Last Updated on October 30, 2025
Isla Chiquita: Glamping with a Splash of Paradise
Costa Rica isn’t shy about showing off. From the mist-cloaked heights of Monteverde to the fire and fury of Arenal, it’s a country that wears its natural wonders like a badge of honour. But beyond the well-trodden trails and postcard-perfect beaches lies a lesser-known gem: Isla Chiquita. A 10-minute boat ride from Paquera, this tiny island in the Gulf of Nicoya is home to Costa Rica’s only glamping hotel -where luxury meets the laid-back charm of island life. Here, mornings begin with birdsong, the cries of howler monkeys and ocean breezes, and nights are spent under a sky ablaze with stars. It’s nature turned up a notch, without the need to rough it. If you think you’ve seen the best of Costa Rica, think again – this is the kind of place that lingers long after the tan fades.
Isla Chiquita welcomes arrivals in style -whether you glide in by yacht, touch down by helicopter, or hop on the complimentary water taxi from Punta Cuchillos or the Paquera Ferry. We were met at the ferry port and whisked across the water to this idyllic little island, home exclusively to the hotel’s 20 glamping tents, including a spacious family option.
This is glamping, but elevated- quite literally in our case. Tent 17, perched near the top of the island, offered some of the best views on the property. The catch? A thigh-burning climb to reach it. I took it as a built-in fitness challenge, but for those less inclined to break a sweat, a buggy ride is always an option. Either way, the reward was worth it – panoramic ocean vistas that made every step feel like part of the adventure.
This was camping, but not as I’d ever known it. Isla Chiquita takes the wild appeal of sleeping under canvas and elevates it with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Our tent was a far cry from the usual roll mats and sleeping bags – instead, a cloud-like king-sized bed took centre stage, flanked by bedside lighting and a cobalt-blue sofa, all leading out to a private deck with sun loungers, a dipping pool, and a breathtaking panorama of both jungle and sea.
At the rear, a sleek en-suite setup offered a separate loo, shower, and sink, stocked with luxurious organic toiletries, fluffy towels, and robes that whispered, ‘stay a while.’ And, crucially for those who prefer their wilderness with a touch of convenience, the tent came with WiFi, air conditioning, overhead fans, a fridge, a coffee maker, and a well-stocked minibar. Just be warned – keep the doors shut at night. The local raccoons have an uncanny ability to sniff out Pringles, and they’re not above a bit of breaking and entering, as we soon discovered!
At ground level, the heart of Isla Chiquita beats at a gentle, unhurried pace. The open-air reception welcomes you with a laid-back charm, leading to a scattering of café-style tables where breakfast is served against a backdrop of swaying palms and the shimmering ocean beyond.
Days here slip by effortlessly – lounging by the small but perfectly formed swimming pool, book in hand, or soaking up the sun with nothing but the sound of the waves for company. And when happy hour rolls around, the bar shakes up a mean cocktail, one of those dangerously good, “oh, go on then” kind of drinks that seem to taste even better with sand between your toes.
This is a place to truly switch off, where time slows and the biggest decision of the day is whether to nap in the sun or take a dip in the sea. We met a couple from San José who had come for a short escape from city life, and it’s easy to see why- no crowds, no bus tours, just the quiet luxury of space and serenity. Sure, there are activities if you want them, but the real magic of Isla Chiquita is its ability to make you do exactly what you came here to do – absolutely nothing- and love every second of it.
But when you do fancy a little adventure, Isla Chiquita has plenty to offer without ever disturbing its blissful sense of seclusion. We took full advantage of the complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, gliding across the calm waters with nothing but the occasional pelican for company.
Back on land, the Symbiosis Trail offers a gentle, eye-opening tour of the island, winding through lush greenery with twelve scenic stations along the way. Each stop provides a moment to pause -whether to admire a particularly stunning ocean vista or to marvel at the intricate ways nature thrives in this tiny, self-sustaining paradise.
And then there’s the after-dark magic. An evening boat excursion is an absolute must, revealing a whole new side of the island once the sun dips below the horizon. From eerie rock formations glowing under the moonlight to the sudden rustle of nocturnal creatures emerging from their hiding places, it’s a quietly thrilling experience.
But the real showstopper? The chance to witness bioluminescence – nature’s own light display. As we drifted through the dark waters, every stroke of the paddle sent sparks of neon blue dancing across the surface, like something straight out of a dream. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why travel is so intoxicating.
For those looking to explore beyond Isla Chiquita, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Birdwatching brings sightings of toucans and frigatebirds, while a visit to a local oyster farm offers a fascinating glimpse into sustainable aquaculture – plus the freshest oysters you’ll ever taste. Whale watching is a seasonal highlight, with humpbacks gracing the Gulf of Nicoya at the right time of year. For a true tropical escape, Tortuga Island is just 30 minutes away. With powdery white sand, swaying palms, and crystal-clear waters, it’s postcard perfect. Whether snorkelling, swimming, or simply soaking up the beauty, it’s the ultimate way to round off an Isla Chiquita getaway.
Aside from breakfast, meals were served at Harry’s Bar & Restaurant, a rustic, open-air gem perched on a raised platform overlooking the sea. With wooden floors, raffia pendant lights, and a laid-back island vibe, it’s the perfect spot to linger over a meal, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon. The staff are warm and welcoming, adding to the effortless charm of the place.
The seasonal menu leans into the bounty of the Gulf, with freshly caught fish taking centre stage. Think gulf filet in orange sauce, tuna sashimi, ceviche, and pasta loaded with plump shrimp. For those craving something heartier, there’s sirloin steak or grilled chicken breast, all cooked simply but beautifully, letting the fresh ingredients shine. It’s unfussy, flavourful, and exactly what you want after a day of sun, sea, and island adventure.
Isla Chiquita is dedicated to environmental sustainability, earning its Carbon Neutrality Certification in April 2023. The resort uses solar panels and energy-efficient heaters to reduce its carbon footprint, embracing a Regenerative Tourism model that goes beyond sustainability. This approach focuses on ecosystem restoration, local employment, and supporting the community through training and education. Upcoming projects, like mangrove reforestation, aim to enhance marine biodiversity and support local fishing communities.
No visit to Costa Rica is complete without exploring the Pacific coast, and Isla Chiquita, nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula, offers something truly special. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and barefoot luxury, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay just a little longer. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to carve out a few days to indulge in the magic of this stunning resort – you won’t regret it.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel
Isla Jesusita, Puntarenas | Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Reservations: +506 4000-0520 | Toll Free: 1-800-717-0515
Email: reserve@islachiquita.com
For more about Costa Rica, check here
We flew from London Heathrow, making our journey smoother with Holiday Extras. Their Meet and Greet service made parking hassle-free, and we started our trip in style with a hearty breakfast at the Plaza Premium Lounge before our long flight.
Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers – and last year its customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance.
Booking Airport Parking and Lounge Access means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend, you can do so without charge.
19 days of parking at Holiday Extras Meet and Greet at Heathrow T4 is available for £268.19 based on arrival on 17th April 2025. Lounge access for two people at Plaza Premium at Heathrow T4 is available for £85.50 based on an arrival on 17th April 2025.
For more information and to book, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
