Amor Arenal | Arenal Volcano

Private casitas with volcano views

The Arenal Volcano region is the most popular stop for first-time visitors to Costa Rica. Even if you’re looking for more of an off-the-beaten-path type of honeymoon, Arenal is still worth a visit if you’re a couple who loves adventure activities. The zip-lining is arguably the best in the country, with views of the volcano looming in the background as you fly through the secondary rainforest canopy. Plunge down the face of a waterfall on a rappel adventure, then into your private thermal soaking tub at Amor Arenal, an “adults-friendly” retreat that has helped redefine the Arenal boutique hotel landscape over the past 5 years. Each canyon casita features its own thermal soaking pool, creating a mini hot springs experience surrounded by tropical gardens.

Rancho Pacifico features:

• Adventure activities
• Seclusion
• Private thermal pools
• Arenal Volcano

Pacuare Lodge | Pacuare River

Romantic river retreat

The Canopy Suite and the Linda Vista Villa are among the most requested spaces for honeymooners at Pacuare Lodge. Located on the Pacuare River, these units create a picture-perfect honeymoon treehouse experience in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. Both feature private plunge pools and total privacy. Pacuare Lodge sits along the world-famous Pacuare river and offers a mix of nature and adventure activities in addition to the country’s most scenic whitewater rafting experience. Raft your way to the remote lodge, where you will be met with a blend of luxury and raw nature. Once you’re settled into your private suite, embark on a rainforest hike, rappel down the face of a waterfall, or schedule a totally unique rainforest spa experience.

Pacuare Lodge features:

• White water rafting
• Adventure
• Hiking trails
• Ecolodge
• Pacuare River

El Silencio Lodge & Spa | Cloud Forest

Serenity off the beaten path

Over the past decade, El Silencio Lodge & Spa has burgeoned into the top cloud forest lodge experience for travelers in search of relaxation and eco-chic surroundings. Each suite is a standalone luxury cabin in the cloud forest with a private jacuzzi, giving honeymooners a cozy place to relax after a day of waterfall hikes, local cultural tours, horseback riding, and more. Locally sourced ingredients prepared by world-class chefs bring elevated cuisine to the cloud forest at El Silencio. Dine in at Las Ventanas restaurant or enjoy an exclusive romantic dinner at Rancho Orquiedas – a private, covered deck overlooking the bubbling river that weaves through the hotel property.

El Silencio Lodge features:

• Private Jacuzzi
• Eco-lodge
• Fine dining
• Hiking trails
• Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest
• Del Toro Waterfall

Hacienda AltaGracia | Southern Mountains

Scenic luxury & adventure

This luxury experience from the Auberge Resort Collection brings curious honeymooners away from the trodden paths of Manuel Antonio and onto 180 acres of unexplored upscale side of Costa Rica. Located in the less-traveled San Isidro de General area, Hacienda Altagracia is the perfect destination for unique adventures not often pictured on Instagram. Wellness is a top priority at Altagracia, where guests can unwind in eight treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a hydrotherapy tub, and expansive outdoor spaces for wellness activities. The resort’s cuisine is inspired by indigenous Costa Rican culinary tradition and honors the country’s sustainability efforts. Horseback riding, local hikes, mixology classes, mountain biking, and cultural tours round out the Hacienda Altagracia experience. Honeymooners appreciate the seclusion of each of the one-bedroom casitas, which feature private plunge pools overlooking the Talamanca mountains in the distance.

Hacienda AltaGracia features:

• Equestrian stables
• Southern Mountains
• Cultural activities
• Hiking trails
• Seclusion

Rancho Pacifico | Uvita

Seclusion among the forest canopy by the sea

Rancho Pacifico is perfect for honeymooners who favor seclusion and nature over crowds and clubs. Uvita is one of Costa Rica’s most untouched areas along the Pacific coast, just an hour south of busy Manuel Antonio. You won’t find many families in the South Pacific, where most hotels are adults-only. Of the handful of eco-lodges and hotels in the region, Rancho Pacifico stands out as a unique romantic retreat. Set high in the mountains overlooking the ocean, honeymooners will get a little bit of everything here: rainforest, wildlife, ocean, and serene isolation.

The natural feel of the Treehouses is perfect for naturalist honeymooners, while the One-bedroom villa with a private pool is a seductive choice for newlyweds who want to go all out. Spend your days at Rancho Pacifico exploring the on-site hiking trails or head out to Corcovado National Park, Cano Island, and Marino Ballena National Park for a day of coastal rainforest adventure.

Rancho Pacifico features:

• Adult-only
• Eco-lodges
• Hiking trails
• Cano island
• Marino Ballena National Park

Origins Luxury Lodge | Upala

Safari-style lodge

Origins Luxury Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s newest upscale honeymoon experiences, offering a safari-style atmosphere in a remote location away from the typical tourist hot spots. If you can’t make it to Africa for your honeymoon, head to Costa Rica’s less-trodden Upala region and immerse yourself in the Origins experience. You’ll be treated to gourmet dining and on-site guided tours, all included in your stay. The lodge’s off-the-beaten-path location is perfect for romantic isolation, but still near enough to the Liberia airport for a smooth arrival and departure.

Origins Luxury Lodge features:

• Guided tours
• Remote location
• Upala region
• Isolated honeymoon experience

Kura Design Villas | Uvita

Chic modern luxury overlooking the coast

The exclusive Kura Design Villas. The property’s infinity pool faces toward the South Pacific Coast and seems to blend right in with the ocean’s horizon. No filter will be necessary at this picture-perfect boutique hotel, which promises to make your honeymoon the most drool-worthy on Instagram. Active couples can head out to Corcovado National Park for unsurpassed rainforest and wildlife or snorkeling at Cano Island. Don’t forget to check out Marina Ballena National Park and the area’s signature “Whale Tale” formation along the coast. Sleek, modern design and excellent service ensure your Costa Rica honeymoon is as stylish as it is exotic. And the best part? Kura is adults-only.

Kura Design Villas features:

• Rainforest & Wildlife
• Snorkeling
• Marina Ballena National Park
• Adult-only

Nayara Springs | Arenal

Award-wining intimate luxury

Nayara Springs has earned a spot atop many “best of” hotel lists, thanks in part to the sterling reputation of its sister property, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. Both boutique resorts are excellent choices for honeymoon couples, but Nayara Springs offers an elevated level of seclusion, luxury, and romance. Each private villa opens to a volcano-fed plunge pool, which means you can avoid the crowded hot springs in the Arenal region in favor of an adults-only honeymoon hideaway. Enjoy the area’s adventure activities in the morning and retreat back to the hotel for gourmet dining and locally inspired spa treatments in a magical tropical setting each night. Nayara Springs is the best choice for adults-only style in one of Costa Rica’s most popular family destinations.

Nayara Springs features:

• Adult-only
• Volcano-fed plunge pool
• Secluded location
• Family activities

Makanda by the Sea Hotel | Manuel Antonio

Intimate rainforest boutique hotel

Manuel Antonio is a great destination for a Costa Rica honeymoon because it combines beach and rainforest in one compact location. Unsurprisingly, it is also popular with families for those same reasons. Honeymooners looking for an intimate setting should cozy up at Makanda by the Sea for a more couples-oriented atmosphere than the area’s family resorts. Nestled within the rainforest foliage, the adults-only boutique hotel offers just a handful of suites and villas, all with ocean views. Breakfast is delivered to your room daily, which means you can lounge in style for as long as you’d like each morning. Venture out for hikes in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, catamaran sailing tours, zip-lining, and more. Don’t forget to leave time to explore the area’s beaches!

Makanda by the Sea Hotel features:

• Couples-oriented
• Rainforests
• Beautiful ocean views
• Kayaking
• Catamaran sailing tours
• Ziplining

Andaz Resort | Papagayo Peninsula

High-end meets cultural experience

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort on the Papagayo Peninsula effectively redefined resort vacations in Costa Rica with its locally-inspired architecture and design elements. Simply put, it is the best of everything. You can forget the stale resort experience that has become so common in tropical destinations – the Andaz delivers luxury resort amenities in a thoughtful way. Down to the smallest detail, the property’s elements are inspired by Costa Rican culture. Interactive cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, live music, and other local touches differentiate the Andaz from other Costa Rica honeymoon hotels. Lounge by the adults-only pool set up a custom spa appointment, or paddle through the calm bay waters of Bahia Culebra on a kayak for the ideal balance of rejuvenation, exploration, and romance.

Andaz Resort features:

• Cooking demonstrations
• Live music
• Spa
• Adult-only pool
• Kayaking

Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas | Guanacaste

Adults-only luxury on Guanacaste beaches

The Las Catalinas development is growing into one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations. It is also home to the newest Casa Chameleon property: Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas. The trendy boutique suites offer honeymoon couples private plunge pools and endless ocean views. Modeled after its sister property in Mal Pais, this adults-only hotel puts guests in proximity to some of the best beaches in the Guanacaste province. Sip drinks near the dramatic infinity pool or plan local day tours like surf lessons, snorkeling, SCUBA, and more. Just an hour from the Liberia airport, Casa Chameleon is the perfect choice for an intimate and convenient Costa Rica honeymoon. The trendy but casual level of luxury is sure to please couples of all different travel styles.

Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas features:

• Adult-only
• Private couple’s plunge pools
• Snorkeling
• Surf lessons

Of course, there are countless other eco-lodges and hotels in Costa Rica that would amaze you on your honeymoon. Costa Rica is practically paradise, after all! The hotels on this list, however, are the Expert picks for the best honeymoon resorts in Costa Rica thanks to their exclusive settings, Snap-able views, and once-in-a-lifetime luxury.

Ready to start planning? Browse our Honeymoon & Romance Vacations or Plan Your Trip!

Browse more resources to help you plan your Honeymoon in Costa Rica

• Read about the best time to visit Costa Rica
• FAQs about Costa Rica
• Explore all Honeymoon Vacations

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Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort | Manuel Antonio

Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is one of Costa Rica’s original beachfront hotels. It was originally built in and still stands today as one of the best. Building on the beach is illegal in Costa Rica, where people take pride in the conservation of their natural paradise. Few hotels manage to meet the strict standards set by the government for building near coastlines. To combat their offset, Arenas del Mar has committed to integrating with nature and making sustainability a beacon of their hospitality service. With their on-site guided tours, guests are assigned a local naturalist guide for a more customized experience tinged with Arenas del Mar’s signature service. 

The accommodations are an example of understated beachfront luxury, with simple room features and natural colors. Arenas del Mar’s most impressive design is its integration into the surrounding rainforest, which gives guests a nature-immersive vacation that includes the beach. 

Ah, the beach. Arenas del Mar has two of them. Mhmm.

View details for Arenas del Mar

Tulemar Resort | Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica family vacation classic Tulemar Resort, with its octagonal premium villas and beachfront location, is consistently ranked among the best hotels in the world. It’s easy to see why. 

When it comes to large groups and families with young children, travelers are often looking for ease and convenience. In the case of Costa Rica, many of these family vacationers head to Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast – a mix of beach and rainforest all in one location. It’s a no-brainer for families. The tricky part is finding a hotel that meets your specific bedding and space requirements. Each group and family is different, and sometimes standard hotel rooms aren’t the best fit. At Tulemar, the 2- and 3-bedroom Premium Villas give everyone space to spread out and enjoy the views. Each Premium Villa comes equipped with a full kitchen,  living area, laundry, outdoor dining space, and more.  

Head down to Tulemar’s beach for the day, or explore the nature and wildlife of Manuel Antonio on a guided tour.  

Read more about the Tulemar Resort

Hotel Capitan Suizo | Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach

Don’t miss out on Tamarindo just because you’ve heard it can get a little rowdy. Sure, there may be gaggles of youthful backpackers and Spring Breakers here and there during the busy season, but you don’t have to base yourself right in the center of the action. After all, Tamarindo is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. It would be a shame to miss on account of the tourist scene. 

Instead of diving into the party scene, base yourself at beachfront Hotel Capitan Suizo, a tried and true boutique hotel toward the quiet end of Tamarindo Beach. You’ll still be able to get a taste of the local beach vibe; a walk down the long stretch of beach is a great way to get to know the area and scout local restaurants to try during your stay. But at the end of the day, you’ll feel that quintessential Costa Rica tranquility back in your Beachfront Bungalow at Capitan Suizo.  

Read more about Hotel Capital Suizo

Andaz Resort | Papagayo

Known around exclusive Papagayo as the “un-resort” resort, the Andaz is committed to honoring local tradition and representing Costa Rica with warmth and creativity. Their beaches are the opposite of the roaring Avellanas Beach and energetic Tamarindo Beach. The gentle waters of Papagayo Bay are catered to activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. This unique location on Peninsula Papagayo creates for guests a natural playground, wonderful for couples, families, and even solo travelers. Head down to the hotel’s beach club for access to all of the best features of this unusually calm golden sand beach. BONUS BEACH: Grab a kayak and paddle around the Peninsula to hidden Playa Nacascolo for a “private” beach experience. Chances are good you’ll be the only ones there! 

See more details for the Andaz Resort

Nantipa Resort | Santa Teresa

The Nicoya Peninsula’s Mal Pais area, which includes the notoriously chill Santa Teresa, has seen a recent resurge in tourism and it would be hard to leave Nantipa Resort out of that story. The hotel is leaning into the concept that Santa Teresa is a destination all of its own, and there is plenty to explore for first-timers to Costa Rica. 

The remote, rugged coastal location of Santa Teresa (on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula) has always magnetized celebrities, but the average traveler can be spotted there, too. One of the places travelers thanks to beachfront Nantipa and its ocean view bungalows.  

Nantipa is perfect for travelers who appreciate a sense of place when they travel – trendy luxury on the beach is often best achieved with a casual layout. The Experts recommend the Oceanfront Bungalow with Private Pool for the most ideal stay. You’ll have earned it on the 45-minute drive from Tambor airport – it’s mostly gravel roads.  

Once you’re at Nantipa, you’ll have access to a great variety of Santa Teresa highlights. Montezuma waterfall is about 45 minutes away by ATV. You can hike around the famous cascade or even try canopy zip-lining. Day trips to Tortuga Island are popular with travelers in search of a beach adventure day, fully stocked with water activities, tasty food, and excellent guides. Horseback riding on the beach, sportfishing, surf lessons, yoga, nature tours, and other experiences can be built into your custom itinerary or arranged with the help of Nantipa’s concierge. Spend anywhere from 3-7 nights here and your idea of what a beachfront hotel can offer will be transformed.  

Get more info on the Nantipa Resort

Hotel Aguas Claras | Puerto Viejo / South Caribbean

The South Caribbean has long been a secret sweet spot for independent travelers and eclectic ex-pats, but only recently has the Puerto Viejo area earned a reputation as something more than hostels, hippies, and wild coastline. The arrival of Aguas Claras has changed the game dramatically. 

You don’t see many cottage-style accommodations in Costa Rica and you especially don’t see them done as well as Aguas Claras, a beachfront boutique hotel serving up a new side of the South Caribbean coast. The water in front of the hotel is the closest you’ll get to that “Caribbean blue” in all of Costa Rica, where 90% of beach vacations happen along the Pacific coast. There are just a few suites and bungalows at Aguas Claras, so the Experts recommend booking early.  

Learn more about the Hotel Aguas Claras

The Four Seasons | Papagayo

The Four Seasons Papagayo is a true leader in Costa Rica’s hospitality scene, continuously walking the line of impeccable, refined service and curated vacation magic. The stunning scenic location at the very edge of the Peninsula is one of the hotel’s most prominent features, giving guests access to not one but two fantastic beaches. Four Seasons also offers special beach activities for families and groups, including private beach barbeques, snorkeling & beach tours, and picnics. Within just 45 minutes from the Liberia international airport, you can land and be at one of Costa Rica’s best beachfront hotels in the blink of an eye. 

Start planning your stay at the Four Seasons Papagayo

The W Resort | Playa Conchal

Big resorts are getting a makeover and The W Resort on Playa Conchal is a gleaming example. If your family prefers a trendy vibe with name-brand recognition, The W Resort Costa Rica delivers. You’ll find all of the typical resort amenities with a splash of Costa Rican flair at all turns. The rooms are situated throughout the property at various heights and locations, ensuring that each room has a different view from the next. Playa Conchal is one of the best all–around beaches in Costa Rica, with its unique shell sand formation and pleasant, swimmable waters. Golf, water sports, sportfishing, and plenty of off-site Guanacaste activities are available to really round out your vacation.

View details for the W Resort on Playa Conchal

Looking for something more family-friendly?

We have a large selection of family vacation packages for you to choose from. Also, we’ve put together a post where you can read about the best family vacation spots in Costa Rica. Plan a trip that you and your family will always remember!

Start planning your vacation with a Costa Rica Expert or browse our vacation packages!

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#2 Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Nayara Tented Camp is the latest addition to the Nayara brand. With top-of-the-line accommodations, it brings a new luxury safari-style glamping experience to the region. There’s nothing else like it in Arenal, and it’s also apparently noteworthy worldwide. Cliff-side safari tents with expensive tents and infinity plunge pools overlook Arenal Volcano and the rainforest. Hot spring-fed mineral pools, high-end dining, an open-air spa, and a plethora of wildlife (sloths, toucans, monkeys) only add to the experience.

#33 Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Nayara Gardens is one of the three hotels of the Nayara brand. The other, Nayara Springs, is also definitely worth looking into. The hotels share many of the same amenities like the spa, the lush wildlife-laden tropical gardens, and fine dining options. The Nayara Gardens private casitas and villas also have their own wrap-around terraces with Jacuzzis, outdoor rain showers, and oversized luxury bathrooms.

#79 Casa Chameleon, Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Set off-the-beaten-path on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula with access to pristine beaches and surrounded by lush tropical jungle, Casa Chameleon encapsulates barefoot luxury. This intimate boutique property offers six unique villas with ocean view plunge pools, a terrace, and complete privacy. They also offer the option to buy them out for group privacy.

Ready to experience the best of the best? Include the above in our customizable vacation packages or get started planning your own personalized vacation!

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Interview:

Interview Transcript:

Active Travels: Welcome to The World is Your Oyster episode number 4 with Active Travels.

Today, we have a very special guest, Aaron Daker of Costa Rica Experts who we have been using since day one as our Costa Rica packager are that we do clients and you’ve been amazing. I think we’ve had over a hundred trips probably that go out with Costa Rica Experts and every one of them, people are more impressed than the last, the way they put together the trip based on what they want in activities, lodging, and transfers. So big thank you and thanks for being here.

Aaron: You’re welcome. It’s great to be here with you.

Active Travels: So I guess the best way is just to tell people first about Costa Rica Experts.

Aaron: Well, we’ve been around a long time. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, and during that time we’ve specialized in our one destination, Costa Rica, and it’s been great to be able to be very knowledgeable in what we do and have personal relationships with our suppliers in Costa Rica. So it’s really been great over the years. I’ve been here since 1997! Crazy! I’ve been to Costa Rica close to 100 times – somewhere in there. ISo, ’ve been to all the properties that we recommend to our clients. I’ve met the guides personally and have experienced almost everything so that I’m ready to be able to make the perfect experience for almost everyone.

Active Travels: So how has Costa Rica fared during the pandemic?

Aaron: Well, I mean, since tourism is one of their biggest industries, it has been really tough. People on the ground have suffered a lot because most Americans and people from other countries haven’t been able to travel. So it’s been really tough but thankfully Costa Rica has been open and welcoming tourists since November, and now is the time when they’re starting to rebuild the economy. Tourism has started to pick up again, and they’re so thankful to have us back and have the industry really starting up again.

In the beginning, in November and December, it was pretty slow and we were just kind of getting started, but now it’s pretty much packed to where we were before. Hotels are still operating at a lower capacity. Some of the other services are restricted in terms of the number of people and so forth, but otherwise, it’s been flowing really well. We’ve been really happy with the return of tourism. 

Costa Rica was one of the first countries in Latin America to get the vaccine too. So the vaccine is really starting to take off there. You know, covid numbers have been up and down, but now they’re in a down place and have been on the downtrend for a while. So we’re hoping that it will continue on the downtrend and numbers will start to level out as they have here in the US.

Active Travels: I know we’ve had a steady flow of travelers come to Costa Rica through you. One family just got back. They had a great time. I know another family going out in July and I know we’ve had a ton come holiday time. So, how are you keeping travelers safe until everyone is vaccinated?

Aaron: You know, in some ways, Costa Rica as a destination was always made for a moment like this. Everything is outdoors. And most of our experiences are private. People are using private driver services from point to point. So, really distance is a natural thing there. So, it’s kind of made for a situation like this. We’ve been really happy with the job that our suppliers are doing. We obviously have vetted out everyone that we work with, and we’re using the most reliable people, but this is a moment when they’ve really stepped up in terms of health and safety, and caring about every little thing that’s happening with our clients in order to make them as safe as possible. 

Like I said, a lot of things are still operating at a reduced capacity, which is sort of one of the benefits of the pandemic. You know you go to one of the restaurants, it’s half full. That sounds great. I’d much prefer that to having to wait in line at a busy restaurant.

They are still wearing masks in vehicles and some indoor settings, which still makes sense at the moment. In the US, we’re not doing that much anymore, but I feel like in tourism (like the plane), that makes sense for now. So, let’s just roll with it and ease back into this a little bit.

I think the biggest thing is the natural outdoor space. Over 25% of the country is national parks. You’re going there for this nature experience, this outdoor experience. So, that is naturally going to be the safest.

Active Travels: Where are your favorite places to go in Costa Rica? I’m just curious.

Aaron: Okay, so that’s a loaded question! My personal favorite I would say is the Osa Peninsula. So, this is the remote, virgin tropical rainforest destination in the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. A lot of people don’t know this, but there’s actually multiple destinations around the Osa Peninsula. So a lot of our clients do a trip where they go down to two or three of the properties around the peninsula. When you’re staying in a place like that, it’s much more off the beaten track, much more remote.  Your lodge is providing all your guides, meals, services, and everything. Where you stay matters more in a place like that too. To me, that is the ultimate Costa Rica experience because it really is the very best nature experience that you can have.

Have you been to the Osa Peninsula before?

Active Travels: Actually, I’ve never been. I’ve sent many clients there, but I have never been. 

Aaron: Well, we’ll change that!

Active Travels: I would like that very much.

Aaron: One of my favorite properties there, Lapa Rios was just purchased by an amazing family in Costa Rica that owns Pacuare Lodge ( another premier ecolodge in Costa Rica). They’ve started a renovation of the property and have new rooms there which are unbelievable. Really spectacular. A few of them actually connect together so they can make a big unit for a family. That’s another thing that didn’t really exist there before. It’s over a 1,000-acre private nature reserve. Sometimes people have the experience of going to Africa and staying in a private reserve, but when you go to Lapa Rios – the nature and wildlife are right there. I remember laying at the pool and five toucans were sitting in a tree right there. You don’t have to even leave the property to get into the experience.

Also, they have a lot of programs that are amazing. They hire mostly local people to work at the property. I’ve always found that to be one of the coolest things. That really falls under sustainability and ecotourism – one of the main features of Costa Rica. A lot of the properties do this where they hire people in the local community. A lot of them don’t even speak English, and they hire them and teach them English, tourism, and everything. To me, that’s also been a really special thing when I go to a place like that: to meet those people, to learn their story about how they came into the industry, and to find out they come right from the local town that’s like twenty minutes away, and also their son works there too and maybe their uncle is the tour guide. It’s really spectacular.

Active Travels: I was wondering if there are any other properties that are new and you’re really excited to turn people onto besides Lapa Rios.

Aaron: There’s nothing new-new because of the pandemic, but let’s back up. What was new last year? 

I really love a new property in Monteverde called Senda. It’s part of the Cayuga collection. They manage several amazing properties in Costa Rica. This is really the first – I guess one of the first luxury properties in Monteverde, which is one of the highlight destinations in the country. So in the past, when people wanted to see the highlight places (Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, some of the other destinations) when they got to the Monteverde portion, there would be very limited accommodations there. There was one property that was upscale and then a couple of other ones, but this is really the premier property of the destination. I really think it’s going to make Monteverde more interesting for more people that maybe wouldn’t have gone there before because they want a level of the best food and guides and the whole experience. It was available at one or two places, but they didn’t have a lot of rooms. So a lot of times they were sold out if they had groups or whatever. SO, that’s one that I’m really excited about.

Also, personally, I love birding. I know that’s kind of a nerdy thing and not everyone is into that, but I do find that a lot of people don’t think they’re interested in that at all, but then they go to Costa Rica and start to experience it a little bit and then they’re like, “Wow. This really is spectacular.” The guide gets them excited about it. That’s a really good activity in Monteverde. They’re known for quetzals, which is a really spectacular bird, and you can see them there, and a lot of others too.

Onsite at Senda, they have their own guides that operate the tours. They also have a really beautiful nature reserve right next to the hotel called the Agouti Reserve. So people can go on their own and do hiking around and bird watching and have night tours. And Monteverde as a destination does have a lot of the same activities that you can find in other places like ziplining – the same company that does the ziplining in Arenal. So people can do that there, hanging bridges, a coffee tour. There’s a lot of stuff to do in the area. In the past, I think a lot of people have overlooked it as a destination, but I think now is the time to really start to think about it as a place to recommend to your clients.

There’s a lot of other hotels too. I could go on and on. 

The Nayara Tented Camp is a really spectacular property that we’ve been getting a lot of amazing feedback on. That’s the full-on safari-style luxury tented experience in Costa Rica. All the rooms have really big beautiful private pools. It’s a really spectacular property. Nayara is one of the best properties in the country. They have several hotels that are right in the same property area. So you can go from each property to the restaurants on the other ones, which are definitely some of the best in the Arenal area. So, that one is definitely a not-to-miss property. And they have some tents that you can combine together to make a bigger tent for a family as well. So that’s something to keep in mind.

Okay, a few more. Have you heard of Kasiiya?

Active Travels: No

Aaron: So Kasiiya is a small beachfront property in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica which is the North Pacific region. They’ve been adding a few rooms. Maybe they have six or eight rooms now. They’re also safari-style luxury tents. It’s just a few rooms on this big beautiful property with three private beaches. It’s just a stunning location. They’ve created a very special experience. They include all the meals and they have a team of guides that are on the property that take you out on different activities each day like snorkeling – they have their own boat. The beaches are very beautiful for swimming and snorkeling right in front of the hotel. It actually reminded me of some of the elements of going to a remote destination like the Osa Peninsula, but it’s in Guanacaste which is typically the more touristy area where a lot of the big resorts are. In fact, this property is not too far from the RIU Resort, but you’d never know it because it’s completely private and really spectacular place. I’ve been to a lot of other destinations too, and I feel like this is one of my favorite places I’ve been. It’s really amazing. So that’s something to keep in mind.

Also, the W Resort which is next to the Westin in Reserva Conchal. So for people that want an all-inclusive resort experience, the Westin has always been our favorite. Now, right next door, they’ve built the W Resort. They do have an all-inclusive plan there. That beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, Conchal Beach. I love it. I think it’s really beautiful. It’s very expansive, long, huge – perfect really – beach. And, the W resort there was built a couple of years ago. It’s not too new, but on the newer side of things. For someone that wants a full resort experience, that’s a really good choice. Also, Costa Rica Sky Adventures just built a zipline on the property. I haven’t been there to check it out yet, but I believe you can zipline from the hotel to the beach and then around the property. Does that sound cool? It makes sense because now people that are traveling to that resort can do a zipline experience right there at the property and not have to drive an hour away to where one of the other ziplines are. So, it’s really beneficial for that kind of resort experience. Ha, can I keep talking? Or are we done?

Active Travels: We love all this information! Keep going. I’d love to hear.

Aaron: So, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica has always been very off the beaten path. A lot of people don’t go there, but now it’s starting to have more offerings. There’s a new property there called Aquas Claras. That’s also part of the Cayuga Collection. It’s a beachfront hotel in the Puerto Viejo area, which is on the Southern Caribbean coast. This is a really beautiful property too. On my last visit to Costa Rica, I visited this property. It’s right on the beach, again a beautiful beach. The Caribbean beaches obviously are a different level of beach than the Pacific side, right? The Caribbean beaches have beautiful clear blue water for snorkeling, swimming, and everything. So, they have some private bungalows and full resort facilities. It’s a small upscale resort. They don’t allow young children so that’s something to keep in mind, but a family with older kids or a honeymoon couple would be a great fit for this property. They have really good dining. It’s excellent. I was really happy with it. We’ve been getting really good reviews from our clients we’ve been sending there as well. Again, it’s an off-the-beaten-path property with local flavor. Because you know, the culture is very different on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It’s an Afro-Caribbean culture with also different food than the rest of the country too. It has a lot to offer. It’s something for the little more adventurous traveler to keep in mind.

It also pairs well with Tortuguero which is on the North Pacific coast, which is similar to the Amazon where you tour through the jungle canals by boat. So that’s a good pairing. You can also pair it with the Pacuare River for rafting. And as I mentioned earlier, Pacuare Lodge is a premier property there. There’s also Tropical Rivers. Either of those two properties could combine with all three of those. That would be like the Caribbean circuit. That would be another great trip for you guys that I could set up for you.

Active Travels: I have another question for you Aaron. When is your favorite time to go to Costa Rica? Can you go year-round? Or are there certain times to avoid?

Aaron: If I were to pick my favorite month in Costa Rica, it would probably be May or June. So that’s just after high season, just before the busy time of the summer starts. So, that’s sort of like a little pocket. You know, even though that’s considered the green season, in general, they get a lot of rain in Costa Rica – say in October- but May June, July August, that’s always been a very good time for travel. You know, you can get some times where you get a little bit more rain, but it’s not really that big a deal. This is a tropical destination. If you get a tropical shower, you move on. Everything’s still happening. The dry season is obviously the most popular time to go. So that would be from Thanksgiving until around Easter time and through the end of April really. That’s the high season. That’s when most people are going to want to go. So there are some pros and cons of both. If it’s cold in the US and you want to go to Costa Rica, and it’s warm there, that’s obviously a benefit, but there’s going to be a lot more people because everyone is traveling at that time – especially Christmas. I, personally, would never want to travel over Christmas because I know it’s the busiest time, but a lot of people can only travel over Christmas because that’s the only time the family can be together. And then, of course, we’ll find a way to make an amazing experience for Christmas in Costa Rica. So, all the way around, there’s always something to make everyone happy. Even in October, the rainiest month of the year, on the Caribbean side where we were just talking about Aguas Claras and Tortuguero, it’s dry on that side of the country at that time. So if someone wants to travel then, we can send them that away. 

Active Travels: And this is why we work with you, Aaron. You know Costa Rica inside and out, and your team and your suppliers are all just the best – the best of the best. So thank you so much for spending this time with us today.

Aaron: Oh, one more thing I want to mention. We actually have our own office in Costa Rica that we own and operate. So we have staff there and they’re available for our clients 24/7. So, I think that’s another thing that’s really special about our company because we are able to be in touch with them constantly and they’re really looking after our clients at all times. So you know that there’s that extra layer of care being spent for your clients.

Active Travels: We’ve used that because we had a family come in, and the son from Colorado came in like a day earlier than the rest of the family because their flight was late. So they took care of that situation.

Aaron: Excellent.

Active Travels: Yes, over the weekend and by text…

Aaron: That’s how it goes. They’re there to handle this stuff because you know with travel stuff goes wrong. I mean it’s always at the last minute. Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night. Who knows. People are coming to us to plan their trip and they’re putting their trust in us to handle the details. Otherwise, they would just do it themselves. They want us to be there to assist them for this reason so they don’t have to think about it. And that’s the beauty of what we do. We handle the details. Our clients go on the trip and they have the best time. And if something goes wrong we’re here to make it better.

Active Travels: Well, we’re grateful to have worked with you all these past years and looking forward to working with you.

Aaron: I’m grateful for you too. It’s been mutual.

Active Travels: And thanks for joining us today, Aaron!

Aaron: You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.

Feeling inspired to explore Costa Rica? Begin planning your trip or browse our customizable vacation packages!

Stretch image feature: Lapa Rios Ecolodge

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Pacuare Lodge | Pacuare River

The Pacuare Lodge is a member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. It’s also so remote that one of the main highlights of the lodge experience is rafting down beautiful canyon-lined rivers to reach the lodge! Set within a wilderness preserve, the Pacuare Lodge mixes luxury and ecotourism effortlessly. Additional activities from the lodge include spa treatments, hiking, birding, and a cultural experience to a local Cabecar indigenous community.

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge | Osa Peninsula

Lapa Rios Ecolodge is another model of luxury ecotourism set in one of the most remote regions of the country, the Osa Peninsula. Lapa Rios is situated just outside Corcovado National Park, one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Central America. Naturally, wildlife watching opportunities abound from the lodge. Visitors can hike to nearby waterfalls, go birding with expert guides, spend a day down at the beach taking surf lessons, discover Corcovado National Park, and more.

Tortuga Lodge | Tortuguero

Located on 146 acres of land bordering Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Lodge is an incredible jungle escape to the Amazon-like jungle canals of the northern Caribbean Coast. The park was once designated to protect the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Sea Turtle, but has since grown to protect over 77,000 acres! Sloths, monkeys, iguana, caimans, river otters, and over 300 species of birds can be found in the area. Kayak and boat tours are a fantastic way to explore the area from Tortuga Lodge!

Hotel Aguas Claras | Caribbean Coast

The five-bedroom Casa Floralia is the largest accommodation on the property.

Hotel Aguas Claras is located on Chiquita Beach of  Puerto Viejo on the remote Southern Caribbean Coast. The bright modern interiors of Aguas Claras pair perfectly with the vibrant, laid-back lifestyle of the Southern Caribbean. This is one of the least frequented destinations in the country – ideal for a secluded escape! The private bungalows and the above five-bedroom Casa Floralia for larger groups are fantastic options for privacy.

El Silencio Lodge | Cloud Forest

Hidden away in the cloud forest of Bajos del Toro, El Silencio Lodge is the only Relais and Chateaux ecolodge in Central America. This idyllic upscale lodge emphasizes fine cuisine, luxury, and environmentalist. The lodge has only sixteen luxury suites, each featuring private outdoor jacuzzis, as well as two and three-bedroom villas. Highlights of El Silencio include the Bajos del Toro waterfall hike, forest pharmacy tour, tasty Tico traditions, wine tasting experience, forest sundown romantic dinner, and more.

Isla Chiquita Glamping Resort | Nicoya Peninsula

It’s hard to get more remote than a private island! Isla Chiquita Glamping Resort is barefoot luxury at it’s finest. This brand new resort is located in the Gulf of Nicoya off the Nicoya Peninsula. Water activities like kayaking, boating, fishing, and beach hopping abound! Many other guided tours are also available such as birding, a tour to a local plantation, and a tour to Curu Biological Reserve. This intimate resort has fifteen premium and private glamping tents with a full private bathroom and spacious open-air deck with views of the gulf.

Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River | Guanacaste

Only about an hour from Liberia international airport, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a hidden gem on a 600-acre private nature resort with the naturally-heated Rio Perdido thermal river at its focal point. Guests can re-energize in thermal springs, which are naturally heated by the volcano, and mud bathe in the mineral-rich volcanic soil. There are also 10 miles of hiking trails, hanging bridges, a 12-mile network of bike trails, and adventure activities like white canyon tubing, canyoning, the Tarzan swing, and more. This chic little boutique hotel really captures the healing experience in a lesser-known corner of Costa Rica.

Ready to discover Costa Rica’s remote resorts? Start planning your trip or browse our customizable vacation packages!

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It’s probably time for a change of scenery. Now, if it hasn’t yet crossed your mind, allow us to highlight a simple truth: if you can work remotely from home, you can work remotely from anywhere. Breezy beach escape, anyone?

And why not work remotely in Costa Rica?

The time is right. The borders to Costa Rica are now open and they are no longer requiring a COVID-19 test before travel. Air travel is relatively safe based on the protocols the airlines have implemented. Plus, fares are incredibly low. It’s even possible to fly international privately (ask one of our Costa Rica Experts for details). More on entry requirements here.

Where To Go: Manuel Antonio National Park

Aerial view of Manuel Antonio National Park

Only three hours by car from San Jose international airport (SJO), Manuel Antonio is one of the most diverse destinations in the country. The area offers beautiful tropical beaches that are bursting with wildlife and lovely nature hikes. What could be better than listening to the sounds of ocean waves and chattering toucans while you type up that report? Or how about taking that zoom conference with an incredible rainforest view as your background?

Activities in the area abound.

Damas Island Estuary Boat Cruise

Weekend and after-work activities in Manuel Antonio are plentiful. Plus, Manuel Antonio is centrally located on the Pacific Coast, allowing for easy access to neighboring beaches and regional highlights.

• Cruise the waterways of Damas Island Estuary on a kayak or boat tour.
• Soar above the rainforest canopy on an aerial zipline.
• Explore this rugged coastal rainforest from a new vantage point on a coastal sea kayaking adventure.
• Discover the rural heritage of Costa Rica in the Santa Juana Mountains.
• Sail away on a sunset catamaran in search of humpback whales, dolphins, and other tropical marine life.

Transportation & Weekend Getaways

Manuel Antonio is pretty walkable and taxis are readily accessible. Rental cars allow convenient access to everything the area has to offer, including more secluded beaches, waterfalls, rainforest, and culinary experiences within a 1-2 hours drive. Because of Manuel Antonio’s central location, weekend getaways are easy from the area (consider the Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, Santa Juana Mountains, Jaco, Dominical, and the capital city of San Jose). Additionally, Manuel Antonio also has a fabulous marina for boat and fishing trips.

Home Base:

The Rainforest Suite at Los Altos Beach Resort & Spa

Los Altos is a condo-style resort & spa with beach access and just a 5-minute shuttle (or 20-minute walk) to Manuel Antonio National Park. Los Altos features an open-air restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and fitness center on the property. The Rainforest Suites have a full kitchen, spacious living room, and dining room, and either a partial ocean view balcony or a garden view balcony. They also have 3 other restaurants associated with the hotel and many in the area including within walking distance! They have hiking trails on the property too!

Los Altos Amenities

• WiFi
• Exclusive Secluded Beach
• Infinity Pool
• Gym & Fitness Center
• Hiking Trails with easy, medium, and difficult ranges
• Full-service kitchen

Los Altos Rates:

Tucan Apartment at Jungle Vista

Tucan Apartments kitchen

The spacious Tucan Apartments measure 580 square feet (54 sq meters). They feature a private sleeping area, full kitchen, and a full-size living room with a couch (equipped with a pull-out mattress) and armchair. From your private balcony, look for vibrant toucans and playful monkeys. The Tucan Apartment is perfect for extended-stay travelers, offering guests everything they need to make the Jungle Vista their home away from home in Manuel Antonio.

Tucan Apartment Amenities

Tucan Apartments balcony

Tucan Apartment amenities include air-conditioning, high-speed WiFi, king-size bed, in-room safe, hairdryer, flat-screen smart TV, full fridge, microwave, electric stove, oven, and blender.

Tucan Apartment Rates:

Questions? Connect with a Costa Rica Expert or give us a call: 773-935-1009 or 800-827-9046

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El Silencio Lodge & Spa | Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest

Just 2 hours from San Jose is this one-of-a-kind ecolodge that creates a cloud forest experience you won’t find anywhere else. It is not common to find luxury off-the-beaten path, but at El Silencio Lodge & Spa you’ll find upscale cabins and fine dining blended seamlessly with local culture and sustainability. The hotel maintains an organic garden and trout pond from which guests can choose their own ingredients for preparation by the chef. On-site are hiking trails available to all guests, leading to 3 different waterfalls. Excellent bird watching, horseback riding, and coffee tours encapsulate the simple pleasure of the cool, misty cloud forest environment. The hotel is also involved in local affairs. Several of the employees and guides are locals who work as integral players in the operation of the hotel.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge | Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s most biodiverse destination with no shortage of tropical wildlife to fawn over. At Lapa Rios Ecolodge, you can watch Scarlet Macaws and toucans as you sip coffee on the deck of your private bungalow. The ecolodge is set into the rainforest, offering ocean views, self-guided nature trails, and waterfalls. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the sustainability practices maintained on the premises with a guided tour designed to highlight the importance of maintaining Costa Rica’s gorgeous natural wonders. Though the lodge is surrounded by wildlife and vegetation, this is no tent camp. Lapa Rios combines exceptional service with a unique design to create an upscale rainforest experience.

Rio Perdido Hotel | Bagaces

The newest ecolodge on our list is Rio Perdido, an off-the-beaten-path hotel halfway between the beaches of Guanacaste and the Arenal Volcano. Aside from the sweeping views, guests enjoy the property’s thermal river and mud baths after a day of hiking volcanoes and zip-lining across canyons. The individual bungalows provide rustic, laid-back charm with their simple design and swaying hammocks.

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens | Tortuguero

Tortuguero’s jungle canals are one of the country’s most unique natural attractions. Base yourself at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens to take advantage of the best tours and ensure the most comfortable way to see this Amazon-esque environment. This ecolodge sits along the river so guests can dine, sleep, and swim with a river view. Aside from the obligatory canal tours, Tortuga Lodge also offers fishing and local cultural experiences to round out your stay. The Experts recommend visiting July-October to witness the famous turtle nesting and hatching.

Pacuare Lodge | Pacuare River

Pacuare Lodge Restaurant – Nairi Awari

From start to finish, the Pacuare Lodge experience is packed with adventure, style, and nature. Adrenaline seekers can spend a day rafting the famous Pacuare River before arriving at the secluded luxury eco-lodge. The experts recommend the honeymoon suite, with its private plunge pool and suspended bridge entrance.

Santa Juana Mountain Lodge | Santa Juana

Santa Juana Mountain Lodge is the newest ecolodge in the Central Pacific region. Described as a “rustic mountain retreat,” it is designed to combine nature and authentic Costa Rican experiences. Here you’ll learn about the agro-culture of Santa Juana and the surrounding region, as well as the hotel’s involvement in conservation and sustainability. The lodge’s cabinas give guests stunning views of the Manuel Antonio National Park and the coastline, which are just a 45-minute drive away.

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Nayara Tented Camp

Arenal is the most popular destination in Costa Rica across the board. Families, couples, solo travelers, and everyone in between flocks to Arenal for zip-lining, hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfall rappeling and other Costa Rica adventure tours. The area attracts thousands of tourists per year but yourself from the hoards with the most unique new hotels in Costa Rica.  

Nayara Tented Camp is another brilliant extension of the Nayara luxury brand, already notorious in the Arenal hotel scene. Nayara Tented is the sister hotel Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens and Nayara Springs Luxury Hotel (Adults-Only) next door. Known for their inventive dining options and impeccable service, the Nayara properties have added eye–catching new safaris-style tents to their luxury hotel catalog. Raising the bar for refined luxury in the Central American hospitality industry, the glamorous but thoughtful eco-resort restore the wonder of the rainforest back to Arenal.  

Origins Luxury Lodge

Located off the beaten path in between Arenal and Papagayo, Origins Luxury Lodge is one of the most exclusive hospitality experiences in the country. The lodge is designed for high-end travelers looking to replicate the magic of a luxury African safari during their travels in Costa Rica, the less-trodden Upala region envelops guests in a unique eco-system where Costa Rica’s most nature and wildlife congregate. A stay at Origins includes access to highly-trained naturalist guides, who lead the hotel’s signature tours. Gourmet dining is a point of pride for Origins, where guests dine for the duration of their stay. With a limited number of lodges and villas available, the service is attentive and personalized.  

This is the only lodge of its kind in Costa Rica and the only thing around for miles. Origins is climbing as a top destination for world travelers looking to explore Costa Rica from stylish digs in a unique location. Your globetrotter friends certainly haven’t been here. 

Kasiiya Papagayo Luxury Wilderness Retreat

The newest face in the Papagayo luxury hotel landscape is Kasiiya Papagayo Retreat. Papagayo is known for its calm, swimmable waters and Kasiiya centers it’s focus around it. The eco-resort reconceptualizes ‘barefoot luxury’ with carefully placed suites up and down the cliffside. Whether you stay high up on Kasiiya’s hill or down near the placid waters of Papagayo bay in a Beachfront Suite, you’ll be enjoying a preview of what’s to come for Costa Rica luxury hotels. Guests spend their days here snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking their way around the exclusive Papagayo waters. The hotel can even arrange a special beach activity day for those looking to upgrade their experience.

Beachfront hotels in Costa Rica are hard to come by, and with a new pool being built Kasiiya is on track to become the perfect place to escape in style and have it all.  

Rancho Pacifico Hotel

Rancho Pacifico is technically not a new Costa Rica hotel, but the property’s jaw-dropping facelift – complete with a renovated pool and stunning one-bedroom villas – definitely deserves a look! Active couples who want to experience Costa Rica’s best rainforest without compromising style should consider Rancho Pacifico’s unique location: high up in the mountainside of Uvita on the South Pacific coast. Cocktails are enjoyed against a backdrop of amazing coastal views and mountains covered in the misty rainforest.

Check out the one-bedroom villa and fall in love with the private plunge pool and rainforest surroundings. Rainforest trails on-site, or travel to Corcovado National Park by boat for a day of wildlife spotting and hiking. More immediate to the Uvita area is the Marino Ballena National Park, home to the famous Whale’s Tale formation. This scenic coastal rainforest environment can be explored by foot or kayak. Spend the day relaxing by the pool and you might have a hard time going home. 

The nearby South Pacific beaches are relatively unbothered by modern tourism, creating a refreshing alternative to Manuel Antonio. Spots like Playa Ventanas and Playa Uvita are gorgeous but a bit more primitive in terms of services. Don’t expect a Tamarindo vibe here. 

Amor Arenal 

Rainforest charm is redefined at Amor Arenal, one of the newest boutique hotels in the Arenal region. Each of Amor’s casitas overlook the surrounding rainforest, creating an extraordinary space to recharge after a day of adventure tours. Wellness minded travelers can head to the full-service spa, the rainforest yoga platform, or the outdoor meditation space that floats among the trees. The hotel also boasts two on-site nature trails, which can be explored by foot or even horseback. Choose between organic gourmet dining and local Costa Rica specialties at Amor’s two restaurants, or just kick back with a cocktail at the thermal pool bar.

Hotel Three Sixty

About 20 minutes south of Uvita is sleepy Ojochal, a rising destination along Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. A nearly vertical ascent by 4×4 vehicle will bring you to the Hotel Three Sixty, a high-end haven with one of the best views in Costa Rica. The hotel’s common areas blend seamlessly with the restaurant and pool, allowing guests to roam freely with sprawling views from every vantage point. The pool just may be the best in the country thanks to its intimate coves and spaces, created to help guests enjoy the pool without feeling too crowded. And while you’re hanging at the pool, you might spot toucans, Scarlett macaws, and even monkeys leaping from tree to tree. Word is spreading about Ojochal, especially for its reputation among foodies. Restaurants like Citrus have been popular in the area for years, but the inventive and ever-evolving menu at Hotel Three Sixty breathes new life into the scene. Try the seafood risotto with fresh Snapper and you’ll see why Three Sixty is one of the hottest new hotels in Costa Rica. 

It seems that Costa Rica becomes more versatile with every passing year. Each new hotel is more creative and glamorous than the next, fortifying the country’s place as a top vacation destination for travelers of every type. Be sure to head down and check out the hottest new hotels in Costa Rica before the rest of the world catches on!

Start planning your vacation with a Costa Rica Expert or browse our vacation packages!

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Despite the recent surge in tourism, there is still an authentic, laid-back side to this bustling country. Amidst the modern luxury resorts and rainforest lodges, Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida’ charm shines through in its quaint Bed & Breakfast accommodations. The Experts recommend these Costa Rica B&B’s for the best glimpses of the ‘real’ side of the country.

Finca Rosa Blanca Inn & Coffee Plantation

Finca Rosa Blanca Inn is unlike any hotel in the Central Valley region surrounding San Jose. Recognized as one of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, you’d never guess this eclectic Inn is just 20 minutes from the congestion of San Jose. With vibrant tropical flora framing every corner of the property and scenic valley views, Finca Rosa Blanca is a quiet standout.

The main house features a common area with murals hand-painted by local artists, along with other uniquely Costa Rican touches. Each suite and villa is different from the next, ensuring no two guest experiences are 100% alike. Most of the staff reside in the surrounding Heredia neighborhood, putting guests in direct contact with the local flavor. Speaking of flavor….

Finca Rosa Blanca is widely acclaimed for its culinary experiences. A rotating cast of world-renowned chefs creates remarkable fusion menus with inventive twists on typical Costa Rican food.  Not only that, but the hotel’s coffee plantation is open for tours and tastings to all guests. What began over 30 years ago as a small bed and breakfast boutique hotel has since blossomed into one of the true hidden gems in the Costa Rica hospitality landscape.

Sueno del Mar Beachfront Bed & Breakfast – Playa Langosta (Guanacaste)

The Northern Pacific coast of the Guanacaste province is dotted with large, brand-name resorts and ultra-modern property developments. In the midst of all this, tiny Sueno del Mar Bed & Breakfast manages to deliver a low-key Costa Rica beach vacation for travelers in search of a more casual vacation style.

Guests of Sueno del Mar can expect a small, beachfront house with just six rooms and rustic Balinese touches. The quaint property features a small pool and a breezy hammock area designed to be a relaxation oasis. Grab a complimentary boogie board and some snorkel gear for a no-frills beach adventure on Playa Langosta or nearby Tamarindo Beach. Couples, families, and small groups can head to Sueno del Mar for a taste of the real Costa Rica on the beach.

Santa Juana Lodge – Santa Juana Mountain area

While not technically a bed and breakfast by design, Santa Juana Lodge still makes the Experts’ list of best Costa Rica B&Bs thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to providing travelers with authentic Costa Rican experiences.

Santa Juana is a rural mountain village 45 minutes inland from popular Manuel Antonio. While tourist hoards inundate Manuel Antonio’s more famous attractions, savvy travelers can escape to Santa Juana Lodge for a dose of local charm. With just a handful of stilted casitas on the property, the lodge is never too crowded and the attention from the local staff will help you feel right at home! Be sure to take the lodge’s signature Santa Juana Mountain tour, which provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding village, hike to waterfalls, and participate in “everyday life” activities like fishing and cow milking. At the end of the day, guests can catch amazing sunsets from their private casitas overlooking the surrounding mountains.

El Castillo Adults-Only Hotel – Uvita (South Pacific)

The South Pacific coast is one of Costa Rica’s last major “untouched” destinations, with long stretches of uninhabited beach and dense rainforest in all directions. There are a few eco-resorts in the area, but the tourist scene is surprisingly quiet compared to busy Manuel Antonio to the north.

The adults-only El Castillo Hotel in Ojochal reigns as one of the best Costa Rica bed and breakfast style experiences in the South Pacific region. This magnificent home-style property overlooks the Pacific, offering dramatic coastal views. With just 9 rooms, guests are treated to a uniquely intimate environment that blends luxury into the relaxed pace of Costa Rican life.

It is no secret that expats and locals regard El Castillo (“The Castle” in English) as one of the best dining experiences in Ojochal. The exclusive Chef’s Table experience at Castillo’s Kitchen is a dream for foodies and culinary travel enthusiasts. Costa Rica is one of the few travel destinations where you can experience a world-class dining event in a small, ocean view bed and breakfast!

While Costa Rica has one of the most diverse selections of hotel accommodations in the world, the Experts recommend the bed and breakfast experience for travelers who crave something special for their vacation! Whether you want to take it easy at the beach or immerse yourself in the local way of Tico life, the best Costa Rica bed and breakfasts have the power to transform your trip from average to inimitable.

Ready to book your Costa Rica bed and breakfast? Begin planning your trip with a Costa Rica Expert.

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Kasiiya Papagayo Luxury Wilderness Retreat

Situated on the Bay of Papagayo just 45 minutes from Liberia international airport, Kasiiya Papagayo Luxury Wilderness Resort features five air-conditioned tented suites and two beaches amid 123 acres of forest. The retreat was designed by world-renowned architects with a focus on sustainability. In fact, Kasiiya was designed to have zero environmental impact. All the materials are natural. The common places and platform tent required no loss of the surrounding forest at the time of construction. The resort is solar-powered and water is collected via rainwater harvesting.

Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp is a brand new luxury tent camp part of the Nayara Hotels collection – a group of luxury hotels world-renowned for their service and high-end guest experience. Nayara Tented Camp features 25 private air-conditioned luxury tents showcasing spectacular views of Arenal Volcano from high in the hillside. Each tent has a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, a double head outdoor shower, a spacious bathroom with an over-size tub, and a four-post canopy bed.

Isla Chaquita Glamping Resort

Isla Chiquita is the only island glamping experience in Costa Rica. Located on an island in the Gulf of Nicoya, Isla Chaquita is a brand new glamping resort accessible by boat with just 15 premium tents. Each luxury tent has a full private bathroom with double sink, ceiling fans, mini-bar, solar energy hot water, and a spacious open-air deck with views out over the gulf. On the island, explore hiking trails, go birding, and kayak the coastline. From the island, explore a local plantation growing indigenous sweet guava and plantains. Other area activities include beach hopping and visiting the Curu Bio Reserve.

Rafiki Safari Lodge

Rafiki Safari Lodge is a safari-style tent camp on the South Pacific Coast along the Savegre River. Ten rustic tents sit on hardwood decks – each with a private bath and mountain views. A pool with a waterslide, restaurant, and bar can be found at the main lodge. The surrounding dense rainforest and Savegre River are a natural playground for travelers. The forests are full of nature and wildlife. With over 300 bird species in the area, Rafiki is considered a world-class birding destination. Hike or horseback down to the river and experience the rush of the Savegre River on a whitewater rafting adventure. Guests can also discover nearby waterfalls and a local village.

Tropical Rivers Lodge

Whitewater rafting into Tropical Rivers Lodge

The Tropical Rivers Lodge experience is truly an adventure. To reach the lodge, guests can white water raft in and out through the rainforest (although alternative transportation can be arranged if you’d prefer it).  Tropical Rivers Lodge was the first eco-lodge built on the Pacuare River and the only one powered by hydro-energy. Multi-day rafting trips are typically between one and three nights. Many other activities are available from the lodge including horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, and tree-planting. Alternatively, guests can relax in hammocks reading a book or taking an afternoon nap.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Private cabin at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge backs up to Piedras Blancas National Park, a wild and remote rainforest on the Golfo Dulce. Located just across the gulf is the Osa Peninsula, home to the famed Corcovado National Park. This remote rainforest region is known for its Jurassic landscapes and unique wildlife. Each private open-air cabin is equipped with full-length louver doors that wrap around your room for a panoramic natural experience. In the evenings, the staff comes around to drape mosquito netting around your bed. Each cabin also has a private open-air shower for a liberating outdoor experience. Despite its remote location, Playa Nicuesa manages to supply guests with a local and delectable family-style dining experience you won’t soon forget!

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