Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

For luxurious immersion in the Costa Rican vacation region of Los Sueños (“dreams”), check in to Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Playa Herradura on the country’s Pacific Coast. Here, in one of Costa Rica’s most idyllic escapes, 199 guestrooms and suites are designed to maximize engagement with both the local scenery (hello, in-room hammocks with ocean views) and the local culture (many elements within the accommodations were created by local artisans and several tell stories of local traditions and customs). Soothing earth tones complement Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and enhance relaxation. Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism and Los Sueños matches the national effort regularly, but most recently with redesigned bathrooms that promote low consumption without sacrificing luxury or style and an LED lighting program throughout the property.

Outdoors you’ll find the sprawling pool system voted one of the top in Latin America, with what appear to be several large pools all connected by underpasses below charming footbridges, creating an especially picturesque scene. Since this is vacation, you’ll likely be glad to find there’s a swim-up bar here, too. Continuing the theme of sustainability, Los Sueños partners with Costas Verdes, which seeks to recreate coastal jungles on shorelines by donating a dollar from every reservation to Costas Verdes and also offering its shoreline to the organization. Hundreds of trees have been planted on the property with the assistance of volunteer employees and guests wishing to participate in the program.

Elsewhere on property, take advantage of Sibö Rainforest Spa, the 24-hour fitness center and the championship 18-hole La Iguana golf course (look out for monkeys!).