5 Jaw-Dropping Luxury Costa Rica Resorts
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Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and has long been an escape from the noise of overly developed cities. Of course, the country has its own loud cities, but through its conservation efforts, much of its natural beauty has been preserved.
The strong waves of its Pacific Coast. The turtles that come nest on its Caribbean shores. The volcanoes that warm up natural springs. And the sloths that hang around in its dense deep green forests. This is what brings in backpackers and celebrities alike.
As a response to the unique demands of the latter group — whose Costa Rica fans include Beyonce, Leonardo Dicaprio and Miley Cyrus — the country boasts some of the region's most luxurious hotels. We're talking about accommodations that offer personal wellness coaches, helicopter landing strips, in-room hot springs and private chefs.
Want to travel to Costa Rica like your last name is Knowles (or at least dream about doing so)? These are the five most astonishing luxury hotels in Costa Rica.
1. The Springs Resort and Spa
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Location: La Fortuna
No resort in Costa Rica can compete with The Springs Resort and Spa for over-the-top luxury. You'll feel like Grace Kelly at this secluded mountain hotel that provides first-rate views of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Beyonce and Jay-Z notably chose this as their base when vacationing in the area, no doubt enticed by the resort's private helicopter landing strip, access to over 25 hot springs, in-property wildlife sanctuary and numerous fine dining restaurants.
You won't have to leave the resort at all. This is a good thing, given that its exclusivity is partly achieved by it being difficult to reach. But this doesn't mean you'll be sipping cocktails by the pool with nothing else to do.
Of course, if that's how you want to spend your time, it's your prerogative, but most guests take advantage of the Club Rio Adventure Center. Activities at the center include rock climbing, horseback riding and rapelling. You can also do river tubing and kayaking in the hotel's very own stretch of the Arenal River. At night, join a nature tour that takes you through the rainforest in the property, where you can see nocturnal wildlife you otherwise would've missed.
For the rooms, tasteful wood decor and marble bathrooms perfectly blend in with the hotel's surroundings. Some villas have private outdoor infinity jacuzzis and pools where you can relax with the sounds of nature surrounding you.
2. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
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Location: Pérez Zeledón
Being pampered at an opulent resort is great, but some people want unrivaled quality of service that’s a bit more subtle. These people go to Hacienda AltaGracia.
With only 50 casitas, or villas, on 864 tropical acres, this hotel gives another meaning to the concept of getting away from it all. To arrive, you’ll be picked up from San Jose on a tiny plane and taken to the property’s private landing strip.
Once you’ve disembarked, you’ll see a largely wild terrain with horses running freely, hundreds of songbirds living undisturbed, waterfalls and untamed forest. Each casita is designed for privacy and comfort, with some having their own outdoor pool.
Every aspect of your experience is uniquely tailored to you. Before arrival, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with a health coach that will help you define your goals and intentions for the trip. This will then inform your itinerary, which may include anything from sessions with holistic experts at the wellness center, The Well, to an adventure-packed plan to shake you out of your routine.
The resort also distinguishes itself by having three farm-to-table restaurants, an on-site coffee plantation, an organic farm, equestrian stables and Central America’s largest spa.
Given all this, it’s not surprising that Hacienda AltaGracia has been included in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Award every year since 2016.
3. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
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Location: Papagayo
Another celebrity-favorite hotel, the Four Seasons Resort brings ultra-luxury to Costa Rica's most popular beach destination. With privileged access to the country's northeastern Pacific coastline, the hotel pampers guests with personal trainers, private chefs, three pools and an 18-hole golf course.
Most villas have private pools with gorgeous views, and many rooms come with a soaking tub perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. Guests can book a number of unique experiences, like a volcanic purifying ritual spa session or a curated group dinner using the head chef's own herb garden. Parents can rest easy while trained sitters mind their children at the fun Kid's Club.
Activities like hiking and snorkeling are complimentary. But try to tear yourself away from the comfort of the hotel for a bit and dive into the region's great outdoors. The concierge will help you plan and book excursions like horseback riding in the mountain, visiting the refreshing Rio Celeste or doing a canopy walk through hanging bridges in the forest.
4. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort
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Location: Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica, which is no small feat in a country renowned for its natural beauty.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort is set right outside this magnificent preserve, giving you direct access to the rainforest and all the treasures it holds within. Besides the forest, you’ll get to choose from the hotel’s two tranquil private beaches, where you can sunbathe and swim, or get active with a surf lesson.
If you feel like staying in the resort, the two swimming pools will provide plenty of space for fun or relaxation, or you can partake in the hotel’s complimentary local cooking classes with organic ingredients. Or better yet, book one of the rooms with outdoor hot tubs.
You may not even have to leave the property to see wildlife, as monkeys are prone to leave the forest and come onto the grounds to gawk at the strange primates who walk a bit too straight.
5. Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas
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Location: Guanacuaste
For luxurious wellness that’s a bit more accessible than Hacienda AltaGracia, set your eyes on the jaw-dropping property of Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas.
The resort is fully committed to providing a space that will leave you feeling renewed and centered.
Ex-pro surfer and Cala Luna’s general manager Federico Pilurzu, explained the hotel’s concept to Far & Wide: “From our free daily fitness classes and complimentary bicycle rental, to farm-to-table cuisine and holistic spa treatments at Lahari Wellness Center, to sound baths, kids' wellness activities, and more, we offer a transcendent, sustainable experience, where every element of the property is meant to instill wellness. Guests are immersed in a landscape where the suites reside among native greenery and wildlife."
Cala Luna has a 74-acre farm that also acts as a meditative labyrinth where guests can take a stroll. Guests can appreciate the freshness of the organic produce grown on-site at dinner. The resort is also notable for meeting most of its energy needs with its 1,400 solar panels.
This environmental commitment earned it a spot as one of the most eco-friendly luxury resorts in the world.