A vibrant art theme runs through the 20-villa property, designed by architect Sherrill Broudy, with original paintings, mosaics, and tapestries by his wife Charlene Broudy. The grounds are also dotted by works like hand-carved wood sculptures, bright maritime-themed collages, and abstract tableaus that evoke a 60s pop-art vibe.
Bungalow-style buildings are connected by palm-lined paths that cut through gardens, which attract wildlife like butterflies and scarlet macaws, as well as produce herbs and vegetables for use in Alma's kitchen. A large lap pool at the hotel's center has a waterfall feature and is surrounded by thatched palapas and chaise loungers. It's flanked by a greenery-shrouded jacuzzi to one side, and wading pool whose shallow waters welcome children on the other. Heading to the sand, you'll cross a spread of low-cut lawn with lounge chairs under shade trees that leads to a secluded beach, backed by a line of lush palm trees. The less-developed stretch of smooth, black sand offers impressive sunset viewing, and meets Pacific waters that are perfect for surfing.
Accommodations include beachfront villas and garden bungalows. The former have amenities like plunge pools, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces with views of the sea. The latter have outside seating in private gardens. All are designed in a nod to the Southern-California style of modernist architect John Lautner. Individually decorated guestrooms have rounded doorways, polished-wood ceilings in wave designs, and long, wide sofas that can double as beds. Accents include brightly colored throw pillows and wicker furniture.
Air-conditioned villas and bungalows continue the luxury with niceties like flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and minibars with complimentary juice and water. Indoor mosaic-tiled showers look onto gardens and outdoor rain showers. You'll also find plush bathrobes and designer bath products that you'll probably want to steal (but please don't). Alma also has neighboring 3 and 4 bedroom condos for larger groups.
Specializing in organic cuisine, the open-air, thatched-roofed Mosaic Restaurant has beach and garden views from every table. Breakfast that's included, and served with locally sourced coffee, includes items like eggs, fruit, and the traditional rice-and-bean dish of Gallo Pinto. You'll likely be tempted to reach for a bottle of Lizano salsa to add a dash of the popular local flavor. Seafood entrees are locally caught, and include offerings like grilled fillets, tuna tartar, and red snapper served whole in true Tico style. If you're looking for a tropical cocktail, there's an open-air bar with an ocean view.
The spa continues the colorful art theme with bright treatments rooms that have rounded ceilings and wide windows looking onto lush gardens. Local organic ingredients are used in the menu of treatments like aromatherapy – or you might prefer to sink into a mud bath.
You'll be a 30-minute drive from Playa Jacó, a buzzing little beach town packed with restaurants and shops that cater to the surfing scene. It's about an hour drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, with diverse landscape that runs from forest to beach, home to spider monkeys and sloths. Tours that depart from the hotel include activities like zip-lining, white water river rafting, and horseback riding on the beach.
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