Incredible Places To Stay Around The Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

Up until December 2010, the Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. It’s now ranked third behind Rincon de la Vieja and Turrialba. The area surrounding the volcano is rich with wildlife, beautiful rainforests, waterfalls and natural thermal hot springs. There are also many exciting, family-fun adventures and nature tours available in the area. Here’s our pick of the best places to stay – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Nayara Springs

Boutique Hotel, Love Hotel, Spa Hotel

Bedroom suite with four poster bed with a terrace and swimming pool at Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is an adult-only, romantic and luxurious boutique hotel on the fringes of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Your backdrop is of the active volcano and pristine lush rainforest. Each villa has a plunge pool that is fed by natural hot springs. You also have a private garden, an outdoor dual rain shower and a private host. The villas are elegant and incredibly comfortable. Nayara Springs is one of the top hotels in Costa Rica and Central America.

2. Nayara Gardens

Boutique Hotel, Garden Hotel, Spa Hotel, Resort

Balcony with a hammock and seating overlooking the jungle from Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens

Nayara Gardens is the sister hotel of Nayara Springs. This luxurious, eco-conscious and romantic resort is absolutely stunning and will be the most wonderful place to come back to after all your adventuring. There are private villas and deluxe casitas, as well as a world-class spa, several gourmet dining options and a great selection of eco-tours. Plus, the views and scenery here are spectacular.

3. Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Lodge, Hotel

Path way through greenery leading towards Arenal Volcano - at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

The Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa is the closest hotel to the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, only 2mi (3km) away – and you can stay there by joining Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Costa Rica trip. At this incredible lodge within the Arenal Volcano National Park, you’ll have convenient access to hiking and biking trails that go through forests, past waterfalls and beautiful pastures. There are also 400 species of birds that make their home in this immediate area, so this is definitely a birding hotspot. This comfortable lodge offers several different types of accommodations, a spa and a great restaurant.

5. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort

Resort, Garden Hotel, Spa Hotel

Interlinked ponds outside The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort surrounded by foliage

The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort offers a harmonious blend of nature and luxury. This 54-room luxury boutique offers stunning views, natural hot springs and multiple pools, a full spa, international gourmet cuisine and several bars. It’s also within proximity of all the adventure and nature tours that you could possibly want. In 2016, the Royal Corin won the World Luxury Hotel Award.

6. Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa

Resort, Suite Hotel, Spa Hotel

Double bedroom with TV, chairs and a view down into the green valley at Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa is a luxurious and peaceful accommodation option. There are 53 spacious suites that all have panoramic volcano or mountain views. When you open your balcony doors, you will feel like you are right in the forest. It is the most magical place to sit and have a cup of coffee and watch the clouds roll through the trees. There is also a hydromassage hot tub in your suite, private thermal pools just a short walk away and the 27-acre (11ha) property is bursting with beautiful plant life.

7. Hotel El Silencio del Campo

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Outdoor pool surrounded by foliage at Hotel El Silencio del Campo

Hotel El Silencio del Campo is a village-like resort of 20 cabins on a breathtaking piece of property. There is a restaurant, a spa, a pool and natural thermal waters. Your cozy cabin will be your home away from home while you are up here enjoying all of the natural and adventurous wonders of the La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area. This peaceful place is family run, and you will be made to feel like part of the family.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.