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.
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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
May 11, 2016 at 11:01 pmI 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
May 14, 2016 at 3:12 pmCosta Rica has plenty of beautiful rainforests to explore if you stay at any of these hotels!
Samantha Lee-Wiraatmaja
May 12, 2016 at 4:29 amThese look so fun! would love visit this part of the world some day.
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:13 pmThese are definitely worth visiting!
Ashlyne Garcia
May 12, 2016 at 7:08 amWow. Such beautiful places. Definitely would be something to add to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing.
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:13 pmCosta Rica is a perfect place to add to the bucket list! That’s where I got married 8 years ago.
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
May 12, 2016 at 2:38 pmThese all look so beautiful! I need to look into planning a trip to Costa Rica…!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:14 pmMy pleasure! Costa Rica has so much to see that two weeks isn’t enough time. You need to definitely plan a trip there!
Marta
May 12, 2016 at 3:47 pmI 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
May 14, 2016 at 3:15 pmCosta Rica is a wonderful getaway, and it is great for nature exploring! Not to mention, the country is absolutely beautiful!
mark wyld
May 12, 2016 at 4:55 pmCosta Rica always looks amazing so green, so intimate. and that pool at Kura Design wow its amazing
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Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:17 pmCosta Rica is for sure very green and full of tropical rainforests making it unique!
Carlie
May 12, 2016 at 8:27 pmI’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
May 14, 2016 at 3:17 pmGlad to be able to share this! Definitely stay in the bungalows when you end up going!
Daniel Madison
May 13, 2016 at 3:16 amWow thanks for those marvelous screenshots and tips. Was planning on going there anyway
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:18 pmYou won’t be disappointed when you go. There is so much to see and do to keep you plenty busy.
Bismah
May 13, 2016 at 6:58 amThe surrounding landscape is absolutely beautiful! I really like the bright colors in the bedroom. Makes it look so inviting and relaxing.
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:19 pmThe 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
May 13, 2016 at 7:11 amVery beautiful! Never knew Costa Rica was so amazing!!!
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:19 pmCosta 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
May 13, 2016 at 9:25 amI’m really keen to visit Costa Rica and to see the wildlife. What a stunning selection of hotels and eco lodges!
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Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:20 pmThe 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
May 13, 2016 at 9:39 amHeard a lot about Costa Rice. Looks amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing the article :)
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:21 pmWe 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
May 13, 2016 at 9:53 amA great list! I’ve stayed at Finca Rosa Blanca and love the cuisine too!
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:22 pmThat’s great! I also love the food in Costa Rica!
Chasing The Goose
May 13, 2016 at 10:27 amWow some of those places are stunning, so much character!
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2016 at 3:24 pmDefinitely! Costa Rica is definately full of character and with many vibrant colors!
Tom
May 15, 2016 at 5:42 pmCosta Rica looks a great country! Will have to visit sometime!
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Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2016 at 5:49 pmIt’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
September 6, 2016 at 1:12 amStayed 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
September 6, 2016 at 12:18 pmI’ll definitely look into the Hotel Belmar next time we go to Monte Verde.