Nayara Springs, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• Each of the property's rooms is an individual cabin immersed in the dense jungle and features private plunge pools and outdoor showers.
• The common areas are clustered together and provide an open-air spa, plus three eateries, two bars, and a coffee shop with espresso tastings.
• One of the restaurants features live music, and another offers an Italian menu with wood-fired pizzas and open-air dining.
• Enjoy culinary experiences, including wine tastings and coffee roasting presentations.
• The outdoor pool sits above the jungle and features a swim-up bar, sunbeds, and views.
• You'll be about halfway between downtown La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park.

Cons

• The privacy and surrounding nature are definitely a perk, but keep in mind that you'll need to rent a car or hire a transfer to explore the area.
• As an adult-only property, it's not an option for families. 
• Only one room type is available at the resort, so you can't pick a configuration to your preferences. 

Authenticity

Nayara Springs feels like its own mini version of Costa Rica, with private walking trails, hanging bridges, and each bungalow featuring a private mineral plunge pool. The entire hotel is surrounded by dense greenery, so the air is often scented with blooming heliconia and bougainvillea. 

Location

If you have a rental car (or don't mind hiring a taxi or transfer), the location is pretty ideal, as you'll be about equidistant from area sites like the Arenal Volcano National Park, downtown La Fortuna, and Fortuna Waterfall. Expect at least a 20-minute drive to visit these places, but know you'll return to your own hideaway in the jungle. The hotel is also in the same vicinity as its sister properties—Nayara Tented Camp and Naraya Gardens—and you can use the facilities at all resorts. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll stay in individual cabins for the ultimate sense of privacy, enveloped by the jungle's sights, sounds, and greenery. Enjoy your own furnished deck and hot plunge pool filled with natural mineral water hidden by the vegetation. All units feature four-poster king beds, seating areas, dual outdoor rain showers, air-conditioning, a complimentary mini-bar (except for wine and liquor), and signature toiletries. 

Wildlife

Located just north of the Arenal Volcano National Park, the resort sees plenty of wildlife coming onto the property. Monkeys and sloths are commonly spotted in the trees throughout the resort. The tropical gardens are a great place for you to spot butterflies and native birds, and at night, head to the on-site ponds to look for red-eyed tree frogs and blue-jean frogs. 

Amenities

As a luxury resort, Nayara Springs offers a wide range of on-site services. There are two communal pools and a fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. The open-air spa is also a nice perk, with treatments using local products, like organic coffee, volcanic mud, and cocoa beans. As a small bonus, valet parking and laundry are both free. Travelers with limited mobility can access most areas of the resort, though certain amenities may be difficult to get to due to stairs and steep slopes. 

Family-Friendliness

The resort is an adults-only property that isn't suitable for travelers with children. 

Other Highlights

You'll eat very well at Nayara Springs, with its multiple eateries and bars, plus an on-site coffee shop. You can even arrange a private romantic dinner with your own personal chef or request breakfast in your room if you want to stay cozy. You'll also find restorative hot springs and forest paths. 

Sustainability

You'll find several sustainability initiatives at Nayara Springs, though its most impressive might be building in harmony with nature. Much of the property sits above ground to protect the rainforest, including parts of its walking paths. Designers also utilized the surroundings for natural light and temperature control in the buildings, reducing the need for heating or air-conditioning.