Costa Rica's finest boutique hotels

From tree houses hidden away in jungle destinations to chic hilltop villas with stunning sea views, Costa Rica knows how to do delightful boutique hotels. Our local experts reveal their favorites in destinations that marry luxurious accommodation with the breathtaking natural beauty that abounds in this beguiling country.  

1. Lapas Rios Lodge

Located on the untamed Osa Peninsula, Lapas Rios Lodge is ideal for both wildlife watchers and beach lovers alike. Built with locally sourced materials, the lodge (and its 17 exclusive bungalows) is known for being a pioneer in ecotourism and sustainable travel. Sprawling across natural ridges amid the rainforest, the reed-thatched bungalows offer sweeping views over the Pacific coast and crashing waves beyond. Offering tranquil settings in which to relax, each also features an airy bedroom with wooden floors, an outdoor rainfall shower and a spacious garden deck area complete with a hammock and loungers. 

Experience a beach-side yoga class, Ayurvedic massage or cool off in the outdoor pool during your three-night stay here as part of Insight Guides Costa Rica Eco Adventure trip. 

2. Kura

Blending a spectacular hilltop destination with minimalist design amid verdant gardens, Kura adults-only hotel delivers the ultimate in sustainable tropical luxury. Set on a coastal ridge surrounded by jungle, it offers dazzling views of Uvita Beach and the Pacific coastline. Guests can relax in chic, wood and stone private suites, complete with designer furnishings, rainfall showers, terraces and complimentary Wi-fi, before dining al fresco in the contemporary restaurant from a menu emphasizing delectable locally sourced seafood. There's a sleek infinity pool overlooking the ocean, while the serene spa is the place to savor an indulgent massage or beauty treatment. 

The infinity pool at Kura. Photo: Quinn PR/Kura

3. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Resort

Set amid a coffee plantation in the Central Valley mountain highlands, this quirky upscale Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Resort is a super-private hideaway that gives off a down-to-earth energy without sacrificing any luxury. Airy, individually designed suites and villas feature handcrafted furniture, murals and original artworks, as well as balconies or terraces with garden views. The Latin fusion restaurant serves gourmet dishes with produce from the farm’s own gardens and orchard, while those with a weakness for fine fresh coffee are in for a real treat. The property also offers guided tours through the farm, processing plant and roasting house, giving visitors a fascinating insight on how rich, organic coffee is produced. 

Finca Rosa Blanca as seen from the coffee plantation. Photo: Finca Rosa Blanca  

4. Pacuare Lodge

Adventure travelers may want to perk up: a stay at the Pacuare Lodge is action-packed from start to finish. This luxurious ecolodge set on the banks of the rushing Pacuare River, offers a wide array of thrilling experiences, from white-water rafting and canopy tours to invigorating hikes and excursions to waterfalls. Elegant rustic suites feature luxurious canopy beds, spacious bathrooms with jungle views, and private terraces that open onto landscaped gardens. Even mealtimes honor the great outdoors – the lodge has its own 'nest' built in a treetop 18 meters (60ft) above the jungle floor. Here guests can relish dining on exquisite cuisine, surrounded by the wildlife and the sounds of the rainforest. A stylish infinity pool is set right next to the river, while therapies and treatments available in the spa use only natural and organic products.

White-water rafting from Pacuare Lodge. Photo: Pacuare Lodge

5. El Silencio Lodge & Spa 

El Silencio Lodge & Spa couldn't be more appropriately named – this charming resort is quietly tucked away in the magnificent highlands of Costa Rica's central volcanic range. Upon arrival, guests can unwind in luxurious suites with outdoor hot tubs and private jungle-view decks with loungers. The restaurant’s farm-to-table cuisine emphasizes local flavors and organic ingredients, while the on-site spa, outdoor adventure park and yoga deck in the rainforest allow guests to fully relax amid the breathtaking surrounding jungle scenery. 

Immerse yourself in the perfect combination of luxury and nature with a stay here as part of Insight Guides Costa Rica Eco Adventure trip.

6. Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa

Located in the cool cloud forests of Los Quetzales National Park, Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa offers a sanctuary for both travelers in need of relaxation and the local wildlife. This boutique hotel feels more like a cosy mountain retreat, with earthy wooden features, warming open fires and comfortable rustic rooms. Indulge in a sauna, steam room or hot tub session in the on-site spa, and dine on fine Latin-influenced international cuisine, before touring the hotel’s own private nature reserve, which features more than 30km of trails winding through the surrounding forest. Keen birdwatchers can spot some of the region’s known 170 species, with the highlight being the striking Quetzal. 

There’s much more to this boutique hotel than just an idyllic remote setting – discover it for yourself as part of Insight Guides Costa Rica: Wild South trip.

Birdwatching on Savegre Hotel's ravine trail. Photo: Savegre Hotel

7. Evergreen Lodge

Nestled along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast and only accessible by a 2.5-hour boat ride or by airplane, the refined tropical Evergreen Lodge is located just five minutes from Tortuguero National Park, making it a big hit for travelers keen to spot freshwater turtles, caimans, iguanas, sloths and monkeys in their natural habitats. Spacious rooms in comfortable bungalows or cabins come with elegant dark wood furnishings while the lodge itself blends in seamlessly with the surrounding jungle environment. Included buffet meals are served outside on a waterfront terrace, and guests can relax in the large outdoor pool and hot tub, savor treatments in the on-site spa or head out on spectacular nature tours.

Ready to take a trip to Costa Rica?

Insight Guides can help you to plan and book fantastic tailor-made trips in Costa Rica. Simply get in touch to let us know when you would like to travel and your ideas for the trip. Local travel experts will then prepare a personalized itinerary especially, which you can amend until you are happy with every detail before booking. Seek inspiration in our existing Costa Rica itineraries, and keep in mind that they can be fully tailored to suit your specific needs.

Updated 20 February, 2020