Opened in February of 2024, Silvestre–meaning wild in Spanish–is situated on prime real estate between the rainforest and beaches of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The area has become famous for its Blue Zone status, and there’s no shortage of juice bars, smoothie bowls, yoga classes, and surfers of all ages. Directly in front of the property is Playa Guiones, which offers over 330 days per year of rideable wave conditions–a paradise for those looking to hop on a board–or just enjoy the pinch-me sunsets.
The Residences
Rather than being labeled as hotel room offerings, the Silvestre is home to nine two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences with a stunning minimalist beach-chic aesthetic that incorporates rich woods and travertine. It’s clear that a lot went into the design process and its furnishings, which are ideal for families or groups. Each bedroom has an attached full bathroom; there’s a large living space for shared lounging, a dining table for eight, a washer/dryer, and a slick kitchen that’s stocked with local eggs, bread, produce, honey, and more upon arrival. The tropical garden grand residence comes with a barrel sauna and ice bath on the patio. And because it’s Nosara, every bedroom is mounted with a unique surfboard from Marbella-based shaper, Douglas Evan.
Health and Wellness
The owner of Silvestre is a self-proclaimed lover of surfing and the gym, so it’s not surprising that the bottom floor of the property is equipped with an exercise room that rivals Equinox with state-of-the-art equipment. Bespoke wellness classes can be booked anytime in the space as well, and the in-room aromatherapy massage with assorted oils, steam, and music, was one of the best I’ve had. The rooftop penthouse features a lovely swimming pool that’s nestled into a canopy of green foliage and feels more crowded with colorful birds than guests. The included breakfast, sourced from the local market, offers healthful options like avocado toast on homemade sourdough, smoothie and granola bowls, and breakfast burritos. An extra treat for surfers is the unlimited use of a custom-designed Jim Banks performance surfboard.
The Standout Staff
The staff at Silvestre stand out as having the perfect balance of friendliness and helpfulness. The concierge-style service is a text away, and you’ll often find guests hanging out at the front desk to get the staff’s excellent recommendations. The friendly Operations Manager, Rodolfo, greets guests with personal attention and Adolfo at the front desk recommended the town’s best fish carpaccio. Rachel, one of the property’s star mixologists, overheard my friend’s love for plants and flowers; the following morning she had brewed a refreshing lemongrass and ylang ylang ice tea that was picked from her own garden,which she served us poolside.
What to Do
Nosara offers some of the best waves in the world, but there’s more to do beyond surfing. The hotel has a host of signature experiences but can easily customize to a guests requests whether it’s horseback riding, ATV tours, fishing, boat charters, or exploring nearby waterfalls. We booked a ziplining tour and when I casually asked the staff if they had ziplined before, they mentioned that they were required to test out the company before sending guests, simply to ensure the best experience. The property is also easily walkable to the surf town's many high-end-hippy restaurants, bars, and shops.
