Margaritaville Beach Resort in Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, captures a playful rhythm inspired by Jimmy Buffett's tropical world. This four-star resort offers swimming pools, a swim-up bar, and ocean-facing dining, all just steps across a dirt road from the Blue Flag-designated Playa Flamingo. Guests can enjoy a range of daily activities, family amenities, and various room styles, making it ideal for both active stays and moments of relaxation.
Poolside afternoons and Flamingo sunsets
A hammock, a cold fruit cocktail and an afternoon with nowhere else to be capture the spirit of Margaritaville Beach Resort. Inspired by Jimmy Buffett's tropical-sailor world, this four-star Playa Flamingo resort gives a Guanacaste beach stay a playful rhythm, with swimming pools, a swim-up bar and places to linger as the sun drops toward the Pacific.
The beach lies a few steps across a dirt road from the resort, with shade trees along the sand. Improved road access has opened up Playa Flamingo, where the quiet beachfront and developing town give you different sides of this Guanacaste setting to explore. Playa Flamingo holds a Blue Flag designation for its clean waters, beach and planned sustainability. Swimming and body surfing are among the ways to enjoy the water; plan water activities around the conditions during your stay.
Spend time on Playa Flamingo, then return to the pool or choose one of the changing daily activities. Beachfront yoga, aerobics, salsa dancing and guided eco-walks bring different ways to fill the hours; the program varies, so choose around what is happening during your stay.
Keep a little time for the resort
The fitness center has modern workout machines, and the tennis courts are lighted at night. The Family Center adds pool tables, ping-pong, bingo and a movie theater, with a kids' pool and playground for younger travelers. The covered kids' pool provides shade, while kayaks, bicycles and boogie boards are available to rent for outings and beach play. On-site spa services can be purchased when a quieter afternoon appeals.
Offshore sportfishing and scuba diving are popular outings from Flamingo. Other nearby beaches have surf breaks, and Tamarindo brings a livelier evening option. During season, nesting leatherback turtles may be seen 12 miles away; plan any wildlife outing around timing rather than expecting it on every visit.
Dinner with an ocean outlook
Banana Wind Restaurant serves locally sourced seafood and grass-fed beef, seasoned with fresh organic herbs and vegetables grown at the resort. Its open-air and air-conditioned dining areas face the ocean sunset. The Pizza Bistro brings Italian fare in the evening and coffee with fresh pastry in the morning; the 5 O'Clock Somewhere rooftop bar is another place to catch the sunset. At the pool, The License to Chill swim-up bar keeps a drink close to hand.
Meal plans range from no meals to all-inclusive, or breakfast only. Choose the plan that matches the way you want to eat and explore, and keep the all-inclusive activity terms with that booking:
If you have booked the all-inclusive plan, the resort provides boogie-boards complimentary for 2 hours per day. Kids age 6 -14 require parental supervision. With this plan, you can also use the rental bicycles for 2 hours per day. Kids ages 10 - 14 require adult supervision. Additionally, the all-inclusive plan includes popcorn and permissible drinks in the movie theatre.
A large conference room can accommodate a business retreat or beach wedding, letting a gathering share the resort’s coastal setting.
Choose your room around your party
Light, airy rooms with tropical decor include air conditioning, cable television, a safe, mini-fridge and coffee maker. Family studios, bunk-bed junior suites, poolside rooms and suites give you different ways to arrange the stay. Kitchenettes, separate bedrooms, terraces and ocean views are category-specific; compare the room details for the features that matter to you.
Exclusive promo for PTW clients: 15% discount in Margaritaville Flamingo Beach Resort Spa. Restrictions apply: discount doesn’t apply to manicure, pedicure, or spa products. Discount is not combinable with other Spa promotions.
Between the beach, sunset dining and poolside activities, Margaritaville gives you plenty of reasons to leave an afternoon unplanned. Choose it when you want an active resort stay with space for those slower moments, too.
Make the resort’s choices work for your vacation
Beach access: Playa Flamingo lies a few steps across a dirt road. Flamingo’s Blue Flag beach setting and shade trees add to the appeal, while the road crossing remains part of every walk to the sand.
Playful resort rhythm: Jimmy Buffett-inspired tropical decor, hammocks, pools and a swim-up bar suit a stay with time to linger. Daily activities change, with options such as aerobics, salsa, eco-walks and beachfront yoga.
Family time: The Family Center has games, pool tables, ping-pong, bingo and a movie theater, plus a kids’ pool and playground. The covered children’s pool provides shade for quieter hours around the resort.
Sunset dining: Banana Wind’s ocean-facing dining areas, the Pizza Bistro and the rooftop 5 O’clock Somewhere bar give you different meal settings, from morning coffee and pastry to dinner as the sun drops over the Pacific.
Meal-plan choice: Choose no meals, breakfast only or all-inclusive. The all-inclusive plan includes two hours daily of boogie boards, with parental supervision for ages 6–14, and two hours daily of rental bicycles, with adult supervision for ages 10–14. Popcorn and permissible theater drinks are included.
Spa benefit: Pacific Trade Winds clients receive a 15% spa discount. Manicure, pedicure and spa products are excluded, and it cannot be combined with other spa promotions; spa services are otherwise purchased separately.
Active hours: Lighted tennis courts, a modern gym and rental kayaks, bicycles and boogie boards keep an active day close to the resort. Offshore fishing, scuba diving and nearby surf beaches offer outings beyond it.
Rooms and gatherings: Family studios, bunk-bed junior suites and other room or suite layouts suit different parties; kitchenettes, terraces and views vary by category. A large conference room also accommodates business retreats and beach weddings.
Seasonal exploring: Tamarindo adds nightlife, while nesting leatherback turtles may be seen 12 miles away during season. Plan any turtle outing around that seasonal timing.
This was a great hotel and experience. All of the Staff there was wonderful, and we want to give special commendations and praise to front desk staff person Wendolyn Chaves, who went WAY above and beyond to accommodate us and contributed to making our stay so enjoyable and amazing in so many different ways. We also had an incident the first night with an unruly/loud and obnoxious guest in the neighboring room and the night manager handled this contentious situation very professionally and well.
Melinda S.
We loved our time here. I only recommend that the hotel offer more lounge chairs beachside, but other than that, the miles of walking on pristine white sands and snorkeling in the crystal clear water was perfect. We loved looking at the tidepools along the rocky shorelines and seeing the biodiversity of the animals that lived and thrived there. We also enjoyed the amazing sunsets: Just wow! The staff at the hotel was phenomenal. We were super impressed with their courtesy, positive attitudes, and helpfulness. We also were appreciative of the Covid protocols: hand washing stations, temp checks, and sanitizing stations. This added an extra layer of protection and safety for us. Plus, we also were appreciative that they offered a doctor to come in house to do Covid testing, which is required for those of us from the US to return home. We didn't have to leave the resort without transportation, so that was a plus. Also, support local: We bought directly from the artisan who was selling her family goods at the entrance to the beach. :)
Louis S.
Very good
Show all 25 reviews on this page
Hank B.
Great staff
Kristina B.
Proximity to the beach was wonderful; one minute from room to the water. We loved boogie boarding (though wished the hotel had a few more boards so our entire group could go together). Wasn't too crowded and we were always able to find a table for meals. We really enjoyed the Italian restaurant at the hotel. Only thing missing was a hot tub.
Linda M.
There were missing items in the room- patio chairs,TV guide, blown light bulb, patio door security bar. The front desk had to be reminded a few times to take care of things.
Danna M.
We enjoyed our stay at Margaritaville, but it wasn't as peaceful and enjoyable as the first two hotels.
Nina K.
Very welcoming and lovely views
Ulrike G.
Another great experience. The resort was great and the staff was amazing.
Karen M.
We loved ending our trip at the beautiful beach. The room was lovely and the staff were exceptional. My husband used the gym every day and was very happy to have a 25 metre pool to swim in. I have high praise for the spa experience. The restaurants were basic with good food and wonderful welcoming staff. The 6 raccoons which constantly begged for food and ran through the restaurant and bar are a challenge for the staff. They even get up on the tables and bar to steal food if they get a chance.
I would return to this hotel and recommend it to others.
Charissa C.
This resort was right on minimally trafficked beach. We enjoyed the central location of it and all the amenities. The food was so/so, but we enjoyed the swim up bar, ability to watch the sunset and impeccably clean rooms!
Kellie E.
Loved that for an all inclusive the food was made to order instead of all buffet. The staff was very friendly, food was good and the room was clean and comfy. Not many channels on the TV in English.
Wayne F.
VERY NICE HOTEL. HAD ALL AMENITIES AND THE BEACHFRONT WAS AWESOME. THE ALL INCLUSIVE WORKED GREAT FOR US.
Trent C.
This resort also seemed to be quite “dead” at night. Not many activities planned after the dinner time. Also their advertised special dinners did not occur. For example Wednesday was “sushi night”; no sushi. Friday was BBQ night; no BBQ. Also I believe that they have a sewer problem. Out at the pool during the day, you could sometimes smell the sewer system, which appears to run near the pool.
Talitha H.
The rooms we stayed in had a bad odor and we needed to get an ionizer in our room. The rooms felt very musty and old. There were no activities to do other than one afternoon the pool did bingo. It was a let down for our three kids. We actually got bored and was ready to leave after the second day. The food was sub par and not very fulfilling.
Gallen S.
No organized activities, no staff/ bar service on beach, patio door hard to slide open and very loud squeak ea time
Jerry H.
Smaller than expected. However, the week was made great by the staff and everything they did.
Guest review
I gave Margaritaville a 10 because of the location of the resort and the friendliness of the people.The staff is exemplary. The relaxing atmosphere is much appreciated, and the staff tried hard to make sure that everything is going well on your vacation. However, the resort definitely needs attention. Bathrooms are in sad shape...the bathtubs are rusted out, the tile is very old and outdated, the sink has no counter space. The rooms look like they took the original room and just added some inexpensive decor. The towels are old and pulled apart, the sheets on the bed are scratchy and over used.There is no outdoor Jacuzzi, a definite minus. This resort is not for everyone.
Nancy R.
This hotel needs work. The pool was not clean and needs to be resurfaced. The bar tenders at the pool were nice and we did get good service there.
The a/c in room was not working and we had to call front desk multiple times. I fell getting in and out of the bathtub twice as it was not level with floor. Most of the staff seemed like they did not want to be there and treated us like they did not want to help. In 5 o'clock somewhere we sat waiting for service multiple times and food was subpar (when burgers should be excellent - if Jimmy Buffet/Margaritaville) (we gave up and did not go again). Other guest seemed to be feeling the same way and we saw one group get up and walk out.
We expected more Jimmy Buffet style. Just a suggestion live music, steel drum, guitar, DJ at pool and night entertainment. Just having "Margaritaville" written everywhere does not make it Margaritaville, it should be an experience and the staff should radiate that same feeling.
The only great experience we had was the Italian restaurant. Jamie and his staff made us feel welcome and the food was excellent for us. This was the shining star of Margaritaville for us. I believe the rest of the staff should use this as the example of how clients should be treated.
I think Jimmy Buffet/Margaritaville needs to check the quality of this location, as it is does not live up to his other hotels and brand.
Lynn M.
The stay was great, Jaime at the pizza bistro went out of his way to personalize a dessert for us. Great location wish maybe they had a couple of vegetarian options. But overall it was great.
Karen R.
Bathroom could use some updating but the room was lovely and quiet. Food was good although the Italian restaurant could use a little more atmosphere. We were very happy with the all inclusive. The beach was beautiful for walking but not all that comfortable for sitting on (fumes from cars driving by). Staff was very nice and friendly. Nice music in the bar every night.
Alan R.
Loved the all inclusive feature that made it very relaxing.
Jeremy S.
As a Margaritaville branded hotel, we did not expect it to be 90% families. There was not the level of "after hours" activity that we expected and were looking for. Additionally, there wasn't much to do within walking distance of the hotel. We rented a golf cart to explore and find late night fun.
Jennifer S.
Again the staff was phenomenal. Anything we needed or wanted they provided. The area was less congested then some of the beaches we saw on our transfers which was very nice.
Linda F.
Loved this place! Loved being so close to the beach. The staff was great!
Frequently Asked Questions
What dining options are available at Margaritaville Beach Resort?
Margaritaville Beach Resort offers Banana Wind Restaurant for locally sourced seafood and grass-fed beef with ocean sunset views, the Pizza Bistro for Italian fare and morning coffee, the 5 O'Clock Somewhere rooftop bar for sunset drinks, and The License to Chill swim-up bar by the pool.
What activities and amenities are available for families at the resort?
The resort features a Family Center with pool tables, ping-pong, bingo, and a movie theater. For younger travelers, there's a covered kids' pool and a playground. Family studios and bunk-bed junior suites are also available to accommodate different family needs.
What types of meal plans does Margaritaville Beach Resort offer?
Guests can choose from several meal plans: no meals, breakfast only, or an all-inclusive option. The all-inclusive plan includes two hours daily of complimentary boogie boards and rental bicycles (with supervision for children), plus popcorn and permissible drinks in the movie theater.
How close is Margaritaville Beach Resort to the beach, and what beach activities are offered?
The resort is located a few steps across a dirt road from Playa Flamingo, a Blue Flag-designated beach known for its clean waters. Guests can enjoy swimming and body surfing, with kayaks, bicycles, and boogie boards available for rent or complimentary with the all-inclusive plan. Beachfront yoga and guided eco-walks are also part of the changing daily activity program.
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