Capitán Suizo owes its name to its proximity to the island El Capitán, and the Swiss (‘Suizo’ in Spanish) heritage of the owning family that built it from the ground up. A sustainable Costa Rican property emerged with the quality and standards of Swiss hospitality, which has led to glowing reviews and customers that return year on year.
Not many hotels offer you jungle and beach on your doorstep. The property has six bungalows, six oceanfront units, 22 superior rooms, and a four-bedroom suite, all generously proportioned and adorned with locally sourced materials, regional artisanry, and antique Costa Rican photographs. The pool’s shape is a result of respecting the native trees growing here, and the organically maintained gardens are home to an abundance of native wildlife – the calls of which are a gentle reminder of where you are each morning.
Dining is another beach affair at Capitán Suizo. El Barco Restaurant sits on the seafront and is frequently accompanied by live Marimba music. The cuisine is a delightful combination of international and traditional Costa Rican flavours with seasonal tropical ingredients. Fresh herbs and vegetables are sourced from the hotel’s organic garden and its chicken farm allows them to roam freely. Endangered species are never on the menu and the fish on offer respect Costa Rica’s closed season laws. This is conscious fine dining at its best.
The real foundations of this close-to-nature hotel are the 80 plus staff. They are local, friendly and proud of their beautiful country, and their generosity, cheerfulness and optimistic attitude are contagious to even the most reticent visitors.
