Welcome to the Jungle: A First-Timer’s Guide to Luxury Costa Rica
If you think Costa Rica is only about zip lines, surfboards and sloths, think again. (Although, to be fair, a sloth spent the better part of late afternoons hanging around my casita. And I did try to overcome my fear of zip lining… again. Look for a future post to find out how that went.) This lush slice of Central America has evolved into one of the world’s most enchanting luxury playgrounds: Where the rainforest wraps around private plunge pools and your biggest decision is whether to order another blackberry bramble or explore the hot springs.
Welcome to Nayara: The Jewel of the Jungle.
For the uninitiated, Nayara is not just a resort; it’s the benchmark of barefoot luxury. Tucked inside the misty folds of Arenal Volcano National Park, this dreamlike haven effortless elegance with whispering wilds of the jungle. You’ll wander along flower-draped pathways that lead to private casitas with plunge pools overlooking the rainforest canopy. Macaws flit through the trees as you shower outdoors; and, in the evening, the scent of orchids mingles with freshly muddled lime from the cocktail bar.
The Nayara family “Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp” has redefined Costa Rican indulgence. Imagine safari-style tents with clawfoot bathtubs, private plunge pools and sweeping volcano views. This is where jungle meets champagne — and espresso martinis!
Cocktails in Paradise.
Costa Rica’s cocktail scene is as vibrant as its rainforests. Start with a Guaro Sour, made with the country’s signature sugarcane spirit, lime juice and a hint of bitters: Bright, clean and dangerously refreshing. Or sip a Red Pistachio Highball poolside as the sun dips behind the volcano, painting the sky a cocktail of its own. Every pour feels intentional. The menus showcase local ingredients (hibiscus, cacao, lemongrass) infused into bespoke cocktails that capture the terroir of the tropics. It’s not just about the drink; it’s about the ritual.
Luxurious Sustainability.
Costa Rica does luxury with conscience. Many high-end resorts, including Nayara, are deeply committed to sustainability. Think solar energy, plastic-free amenities and on-site wildlife sanctuaries. You’re not just indulging; you’re helping preserve one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.
Adventure Meets Elegance.
Luxury here doesn’t mean lazy. You can chase waterfalls by morning, unwind in volcanic hot springs by afternoon and enjoy starlit s’mores come nightfall. Horseback ride through misty trails, kayak across a glassy lagoon or book a spa treatment using rainforest botanicals. Costa Rica makes it easy to embrace your inner explorer while still enjoying the thread count of your dreams.
The Verdict.
For luxury travelers new to Costa Rica, Nayara offers the perfect introduction: A seamless balance of refinement and authenticity. The most decadent pleasures are often the simplest: A morning yoga session in the mist, a plunge in a private hot spring, a horseback ride through coffee fields followed by a champagne picnic. Its a place where nature hums all around and every sunset feels like it was designed just for you. So pack your linen, leave your stress behind and toast to the pura vida way of life “one cocktail at a time.”
Fave Signature Nayara Cocktails:
- Espresso Martini: Costa Rican coffee, cacao bitters and a touch of vanilla foam.
- Red Pistachio Highball: Hibiscus syrup, pistachio essence soda, and a hint of citrus.
- Earl of the Springs: Earl Grey–infused gin, volcanic honey and pink pepper.
- Bramble: Blackberry, lemon, and a whisper of honey from Nayara’s hives.
Fave Must-Do Experiences:
- Private yoga overlooking the Arenal Volcano at sunrise.
- Nighttime walking safari.
- Massage in an open-air rainforest pavilion.
- Dinner beside the natural hot springs, serenaded by the jungle’s quiet symphony.