ABOUT OUR REVIEWS // We love what we do! We travel often. It’s essential to stay up to date on the hotels we sell. Truth + transparency in travel is our goal, so if we don’t enjoy our stay at a hotel, we won’t write about it. If you’re reading this – the hotel below was a hit! 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS // I arrived at Nayara Springs in Costa Rica for the first time; already a fan. Our clients have loved this resort since it opened, and its location is one of my personal favorites in the entire world. Tucked away within the Arenal Volcano National Park, this award-winning boutique hotel offers an unparalleled fusion of opulence and untamed beauty. I invited three of my closest girlfriends and prepared for an experience that I knew would go beyond the ordinary.

From the moment we set foot on the property and were whisked off in a golf cart along lush tropical pathways to our private villas, I knew we’d made the right choice for our Costa Rica girls’ trip.

This isn’t the first property that comes to mind when clients want a girls’ trip. Nayara Springs is a better fit for those looking for a romantic and secluded honeymoon. Nayara Springs has two sister properties on the same swath of rainforest paradise. Nayara Gardens – for families, and Nayara Tented Camp – for adventurous travelers of all ages. (Think glamping but with 5-star service and more luxurious amenities than you can count.) Nayara Springs is adults-only, so it was an easy choice for us.

There are two types of days in the rainforest – cloudy and clear. On a clear day, you can see the volcano, whose mesmerizing eruptions were the catalyst for tourism in this region. I was one of those tourists – but more of the backpacker variety. I first visited Aernal in 1997 and consider myself lucky for my memories of relaxing in unmanicured hot springs under the volcano’s radiant glow, laughing with “best friends” I’d known only a few months without a care in the world.

The cloudy days were fine with us. The dense overhang of thick air reminds you exactly where you are… at a hidden gem paradise in the heart of Costa Rica.

WHAT TO DO // What to do at Nayara Springs? Get in the water! The magical healing waters – are naturally warmed by the geothermal activity around the volcano. Rain or shine, soaking in the hot springs is the number one activity on property. The hotel offers complimentary yoga and a half-mile hiking trail and has a very knowledgeable tour desk. 

The rainforests around Arenal are teeming with a rich variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, coatis, and a plethora of bird species, all of which can be spotted on property at Nayara. You’ll find that the staff members double as impromptu tour guides as they will tell you where to stand for the best chances of a sighting. The animals don’t bother the guests and the same is asked in return. (If you want a more up-close and personal visit with local animal life, we can arrange a visit to a number of nearby sanctuaries.)

When you decide you need a break from warm thermal water, make your way here. The hotel has a very inviting main pool with a well-stocked swim-up bar. The tiered deck surrounding the pool has plenty of cabana beds for you to curl up with a book and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.

DINING // Nayara Springs boasts top-notch restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Costa Rican dishes to Asian fusion. The resort emphasizes fresh and locally sourced ingredients, some of which are harvested from its own organic garden. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine and spirits list for an elevated dining experience. The dining choices at Nayara are Amor Loco – a fine dining restaurant with an elegant poolside setting, offering gourmet lunches and candlelit dinners. The menu features international cuisine with a Costa Rican twist. Dining at Amor Loco is a treat and offers much more than an incredible food & bev scene! You can sit outside at a row of pool-view tables or inside in one of the plush deep purple chairs & banquettes. In the second half of the evening, the restaurant comes alive with live music or a DJ, and there is ample room to dance. 

The second culinary stop is Mis Amores – a Mediterranean bistro with stunning panoramic views and a menu of fresh salads, pastas, and pizza.

In addition to these two restaurants, Nayara Springs offers a romantic private dining experience that is super popular with Costa Rica honeymoons. 

While Nayara Springs only has 2 full-service restaurants, guests of Nayara Springs often dine at Nayara Gardens too. The restaurants located at Nayara Gardens are: La Terraza del Arenal and Asia-Luna.

ROOMS // Each of the spacious villas at Nayara Springs features a private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private garden with a hammock. A gorgeous four-poster bed and seating area, along with high-pitched ceilings, make the space feel open and airy. The pops of color in the decor mimic the abundance of tropical flowers outside. The Italian crystal chandeliers and Balinese beds are the luxe touches you didn’t know you needed in the rainforest. 

The lavish interior design, coupled with spectacular views of the rainforest and the volcano, is certain to leave you spellbound.

Each room category at all three Nayara hotels in Costa Rica has a private outdoor space designed for relaxation. All rooms at Nayara Springs and Tented Camp have their own private plunge pools, but only some of the rooms at Gardens have them so make sure you let your travel advisor know if this is important to you. These outdoor spaces really complete the rooms and amplify the idea that you could spend all day in your suite or villa and not miss a thing.

READ NEXT : Tabacon Hotel Review

VIBE // The vibe at Nayara Springs can be described as luxurious, tranquil, immersive in nature, and service-oriented, focusing on wellness and gastronomy. It is overwhelmingly peaceful, so if you need to get away to a place where you can indulge in quiet conversation and be entertained by your own thoughts, this is your place. 

WELLNESS //  Nayara Springs is not just about relaxation and tranquility; it also offers an array of activities, many of which are only found in Costa Rica or originated here. You can embark on a tour of the Arenal Volcano, go white-water rafting, or even try zip-lining. If you’d rather focus on wellness, the resort’s spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages and facials, or you can participate in one of their yoga classes.

“Let the world around you disappear, as you take in the spirit of the rainforest.”

Who is Nayara Springs best for? This adults-only retreat is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or solo travelers desiring a serene escape from the daily grind. With only 35 villas, Nayara ensures an exclusive, intimate experience for every guest.

PARTNER PERKS // When you book Nayara Springs with Caribbean Journey, you’ll have access to our partner perks of $100 resort credit, complimentary breakfast, and more. 

FINAL THOUGHTS // Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the natural beauty and luxury of Nayara Springs provides a uniquely enchanting getaway. With its stunning location, exquisite accommodations, exceptional dining, and commitment to sustainability, it’s no wonder that this hidden gem in the heart of Costa Rica received global recognition. Your stay at Nayara Springs will be more than just a vacation; it will be an unforgettable experience steeped in nature, luxury, and tranquility. Fill out our trip request form to start planning.

Cheers,

Laura Sangster

P I N   T H I S   F O R   L A T E R ::