An emerald gem, Costa Rica is known for its wild natural beauty: idyllic beaches stretching for miles and cloud forests packed with the most exciting wildlife. And whilst the natural wonders are what you come here for, there are some pretty picture-perfect manmade spots too. We’re talking about some of the most gorgeous hotels on the continent, from eco-gems to coastal luxury. This is our helpful guide to the best Costa Rica lodges – which of these boltholes appeals to your inner adventurer?
Nayara Tented Camp
Arenal Volcano
In a country famous for its volcanoes, Arenal is the most well-known. Visitors flock to the area for adventure and thrill-seeking activities, so it’s nice to know there’s somewhere calming to collect yourself at the end of a wild and wonderful day. That somewhere is Nayara Tented Camp. These aren’t just any ‘tents’ however, for this is glamping with a capital ‘G’, complete with an open-air spa, multiple delectable restaurants, a yoga pavilion and a pool with a swim-up bar. And that’s all before we even get to the luxury tents themselves with their vast canopy beds, outdoor rainfall showers and infinity plunge pools (filled with mineral spring water no less!), from which to take in those jaw-dropping volcanic views.
Lapa Rios Lodge
Corcovado & Osa Peninsula
If your dreams of Costa Rica include thatched villas, glistening sea views and forests packed full of wildlife, Lapa Rios Lodge is undoubtedly the spot for you. The treehouses are what luxury eco-vacation dreams are made of, with their sustainably (but beautifully) built structures, a natural ocean breeze to replace air-con, and of course, those views. With easy access to both the ocean and the rainforest, there’s no shortage of activities either, and everything from surfing and snorkelling to wildlife watching and nighttime hikes is on offer. After a long day, head back to the lodge for a laze in the hammock or by the pool. Life surely doesn’t get much better.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
San José & Central Valley
Costa Rica’s cloud forest is famed for good reason. The rainforests, with their other-worldly mists and vast array of wildlife, are a truly spectacular sight to see – and if you really want to experience the country’s green heart in style, El Silencio is the ideal spot to do it. The eco-lodge is set on a private 500-acre reserve with verdant surroundings and totally enveloped by the valleys and volcanoes. The villas and suites are simple but perfectly formed, and subtly luxurious but with everything you need. And actually, the interiors needn’t be dripping with opulent decor when there are views like these to soak in… And when we say soak, we mean relaxing in the perfectly-placed balcony hot tub and admiring the vistas. This is rainforest living at its finest.
Pacuare Lodge
Turrialba
If the name ‘Costa Rica’ summons the idea of luscious forests, meandering rivers, volcanoes and adventure, Pacuare Lodge in the heart of Turrialba, is your place. Managing to encompass all of the above, guests are immersed in adventure right from the start, rafting along the Rio Pacuare and drifting under the rainforest canopy, eyes peeled for weird and wonderful wildlife, to even get to the lodge. Once safely on dry(ish) land, the lodge looks like something conjured from a dream with its rich wooden villas and their jungle-looking bathtubs and outdoor showers – tropical bliss. There’s all manner of delicious food to indulge in too, as well as yoga classes on the river banks, and no end of adrenaline-pumping activities.
Tortuga Lodge
Tortuguero
If spotting turtles in the wild has always been on your bucket list, you really shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Tortuguero, a name that literally translates to ‘turtle catcher’ and is known for some of the world’s best sightings. You’ll need somewhere to stay whilst you’re here and Tortuga Lodge, nestled amongst the lush rainforest, is sure to charm you. You can reach the lodge by bus, but we prefer to take a boat to appreciate the incredible surroundings (and the chance to see some of the rare wildlife). This is a lodge that fully embraces Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture and you’ll find a menu packed with tropical ingredients such as green bananas and cassava and the most beautiful, brightly-painted buildings. Days are spent exploring the vast and wild surroundings and downtime equals a dip in the cooling pool or catching 40 winks in a hammock. Pure bliss.
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hotel Belmar offers something special with its views of the misty forest, mountains, and the ocean – did someone say hat trick? Belmar was only the second hotel to open in the cloudforest, and has remained dedicated to protecting it ever since so whilst most lodges here boast eco-friendly credentials, it goes one step further. We’re talking providing ingredients for meals from their very own farm, creating cocktails from ingredients rustled up in the gardens, and a private reserve that only six guests can enter at once to enjoy, an experience that makes you feel like the cloudforest is yours, even if just for a short time.
Arenas del Mar
Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park enjoys a picture-perfect and unique setting made up of wild rainforests and beach idylls. The beachfront property of Arenas del Mar perfectly complements its surroundings, offering guests a lush 11-acre nature reserve to explore as well as rooms that look right out onto those endless beaches. Eco-conscious travellers will be more than impressed with the 100% carbon-neutral credentials – there’s even the chance to plant your own tree – and whilst this spot might be remote, foodies will be delighted as they sample an array of Costa Rican street food and get stuck into a BBQ on the beach. Activities include everything you could wish for, from surf lessons to snorkelling, and jungle treks to night walks. Is this one of those rare spots that really does have it all?
Origins Luxury Lodge
Rincón de la Vieja
Now, we’re not saying that we’ve saved the best for last but Origins Luxury Lodge is truly something special. Tucked away in the barely-explored Rincón de la Vieja in Costa Rica’s northwest, the lodge is a hidden gem begging to be uncovered – and whilst you have to make quite the journey to get here, we promise it’s worth it. Each of the hillside bedrooms offer astounding views across the vast Tenorio Volcano National Park and its jungles and volcano, making every wake-up a pinch-me moment. There is of course a plethora of amazing wildlife to spot and adventures to be had, but back to the lodge is where the magic really happens. Expect sundowner drinks with a vista at the Skyview Bar, exquisitely prepared food made only from locally-sourced ingredients, holistic treatments in the spa, and as cooking classes with the expert kitchen team. What more could you ask for?
Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
If you make a visit to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, it’s surely with rest and relaxation in mind – and Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel couldn’t provide a better setting. With a turquoise pool mirroring the equally turquoise sea, sun loungers set under lazily swaying palms, BBQ lunches of locally sourced seafood, and bedrooms close enough to the ocean to hear the waves ebbing in and out, it’s a seaside dream. For the adventurous, there are plenty of diving and snorkelling opportunities amongst the reefs, searching for tropical fish, as well as treks into Manzanillo’s wildlife refuge. But then we must insist you take some downtime swinging in a hammock or lazing by the pool – we’re nothing if not fans of balance.
