What makes a beach hotel truly memorable? Often, it is not simply the view, but the story behind the place. On Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Esterillos beach and Alma del Pacifico share a history shaped by creativity, nature, and a belief that a hotel should feel like somewhere entirely its own.

Before welcoming travelers as Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa, this colorful retreat was known as Xandari by the Pacific. Its beginnings reveal why art-filled villas, tropical gardens, and the rhythm of the ocean remain central to the experience today.

A Vision Born on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

In 2006, American architect Sherrill Broudy and his wife, artist Charlene Broudy, opened Xandari by the Pacific on Playa Esterillos Este. The couple had already established the original Xandari Resort near Alajuela in 1996. Their next project would bring the same creative spirit from the mountains to the sea.

Rather than reproducing a conventional beach resort, they envisioned a personal escape where design could respond to the surrounding landscape. Charlene’s paintings and mosaics introduced energetic color; Sherrill’s architectural lines and distinctive forms gave that artwork an equally expressive setting.

From its earliest days, the property offered an uncommon combination of privacy, artistic detail, and an uncrowded beachfront. That vision helps explain the hotel’s lasting identity: it was conceived not merely as a place to sleep, but as a place to feel inspired.

The name Xandari itself was coined to evoke an inspirational paradise and a sense of harmony. It was an idea visible in the resort’s earliest design decisions—and one that still resonates with travelers seeking a slower pace.

Where Architecture, Art, and Nature Meet

From the beginning, the property stood apart through its individualized villas, bold colors, original artwork, and generous indoor-outdoor spaces. Curved, mosaic-lined showers, beachfront terraces, garden patios, and thoughtfully arranged tropical landscaping brought a sense of character and privacy to the accommodations.

Those details were not decoration added at the end. They expressed the founders’ shared belief that hospitality could integrate living space, art, and the natural world. The result was playful yet peaceful: vibrant interiors balanced by ocean views, greenery, and room to unwind.

Today, Alma del Pacifico continues to highlight beachfront villas and bungalows, tropical gardens, and distinctive architectural character. Its current accommodation categories include Garden Bungalows, Beachfront Bungalows, Beachfront Villas, and Deluxe Beachfront Villas.

For guests, the appeal is tangible. A private terrace can become a place for morning coffee; a walk through the gardens can be a gentle transition to the sand. The hotel’s design encourages guests to experience Costa Rica through more than a checklist of activities.

Why Esterillos Este Was Essential to the Story

Esterillos Este offered something that more heavily visited beach towns could not easily replicate: a broad stretch of Pacific shoreline with a relaxed, less commercial atmosphere. Between the energy of Jacó and the attractions of the Manuel Antonio region, its setting made a natural home for a retreat built around tranquility.

That geography matters for U.S. travelers planning a Costa Rica beach vacation. A stay in Esterillos Este can combine quiet mornings on the coast with access to regional activities, including nature excursions, surfing opportunities, and visits to nearby destinations. Conditions and tour availability vary, so planning ahead is wise.

The original retreat placed guests close to the ocean without sacrificing a sense of privacy. The beach, the light, and the open sky became part of the experience—not simply scenery outside the window.

This is why the relationship between Esterillos beach and Alma del Pacifico is more than a matter of address. The destination helped shape the hotel’s original concept and remains part of its personality.

From Xandari by the Pacific to Alma del Pacifico

The change in name is an important part of the history, but it does not erase the earlier story. Sherrill and Charlene Broudy’s collaboration remains visible in the original idea: individualized accommodations, art that contributes to the atmosphere, and a strong connection to the beachfront.

For anyone researching the history of Alma del Pacifico Hotel, this timeline answers a common question: Was Alma del Pacifico previously Xandari? Yes. Xandari by the Pacific was the hotel’s original name; Alma del Pacifico is the name by which travelers know the Esterillos Este property today.

That continuity offers something valuable in a travel landscape filled with interchangeable resorts. The hotel has a distinct origin, a documented evolution, and an aesthetic rooted in the place where it was created.

A Beachfront Experience With a Story Worth Sharing

The best boutique hotels often have a recognizable point of view. Alma del Pacifico’s comes from the meeting of two creative disciplines—architecture and visual art—and a setting that rewards travelers who appreciate space, natural beauty, and unhurried moments.

Today’s guests can explore the hotel’s villas and bungalows, restaurant, spa, and activity information through its official website. Rather than promising that every stay will look the same, the property invites travelers to choose the accommodation and experiences that best fit their trip.

For couples seeking a romantic escape, families planning time together, or travelers adding a coastal stop to a Costa Rica itinerary, that flexibility matters. The story behind the hotel adds another dimension: the colors, forms, and garden paths have a reason for being there.

For those wondering what makes Esterillos beach and Alma del Pacifico distinctive, the answer is an unusual combination of coastline, design, and heritage—a retreat with an identity that began long before today’s travel trends.

A Creative Legacy From the Mountains to the Ocean

Esterillos beach and Alma del Pacifico tell a story of imagination finding its place on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. What began as Xandari by the Pacific has evolved in name while retaining the unmistakable artistic legacy of its creators.

There is also another chapter to discover: Xandari Resort & Spa in the hills of Alajuela, near the Poás Volcano region, traces its beginnings to the same founders, Sherrill and Charlene Broudy. One retreat looks toward the Central Valley; the other opens onto the Pacific. Together, they reflect a shared belief that memorable hospitality starts with a deep connection to place.

Book your stay: Experience the story for yourself. Explore the villas and plan your Costa Rica escape by booking directly at https://www.almadelpacificohotel.com