The Best Boutique Hotels in Costa Rica’s Arenal and Guanacaste Regions

Nayara

Nayara is a massive property with an option for every traveler. There are three separate hotels under one Nayara umbrella on the grounds:

• Nayara Gardens: The most laid-back option of the Nayara hotels is Nayara Gardens, featuring family-friendly casitas and villas. All rooms feature a terrace with a plunge pool for ultimate relaxation.

• Nayara Tented Camp: The Nayara Tented Camp provides seclusion and romance, setting the scene for a honeymoon, special occasion, or a romantic holiday. From the giant soaking tubs to the private plunge pools, these are the types of rooms that are a destination on their own. Rooms can sleep up to four or six, making Nayara Tented Camp ideal for families as well. Complimentary daily laundry service is a bonus.

• Nayara Springs: With numerous awards claimed, Nayara Springs is a great option for 18+ adults seeking a getaway in the rainforest. Spacious villas feature private plunge pools surrounded by nature, and guests have access to a host who will ensure an excellent stay. Thoughtfully designed restaurants dot the property, including the sexy adults-only Amor Loco.

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas

The design of the villas offers the utmost privacy, and each has a saltwater plunge pool to go with the most incredible sunrise or sunset views. As for room amenities, there isn’t a thing Casa Chameleon failed to think of to keep their guests happy – a Bluetooth speaker, plenty of charging outlets, beach bags, beach towels, and more. While a spa is in the works for 2025, you can currently schedule a massage in your villa, ensuring the most relaxing experience.

The Retreat Costa Rica

The Retreat Costa Rica is a quiet refuge for anyone looking to detach from everyday life. The 18 rooms are without phones and televisions, fostering an environment of peace. Diana Stobo, a health and wellness life coach and creator of The Retreat, has ensured that all menus feature organic, fresh, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It has organic, fresh, and anti-inflammatory foods for every meal. Vida Mia Spa offers everything from traditional massage therapy to Ayurveda practices. All room rates include daily breakfast, with all-inclusive rates available as well.

Hotel Nantipa

Located in one of the world’s five Blue Zones lies Hotel Nantipa in Santa Teresa. With a range of room categories from bungalows to villas, there’s something for everyone. The aesthetic is quiet luxury meets barefoot beach vibes, and a plethora of activities await in nature, from hiking to surfing and touring canopies to touring islands.

Rio Perdido

High in the forest is where guests of Rio Perdido will lay their heads, with the sounds of nature acting as a lullaby. Boasting 32km of hiking trails, zip-lining, mountain biking, and white water tubing, this is a haven for adventure types who want to enjoy the outdoors. Bungalows are clean and modern in design, and sustainability plays a huge role throughout. Accessible bungalows are available as well.

Kura Boutique Hotel

Featuring eight suites, Kura is a boutique hotel that oozes luxury from every corner. An architect and a biologist, respectively, owners Martin Wells and Alejandra Umaña set out to create a haven of “tropical minimalism” with their property. Sustainability is front and center, but no comforts are sacrificed. All suites offer both rainforest and ocean views and maximum privacy. Adults-only.

• Tucanes Restaurant: Located at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, Tucanes offers creative Costa Rican cuisine specializing in grilled meats and seafood.

• Spectacolor Cantina: Enjoy tacos and margaritas in La Fortuna. This colorful restaurant covers all of the bases with fresh Mexican comfort food. A casual option perfect for a group or family trip.

• San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience: Dine among the treetops in the cloud forest of Monteverde at this intimate, eight-table restaurant. A nine-course tasting menu filled with fresh, seasonal fare will guide the journey. Open for lunch and dinner.

• Sentido Norte: Located at Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Sentido Norte specializes in locally sourced ingredients and fresh flavors. Seafood lovers will enjoy the yellowfin tuna crudo and ceviche.

• Coco Loco: Fresh Costa Rican flavors marry feet-in-the-sand dining at Coco Loco on Playa Flamingo. Open daily for lunch and dinner, plus Sunday brunch (but we’re partial to sunset dining!)

• Ostra: Located at the Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo, chef Bruno Alves brings international flavors together in harmony. Don’t miss the Chicharrón starter, a fun twist on pork gyoza, and the Casado, a Costa Rican croquette topped with roast beef.

• Virador Beach Club: Fans of Mediterranean cuisine will love the dining experience at Virador Beach Club at the Four Seasons. Prepare to share and order some of everything!

• Pangas Beach Club: Laidback in vibes but elevated in experience is Pangas Beach Club in Tamarindo. Daytime offers a beach club experience while evening transforms into candlelit dining. The menu has something for everyone, but the locally caught seafood and refreshing cocktails and mocktails are a must.