Arenal & Around
This stylish and splashy resort, just 1.5km from the dam, is set among lush rainforest and rushing streams with glorious views at every turn. Luxurious…
Must-see hotels in Costa Rica
Cahuita
Opposite Playa Grande, this appealing place is the creation of expat Isabelle and Costa Rican tae kwon do master Roberto. Bright, high-ceilinged rooms and…
Cahuita
This relaxing spot on Playa Negra offers six well-constructed bungalows. Some have Jacuzzi tubs and oceanfront terraces; all have air-con. The grounds…
Northwestern Costa Rica
This friendly hotel offers marvelous views over Playa Papaturro from every room on its terraced hillside. Lodgings range from simple and comfortable rooms…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Just 100m from the surf, this is the perfect base for anybody looking to 'relax to the max.' Rustic teak bungalows are creatively decorated, while…
Central Valley & Highlands
For sophisticated, contemporary class in an idyllic rural setting, stay at this high-altitude property. Suites combine rusticity and elegance; the best…
Playa Tamarindo
This attractive yellow hacienda has a great vibe that welcomes all comers. Private rooms (mostly with shared bathroom) are excellent value, with Spanish…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This 17-room wonder features tiled walkways winding through gardens hosting tidy accommodation, each with high ceilings, stained-wood furniture, folk-art…
Southern Caribbean
Six tastefully spaced 'tropical contemporary' bungalows bring guests close to nature with natural ventilation (super-high ceilings, screen walls) and open…
Playa Tamarindo
This secluded B&B on Playa Langosta is set in a stunning faux-adobe Spanish-style posada (guesthouse). The rooms have four-poster beds, artfully placed…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Near the village of Curubandé, this serene, epiphyte-hung, hammock-strung oasis has six rooms with polished hardwood floors, open bathrooms, colorful wall…
Southern Caribbean
Buried in the jungle, this beachfront spot is popular with honeymooners (splurge on the master suite!). Its 24 green palm-roofed bungalows with netted…
The Road to Chirripó
Named for the sly tayra (tree otter) spotted on the grounds, this cutesy B&B is run by a lovely, chatty expat couple. There are five spacious, light…
Península de Nicoya
This sweet spot is a collection of spacious, stained-wood A-frame bungalows renovated in 2019 by a new set of owners to feature balconies, kitchenettes…
Central Valley & Highlands
With spectacular bird's-eye views of the Central Valley, this romantic spot is set on a 40-acre plantation with 24 spacious villas (sleeping two to six…
La Fortuna
A smart, modern property on the edge of the Río Burio. This location combines the convenience of town with the rusticity of the forest – meaning lovely…
Quepos to Uvita
Just down the mountain from the eponymous wildlife sanctuary, this gorgeous place has a posh collection of seven villas perched on the hillside, each with…
Península de Nicoya
It's ingenious: a vertical hotel. All five huge suites – fully equipped and impeccably decorated – face the glorious sea. Climb to the top floor to cool…
To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez
In the midst of a 13-hectare private reserve, this ecolodge is a birdwatcher’s paradise; guests can opt for unlimited birding and herping packages. Liz…
To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez
Emphasizing rejuvenation, this intimate oceanfront retreat center attracts those looking to unwind, through yoga, swimming in the chemical-free pool or…
Central Valley & Highlands
A birdwatcher's paradise, this 10-sq-km reserve straddles an important wilderness corridor between Parque Nacional Volcán Poás and Parque Nacional Juan…
Playa Tamarindo
Although it’s only 200m from the beach, this establishment is an oasis of serenity in an otherwise frenzied town – it’s also one of the best deals around…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
There are comfortable, private cabañas and more luxurious digs, but the best deal at this surfers' lodge is the open-air rancho, with a tin roof and…
The Road to Chirripó
A hillside hacienda overlooking the lush Valle de General, this Auberge Resort consists of self-contained casitas (cottages) and suites, their decor…
Península de Nicoya
Along the road from Avellanas, this low-key and inviting place has a rambling collection of colorful cabins on stilts, and is highly popular with surfers…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This biological reserve is an education center rather than a tourist facility, aimed at those wanting to learn about the importance of various tropical…
Península de Nicoya
This bougainvillea- and palm-dappled lodge is a sweet retreat. Spacious rooms are fitted with unique design touches, such as beamed ceilings and wrought…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
A simply stunning boutique property etched into the wooded hillside above Mal País. Standard rooms are all-wood garden cottages, decked out with African…
Arenal & Around
The sound of the rushing river will lull you to sleep at this intimate B&B on the banks of the Río Cote. This gorgeous property is designed for total…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
On the edge of the Bosque Eterno de los Niños in Monteverde, this place is a pleasant surprise. Wooden duplex solar-powered cabins are surrounded by…
Northwestern Costa Rica
The feisty Dutch couple here offers three Spanish-tiled, wood-walled rooms. Alternatively, bed down in the camping area, where there are a few furnished…
Península de Nicoya
Thoughtfully designed, these stunning casitas are oases of tranquility and balance, with private teak terraces, polished-concrete floors, indoor greenery,…
Península de Nicoya
These stylish, minimalist digs upstairs from the cafe have polished-concrete floors, elevated beds dressed with colorful bedspreads, and other artistic…
Tortuguero Village
Reached by an Indiana Jones–style boating adventure, this isolated lodge – surrounded by 70 hectares of tropical gardens and rainforest – is flanked by…
Playa Sámara
These four stilted tree houses and two poolside bungalows for grown-ups are so appealing that you might not want to leave. Fully equipped kitchens in most…
Playa Tamarindo
Here's a romantic getaway for adults only, and it helps to like dogs (there are three sweet rescues on the property). Slick modern rooms on the recently…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Removed from town, this romantic hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach. Jungle-chic decor (white linens, mosquito nets, bromeliads in…
Southern Caribbean
Eleven spacious but dark thatch-roofed bungalows are brightened up by colorful linens at this charming inn set on landscaped jungle grounds. Nice details…
Cahuita
Just outside the national-park entrance, sloths and caimans linger. Draw closer and find five graceful wood cabinas, some with new bathrooms, that have…
Península de Nicoya
An artistic vibe pervades this chilled-out lodging, built around the trees on the northern edge of Brasilito. The comfortable guest rooms feature…
