A suggestion not far from Tamarindo is Hotel Las Tortugas. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Long stretches of beach with no one to bother you.
To quote their brochure, Hotel Las Tortugas “serves as a nature center for Las Baulas National Park. In 1990 the Park’s legal status was finally passed into law and this ecologically unique area became part of the Costa Rica National Park system. The creators of Las Tortugas Hotel led the 15 year grass roots struggle, and as a result tourism and nature share a healthy marriage here in
Playa Grande.” Be sure to check out their website to learn more about this great place.
The hotel is very unique in that the entire staff is from local families in the area who have the same love of animals and other wildlife as the owners, Carrie & Louis. There are only about 10 rooms in the main building, along with a restaurant, bar, pool and hot tub. There additional small rooms in the rancho out back as well as some apartments that are down the road. There are tons of hammocks surrounding the pool and the entrance way to the beach. It was all so relaxing.
As far as I can tell it is the only hotel in all of Playa Grande that is directly on the beach. I don't surf but I hear it is quite the surfer's paradise.
It is a very mellow place but you aren't that far from all that Tamarindo has to offer if you are looking for more nightlife.
Pura Vida