Nosara keeps its treasures well hidden. There is an intricate system of trails and small roads that weave in and out of the forest and many travelers pass by Nosara without realizing what it has to offer. The thick foliage hides one of the oldest and most upscale ex-patriot communities in Costa Rica and the tight-knit community has worked hard to ensure that the natural beauty and integrity of their home remains intact. Many of the hotels and businesses strive to be eco-friendly as well. As a result, Nosara has found a good balance between development and protection of the environment. The village of Nosara is six kilometers inland from the ocean and remains a small, traditional Costa Rican village. Most of the hotels are located on the beach and are separated from the town. Preservation is the key to the region's unspoiled beauty, as the beaches of Nosara form part of the Ostional Wildlife reserve, located just north of the town. Playa Guiones, where L'Acqua Viva resort is located, is considered the main beach of Nosara and is a six kilometer stretch of flawless white sand. Playa Guiones is also one of the best surf locations on the Nicoya Peninsula. The beach is easily accessible and safe for surfers, offering consistent surf with long beach breaks.

L'Acqua Viva Resort is an architectural masterpiece. The decor of the resort fuses diverse cultural components from around the world, creating an exclusively global feeling. Decorated with impeccably chosen art pieces belying a private collection, every corner of the hotel is thoughtfully designed and precisely put together. The restaurant in the hotel has a fresh, metropolitan vibe with high thatched ceilings and eclectic cuisine. Adjacent to the restaurant is an open-air lounge that offers a cooling breeze and a plush location for star gazing.

L' Acqua Viva translates to "live water" and it is this element that appears in the layout of the resort again and again with its fresh energy giving life to every corner. The bungalows and buildings of L' Acqua Viva seem to almost be floating on the ponds, pools and fountains of the resort. The effect is balancing and soothing. A centerpiece of the hotel is a live coral garden maintained by professional scientists, created to encourage an understanding of the delicate coral reefs that have made the region famous for snorkeling and scuba diving. L'Acqua Viva offers a scuba diving station and access to gear rentals, as well as coaching for snorkeling and surfing.  A holistic spa and beauty parlor is also on site at the hotel and coaxes guests to come in for a little pampering.  

L'Acqua Viva Facilities
Swimming pool, fitness equipment, bar/lounge, parking, laundry.

Amenities
Airport pickup, bar/lounge, beauty salon, spa,  fitness equipment, handicap access, car rental, garden, free wireless, laundry, valet, parking, pool, restaurant, safe deposit box, room service, A/C, hairdryer, kitchenettes, microwave, mini-bar, refrigerator, rollaway beds, cable/satellite, balconies.  

Accommodations
All of the 32 units available are modern and spacious.  All rooms offer a/c, mini-bar, satellite TV, safety box, hairdryer, coffee maker, desk, reading lamps, and balcony. There are a variety of room sizes with varying bed sizes and amenities:
Deluxe rooms with two queen size beds; deluxe rooms with one king size bed
standard suites with king size bed, two pull-out couches, living room, satellite TV, A/C; master suites with king size bed and two rollaway beds, flat screen TV, mini-bar, coffee maker, pool view
junior villas with king size bed, full kitchen, desk, furnished balcony
presidential villa with two master bedrooms, each with its own private bath and king size bed, plus a pool view, surrounded by part of the forest preserve, living room, TV room, full kitchen, dining area, furnished balcony.

Destination Snapshot:   Surfing   Beach