Awe-Inspiring Costa Rica
by Sandi Todorovich, Luxury Travel Advisor
Costa Rica is a country overflowing with incredible national parks, gorgeous scenery, adrenaline-fueled adventures such as zip-lining, canyoning and rafting, and unique wildlife. Best of all, Costa Rica is easily accessible to visitors with few travel restrictions. I recently spent a week exploring this Central American gem and wanted to share my experiences to highlight why Costa Rica is a perfect destination to visit right now.
Entering this country is hassle-free – no COVID-19 tests are required, you only need to secure insurance to cover you in case of quarantine and fill out the country’s online Health Pass form. Liberia airport, the most central airport to the majority of the sights to see on a first-time visit, is accepting daily flights from all major airlines. From there, it is only 25 minutes to the closest Papagayo Peninsula beach hotels, under 2 hours to the beautiful and serene ORIGINS Lodge, and 2.5 hours away from the Arenal Volcano region.
What did I love about Costa Rica? Everything! The experiences I enjoyed on this trip will stay with me for a while. The scenery is spectacular everywhere you go - there are pristine rainforests and waterfalls near the Arenal volcano that you can hike, rappel, and canyon through; hanging bridges suspended high over jungle canopies teeming with spider monkeys screeching away as they swing from branch to branch; natural hot springs from the volcano that are as beautiful to see as they are soothing to the body. Butterflies and native colorful birds abound and make sure to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss a glimpse of the elusive sloth hanging in a tree.
The country has really upped its game in the luxury hotel market, and there is somewhere to explore and stay for anyone, whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family with little ones. Some of my favorite memories are highlighted below.
Nayara Tented Camp – You are within reach of the Arenal Volcano, the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. She can be temperamental and covered with clouds all day, but once that sun comes out and you see her in all her glory, it will take your breath away. Surrounded by jungle and rainforests, the Nayara resorts cater to everyone. Nayara Gardens is ideal for families; Nayara Springs welcomes adults only; and the brand-new Nayara Tented Camp is suitable for both. Think safari-style decor but in a cliffside tent, elevated above the rainforest. Inside, enjoy a luxurious room with a four-poster king bed while outside, your private plunge pool is fed by natural mineral hot springs. Gorgeous.
My favorite moment – breakfast on my private deck with a view of the volcano and the sounds of the rainforest in the background.
ORIGINS Lodge – Located in the northern part of the country, this boutique, 6-room resort is set up high on a mountainside offering stunning views of the Lake Nicaragua valley. A true luxury experience awaits you here as you surrender to the tranquil atmosphere and spend some time just taking it all in. The resort safeguards over 100 acres of land that you are free to roam – you can even hike to the waterfall on property and then horseback ride home. The grounds are impeccable and surreal, it feels as if you are in a fairy tale – even the roofs are covered with flowers. The rooms feel very private and come with a king canopy bed inside, and your private terrace, elevated above the trees, complete with a wood-fire heated terrace bath. As for gastronomy, the resident Michelin-starred chef is taking the food in Costa Rica to new heights (literally) with his creative dishes overflowing with flavor and beautiful colors.
My favorite moment – soaking in the heated bath on my private terrace with 180-degree views as the sun was setting, while listening to the jungle sounds and smelling the wood-burning oven. Truly tranquil and unforgettable.
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas – Located on the Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, this adults-only boutique hotel sits up high on a cliff with panoramic views of the ocean. Each villa boasts a spacious outside terrace and plunge pool. My favorites are the Sunset Villas with Plunge Pool and their elevated views over the Guanacaste Coast and Catalinas Islands. While staying there, spend the day out on the water exploring the coast, enjoy the resort’s infinity pool overlooking the ocean, or take a stroll through the neighboring new town of Las Catalinas before returning to the hotel for a delicious dinner.
My favorite moment – watching the sunset on the last day from the main infinity pool and marvel at the incredible colors reflecting off the pool water. Pool and sky become one large painting. The beauty was actually indescribable – don’t miss out!
Now, when are you booking your next trip to Costa Rica? It’s a year-round destination so reach out and we’ll be sure to tailor the trip to best suit what makes you happy. Pura Vida!