Monteverde Lodge

Located in one of the most diverse primary rainforests in the world, the Corcovado National Park, this ethically-responsible hotel does all it can to blend inconspicuously into its delicate surroundings and to create as little disturbance to the environment as possible. Guests enjoy exceptional intimacy with nature in authentic comfort.

This boutique hotel encompasses all things luxurious, with views overlooking the grand Arenal Volcano, beautiful villas and a state-of-the-art spa and yoga pavilion. Privacy is as well taken care of as luxury, sitting outside the Costa Rican town of La Fortuna, Nayara Springs provides the perfect amount of seclusion at around three hours from the capital, San Jose. Each of the 35 villas is nestled among the floral gardens of the tropical rainforest and boasts its own personal pool, a spacious private garden with outdoor shower, a sumptuous four-poster bed, alongside both indoor and outdoor seating areas. A rich array of natural wildlife awaits, and guests can enjoy it from their private terrace, or by taking a tour through the Arenal Volcano National Park. Guests can then unwind by indulging in a treatment at the spa, heading to the yoga pavilion or swimming pool, or enjoying a drink at the stylish piano bar. Cuisine at Nayara Springs is served at the lovely poolside restaurant, Amor-Loco, where fresh fish, Latin American inspired sushi and organic home-grown vegetables all grace the menu.

Nonchalantly set in its own private nature reserve, Gaia stands out in the Manuel Antonio resort area as a very stylish and modern hotel with that intimate boutique twist. The hotel’s immersion commands wonderful seclusion, tranquillity and uninterrupted rooftop views, making Gaia a perfect hideaway for honeymooners or for those looking for style, privacy and pampering. Its minimal design and luxury are in stark contrast to the tangled jungle packed around it. The 20 rooms fall into four categories of which the suites (Deluxe and Gaia) or the two-bedroom villas are highly recommended, in particular, the deluxe suite has a rooftop terrace with fantastic vistas and its own pool. At La Luna, you can indulge in local and international flavours for breakfast, lunch dinner, and every evening they host a Tapas Time. Enjoy the panoramic views of the tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean while you savour the fresh, healthy dishes. The size of the hotel means it manages a high level of bespoke service, with your own personalised concierge, room service at any time, and a free shuttle minibus into town or to the airport. Head out in Manuel Antonio National Park on guided tours, go hiking and horse riding, and spend time in the water snorkelling and scuba diving.  

Occupying the entire Papagayo Peninsula on Costa Rica’s northwestern Guanacaste coast this hotel’s facilities are extensive and feature four restaurants, three pools, a championship-size golf course, tennis courts, spa and a collection of stand-alone villas. Papagayo is a vivid green spit of land that winds into the Pacific blue, decorated with idyllic golden beaches of which the hotel has direct access to two. The hotel’s 182 guest rooms, suites and villas are smart and luxurious, incorporating lots of Costa Rican and tropical style with the use of bamboo, rattan, solid wood furniture, shuttered windows and doors. Stone finishes and beige tones are broken up by the occasional vivid splash of colour. There are three categories of accommodation; the guest rooms are housed in three small individual buildings on both sides of the peninsula and the hotel’s facilities and pools are a five-minute stroll away. The treehouse-like canopy suites are elevated for views over the dry tropical forest canopy down to the water and some have their own plunge pools. However, if you’re after privacy and tranquillity then the residences equipped like a proper home with kitchen, infinity pool and two or three bedrooms are ideal. There’s also plenty to keep you entertained and much to help you unwind; a range of activities and private excursions direct from the hotel can be organised and the spa offers an array of body and facial treatments.