The best hotels in Costa Rica From luxury beachfront resorts to sustainable rainforest lodges

Discover an oasis of serenity and sustainable luxury at Rio Perdido, situated in the heart of Guanacaste's dry forest. This eco-friendly retreat encompasses 30 contemporary bungalows, each designed with sustainability at its core. These dwellings are seamlessly connected by a network of elevated pathways, allowing guests to meander amidst the trees and local flora.

One of Rio Perdido's defining features is its natural thermal river, a geothermal wonder where visitors can indulge in nature’s own spa experience. Stretching beyond the lodge are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, weaving through diverse landscapes and offering glimpses of the region's vibrant wildlife.

With an array of on-site adventures, from zip-lining across canyons to white-water tubing, guests can satiate their thirst for adrenaline and adventure. Every aspect of Rio Perdido, from its architectural marvels to its diverse recreational offerings, echoes a commitment to harmonizing luxury with nature.

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Costa Rica is renowned for its lavish eco-resorts, so standing out is crucial. El Mangroove, on the prestigious Gulf of Papagayo in northern Guanacaste, does just that with its boutique hotel allure. Conveniently, it's the nearest resort to any international airport in Costa Rica, making short escapes a breeze. A standout feature? One of the region's lengthiest & nicest swimming pools.

Set within 17 acres of coastal mangrove, El Mangroove ditches the typical all-white resort vibe for a blend of modern minimalism and bohemian flair. The 85 light-filled suites, from the basic Nesto to the opulent El Mangle, combine natural materials and luxury amenities.

Additional facilities include specialized yoga decks, the tranquil Bearth Spa, and a 130-foot-long pool with a DJ. Evening drinks under the stars from private cabanas elevate the experience at this luxury niche resort.

elmangroove.net

Perched 300 metres above the southwestern Pacific coast at Ojochal, Hotel Three Sixty offers captivating views, surrounded by vast rainforest, misty hills, and the endless ocean. The 12 villas, featuring natural walls, bespoke Indonesian furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling terrace doors, are bright, spacious, and immediately calming. Open the doors to directly access your terrace, connecting you seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

The openness of the communal spaces, like the lobby and Kua Kua Restaurant, cultivate a calming environment, a place where architecture meets the ease of nature, allowing guests to drift seamlessly from interior elegance to outdoor serenity.

The spirit of conservation is alive here, with most of the property remaining a protected nature reserve. This commitment to harmony with the environment offers a rare closeness with the local wildlife — a daily spectacle of colorful birds and wandering iguanas, all visible from your own private patio. At Three Sixty, the experience is simple yet profound: an invitation to slow down and reconnect, to appreciate the raw beauty stretching for sixty miles in every direction, a quiet encounter with Costa Rica in its purest form.

hotelthreesixty.com

Tucked away in the breathtaking mountains of Costa Rica, Origins Lodge presents a harmonious fusion of natural beauty and luxurious comfort. Set amidst a backdrop of colorful wildlife, including parrots, toucans, and monkeys, it provides a perfect setting for a memorable retreat.

The lodge emphasizes deep connection with nature and personal wellbeing. Guests can indulge in various activities, such as wildlife tours, waterfall hikes, and jungle horseback riding. For relaxation, there's yoga, breathwork therapy, and plant-based spa treatments. Culinary delights are overseen by a Michelin-starred chef in the organic superfood restaurant.

Each of the seven eco-friendly lodges, including a three-bedroom villa, is crafted from sustainable materials, featuring circular designs with natural air conditioning and private plunge pools. The lodge's highlights include the Skyview Bar for stunning sunsets and a valley-view infinity pool over the canopy. With its serene environment and luxurious amenities, Origins Lodge is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, offering an escape into Costa Rica's breathtaking nature.

originslodge.com

Nestled amidst a 800-acre property in the foothills of the Talamanca mountain range, near the base of Mount Chirripó, Kinkára is a haven for those seeking harmony with nature. This eco-friendly retreat, designed with sustainability in mind, seamlessly blends into the breathtaking landscape, offering a sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation. The 31 Lotus Belle Tents, set in a mandala garden, provide a unique glamping experience that combines rustic charm with modern comforts.

The retreat's farm-to-table dining experience is a highlight, featuring organic ingredients sourced from its own gardens and local farms. You can savor a variety of delicious, health-conscious meals that celebrate the bounty of the region. Wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, and guided nature walks, are integral to the Kinkára experience, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the environment.

Kinkára’s physical and spiritual activities include yoga and meditation, river hikes, mountain biking or taking part in an ancient cacao ceremony. Staff will also guide you to an secret waterfall for a refreshing dip in clear and refreshing water.

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Nestled on the pristine shores of Puerto Viejo, this boutique beachfront hotel is a hidden gem that seamlessly combines tropical paradise with timeless elegance. Its Caribbean-style bungalows, adorned with local art, offer a cozy, authentic retreat, surrounded by the lush jungle surroundings.

At the heart of the hotel is a Caribbean fusion restaurant, offering fresh dishes that marry local ingredients with international flavors. Guests can enjoy their meals in the tropical gardens or by the beach, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the waves. Aguas Claras also boasts a refreshing pool and a spa, ideal for unwinding after exploring the vibrant local culture.

The location, just a stone's throw away from the stunning beaches of Playa Chiquita and Playa Cocles, is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and some jungle excursions. The nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge provide opportunities for wildlife encounters and hiking adventures. Aguas Claras is a gateway to the rich biodiversity and vibrant culture of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, offering an unforgettable escape in a tropical paradise.

hotelaguasclaras.com

Perched on the hills of Santa Teresa, a paradise known for its pristine beaches and world-class surf, Mint Santa Teresa emerges as a modern oasis for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. This mini (adults-only) boutique hotel, with its sleek, minimalist design by Costa Rican architects at Studio Saxe offers an exclusive escape that harmonizes with the natural beauty of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline.

Each of the 5 rooms comes with its own rooftop terrace, boasting breathtaking ocean views allowing you to immerse in the stunning sunsets and the soothing sounds of the sea. The hotel's commitment to personalized service ensures a unique and comfortable experience for every guest. The infinity pool offers a panoramic view of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for relaxation or a refreshing dip.

Mint can arrange a variety of activities, such as yoga sessions, horseback riding, and ATV tours, allowing guests to experience the best of what Santa Teresa has to offer.

mintsantateresa.com

Punta Islita is an authentic eco-luxury hideaway perched high on a hill overlooking Costa Rica's Pacific shores. Set apart from the mainland by impenetrable jungles and challenging landscapes, this spot offers an untouched and intimate tropical haven. Just below, the sinuous black sand beach beckons, while above lies the preserved realm of the tropical dry forest.

While Punta Islita champions environmental conservation, it doesn't compromise on luxury. Standard lodgings offer inviting hammocks facing the beach, while the more upscale options boast private terraces and Jacuzzis that gaze out over the ocean. Scattered on the hillside, some casitas feature their own plunge pools. For those desiring more space or privacy, three-bedroom villas stand ready, each with a dedicated swimming pool.

Adventurous souls might venture out on nature trails, canopy tour, rigorous hikes, horseback adventures, or even deep-sea fishing quests. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can enjoy the tennis courts and driving range.

hotelpuntaislita.com

Lapa Rios, renowned as Costa Rica's premier eco-lodge, paints a modest picture: nestled on a ridge overlooking the beach, its thatched-roof lodges stand in stark contrast to the indulgences of luxury hotels. In the absence of phones, televisions and music, guests are completely enveloped by the pristine beauty of Central America's last untouched lowland tropical rainforest.

The lodge is built in harmony with the surrounding nature: When constructing, not a single tree was felled, epitomizing sustainable development. Their eco-conscious efforts extend further, utilizing solar water heaters to curtail energy use, and planting thousands of native palm trees to ensure a renewable source for the thatch roofs of the bungalows.

Yet, simplicity does not equate to a lack of comfort. The bungalows, with walls open to nature's whispers, eliminate the need for air conditioning. Inside, one finds hardwood floors, tastefully tiled bathrooms, and elegant interiors. Additional luxuries include a patio garden, an indoor/outdoor shower, and a private deck boasting mesmerizing views of the vast ocean below.

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Nestled within Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Tented Camp is perched on a hill, offering uninterrupted vistas of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This stunning place opened in 2019 as one of the first luxury camps of Central America. With a design reminiscent of classic African safari tents, the 21 luxurious tents sit elevated on the slope. Each tent is complete with private plunge pools sourced from the surrounding hot springs, outdoor showers, and elegant four-poster beds draped in canopies.

Immerse yourself in the hot springs nestled at the foot of the resort, ensconced by lush forests, or refresh in one of the inviting pools. Begin your day with an invigorating sunrise yoga session or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments amidst the verdant rainforest.

Complimentary guided nature walks allow you to explore the estate's indigenous wildlife. Experience the thrill of traversing the Mystic Hanging Bridges with a knowledgeable guide, or set out on day adventures to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge or Tenorio National Park.

nayaratentedcamp.com