I planned a 30th birthday surprise for my husband to Costa Rica. We stayed at the Hideaway for 5 nights. We arrived rather late due to a delayed flight but we were greeted warmly with a fresh welcome drink along with our room keys and hotel map.

Our casita was impeccably clean and comfortable. Not to mention, a perfect mixture of modernity and nature. The property has a ton of wildlife all over including frogs, a sloth, a capuchin monkey, and plenty of birds. It was incredible to take in the animals while having breakfast. The pool is clean and warm, in addition to 3 hot tubs which came in handy for the cool rainy weather we experienced.

As far as restaurants, there are 2 on property for which reservations are required. No worries, everyone at reception is more than willing to make it a seamless process. A very special thank you to the waitstaff; Josue, Paulo, Cristian and Katherine. Each of them went out of their way to be friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. My favorite of the 2 is definitely Mandarina; their new Asian fusion spot. I had a fried rice there that I still think about. While dining at Mandarina, manager Nelson engaged us in a friendly conversation about our thoughts on the food and even gave us a keepsake to take home - a little tree frog figurine that now sits in our living room.

The reception staff were also fundamental in helping me give my husband a sweet surprise for his birthday. Rachell was able to print a card with a personalized message and provide petals in our room.

My husband and I also enjoyed walking on the property as there are 2 trails that lead to the Rio Celeste. We also had the opportunity to get body scrubs done at the spa with Maria and Juan Carlos. We left feeling squeaky clean and rejuvenated.

If privacy, comfort and nature are on your checklist; then Hideaway Rio Celeste should be your next destination. Pura vida!

P.S Come prepared for rain just in case; rain jackets, light sweaters, closed toe shoes

This is a nice hotel, but I think the rating are a bit high for what you get. I would rate this more of a 4.3 or 4.5 star out of 5. The good: Beautiful scenery, lovely staff, the vibe is nice and clean. The negatives that I am surprised people do not mention more: A busy road runs on the side of many of the hotel cabins so you can hear vehicles going up the hill all day and night. The service for food and drink is very slow - food often came out 45 minutes to an hour after ordering (but staff is very friendly), the drink pours for a glass of wine are expensive but very chintzy pours - I would guess they are 3-ounce pours, honestly the worst margarita I have ever had. Those are the bad but mostly, it was great. Just giving some honest feedback that I think I would have liked to know (mainly the loud road next to the hotel cabins).