Accommodation

Xandari Resort (Alazuela, xandari.com). More than just a first night close to the international airport, this resort-spa overlooks the Central Valley. Its 24 large modern villas, furnished with local art, sit within 16 hectares of tropical gardens. Price start from around £104 per person based on two sharing, including breakfast.

Tiskita Jungle Lodge (Punta Banco, tiskita.com). Fifteen rustic cabins set in remote jungle with a central dining area and dramatic views over the Pacific. Room prices vary but standard ‘jungle room’ full-board experience starts from around £123 per person per night, based on two sharing.

Luna Lodge (Osa Peninsula, lunalodge.com). Eco-tourism and wellness fuse at this assemblage of bungalows, hacienda rooms, and static tents, secreted in a forested valley by Corcovado National Park. Fullboard price per person based on two-sharing, from around £110.

Hotel Savegre (Savegre Valley, savegre.com). Fifty functionally modern rooms set in exotic gardens on a property with hiking trails into the surrounding forest plus a fine terraced restaurant. Full-board rooms per person, from around £109.

Rancho Naturalista (Turrialba, ranchonaturalista.net). Hugely popular with birdwatchers, this former ranch has a mixture of chalets and big rooms in the old hacienda. Expert guide on site leads birdwatching. Full-board days person based on twin-share from around £120 per person, per night.

Hotel Arenal Manoa (La Fortuna, arenalmanoa.com). Roomy modern bungalows in riotously tropical gardens with views towards Arenal Volcano. A B&B junior suite is good value at around £96 per person with two sharing.