Directions from Juan Santamaria Airport/ San Jose (SJO) to Playa Hermosa (in the NORTH, there are multiple places called playa hermosa In Costa Rica) are available on Villa Sol's webpage . They say that you can rent a car or take a taxi from San José (check car rental companies here) but it is strongly recommend that you fly directly to the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia (LIR) as it is only 40 minutes away from the resort.
Taxis are available at SJO airport but some unlicensed taxis charge considerably more than others. Licensed taxis are red with yellow triangles on the doors, additionally there is an airport taxi service that is licensed and employs orange taxis- their rates are significantly higher than that of the non-airport taxis. Taxis will generally accept both colones and US Dollars, but not other currencies.
There is also a bus stop outside SJO airport. The Alajuela - San José route buses stop there in both directions. Buses from other routes also stop there.
On trip advisor a "destination expert" says that it will take at least 4 hrs to drive. 250km of the drive is along the Pan-American highway which is still a minimally-maintained twisty two-lane road, at least between San Jose and the Nicaraguan border in the north. Roads are being improved but construction delays or accidents can result in longer time frames. Try to drive during daylight hours as roads are poorly lit and can be challenging at night especially when it is raining.
If it isn't too late check with your travel agent to see if you can change to fly into Liberia airport instead as it will save you two days in travel time and the expense of travel to and from SJO as well as a possible over night stay in San Jose. Sansa, a domestic airline leaves from a small terminal near SJO International Airport to Liberia or Natureair another airline also flies to Liberia from San Jose.
