Casa Roland Golfito Resort is located in Golfito, a small town that sits on the shores of the Golfo Dulce. It’s a quick ride across the gulf to the Corcovado National Park and there are several secluded beaches within striking distance. The resort has appealing features – including a restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court and conference room – that make a trip to the Southern Pacific both manageable and fun.

Golfito was once the site of a massive banana plantation but in recent years it has transitioned into an off-the-path tourist destination. Like much of Costa Rica, it’s best explored outdoors. To the northwest of town is the Piedras Blancas National Park; Corcovado, lies just across the gulf. Both offer some of the best chances to see wild animals and wander through some seriously thick forests. The beaches here lack large crowds and there is spectacular sport fishing and surfing to be had in the nearby ocean.

The Casa Roland Golfito Resort is pretty swanky—especially for a place like Golfito. Its tennis courts and conference rooms are a departure from the area norm, as are the accommodations that come stocked with flat screen TVs and mini bars. Despite this, the hotel still has a laidback and easygoing atmosphere. You’ll get good treatment without asking for it and will enjoy the assortment of amenities on tap.

Although there are beaches nearby, guests will likely spend some of their time around the pool—it’s large and shapely and surrounded by shaded lounge chairs. The resort’s two tennis courts enhance the recreational options, while the new gym offers up a nice place to exercise. An onsite restaurant is exceptional and has a cool vibe going with its stained glass windows and couch-like booths. Drinks can be ordered at the well-stocked bar. It has both national and international spirits and borders a lounge area that’s set with groups of chairs and sofas. This is a great place to slurp down a blended cocktail or chat it up with friends.

Casa Roland is particularly well suited for holding meetings and events. There are several rooms available, including a stage/auditorium that has audio-visual capabilities. A variety of configurations can make the rooms into a fine place for dancing, dining or discussion. The friendly staff can help make arrangements for seminars, retreats and conferences.

The accommodations at Casa Roland are simple but more than sufficient. Air conditioning and ceiling fans – whose surprisingly artsy blades resemble large tropical leaves – keep the rooms cool. All have a private hot water bathroom (an amenity that shouldn’t be overlooked, considering the backwater area that the resort is located in) and a security box for keeping important items secure. A flat screen TV hangs on a wall opposite the beds and there’s wireless internet throughout. Food and drinks can be kept cold in the mini fridge, which come standard in every room. The hotel’s suites are even nicer and have their own sitting area and private balcony.