Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort story begins in the late 1970s, when founders Lenny and Patricia Iacono discovered a stunning piece of beachfront land in Montezuma, Costa Rica. Living simply and sustainably, they supported themselves by selling dried fruit before opening their first business — a small health food restaurant called El Sano Banano, located in the heart of Montezuma.

From their success, Lenny and Patricia began developing the beachfront property that would become Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, creating a peaceful oasis where family, friends, and travelers could experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature in comfort and tranquility.

In 2005, they officially named the property Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, inspired by the tropical Ylang Ylang flower, known for its sweet, exotic fragrance. They transformed their home into a beachfront restaurant and open-air palapa, just steps from the ocean — offering guests a unique dining experience without needing to walk into town.

Today, the resort is a lush paradise of stone walkways, tropical gardens, and oceanfront charm. What began as a grove of coconut and banana trees has become one of Montezuma’s most beloved destinations, built through decades of hard work, love, and dedication to nature.

Now proudly family-run by their children — Moraya, Emma, and Syska — Ylang Ylang Beach Resort and El Sano Banano continue to welcome guests from around the world. The family remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations, often greeting visitors personally.

Their passion for wellness, sustainability, relaxation, and natural adventure lives on in every detail of the resort. Many guests return year after year to reconnect with this small piece of paradise on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.