Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast gets its first contemporary hotel

It was a long time coming, and I know many folks who never wanted it to happen, but Costa Rica's Caribbean coast finally has its first deluxe boutique hotel.

The hip 23-room Le Cameleon [2] has opened about one mile south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, bringing a New York-style chic to an otherwise off-beat destination that is haven for surfers and backpackers.

Imagine rooms draped floor to ceiling in white, white, white, set off by cushions in primary colors. Ikea styling prevails. It even has WiFi, and air-conditioning (now there's a first on this coast) and cable TV (the jury is out on that one).

If this seems a tad OTT–over the top–for a coast that is known more for reggae and rastas and, yes, reefers, consider that this gorgeous hotel integrates its public and outdoor spaces into the encroaching jungle with appropriately tropical styling.

The lounge-bar-restaurant is open-air on a raised wooden deck. The wood-framed structures themselves blend nicely into their leafy surrounds. It has a spa.

I can't wait to see this hotel in person.