A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Romantic Honeymooners | Kura Boutique Hotel
Sleek, modern and exclusive, the all-suite, adults-only Kura Boutique Hotel, set high in the Uvita rainforest, is tailor-made for a romantic getaway. Designed with couples in mind, it features just eight minimalist, open-floor villas, each boasting giant floating beds, two-person hammocks, double rain showers and balconies offering sweeping views of both the jungle and Pacific Ocean. To level up the extravagance, book a Master Suite with your own private plunge pool, or simply set up beside the spectacular saltwater infinity pool. At the spa, indulge in a relaxing menu of facials, massages, wraps and scrubs featuring local products, along with a special treatment room for couples’ massages.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Wildlife Observers | Arenas Del Mar
Tucked within an 11-acre private nature reserve, Arenas Del Mar is the only luxury hotel right on the beach in Manuel Antonio and the perfect base for discovering Costa Rica’s abundant natural treasures. Just outside your room, an extensive network of trails winds through the verdant rainforest, brimming with exotic wildlife, from three-toed sloths and howler monkeys to toucans, anteaters and giant iguanas. But don’t feel obliged to wander; the animals are far from shy and will happily join you for breakfast, at the beach or wherever you roam. For those harder-to-spot creatures, the in-house Naturalist Guide is always on hand to direct you to the best viewing spots.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Artsy Creatives | Hotel Aguas Claras
Just moments from the coral reefs and soft sands of Chiquita Beach, Hotel Aguas Claras is a charming colonial-style boutique hotel, perfect for art enthusiasts. Brought to life by mother-daughter owners and avid art collectors, Elizabeth and Elena, each accommodation is a curated masterpiece, adorned with local artworks that celebrate the rich culture and history of the Caribbean coast. Designed in the style of a traditional banana plantation house and crafted from reclaimed timber, upcycled antiques and natural materials, this retreat blends whimsy with sophistication, offering an immersive, inspiring stay that treads lightly on the environment.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Beach Bums | El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
With nearly 800 miles of oceanfront real estate on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is every beach lover’s dream. Whether the goal is snorkeling, exploring tidal pools or simply soaking up the sunshine, there’s a pristine stretch of sand for every whim and desire. Overlooking the breathtaking Papagayo Gulf, El Mangroove is a blissful hideaway set on 17 acres of beachfront forest surrounded by preserved mangroves. Quiet, isolated and serene, the picture-perfect beach here makes relaxation effortless. Enjoy cool morning dips, long walks along the soft sand and spectacular evening sunsets, complemented by a range of activities including beach yoga, snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Wellness Enthusiasts | Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
For the key to ultimate wellness and longevity, look no further than Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. This lush hidden jewel is located in one of the world’s five known ‘Blue Zones’—areas where chronic disease rates are lower, and life expectancy is longer. The hotel immerses travelers in the region’s harmonious way of life through sustainable cooking classes, craft workshops, natural healing treatments, and other traditional activities. By operating in full synergy with the locals, this oasis ensures each guest leaves with a profound connection to the area’s life philosophy. Embracing ‘plan de vida’—a sense of purpose—the vibrant community offers a wealth of wisdom to enrich your experience.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Adrenaline Junkies | Senda Monteverde
Renowned as the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica’s tropical highlands promise a wealth of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers. Hidden deep within the trees and just a stone’s throw from the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Senda Monteverde Hotel is a serene mountain lodge perfectly situated in the heart of this natural playground. Zipline canopy tours, suspension bridges and Tarzan swings are all within easy reach, while the main lodge offers a warm gathering space where travelers can swap adventure stories, catch a naturalist talk on local birds, or sample a flight of local craft beers. Other highlights include horseback riding, private nature trails, bonfire gatherings and the Explora Center, where guests can consult with in-house guides to select the tours that best fit their interests.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Wave Riders | Casa Chameleon Hotel at Mal Pais
Home to some of the best surf breaks in the country, the small coastal town of Mal País is a quaint, bohemian gem attracting surfers from around the globe. With easy access to the region’s unspoiled beaches and world-class swells, Casa Chameleon Hotel at Mal Pais provides the ultimate haven for wave riders. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the miles of shoreline offer ideal conditions for every experience level, and staff are more than happy to arrange lessons with a local expert. Beyond surfing, you can also try snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding or sport fishing, before kicking back with a well-deserved sunset cocktail on your villa’s open-air terrace.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Nature Lovers | Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Even among Costa Rica’s sustainability-obsessed escapes, Lapa Rios Ecolodge stands in a league of its own. The crown jewel of eco-retreats, this lodge sits adjacent to a 1,000-acre private reserve, which acts as a vital protective barrier for the biodiverse Corcovado National Park. As the first Costa Rican hotel to earn the prestigious ‘Five Leaf Award’ for sustainability, every element of the property is designed to harmonize with its surrounding beaches and forests. The building materials are renewable, the food is sustainably sourced and guests are encouraged to get involved by donating or planting tree seedlings before they check out. The lodge also supports several conservation projects, including the protection of endangered species such as the scarlet macaw, jaguar, puma and great harpy eagle.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Culinary Connoisseurs | Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Costa Rica’s fertile volcanic soil and lush tropical coastlines make it a culinary paradise where nearly anything can grow. Influenced by a rich blend of cultures, the country’s fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and abundant seafood have transformed it into a premier Latin American food destination. At Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, foodies can indulge in this bounty of flavors. The resort’s culinary offerings range from a beach club and a casual all-day eatery to a Latin-inspired tapas bar and Ostra, its signature seafood restaurant, which is considered one of the finest in the Guanacaste Province. Each venue showcases a market-to-table philosophy, blending high-quality local ingredients with refined global techniques, all while staying deeply rooted in the local community.
A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica
For Summit Seekers | Nayara Gardens
Known as Costa Rica’s adventure capital, Arenal Volcano National Park is famous for its soaring canopies, roaring waterfalls, and, at the center of it all, the 5,358-foot active Arenal Volcano. Showcasing views impossible to replicate, Nayara Gardens’ location within the park provides ample opportunities to explore—and there are endless adventures to be had. Either with a guide or on your own, traverse hanging bridges, trek over dry lava fields, discover deep caves, soak in hot springs, stand in the shadows of century-old trees and spot over 500 bird species. After an action-packed day in the great outdoors, it’s only natural you’ll need to recharge and Nayara delivers in spades with three gourmet restaurants, a large outdoor pool and a world-class spa.
1 /10
For Romantic Honeymooners | Kura Boutique Hotel
Sleek, modern and exclusive, the all-suite, adults-only Kura Boutique Hotel, set high in the Uvita rainforest, is tailor-made for a romantic getaway. Designed with couples in mind, it features just eight minimalist, open-floor villas, each boasting giant floating beds, two-person hammocks, double rain showers and balconies offering sweeping views of both the jungle and Pacific Ocean. To level up the extravagance, book a Master Suite with your own private plunge pool, or simply set up beside the spectacular saltwater infinity pool. At the spa, indulge in a relaxing menu of facials, massages, wraps and scrubs featuring local products, along with a special treatment room for couples’ massages.
2 /10
For Wildlife Observers | Arenas Del Mar
Tucked within an 11-acre private nature reserve, Arenas Del Mar is the only luxury hotel right on the beach in Manuel Antonio and the perfect base for discovering Costa Rica’s abundant natural treasures. Just outside your room, an extensive network of trails winds through the verdant rainforest, brimming with exotic wildlife, from three-toed sloths and howler monkeys to toucans, anteaters and giant iguanas. But don’t feel obliged to wander; the animals are far from shy and will happily join you for breakfast, at the beach or wherever you roam. For those harder-to-spot creatures, the in-house Naturalist Guide is always on hand to direct you to the best viewing spots.
3 /10
For Artsy Creatives | Hotel Aguas Claras
Just moments from the coral reefs and soft sands of Chiquita Beach, Hotel Aguas Claras is a charming colonial-style boutique hotel, perfect for art enthusiasts. Brought to life by mother-daughter owners and avid art collectors, Elizabeth and Elena, each accommodation is a curated masterpiece, adorned with local artworks that celebrate the rich culture and history of the Caribbean coast. Designed in the style of a traditional banana plantation house and crafted from reclaimed timber, upcycled antiques and natural materials, this retreat blends whimsy with sophistication, offering an immersive, inspiring stay that treads lightly on the environment.
4 /10
For Beach Bums | El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
With nearly 800 miles of oceanfront real estate on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is every beach lover’s dream. Whether the goal is snorkeling, exploring tidal pools or simply soaking up the sunshine, there’s a pristine stretch of sand for every whim and desire. Overlooking the breathtaking Papagayo Gulf, El Mangroove is a blissful hideaway set on 17 acres of beachfront forest surrounded by preserved mangroves. Quiet, isolated and serene, the picture-perfect beach here makes relaxation effortless. Enjoy cool morning dips, long walks along the soft sand and spectacular evening sunsets, complemented by a range of activities including beach yoga, snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
5 /10
For Wellness Enthusiasts | Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
For the key to ultimate wellness and longevity, look no further than Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. This lush hidden jewel is located in one of the world’s five known ‘Blue Zones’—areas where chronic disease rates are lower, and life expectancy is longer. The hotel immerses travelers in the region’s harmonious way of life through sustainable cooking classes, craft workshops, natural healing treatments, and other traditional activities. By operating in full synergy with the locals, this oasis ensures each guest leaves with a profound connection to the area’s life philosophy. Embracing ‘plan de vida’—a sense of purpose—the vibrant community offers a wealth of wisdom to enrich your experience.
6 /10
For Adrenaline Junkies | Senda Monteverde
Renowned as the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica’s tropical highlands promise a wealth of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers. Hidden deep within the trees and just a stone’s throw from the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Senda Monteverde Hotel is a serene mountain lodge perfectly situated in the heart of this natural playground. Zipline canopy tours, suspension bridges and Tarzan swings are all within easy reach, while the main lodge offers a warm gathering space where travelers can swap adventure stories, catch a naturalist talk on local birds, or sample a flight of local craft beers. Other highlights include horseback riding, private nature trails, bonfire gatherings and the Explora Center, where guests can consult with in-house guides to select the tours that best fit their interests.
7 /10
For Wave Riders | Casa Chameleon Hotel at Mal Pais
Home to some of the best surf breaks in the country, the small coastal town of Mal País is a quaint, bohemian gem attracting surfers from around the globe. With easy access to the region’s unspoiled beaches and world-class swells, Casa Chameleon Hotel at Mal Pais provides the ultimate haven for wave riders. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the miles of shoreline offer ideal conditions for every experience level, and staff are more than happy to arrange lessons with a local expert. Beyond surfing, you can also try snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding or sport fishing, before kicking back with a well-deserved sunset cocktail on your villa’s open-air terrace.
8 /10
For Nature Lovers | Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Even among Costa Rica’s sustainability-obsessed escapes, Lapa Rios Ecolodge stands in a league of its own. The crown jewel of eco-retreats, this lodge sits adjacent to a 1,000-acre private reserve, which acts as a vital protective barrier for the biodiverse Corcovado National Park. As the first Costa Rican hotel to earn the prestigious ‘Five Leaf Award’ for sustainability, every element of the property is designed to harmonize with its surrounding beaches and forests. The building materials are renewable, the food is sustainably sourced and guests are encouraged to get involved by donating or planting tree seedlings before they check out. The lodge also supports several conservation projects, including the protection of endangered species such as the scarlet macaw, jaguar, puma and great harpy eagle.
9 /10
For Culinary Connoisseurs | Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Costa Rica’s fertile volcanic soil and lush tropical coastlines make it a culinary paradise where nearly anything can grow. Influenced by a rich blend of cultures, the country’s fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and abundant seafood have transformed it into a premier Latin American food destination. At Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, foodies can indulge in this bounty of flavors. The resort’s culinary offerings range from a beach club and a casual all-day eatery to a Latin-inspired tapas bar and Ostra, its signature seafood restaurant, which is considered one of the finest in the Guanacaste Province. Each venue showcases a market-to-table philosophy, blending high-quality local ingredients with refined global techniques, all while staying deeply rooted in the local community.
10 /10
For Summit Seekers | Nayara Gardens
Known as Costa Rica’s adventure capital, Arenal Volcano National Park is famous for its soaring canopies, roaring waterfalls, and, at the center of it all, the 5,358-foot active Arenal Volcano. Showcasing views impossible to replicate, Nayara Gardens’ location within the park provides ample opportunities to explore—and there are endless adventures to be had. Either with a guide or on your own, traverse hanging bridges, trek over dry lava fields, discover deep caves, soak in hot springs, stand in the shadows of century-old trees and spot over 500 bird species. After an action-packed day in the great outdoors, it’s only natural you’ll need to recharge and Nayara delivers in spades with three gourmet restaurants, a large outdoor pool and a world-class spa.
