The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Costa Rica

Clinging to a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this stylish adults-only hotel is stacked with chic suites that have balconies tailor-made for a romantic sundowner. All the rooms here have gardens and dining areas, while the luxe villas come with private pools, hammocks and bathrooms with marble floors. Then there’s the infinity pool – one of the most stunning in the Central Pacific, where you can cuddle up and take in the magnificent views.

Hidden away in the Uvita rainforest, this Costa Rican hotel boasts sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Head for one of the pristine beaches nearby or take in the sunsets from the palm-fringed infinity pool. The nearby misty river on the private jungle reserve is incorporated into the hotel’s fabulous spa treatments, which weave together native therapeutic rituals with pure local products and modern techniques.

Located in a lush rainforest on a quartz mountain, The Retreat Costa Rica is a nature-inspired, holistic healing oasis that aims to renew your mind and body. The brainchild of celebrity chef, author, and health and wellness life-coach, Diana Stobo, this is one Costa Rican hotel that comes with a side of fine dining. Tuck into gastronomic innovations while taking in amazing views of the tropical rainforest, Nicoya Peninsula and Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais is perched on the Nicoya Peninsula amid a tropical wilderness. The design here is all about getting close to nature, to the point where walls were removed and either left open for a connection with the neighboring jungle, or glass was used to offer panoramic ocean views. Adding to the appeal is the abundance of wildlife that inhabits the surrounding landscape.

Situated on the banks of one of the world’s most striking white-water wonders, the Pacuare River, this luxury, eco-hotel has only 20 suites, for a unique boutique experience. With its indigenous Cabécar-inspired architecture, a backdrop of pristine rainforest, a menu packed with delicious farm-to-table cuisine, and luxurious, well-appointed accommodations, Pacuare Lodge offers an experience unlike any other in Costa Rica.

Seemingly growing out of the jungle and overlooking the valley below, Origins Lodge in the Tenorio National Park looks like something dreamed up by a movie studio. Handcrafted canopy beds offer 180° views, while you can also enjoy a sunset soak in your wood-fire heated terrace bath. Comprising seven boutique lodges spread across a 120-acre (50ha) estate, there’s a sense of glorious seclusion here, especially when taking in the surroundings from the infinity pool.

Fancy stargazing over dinner? Navigating the jungle trails on an e-bike? These are just some of the activities on offer at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, as well as stunning ocean views from its privileged hillside location. Drop the children off at the kids’ club and play tennis at one of the five courts, swim in the four outdoor pools or even play a round on the 18-hole golf course. Authentic local art and materials adorn the interiors, and volunteering experiences give you the chance to give back to the real Costa Rica.

Los Altos de Eros is a true utopia. This small boutique bed and breakfast is elevated in the hills behind Playa Tamarindo, offering guests vast views of the valley, rainforest and Pacific Ocean. With just six rooms, staff outnumber guests here, so you are guaranteed top service, whether it’s sipping cocktails by the pool or indulging in a deep-tissue massage. The sunset couples massage followed by romantic meal comes highly recommended. It’s adults-only, ensuring a tranquil, romantic stay for you and your other half.

Voted the number one luxury hotel in the world by TripAdvisor, Nayara Springs is another adults-only hotel located on the fringes of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Each villa has its own private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, plus a four-poster bed, private garden and cabana. Start your day with a complimentary yoga class followed by cashew nut-crusted French toast sprinkled with brown sugar, and a cup of Nayara’s own Costa Rican coffee. The Nayara spa really is worth a visit, with treatments – such as a chocolate clay body wrap and volcanic mud mask – offered in a private open-air pavilion.

The Springs Resort and Spa is one of the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna, perched high above the Arenal valley with jaw-dropping views across the rainforest. The eagle-eyed among you might remember it from TV shows The Bachelor and Keeping up With the Kardashians. Unwind in the natural hot spring pools before booking a treatment at the world-class Springs spa. The hotel is also child-friendly, so you can sip a cocktail at the Ginger Sushi Bar while your kids make new friends in the games room. They will love kayaking down rapids, rock climbing and wildcat feeding at the Club Rio Adventure Center.