Traveling is a life experience art and the Ecogetaways travel team; Silvia and Natalie, to ensure an unforgettable travel experience in Costa Rica decided to explore the first thematic hotel inspired by the concept of an art studio in Costa Rica and enjoy an amazing and authentic experience at the Valley of the Sun with a wonderful private art tour at the exclusive gallery of the property, a private city tour in Santa Ana, a Costa Rican craft beer tasting tour and a delicious gourmet dinner. Follow us in our amazing adventure.
Our arrival to the art Studio Costa Rica Boutique Hotel was smooth and stress free. Located near the capital city of Costa Rica, the Juan Santamaría International airport and within walking distance of the Old Town of Santa Ana it is the ideal hotel for business or pleasure. Once inside you immediately feel a sense of splendor thanks to all the history and art exhibited all around the hallways, restaurant, lobby and rooms. The whole hotel is timeless and maintains the magic of a lively art collection and a unique special glamour.
The examination of art is essential to discover a culture and the hotel is a magical place surrounded by more than a 100 artworks. We were really impressed with the paintings and sculptures, of Costa Rica artists such as Marcia Salas, Isidro Con Wong, Rafael Fernandez, Manuel Vargas, Edgar Zuñiga, Miguel Hernández and other internationally renowned artists that create a unique tribute and private gallery that you can’t miss on your next trip.
Our room at the hotel was the Isidro Con Wong double studio and it was as fabulous, spacious, and classic in style with luxurious furnishings as the whole hotel and it had a spectacular view of the mountains that surrounds the beautiful Valley of the Sun.
We explored the Valley of the Sun, also known as Santa Ana with a private city tour where we met skilled artisans of the area and witness how pottery is crafted in to beautiful clay masterpieces, we explored the colonial old church of the town and we wandered through the vibrant and lively farmer’s market full of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits experiencing the ultimate true slice of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Later we hopped on the famous La Carreta de Carpe Chepe to visits Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Company where we had the opportunity to taste craft beer like the famous Libertas, Estación, Iztarú and Malacrianza. Our team recommendation and favorite was the Libertas.
It’s no secret that we love to eat and sample the incredible gastronomic offerings in Costa Rica and the hotel was a real highlight. This hotel, also member of the Collection of Enchanting Hotels, has 2 restaurants in total. Katowä, is the main restaurant, and its name comes from the Bribri word that means “eat it”. Their main philosophy is to create healthy dishes with natural ingredients with a taste like home. Studio Hotel have a network of organic products to ensure the environmental sustainability. The second restaurant was Studio Café Bar & Grill. It is a beautiful restaurant that offers a unique concept in their dining experience among woods and fresh spaces, light and shadows and an attractive menu with affordable prices. We really loved how the ambience is more relaxed but the service and quality of food is just as high.