Guests of Playa Tamarindo’s Hotel El Jardín del Eden are getting the chance to discover their own Elysium.

Amid a landscaped tropical garden, the hotel’s attractive Mediterranean-style villas overlook the bay’s sweeping white-sand beach. The hotel’s hillside setting offers an exclusivity that sets it apart from the hustle and bustle of this popular northern Pacific beach destination. However, a private path leads to the beach and to Tamarindo’s main street of shops, bar and restaurants a few minutes walk away.

Halcyon days await guests who can laze on chaise lounges under a thatched umbrella or bask in the sun by the crescent-shaped pool. Relax in the Jacuzzi, then swim up to the wet bar and enjoy an exotic tropical drink before your massage.

If that seems too decadent, guests can always work out in the small private gym, or participate in the activities offered in or near town: golf, sportfishing, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing cruises or a boat safari along the estuary of the Las Baulas National Marine Park.

The more adventurous can scoot around on a 4WD, Jet ski, or fly through the treetops on a canopy tour. For those who prefer to be on the waves or underwater, Tama-rindo Beach offers excellent surfing, snorkeling and Scuba diving.

The friendly helpful staff at the hotel will happily offer suggestions on how to spend the day. Paved pathways zig-zag past flamboyant hibiscus, palms, banana trees and variegated tropical flora, to 18 charming rooms and two fully equipped apartments with kitchenettes.

The spacious high-ceiling accommodations are decorated in bright Mediterranean colors and fabrics. They have air-conditioning, fans, satellite TV, telephones, and a refrigerator/mini-bar. Special features are the huge private terraces and balconies with garden and ocean views and wicker furniture. Italian tiles decorate the bathrooms and hot-water showers. The honeymoon suite also has a tub. A fun touch is the hotel’s large red apple key ring.

El Jardín del Eden has its own Adam and Eve. Italian co-owners Marcello Marongiu and Aurora Terzano are charming, entertaining hosts who also speak English, Spanish, and French.

"We really enjoy meeting people from all over the world. It is very important to us to give personalized service and to be aware of those special little touches that my wife delights in," said the affable Marongiu, with charismatic Italian flair.

The vivacious Tezano smiled, adding, "Our honeymoon specials include many extras, and we love to create custom-designed packages on request. We know all about romance at the Garden of Eden, don’t we Marcello?" she added, noting they will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next month.

The couple made good on their promise that dinner at their restaurant would be an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Overlooking the floodlit pool and gardens, the thatched-roof restaurant and bar is festooned with tiny twinkling lights. It offers candlelight dining at attractive tables inset with ceramic tiles. Seafood with an emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine is the specialty. A salt-encrusted Margarita makes a perfect pre-dinner drink.

Appetizer choices are lobster soup, heart-of-palm salad, marinated eggplant and fish tartar. This delicate delight from Neptune’s garden is marinated in a light, lemony vinaigrette and served on a bed of lettuce with diced green peppers, tomato and onion. It resembles nothing of traditional cilantro-laden ceviche.

The main courses includes a two-pound fresh Lobster grilled, or dressed in a Caribbean style sauce. The brochette from the sea has a generous portion of crustaceans. Shrimp flambé, mahi-mahi in a light tarragon sauce and red snapper in a tangy lemon sauce are highly recommended.

The best tenderloin is used in the Surf & Turf, or can be ordered alone with or without a sauce. Grilled to perfection as requested, it is both tender and juicy.

Banana flambé and chocolate mousse are dessert favorites. The talented young Argentine chef, Federico Silva is a master of his craft and must be complimented on the artistic presentation of his cuisine.

Main course prices range from $12 to $24 for lobster. Appetizers and desserts are $3 to $6. If you are not a guest at the hotel, give yourself a special treat and dine at this superlative restaurant.

Hotel rates in the high season (Nov.15-April 15) not including tax are $125 for a double room and $145 for the apartment. Extra adults in the room adds $20, children 5 to 12 years adds $12.

Call 653-0137, fax 653-0111, e-mail: frontdesk@jardindeleden.com or visit www.jardindeleden

How to Get There:

By Air: Daily flights from San José to Tamarindo take 45 minutes. For schedules and fares call Sansa (221-9414) or Travelair (220-3054).

By Bus: Fantasy Tours/Gray Line has a daily bus to Tamarindo, $19 one-way. Call 220-2126. Interbus also services Tamarindo. Call 283-5573.

For daily public bus service call Empresa Alfaro 223-5859 or 222-2666.

Tamarindo is 350 kms from San José. Driving time approx. 6 hrs. The road is paved except for the last 4 kms before Tamarindo.