*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
This charming retreat is nestled in tropical rainforest at the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park which is a natural playground for adventure activities such as canopy tours, zip-lining, canyoning and rafting. Follow winding nature trails and keep an eye out for Tony the resident sloth as well as armadillos, toucans, hummingbirds and butterflies. Experience the sounds and tropical scents of the rainforest during an open-air massage at the spa which offers treatments inspired by nature and uses locally sourced healing ingredients such as volcanic mud and organic coffee, cocoa beans. Enjoy breathtaking volcanic views while surrounded by tropical plants and flowers at the airy Altamira Restaurant which serves gourmet international and local cuisine – try the spicy ceviche or grilled red snapper washed down with hibiscus margaritas. An enticing fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine is served at Asia Luna and the sophisticated yet cosy Nostalgia Wine Bar offers the finest Latin American and Spanish tipples which you can enjoy while relaxing on the terrace. Whilst cooling off in the small pool you can sip cocktails and tuck into salads, nachos or burgers for lunch at the Kali-Kali swim-up bar. Surrounded by lush gardens, the rustically charming Casita Deluxe Rooms – free-standing bungalows – are very private and offer volcano and garden views plus plenty of modern facilities. These romantic retreats feature four-poster beds, a refreshing outdoor shower and a wooden deck with Jacuzzi and hammock. The spacious octagonal Rainforest Villas feature a wrap-around balcony, large Jacuzzi and an outdoor shower for two.
The mighty Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline from every angle at this resort. Whether you’re relaxing in the hot or cold spring pools, dining at the restaurant or relaxing on your terrace, you can enjoy magnificent views of this iconic cone-shaped peak. The setting is idyllic with tropical plants framing every view and animals grazing in beautifully landscaped grounds. Slip on some wellies for the daily tour of the dairy farm which offers you the chance to have a go at milking a cow. La Saca Restaurant serves farm-fresh milk and eggs and you can either try a traditional local breakfast of rice and beans or stick to western options such as omelettes and pancakes. Tuck into tasty pizzas from the poolside grill and enjoy happy hour at the two swim-up bars. The hotel is a great base for exploring the volcano region and there are plenty of activities that can be arranged. Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, hike the Las Coladas Trail through rainforest and over a lava flow, enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting on the Toro River, or spot monkeys, sloths and birds at Caño Negro, a wildlife reserve. The semi-detached bungalows are nestled in tropical gardens and feel very private. They offer plenty of space and you can wake up to panoramic views of the volcano. Relax in one of the inviting rocking chairs on your private terrace and drink in the incredible view with just the sound of birdsong to accompany you. Golf buggies are on hand to whisk you around the sprawling grounds.
This Austrian-inspired family-run hotel appears to have been plucked from the Alps and dropped into the misty Costa Rican cloud forest. The two chalets that make up the lodge are traditional in style but there are plenty of contemporary amenities, from the glass-enclosed Jacuzzi surrounded by forest, to the micro-brewery that brews craft beers. Take advantage of the free yoga class before grabbing a freshly-made smoothie at the juice bar. Explore the forest by following the self-guided trail – you can request a picnic lunch to take with you, book a guided hike through the cloud forest, sign up for a birdwatching tour, join a night hike or go horse riding. The Restaurante Celajes serves simple farm-to-table dishes inspired by local cuisine, using produce grown in the garden or on the hotel’s farm, Madre Tierra – Costa Rica's first certified carbon neutral farm. Take your time over a breakfast of fresh eggs, cheese and coffee on the beautiful balcony while watching the birds and gazing out over the forest to the Pacific Ocean beyond. Take a tour of the farm to learn about the lodge’s dedication to sustainability and enjoy authentic experiences such as milking a cow, straining sugar cane and picking coffee beans. Head to the Celajes Lounge at sunset for cocktails and tapas or have a go at making your own cocktails using fresh ingredients from the garden. The beautiful chalet-style rooms are decked in warm wood and feature floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the fantastic views and a balcony or terrace. Peninsula Rooms are located in the main building and look out over the gardens. Peninsula Superior Rooms are set on the top floor. The Forest Rooms are set in the chalet building which is surrounded by forest. Forest Superior Rooms are more spacious and have a living area and a glass-enclosed Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens, Arenal
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Hotel Belmar, Monteverde
