The Magic of Nayara Tented Camp

One of the best aspects of Nayara Tented Camp is undoubtedly the resort suites. Each guest embarks on a journey through an observation deck leading to a massive wooden door intricately etched with jungle creatures. The king-sized canopy bed faces the deck, offering a stunning view of the volcano and your personal plunge pool. We reveled in the evenings, using the jacuzzi jets in the plunge pool while sipping on champagne. The room is stocked with complimentary fresh fruits, non-alcoholic beverages, local snacks and Imperial beer for your enjoyment. Your stay also includes a daily breakfast. Each night, you can select from a delectable menu, and your breakfast is delivered at your requested time to be set up on your deck. Some of our favorites included the fresh green juice, smoked trout bagel, fresh fruit and banana pancakes. The bathroom amenities are equally impressive, featuring an expansive outdoor shower, an indoor shower and a soaking tub with bubble bath and salts delivered daily.

Nayara is home to Sukha Spa, an open-air sanctuary nestled within the rainforest. The spa is a must-visit during your stay. We opted for the Unforgettable Nayara couple’s massage package, which included a foot-washing ritual, a soothing massage and a rejuvenating facial for both of us. The treatment concluded with thirty minutes in a private black marble jacuzzi, elevated above the forest canopy. We indulged in smoked trout, chocolate truffles and champagne while soaking and listening to the gentle sounds of a rainstorm that began midway through our massage. It was, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience.

The resort promises some of the finest cuisine for its guests, offering a variety of restaurants, each delivering an exceptional culinary experience. We dined at La Terraza, Nostalgia Wine Bar and Asia Luna for our formal dinners. The wine pairing at Nostalgia Wine Bar far exceeded our expectations. The five-course meal was guided by a knowledgeable sommelier who explained the reasoning behind each pairing and the flavor notes we were tasting. This is a must-do experience. Each dining option promises a unique and memorable meal. La Terraza featured a live violinist, adding to the ambiance, and we ended our time at Asia Luna with a complimentary honeymoon dessert. The staff is dedicated to making every dinner special.

Finally, the amenities and activities at Nayara go beyond expectation. During our five-day stay, we only left the resort once because there was so much to enjoy on the property. As a Tented Camp guest, you have access to the sister resorts, Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens. We relished the swim-up bars with volcano views, scenic walking trails leading to hanging bridges and the resort-owned greenhouses. Our mornings were often spent in the natural hot springs and sipping Costa Rican coffee at the charming coffee lounge.

The resort offers a variety of daily activities; we particularly enjoyed the walking frog tour, where a knowledgeable guide led us on an evening walk to spot frogs, snakes, and other fascinating creatures of Costa Rica. On the one day we left the resort, the concierge seamlessly handled all our transportation and excursion details. We chose to hike the Mystical Hanging Bridges and visit La Fortuna waterfall. Nayara partners with top-notch companies to ensure every excursion is everything you hoped for and more.

Nayara Tented Camp can accommodate families and groups, but would best be suited for a couples trip or honeymoon. Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens are located on the same property and share amenities. The resort offers 24/7 golf cart service for its guests.

While not all-inclusive, we found the breakfast to be substantial enough to keep us full until dinner, with just a small snack in between. The staff's exceptional service is driven by their genuine desire to make guests smile; they are never pushy and do not expect tips, even though their service is truly deserving of it. Be prepared for mosquitoes and unexpected rain showers, but rest assured, the resort provides bug spray, sunscreen and umbrellas during your stay. If you're looking for a luxurious vacation that immerses you in the beauty of the rainforest, Nayara Tented Camp is the resort for you.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In need of further inspiration? Check out Andrew Boster’s guide, A Complete Guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica.