National Geographic Traveller (UK)
A ROOM WITH A view
Tucked amid hot springs, rainforest and soul-quietening stretches of coastline, these luxury eco-lodges offer memorable interactions with the country’s flora and fauna
ORIGENS
Best for: REMOTE LUXURY
Due to its location in the far north west of the country, close to the Nicaraguan border, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to question whether the remoteness of Origens makes visiting worthwhile. For anyone willing to make the journey, however, this remarkable lodge offers fabulous views of volcanoes, the jungle and even distant Lake Nicaragua. The raw nature experience has been tamed with more than a little luxury, too: those views can be enjoyed from fire-heated hot tubs, while the food is prepared by French-trained chefs using fresh local ingredients.
From $952 (£720), B&B. originslodge.com
HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA
Best for: MOUNTAIN A IR
Reopened in 2021 after a major overhaul, Hacienda AltaGracia is a sprawling estate set amid 180 acres. With sensational views across the surrounding valleys, its two restaurants use almost exclusively Costa Rican produce. While their coffee is currently gathered from nearby fincas, 7,000 coffee trees have also been planted around the property with the aim of harvesting by 2025. Each of the 50 villas offers plenty of space and privacy, while vehicle transport is organised by texting the compás (a sort of personal butler).
From $1,458 (£1,102), full board. aubergeresorts.com/altagracia
PACUARE LODGE
Best for: JUNGLE EXPEDITIONS
There are many high-end lodges in central Costa Rica, but none deal with arrivals and departures as spectacularly as Pacuare. Reached by a whitewater rafting experience, this 20-suite lodge announces its intention to marry adventure and luxury from the moment guests arrive. More rafting, as well as canyoning and canopy walks, are among the adventure options, but there’s also a hike to visit Indigenous communities. Guests can also unwind in the Jawa Juü Spa or lay back in a hammock and relax.
From $1,114 (£843), full board. pacuarelodge.com
CIELO LODGE
Best for: OCEAN ADVENTURES
Looking over the waters of the Golfo Dulce in the country’s south, Cielo Lodge opened during one of the pandemic’s bleakest periods in early 2021. But husband-and-wife founders Keith and Nicole Goldstein had confidence that their remarkable six-suite property in the middle of 380 acres of forest would prove a winning formula. While the lodge is set back from the coast, many of the activities included in the booking price focus on the wildlife-rich waters of the gulf. They include dolphin- and whale-watching, mangrove tours and trips out to Bird Island. From $738 (£558), full board. cielolodge.com
TABACÓN THERMAL RESORT & SPA
Best for: VOLCANIC HOT SPRINGS
Like its nearby rivals, Tabacón is partly defined by the mighty Arenal Volcano, an astonishing beacon that draws visitors from around the world. Although the area has a host of volcano-related activities on offer for the enthusiastic traveller, Tabacón isn’t short of attractions of its own, including its outstanding spa facility. The highlight for many visitors is the garden, which has been cleverly designed to let naturally heated volcanic water run through it, gathering in discrete meanders and pools, giving bathers plenty of privacy.
From $420 (£318), B&B. tabacon.com