Location, location, location - Villa Caletas' Beach

Continuing in our 'Location' series where we look at different wedding venues around the country, we turn our attention to the gorgeous Villa Caletas. Located on a mountain overlooking the rainforest and ocean, it's a stunning hotel that is one of the most unique places in the world (I think). It's on the closest beach to the capital of San Jose, Playa Herradura, which is just a few minutes down the road from the beach town of Jaco. Clocking in at just under a two-hour drive from the capital, the new highway being built (which we hope will be finished in the next two years) will bring the drive time down to about an hour. Sweet!A boutique hotel in every sense of the word, the 45 rooms are each different than the next. One of the most romantic suites anywhere is the Master Suite at Room #20, complete with a hidden garden, pond, jacuzzi and a drop-dead gorgeous view of the ocean. There are a few areas for weddings and ceremonies at the hotel and today, we'll look at the beach.It's a 10-minute ride down a steep hill in a 4 x 4 but worth it as you have the beach to yourself. It's in a cove and has a little beach club, with a covered terrace area. It's pebbly, though, not sandy and for some folks, this is a drawback. Super private and a great spot for a ceremony or a beachfront rehearsal dinner.Pros - very private, flat, above the high-tide mark, surrounded by lush jungle, bathrooms, bar, covered area, can have a bonfire (included in $300 site fee)Cons - road needs a 4 x 4 and is very difficult during Rainy Season (not great for large groups), would need a tent as back up for rainy season, not a sandy beachphotos by Lifetime Digital (all) and Brett Buchanan (last photo, bottom right corner)