Welcome to The Sanctuary Resort in Playa Azul, Costa Rica

Stunning Playa Azul, named for its mile long stretch of dark, almost cobalt blue sand and glittering azure sea, is one of Costa Ric's most exclusive and secluded gems.  Our beachfront resort, nestled between the blue Pacific and the lush Costa Rican forests, covers 80 acres of pristine, uninterrupted coastline. The Sanctuary Resort & Spa offers guests a variety of spacious and comfortable accommodations, from deluxe balcony rooms to one- and two-bedroom private beach cottages to the custom-designed 5,000 square foot Mediterranean-style villa. Our seaside cottages are unique in size and amenities, with space to spread out and decompress. All our rooms have air conditioning, as well as ceiling fans.  Relax and be pampered or take advantage of the endless array of activities at the resort and throughout Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.

Our resort's location offers uninterrupted relaxation and the perfect fusion of nature and luxury. Our guests find tranquility and serenity while waking to the sound of birds singing and going to sleep lulled by the sounds of waves crashing. On request daily nature walks are available to see the local animal life including the famous howler monkeys. Our resort offers exceptional meals keeping with our 4-star rating. Our extensive wine list has a range to meet everyone’s palate.

Our resort staff is superior in service and will ensure your every need is met. From check-in to check-out all you have to do is ask and we will do our best to meet your request.

The Sanctuary Resort & Spa’s location is ideal for spotting many of the indigenous animals for which Costa Rica is famous. Without even leaving the resort’s 80 acres you can view howler monkeys, many species of crabs, several species of frogs, an array of birds, etc. Make sure you ask about the nature walk offered by the resort. Our location is situated in the middle many ecotourism attractions. We are very close to Ostional Beach, which is inhabited by the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. You can take private tours and the ranger station also offers tours out of Playa Ostional. Barra Honda Caverns National Park’s protected tropical dry forest is one of the last in the world today. This attracts many ecological tourists due to the difference from the rain and cloud forests in Costa Rica. Once you’re done with the caverns tour enjoy the well maintained hiking trails at the park. Tempisque Conservation is a saltwater jungle estuary spanning 1200 acres with a mangrove border. The conservation area is home to ospreys, herons, and kingfishers in addition to howler monkeys and coatimundis. Different than the Olive Ridley turtle this refuge has the leatherback turtle whose nesting sites are the largest in the world. You will also see Pacific green turtles and hawksbill turtles at this refuge during your visit. Costa Rica’s Jesus Christ lizards are also found here by taking a boat or kayak through the mangrove estuary. Many, many more plants and animals to discover at this refuge. Next to the Tempisque Conservation is Marino Las Baulas National Park that has ranger stations.

Our resort is a true beachfront property stretching for miles in both directions. If it is a private, barefoot stroll or building a sandcastle with the family, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy a native Costa Rican cocktail while relaxing on your almost private beach. Chaise lounges and shade are setup to relish the tranquility of the ocean and delight in your drink of choice. Early morning beach walkers will view the sand designs left by hermit crabs.

Sport fishing for blue marlin gives you the once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. The tuna you caught will be served for dinner. Tomorrow’s day trip to the hot springs and rainforest complete with a tree top tour is going to be thrilling. At the end of the day, the Infinity pool and bonfire will calm your senses for a perfect ending to a glorious day in paradise.