Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Mist lifts off emerald canopy and the sound of tree frogs threads through the air as you slide into your own steaming plunge pool, scented with mineral-rich spring water. 

Nayara Springs is a hideaway of 16 villas tucked inside the rainforest by Arenal Volcano—an adults-only enclave where jungle meets geothermal luxury. 

Paths coil through ginger and heliconia; toucans flash by like painted commas; nights arrive with warm rain and candlelight.

What Makes It Special

• Adults-only sanctuary with just 16 villas (true boutique scale).
• Private, thermally heated plunge pools in every villa—fed by natural hot springs.
• Open-air spa pavilions with volcanic-clay rituals and rainforest soundtracks.
• Suspension bridge access and lush, wildlife-rich gardens (sloths, toucans, tree frogs).
• Thoughtful dining & wine: intimate restaurants, a wine bar, and Costa Rican coffee tastings.
• Yoga pavilion & wellness programming with views to Arenal’s slopes (weather permitting).

A Day at Nayara Springs

Morning

Wake to birdsong and soft rain on palm fronds. A tray arrives: fresh papaya and pineapple, warm gallo pinto, and coffee roasted nearby—aromas of caramel and cacao drifting across your terrace. You float in your private spring pool while clouds snag on Arenal’s shoulder.

Afternoon

Follow stone paths over a little suspension bridge to the spa; eucalyptus steam coils in the air before an open-air couples’ massage. After, sip a passionfruit fresco by the pool as a toucan lands, perfectly nonchalant, on a branch above.

Evening

Lanterns come on; the jungle hum deepens. Dine on sea bass with yuca purée and citrus, then stroll the garden trail—tiny blue-jean frogs glittering at the path’s edge.

Night

Slip back into your villa’s hot spring pool; the water is silk-warm, the rain light, and the volcano’s outline a dark hush beyond the trees.

Insider Tips for Nayara Springs

• Expect brief daily rain, especially afternoons—bring a raincoat and flashlight for evening walks.
• You’re in the jungle! Use bug spray, keep doors closed, and embrace the soundtrack of nature.
• Mornings and dusk are the best times to see wildlife and capture volcano photos.
• Valet parking is free if you rent a car—great for flexibility.
• Bring small bills for tips, and use the hotel laundry service—it’s complimentary and efficient.
• Breakfast is legendary—don’t skip it (fresh fruit, gallo pinto, and local coffee).
• Happy hour is a great value—try their signature cocktails before dinner.

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:

• In-villa hot springs—no schedules, no crowds, just mineral warmth and rainforest air.
• Wildlife at your doorstep—sloths, toucans, and hummingbirds in the gardens.
• Adults-only hush—perfect for honeymoons and reconnection.
• Holistic wellness—jungle yoga, open-air spa, and volcanic-clay rituals.
• Small but soulful culinary scene—wine pairings, bar bites, and serious Costa Rican coffee.

For Whom

For couples: private spring pools, candlelit dinners, and a serenely adult ambience.
For families: this wing is adults-only; consider sister properties next door for family stays.
For business/retreats: best for ultra-small executive escapes wanting privacy and nature.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela, Costa Rica—~2.5–3 hrs by road from SJO (San José) or ~30–40 mins from La Fortuna airstrip
Rooms: 16 stand-alone villas, each with private hot-spring plunge pool & outdoor shower
Rates: From USD 687—premium, but every villa is a spa-like sanctuary with its own spring
Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, nature lovers, wellness escapes
Style: Jungle boutique resort with tropical wood, hand-carved details, and indoor-outdoor living