Where luxury travel is concerned, opting for a smaller boutique hotel over a big mega-chain is almost always a good idea. Rooted in destination, they often offer up a more authentic (and charming) snapshot of the place you’re visiting.
This is certainly the case in Costa Rica, where travelers will find no shortage of up-market boutique hotels to rest their heads. According to our local experts, these recommendations are among the very best.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
As the name implies, this boutique offering is positioned snuggly in the lush Costa Rican jungle. The all-glass villas, which boast stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and exotic wildlife, provide a front-row seat to Costa Rica’s epic wilderness. By day, guests can hit the zip-line or take to one of the hotel’s private hiking trails before tucking into top-notch local cuisine.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Resort
The Finca Rosa Blanca, located in San Jose, brilliantly blends rustic pleasures with upscale amenities. Perfect for eco-travelers, the resort-slash-coffee farm plantation is nestled in the Central Valley mountain highlands—making it a wonderfully remote locale. This hotel’s a top pick for those looking for an earthy, eco-friendly escape without sacrificing the luxury feel.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Natural wellness is the star of the show at El Silencio Lodge & Spa, known for its incredible waterfall views and farm-to-table fare. “Silencio” is certainly a fitting name, as the resort is almost hidden in the breathtaking highlands of the central volcanic range.
Kura Design Villas
If it’s jaw-dropping panoramic views and unmatched privacy you’re after, the Kura definitely won’t disappoint. The villas, situated on a coastal ridge that overlooks the Southern Pacific’s Uvita beach, are simply sublime. The biggest draw though is the resort’s ultra-luxe infinity pool.
Pacuare Lodge
This standout boutique hotel is a true stunner. Located on the bank of the dazzling Pacuare River, the resort touts thrills and adventure on the waterway, as well as easy access to some of Costa Rica’s most colorful wildlife. (Think of it as camping, but with a luxurious twist.)
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
These private bungalows are ideal for art lovers. Here, guests are treated to a varied collection of indigenous art that reflects Costa Rican culture, history and heritage. As far as accommodations go, the elevated rooms provide a fantastic vantage point that truly makes it feel like you’re resting on a cloud.
Hotel Punta Islita
Wander off the beaten track at this luxury resort, which offers up eco-adventures at every turn. Beachside horseback riding, wellness-centered yoga, wildlife discovery, and hiking are all on offer. The beach villas are a treat in themselves, especially the private plunge pools.
Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel & Villas
This resort takes luxury travel in Costa Rica to new heights. Located on an ultra-secluded beach, the resort is positively brimming with adventurous excursions. (It also provides some pretty surreal sunsets.) For those more keen on relaxing, Cala Luna invites guests to unwind on its spectacular private beach.
A few other notable mentions:
This post was contributed by Insight Guides, which offers private, tailor-made trips to Costa Rica and beyond.
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Stephanie
I REALLY need to get to Costa Rica. From all the pictures I see, it seems like it would kinda remind me of Bali because of the rainforest and all the boutique hotels and beautiful pools. I’d love to stay at any of these places!
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Carmen Edelson
Costa Rica has plenty of beautiful rainforests to explore if you stay at any of these hotels!
Samantha Lee-Wiraatmaja
These look so fun! would love visit this part of the world some day.
Carmen Edelson
These are definitely worth visiting!
Ashlyne Garcia
Wow. Such beautiful places. Definitely would be something to add to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing.
Carmen Edelson
Costa Rica is a perfect place to add to the bucket list! That’s where I got married 8 years ago.
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
These all look so beautiful! I need to look into planning a trip to Costa Rica…!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren recently posted…Warsaw Bites: A Foodie Guide To Poland’s Capital (Guest Post)
Carmen Edelson
My pleasure! Costa Rica has so much to see that two weeks isn’t enough time. You need to definitely plan a trip there!
Marta
I was just saying the other day to my husband that we should plan a trip to Costa Rica! It looks like a stunning country and I love how it seems able to mix environmental awareness and luxury. I am pinning this post for reference!
Carmen Edelson
Costa Rica is a wonderful getaway, and it is great for nature exploring! Not to mention, the country is absolutely beautiful!
mark wyld
Costa Rica always looks amazing so green, so intimate. and that pool at Kura Design wow its amazing
mark wyld recently posted…5 things not to miss in Vienna
Carmen Edelson
Costa Rica is for sure very green and full of tropical rainforests making it unique!
Carlie
I’m just dying to go to Costa Rica and usually only stay in boutique hotels, so this post is perfect for me! I especially love the bungalows!
Carmen Edelson
Glad to be able to share this! Definitely stay in the bungalows when you end up going!
Daniel Madison
Wow thanks for those marvelous screenshots and tips. Was planning on going there anyway
Carmen Edelson
You won’t be disappointed when you go. There is so much to see and do to keep you plenty busy.
Bismah
The surrounding landscape is absolutely beautiful! I really like the bright colors in the bedroom. Makes it look so inviting and relaxing.
Carmen Edelson
The whole country is very colorful and picturesque! That’s why we choose it for our destination wedding. The sunsets in the evening where spectacular.
Valerie Robinson
Very beautiful! Never knew Costa Rica was so amazing!!!
Carmen Edelson
Costa Rica is perfect for people that like the outdoors and adventures. We saw so many animals in the rainforest, and enjoyed white water rafting when we went too!
Suze - Luxury Columnist
I’m really keen to visit Costa Rica and to see the wildlife. What a stunning selection of hotels and eco lodges!
Suze – Luxury Columnist recently posted…A Stylish Evening at Manicomio and Taschen, Duke of York Square
Carmen Edelson
The wildlife is so unique and I haven’t really seen it anywhere else! Definitely take a trip there soon! You won’t be disappointed!
Sumti Bhadani
Heard a lot about Costa Rice. Looks amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing the article :)
Carmen Edelson
We loved Costa Rica, and hope to return soon. One minute you’re in the rainforest, and the other at the base of a volcano. Try taking a trip there in the future, it’s so worth it!
Michele Peterson
A great list! I’ve stayed at Finca Rosa Blanca and love the cuisine too!
Carmen Edelson
That’s great! I also love the food in Costa Rica!
Chasing The Goose
Wow some of those places are stunning, so much character!
Carmen Edelson
Definitely! Costa Rica is definately full of character and with many vibrant colors!
Tom
Costa Rica looks a great country! Will have to visit sometime!
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Carmen Edelson
It’s a country with beautiful beaches, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. We went white water rafting and zip-lining went we visited.
Carol
Stayed at Oxygen Jungle Villas and it was wonderful! Another favorite of mine while we were there was the Hotel Belmar in Monte Verde. If you haven’t stayed there you definitely should!
Carmen Edelson
I’ll definitely look into the Hotel Belmar next time we go to Monte Verde.