Costa Rica Family Explorer

Overview

This traditional and elaborate mansion in the city’s downtown district is surprisingly cosy, but naturally classy and luxurious.

Grano de Oro is a grand and tropical Victorian casona, very familial in feel with its heavily embellished interiors strewn with antiques, faded family photos, original art pieces, dark woods, deep carpets and stone tiles.

Lit by the warm glow of wall lanterns, its forty rooms are well equipped with TVs and internet. Choose a standard room for comfort and a more modern style. Both the views and decor improve with the category rank. The Vista de Oro suite is wonderfully decorated in period ceramic floor tiles, wood panelling, with rich rugs and throws. The Garden Suite is similarly adorned but also has its own private garden and patio.

On the ground floor is the restaurant with half its tables set in the hotel’s charming atrium circling a Spanish-tiled fountain surrounded by stained glass windows and the shuttered corridor balconies spilling over with vivid green plant life. The chef is French, the menu extensive, and its tables are often frequented by locals as well as guests. At night the rooftop terrace is a great place to relax, have a drink or try out the Jacuzzi.

Set in the heart of San Jose in the Barrio don Bosco neighbourhood, this is a delightful hotel; a great place for exploring the city or stopping over on your way further into Costa Rica or flying out.

Overview

Its innovative design and fun tropical decoration is what makes Xandari quite a one-off hotel in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

Set in 40 acres of plantation gardens and only twenty minutes from San Jose international airport, this is an ideal hilltop hideaway if you’re just beginning or ending your trip. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the terraces offer spectacular views of the majestic Central Valley.

With an architect and artist for owners, Xandari has definitely felt the force of their creativity and the hotel is adorned with extraordinary sculptures, tropical colours that imitate the fiercely vivid flora, tapestries, mosaics, paintings and stained glass. Its 24 spacious terraced villas offer stylish seclusion, vibrant comfort, beautiful valley views, and come with kitchenettes and a small garden.

The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff immensely friendly. Xandari’s grounds have four kilometres of trails filled with native birds to watch, and there’s also an orchid house, greenhouse, orchards, and organic gardens supplying the hotel’s restaurant. The farm-to-table menu includes a variety of healthy choices from Costa Rician specialities to Mediterranean and Californian dishes.

Massages, facials and mud wraps are just some of the treatments on hand at the hotel’s well-appointed Spa village.

Guests are invited to plant native trees during their stay at Xandari. Trees, bushes and flowers which especially attract, feed and provide shelter to the various types of birds and butterflies are chosen to be added to the gardens.

Overview

Nayara Gardens, the original property in the hilltop trio that also consists of Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp, is a fitting choice for those looking for a private getaway in Arenal. Situated in the green valleys at the foot of the spectacular Arenal Volcano are Nayara Gardens’ 50 spacious and private casitas (bungalows) and villas.

Large screened windows open up allowing for plenty of natural light. The decor is a call to the wildlife of Costa Rica with lashings of tropical orange and the greens of encroaching foliage, along with dark wood furniture. Boasting expansive garden decks, the casitas are further adorned with hammocks or Jacuzzis where you can unwind to the melodies of the rainforest, making this property an ideal hideaway for those after a romantic retreat.

For the utmost luxury, enjoy a stay in the uniquely designed Rainforest Pool Villa. Here light drips in from almost every angle due to the villa’s octagonal layout, and the lush rainforest seems within touching distance from the wraparound balcony. Relax in the cooling waters of your own private plunge pool as you gaze out across to the Arenal Volcano.

When you aren’t indulging yourself in the luxuries of your casita, head down to any of the four restaurants in order to savour rich Costa Rican flavours. Nayara Gardens also hosts a plethora of experiences which you can embark on with a private guide. Whip across the top of the rainforest canopy on a zipline or rappel down the side of one of Arenal’s waterfalls.

Alternatively, make your way to the property’s spa for a massage, coffee scrub or a volcanic mud bath. Perched atop a cliff and overlooking the forest, it’s the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Overview

Tabacon is a beautiful and serene luxury hotel, located at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It is set within 900 acres of lush, tropical grounds through which Costa’s Rica’s largest network of hot springs flows.

This rainforest retreat is tucked away on a winding road that climbs up from the small village of La Fortuna. There are 103 rooms and suites that look out over the rainforest and gardens. Decor is contemporary and elegant and feature artwork and furnishings from Costa Rican artists.

The River Tabacon feeds into waterfalls and warm pools lined with soft, black sand and guests staying at Tabacon will enjoy full use of the thermal mineral springs. The water is heated by the volcano and the temperature in the pools ranges between 72 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Head upstream and you’ll find the Shangri-La Gardens, an adult-only hideaway with six pools, cocoon-shaped cabanas and bar. The open-air spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, made all the more relaxing by the idyllic surroundings and sounds of the rainforest.

There are two restaurants offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine, as well as four bars.

Overview

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.

Overview

Set in secluded, exotic gardens, Cala Luna offers a slice of Costa Rican exclusivity with its sophisticated accommodation and first class service.

Choose from modern deluxe rooms or entire two or three bed villa suites for complete privacy. While all choices provide contemporary comforts and are elegantly designed with a tropical garden view and patio terrace, the lavish villas each boast their own large swimming pool, living and dining area and fully equipped kitchen.

Delicious regional and international cuisine is served up at the hotel’s restaurant where an organic wine list is also available. Meanwhile La Caletta Lounge has a more laid-back feel offering gourmet snacks and pool-side cocktails. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the pool here with its comfy cabanas and sun loungers makes a wonderful place to relax. However if you are in the mood for exciting activity then try your hand at surfing or kayaking – or head out on one of the fun ATV excursions.

Overview

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.

Overview

Andaz Papagayo is a beautifully located boutique resort overlooking where Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay.

153 modern rooms and suites with private plunge pools, sit cascading down a verdant hillside between two secluded beaches. Settle into your room and enjoy the views of the ocean and forest. Woven textiles, solid wood furnishings and carved artefacts give the rooms a charming Costa Rican aesthetic.

When it comes to dining, there are three themed restaurants to choose from. Each uses unique flavours and ingredients to perfectly capture the essence of Latin America in each dish. Choose from the open-air Rio Bhongo, the Latin-influenced Chao Pescao, or seafood extraordinaire Ostra. Dine under the trees, watch the chef’s team in action in the open kitchens and feel truly at home and among friends.

Take a dip in the outdoor pools, get in a workout at the gym, unwind at the spa, or head down to the nearby beaches. Make the most of the clear water and participate in activities like kayaking, stand-up paddling and snorkelling. You can also enjoy fishing, water skiing, and surfing in the gentle bay waters

Nearby attractions include the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a championship gold course and a number of adventure activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting and rock climbing.