Montezuma is a town in the southern part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. It’s known for its long stretch of white-sand beach, Playa Montezuma. To the northeast, a trail leads through jungle and around coves to Playa Grande, a popular surf beach. Behind the beach is Romelia Wildlife Reserve, a turtle sanctuary and hatchery. Montezuma Waterfall comprises a series of cascades and natural pools.

The village is an endearing beach town that demands you just park your car and stroll, swim and (if you can go a little further) surf. The warm and wild ocean and that ever-audible jungle have helped this rocky nook cultivate an inviting, boho vibe involving the culture in yoga classes, volunteer corps, veggie-friendly dining rooms and neo-Rastas hawking handcrafted jewelry.

In an attempt to get the most of this magical place, we prefer the Ylang Ylang hotel. Located directly on a white sand beach and surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and jungle teeming with exotic wildlife, its comfortable beach front rooms and bungalows, fresh water swimming pool, yoga studio, spa, great restaurant and excellent service make it the perfect getaway in the area and one of the most scenic resorts in Costa Rica.