Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River

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.

The Rio Celeste Hotel provides 26 comfortable and well-equipped casitas set amongst the tropical scenery of its surrounds as well as being well-positioned for access to the Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste itself. The charming resort connects guests with the unique and untouched rainforest surrounding it, with each of the bungalows carefully designed to complement the lush tropical setting. Wooden furnishings and warm colours create a welcoming atmosphere and each has its own private decks with showers, the premium suites have jetted bathtubs. Breakfast is included in the rates and in the evenings you can enjoy cocktails in the stylish lounge Cantina Delirio. Dine beside tranquil koi ponds, surrounded by the lush gardens at the open-air Kantala Restaurant. The menu features Costa Rican cuisine created with fresh local ingredients. And the popular swim-up bar, Luna Azul, means you don’t even need to climb out of the pool for a top up. Spend your days by the pool or exploring the nearby park, walking the resorts paths along the river, visiting the Rio Celeste waterfall or the Arenal Volcano – which is only an hour’s drive away.

This relaxing and wholesome eco-lodge imitates rural Costa Rican style and “pura vida”. The 16 luxury, free-standing and stilted casitas peer over the 500-acre private reserve cloud forest canopy on the edge of the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. They are built with the immediate nature very much in mind, based on cottages lived in by local people and using light and dark woods, bamboo and glass, yet they remain elegantly modern, minimal, spacious and comfortable. There are no TVs to detract from the natural world around you but all rooms are equipped with gas fireplaces, private terraces and jacuzzis making your casita feel especially cosy and romantic at night. The hotel strives to exist in harmony with its bio-diverse and delicate fauna setting. Organic gardens, a greenhouse and small farm help to sustain the hotel and its ethical concepts; guests see and taste the delicious and fresh benefits of this at El Silencio’s Las Ventanas and Hierbabuena Restaurants. Take part in spa treatments, eco-adventures, expeditions to the Poas volcano or even do your bit and plant a tree; these are just some of ways to while away the tropical hours at the hotel. Only two hours north of San Jose, with its relaxing and private atmosphere you’ll feel a whole world away at El Silencio.  

Even with 85 rooms El Mangroove still strikes a very boutique sort of style and atmosphere. Cool, contemporary design combined with a quiet position on the Papagayo Gulf, makes for a more personal alternative to the larger resorts of the area. It’s the epitome of relaxed barefoot chic. The hotel’s range of suites have been decked out in a contemporary yet natural style, spread over three floors, affording every level a new tier of views of the surrounding mangrove trees. The property also fronts a dark-sand beach almost exclusively enjoyed by its guests, or you can take to relaxing on the sun loungers and cabanas surrounding its outdoor pool and lovely gardens. There are a good variety of activities from fishing to yoga and surfing, and El Mangroove has two restaurants serving some excellent farm- and ocean-to-table dishes, ranging from Peruvian to Argentinean.