived. I was looking for a more lively and full resort, but ended with a quiet, private, peaceful, and relaxing stay. If partying and a big crowd is what you are looking for, this resort won't fulfill those things, but if you want something quiet and private this is it. I felt super safe. We arrived to Parrita by bus and then crabbed a cab to the hotel. Before arriving I would suggest you contact the hotel for transportation, we could have avoided a huge headache had we done that. The taxis in San Jose wanted to charge us $250 to take us to the hotel. Had we contacted the hotel we could have avoided the bus ride and gotten a cheaper more comfortable ride.

Pura Vida from our stay at Clandestino, equally magic and frustrating. With a menagerie of dogs, cats, and even a pet raccoon roaming freely, animal lovers will delight, though it may not suit everyone. Our encounter with the raccoon led to an unprovoked scratch attack on our baby, highlighting a need for caution, especially with children. The property, needing updates, had issues from non-working lights and door lock to a leaking shower, and cleanliness was a concern with a dirty fridge and cockroach presence in the kitchen. Despite its decline, the location's beauty is undeniable. Playa Palo Seca's remote, pristine beach offers solitude but beware of its dangerous currents and hot sand. Dining was disappointing, with high prices not matching the quality, especially the shockingly expensive drinks (as pricey as Miami or Vegas honestly... a single Guaro sour drink was running like $24 USD? For context, I bought an entire bottle of Guaro in Manuel Antonio for like $14 bucks.) Despite these drawbacks, the welcoming staff and the unique experience still made our stay enjoyable. Future visitors should come prepared, hopefully with a rental car to explore dining options and save money. Despite its flaws, Clandestino has charm for those with an open mind. Pura Vida!

My wife and I found this hotel to be the most relaxing environment we have experienced in a very long time. Away from the hustle and bustle you find yourselves to be the only ones on this very long beautiful beach. The sunsets are absolutely to die for!!! Diane, the owner was very supportive of our needs. Knowing we were only there for two nights she personally helped us to organise trips very much last minute which we were exceptionally grateful for. All of the staff were courteous and helpful always and we were very sad that we had not spent much more time there as we found it to be such a tropical getaway. One day we hope to be back. Thanks again to Diane and her team, keep up the great work.

Love this place. The laid back vibe. You feel like you have the resort to yourself. The owner Diana is always on hand to help with anything you need. The breakfast was great, we had dinner one night it was also great. We love the dogs that live on the resort as well as the raccoon. They like to hang out with the guests. The beach is secluded and has the most beautiful sunset you will ever see. This was our third time there and we will be back.

Very beautiful, unique, and serene destination. A special experience. Dianne and staff were kind and accommodating. The food was amazing. Great experience.

Clandestino was beautiful and Diana, the owner just couldn't do enough for us. Lovely room, very comfortable and quiet. Beautiful pool and comfy sunbeds. Good choice for breakfast, will cook any combination you fancy!! We also ate in the restaurant every night and again great choice of food. We ate there every night (8 nights). Location of hotel did not disappoint. Right on the beach - miles of deserted, unspoilt sandy beach and the benefit of both sunrise and sunset. Pretty local for several of the attractions, Rainmaker (waterfalls), Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve and Mangrove boat trip and Diana booked transport for us. The resident pets were great fun and very friendly too! We will definitely go back - thank you Diana

Very good one night stay. Room was comfortable and convenient to restaurant and pool. Pool was relaxing but only very shallow or too deep to stand. I didn’t like that shower floor was hard to stand on with round large stones. Good was good at restaurant but expensive.