Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Mist lifts off the leaves and Arenal appears like a charcoal sketch against a jade canopy.

Tucked inside the rainforest, Nayara Gardens gathers 50 casita-style rooms and suites along stone paths scented with ginger and ylang-ylang.

This tropical resort is all warm plunge pools, songbird mornings, and nights wrapped in the soft chorus of rain.

What Makes It Special

• Immersive jungle setting at the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park
• Thermal-inspired living: outdoor showers, hot-spring-style pools, and private plunge tubs in select rooms
• Wildlife all around: hummingbirds at breakfast, sloths in cecropia trees, frogs singing after dusk
• Spa in the green: open-air treatment pavilions with volcanic-stone rituals
• Costa Rican flavors: bright ceviches, wood-grilled fish, just-picked tropical fruit

A Day at Nayara Gardens

Morning

Wake to a duet of toucans and distant waterfall hush. Barefoot on your terrace, sip rich Costa Rican coffee while a hummingbird hovers over heliconia. Breakfast brings papaya, sweet pineapple, and warm gallo pinto with plantains.

Afternoon

Drift between palm-fringed pools and your private plunge; the air smells of rain and hot mineral water. A deep-tissue massage with cacao oil leaves you drowsy and sun-warm.

Evening

As Arenal’s slopes glow with last light, dinner is grilled snapper with lime and culantro. A night walk reveals tiny red-eyed tree frogs and fireflies stitching light through the leaves.

Night

Rain taps the roof; tree crickets hum. Sink into your tub, watching steam blur the forest beyond.

Insider Tips for Nayara Gardens

• The resort is spread out (inclines). Use the 24-hr golf carts, or do a golf-cart “orientation tour” on day one.
• Arenal/Rainforest Pool Casitas or Villas = private plunge pool + space; Tented Camp = wow factor & views.
• Happy hour 2-for-1 drinks (times vary).
• Do the on-site sloth/frog/nature walks—often as good as town tours.
• Top picks: hanging bridges, volcano/lava hike, white-water rafting, waterfall hikes, ATV, night frog tour.
• Wake up early: best wildlife + volcano views.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• True rainforest immersion with luxe comforts—no compromise on nature or nurture.
• Soak-and-sway rhythm—private plunges, hot pools, rain showers under leaves.
• Wildlife on your doorstep—from sloths to toucans, without leaving the path.
• Casita privacy—romance-friendly terraces and outdoor lounges.

For Whom

For couples: Lantern-lit paths, outdoor showers, private plunges, candlelit dinners.

For nature lovers: Guided sloth walks, hanging bridge days, waterfall swims.

For decompressing travelers: Quiet nooks, restorative spa rituals, slow mornings with birdsong.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Arenal Volcano National Park area, Alajuela, Costa Rica — ~2.5–3 hrs by road from San José (SJO) or ~2.5 hrs from Liberia (LIR)

Rooms: 50 casitas & suites (many with private plunge pools/outdoor showers)

Rates: From USD 392 — worth it for rainforest immersion, wellness rhythm, and wildlife moments

Best for: Couples, wellness seekers, birders, honeymooners, soft-adventure travelers

Style: Resort, Tropical — timber, stone, woven textures, indoor–outdoor living