Tabacon

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.

Sitting in 11 acres of its own private nature reserve and bookended by the stunning Playa Espadilla and Playitas beach, Arenas del Mar is a superb hotel for enjoying the delights of Manuel Antonio National Park which is within walking distance. The rooms, of which there are 38, are all well equipped with private balconies looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastal islands. As a leader in the trend of sustainable hotels in this country, Arenas del Mar prides itself on its eco-conscious practices and ethos and the service is both friendly and efficient. The two restaurants at the hotel place a strong emphasis on fresh, wholesome and local food. The menus showcase gourmet Costa Rican cuisine and responsibly-caught seafood. There are also delicious vegetarian and vegan options available. There are a number of tours and activities to choose from so you can really take advantage of all that the area has to offer (and it offers a lot) or simply relax on the hotel’s private beach, at the poolside or indulge in a spa treatment or two.

Casa Chameleon is a luxurious retreat hotel in the town of Mal Pais, making it a suitable choice for honeymooners and those seeking a romantic retreat to the tropical, natural surroundings of the Nicoya Peninsula. Each of the six, spacious villa rooms have an idyllic spot set against the mountainside and with floor to ceiling windows, guests can experience panoramic views of the verdant jungle and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. The villas are made from dark, Tamarind wood and feature private plunge pools, large bathrooms equipped with rain showers and spacious balconies where guests can sit and admire the breathtaking views. The decor has been inspired by the rich tastes of the modern explorer while also incorporating elements of the surrounding ecosystem. Enjoy your breakfast either in the dining area or on your private balcony. Lunch is available all day in the lounge area poolside. Dinner is by request and requires reservations, as meals are prepared from scratch and the menus are created according to guests’ preferences. The chef’s team work’s closely with local farmers and fishermen to get the finest local produce. Emerging from your villa, the Mal Pais experience awaits. Culture and adventure are steps away, and the hotel team are always keen to give their guests local tips tailored to the experience they’re after.

You don’t have to forego luxury in favour of natural beauty at the safari-style eco-lodge Lapa Rios. 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. Its lodgings are 17 simple, spacious and stylish open-sided thatch bungalows decorated with bamboo furniture, warm wood flooring, and private bathrooms with two showers. There are two spacious new lapa villas with plunge pools, and four new premier villas with balconies. As such Lapa Rios’ assimilation into its rainforest habitat means that you often get toucans visiting your bungalow balcony, and the adventure and wildlife activities have never been so close to hand. It’s the perfect place to escape and unwind. There is WiFi available throughout the lodge. The hotel and each bungalow have sweeping views of the Pacific and rainforest canopies, and it’s a short downhill walk to a quiet and beautiful beach for a dip in the ocean. The main lodge has a high roof and open sides, magically lit by candlelight in the evenings. Tuck into hearty meals made using responsibly-caught local seafood, ethically-sourced meat and fresh vegetables at Brisa Azul Restaurant and Bar. And sip on organic South American wines with your fellow guests as the sunsets.