Everything You Need to Know About Ocho Artisan Bungalows

Ocho Artisan Bungalows is a boutique, adults-only property located right on the beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. With just a handful of uniquely designed bungalows and villas, it offers a quiet, laid-back stay that blends rustic textures with polished comfort. It's not a full-service resort and doesn’t try to be—it’s personal, peaceful, and built for travelers who value location, style, and a slower pace.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from the atmosphere and room types to pricing, guest experience, and whether Ocho Artisan Bungalows is the right fit for your trip to Tamarindo.

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Getting There

Ocho Artisan Bungalows is located in Playa Tamarindo, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The nearest major airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. From San José, the drive is longer—typically 4 to 5 hours—but domestic flights to Tamarindo Airport are also an option for those coming from the capital.

Most travelers arrange a private transfer, rent a car, or use a shared shuttle from Liberia. The bungalows are within walking distance of Tamarindo’s restaurants, surf schools, and nightlife, so you don’t need a car unless you're planning to explore the region more extensively.

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First Impressions

Ocho Artisan Bungalows doesn’t feel like a traditional hotel—and that’s the point. It’s small, quiet, and hidden just behind the beachfront trees. The entrance is unassuming, but once inside, the space opens up to handcrafted bungalows surrounded by gardens, sand paths, and tropical greenery. It feels more like a private retreat than a resort, with only a few guests around at any given time.

The design stands out immediately: wood, stone, and custom details that mix Balinese inspiration with local Costa Rican character. You can hear the ocean from nearly everywhere on the property. There’s no formal check-in desk or lobby—you’re welcomed by staff on a first-name basis, often barefoot, which sets the tone.

It’s relaxed, not performative, and built for guests who want peace and space without being isolated.

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Bungalows and Villas

Accommodations at Ocho Artisan Bungalows are individually designed and handcrafted using natural materials—mostly wood, stone, and bamboo. The one-bedroom bungalows are spacious, typically around 600 to 700 square feet, with open-air bathrooms, full kitchens, and king-sized beds. Each has its own personality, but the layout is consistent: private patio, vaulted ceilings, and indoor–outdoor living that blends with the surrounding greenery.

For larger groups or longer stays, the property also offers two- and three-bedroom villas, including one with ocean views just steps from the beach. These villas come with additional bathrooms, outdoor dining areas, and more privacy without losing the design character of the smaller units. The vibe is simple but elevated—there’s no excess, but everything feels considered.

It's not luxury in a formal sense, but it’s personal and quietly impressive.

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Dining and On-Site Amenities

Ocho Artisan Bungalows is not a full-scale resort, so dining is limited but thoughtful. There's no large restaurant on-site, but the property often offers a small beachfront bar and breakfast service, depending on season and occupancy. Guests staying in the villas or bungalows often prepare their own meals in the well-equipped kitchens or walk into town, which is just a few minutes away.

Amenities are designed to support the laid-back feel of the place without overcomplicating it:

• Beachfront pool with loungers and direct access to the sand
• In-room massage services available by request
• Daily housekeeping and concierge support
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

This isn’t a place where everything is scheduled or packaged. It’s more about giving guests the space—and flexibility—to enjoy the beach, the privacy, and the local surroundings on their own terms.

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Beach Access and Pool Scene

Beach access is one of the strongest features of Ocho Artisan Bungalows. The property sits directly on Tamarindo Beach, with no road to cross or barriers to navigate. You can walk from your bungalow to the sand in under a minute, and the beach in this area is wide, clean, and good for both swimming and long walks. Surf lessons and rentals are easily arranged nearby, and sunsets here are some of the best in the region.

The pool is modest in size but well-positioned—surrounded by palm trees and just steps from the beach. It’s not designed for laps or big crowds, but it fits the tone of the property: calm, quiet, and relaxed. You’ll find a few loungers, umbrellas, and the occasional iguana nearby.

It’s not flashy, but it’s peaceful, and most guests use it as a spot to unwind between time on the beach or in town.

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Activities and Surroundings

While Ocho Artisan Bungalows doesn’t offer a full activities program, its location in Tamarindo gives you easy access to almost everything.

The town is walkable, safe, and lined with cafes, surf shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

You won’t need a car unless you plan to explore more remote areas or national parks.

Guests typically fill their days with a mix of low-key beach time and nearby excursions, including:

• Surfing and paddleboarding, either solo or with a local instructor
• Boat tours and estuary trips through the nearby mangroves
• Day trips to Playa Avellanas, Playa Conchal, or Rincon de la Vieja
• Yoga classes, spa sessions, or sunset horseback rides

Everything is easy to arrange through local vendors or with help from the staff. If you prefer doing nothing at all, the property is also well-suited for that.

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Pricing and Value

Rates at Ocho Artisan Bungalows typically range from $250 to $500 USD per night, depending on the season, bungalow type, and how early you book. The larger beachfront villas cost more, especially during peak travel months like December through April. Compared to traditional resorts, the pricing may seem high—but you’re paying for privacy, location, and design rather than package inclusions or large-scale amenities.

There’s no resort fee, and the included services—like daily housekeeping, beachfront access, and basic concierge help—are delivered reliably. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive setup or daily entertainment, this won’t be a match. But for travelers who want atmosphere, independence, and beachfront access in a walkable part of Tamarindo, the value holds up well.

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Key Takeaways

Ocho Artisan Bungalows is not a resort—it’s a quiet, design-driven escape tucked into the sand just steps from the heart of Tamarindo.

It works best for adults who want privacy, beach access, and a little style without the formal structure of a larger property.

The atmosphere is casual, the service is personal, and the experience feels more like staying at a private beach home than a hotel.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re expecting full dining, round-the-clock activities, or high-end amenities, you’ll find better fits elsewhere. But if you value space, setting, and the ability to do very little—while still having everything within walking distance—Ocho Artisan Bungalows makes a strong case.

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Thinking of staying?

Book a few nights in a one-bedroom bungalow and see how it feels. Most guests wish they stayed longer.