Mountain Landscapes, Volcanoes, Rainforest & Isolated Luxury Lodges

Balmoral Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit  the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.

The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.

There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.

Hotel Presidente

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.

Grano de Oro

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose's main street, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a welcome retreat in the heart of this bustling city. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel preserves the warmth and comfort of a private home, with its atrium terrace and corridors of sparkling fountains and lush tropical plants.

There is a rooftop deck ideal for sunbathing and also featuring a Jacuzzi. The hotel's restaurant is one of the best in San Jose and offers continental cuisine in an intimate and cordial atmosphere.

The rates include breakfast.

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.

Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.

There are 5 room types: deluxe queen, deluxe king, grand queen, grand king and a master suite. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, balcony or terrace, TV, safe, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Xandari Resort

San Jose & Alajuela - First Boutique

Xandari Resort and Spa is perfectly located for excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens, and Doka coffee plantation, and is only 30 minutes’ drive from San Jose International airport. Over 3km of scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful waterfalls.

The hotel consists of 24 comfortable and spacious villas, decorated in bright colours and adorned with original works of art. Set on top of a hill on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation, all the rooms are overlooking the Costa Rica's Central Valley, featuring private terrace. Each room has a bar kitchen and a private bathroom with toiletries. The resort has 3 swimming pools, with one overlooking the valley, as well as a spa offering a variety of treatments.

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room has its own decoration allowing its unique atmosphere.

The hotel provides lots of amenities such as games room, large swimming pool, TV and reading area and 2 large dinner tables for group dining. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the coffee plantation and serves delicious local cuisine with fresh products.

Hotel Villa Lapas

Carara National Park - Tourist Lodge

Carara National Park is truly a special place and one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province. The myriad array of native species ranges from birdlife like scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, aracaris, kingfishers and herons, to white-face capuchin monkeys, peccaries, anteaters, poison-arrow frogs and the crocodiles of the Tárcoles River. Located adjacent to the park and five minutes from the river, Villa Lapas Jungle Village is one of the best hotels for exploring this stunning landscape in Costa Rica. 

Hotel Villa Lapas is also only 12 km from Herradura Beach and 15 minutes' drive from Jaco Beach. It features a swimming pool and extensive gardens. 

Overlooking the gardens, the air-conditioned rooms offer contemporary décor, a ceiling fan, a safe and a wardrobe. All are equipped with cable TV. The bathrooms are private and come with a shower and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the restaurant area. All meals included. 

There is a good range of optional activities available, including birdwatching tours, guided trekking and trips to the nearby beaches.

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room has its own decoration allowing its unique atmosphere.

The hotel provides lots of amenities such as games room, large swimming pool, TV and reading area and 2 large dinner tables for group dining. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the coffee plantation and serves delicious local cuisine with fresh products.

Bosque de Paz

Bajos del Toro - First Lodge

Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica is located in Alajuela. The property boasts a large terrace offering stunning views of the surrounding nature. Situated in the mountains, this lodge is within 25 mi (40 km) of Aguas Zarcas Church, Aquas Zarcas Square, and Zoo Ave. La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Central Park are also within 32 mi (52 km). This lodge is 65 minutes’ drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport.

The lodge offers a total of 12 rooms surrounded by forest and a hummingbird, and a butterfly garden. The rooms are fully furnished with exclusive ironworks and Costa Rican pottery. Each one has two double beds, private bathroom, and hot water. Wide balconies offer beautiful views to the forest. A restaurant, coffee/tea in the lobby, free WiFi is available at this smoke-free lodge. At Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica you will find a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage. There is a library on site that features many natural history volumes, plus a research lab. The lodge provides a full board plan (no drinks) and the entrance fee to the reserve.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Bajos del Toro - Deluxe Lodge

Located an hour from San Jose, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is ideally located at Bajos del Toro, a relatively unknown tourist destination offering many beautiful landscapes and activities. The Lodge is set in 500 acres of private tropical forest reserve, flanked by Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Poas Volcano National Park. Ideal for couples, nature lovers and families, the Silencio, Spanish for silence, is befitting of a destination when daily stress hushes the sounds of nature bloom.

The lodge includes a guided hike in the cloud forest and you can even plant your own tree. They provide advice on independent walks to explore the many waterfalls, streams, unique fauna, flora and birdlife. Optional activities include horseback riding, art and cooking classes, coffee tasting or adventure activities in the rainforest. Nearby attractions such as Sarchi, Zarcero and the Juan Castro Blanco National Park are also worth visiting. 

Choose from 2 bedroom suites (up to 4 people) or 2 or 3 bedroom private villas (up to 6). All have private bathroom, TV, outdoor whirlpool or heated pool, terrace, coffee maker, hair dryer, safe, amenities and stunning floor to ceiling windows.

The lodge has its own organic farm which provides many ingredients for their excellent Las Ventanas Restaurant. There is also a spa to relax after your days exploring this wonderful remote hideaway.

Rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Tenorio Lodge

Tenorio Volcano Park - Tourist Lodge

Situated on their own 17 acre plat, Tenorio Lodge is located between Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes at an altitude of 1,640 ft. The lodge has lovely gardens of fruit trees and tropical vegetation surrounding two natural ponds. Indeed, the Lodge was designed to offer its quietness, relaxation, and serenity in a peaceful environment.

The lodge has 12 spacious bungalows, each with an exceptional view towards the Tenorio volcano. The bungalows are equipped with a King size bed, a sofa and a coffee table or two Queen beds and private bathroom. There is a round table with two chairs, ceiling fan, mini bar, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, umbrella. All windows are equipped with mosquito nets.

Public areas include expansive gardens, a bar, restaurant and terrace with views of Tenorio Volcano. Wi-fi is also available,

There is much to enjoy from the lodge, including exploring the Celeste River, trekking, birdwatching and learning about Tenorio Volcano and the National Park. You can also relax in one of the hotel’s jacuzzis.

Origins Luxury Resort

Tenorio Volcano Park - Luxury Lodge

Located high up on a mountainside moments from Tenorio National Park and overlooking the out stretched valley, ORIGINS offers an exclusive opportunity for serenity within the wilds of the rainforest is an experience like no other.

Within the large, private estate are spacious  and beautifully designed luxury lodges, each with fantastic views, a terrace with wood fire fire-heated bath, private bathrooms, FREE Wi-Fi, coffee maker, hair dryer and safe.

Origins offers world class cuisine, using ingredients grown locally. The restaurant, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views. You really feel connected to nature. There is also a spa and yoga.

There is much to do here, from guided treks to the summit of Tenorio Volcano, exploring the National Park and Rio Celetse, birdwatching, fishing, horse riding, kayaking, meeting the local Maleku people, a coffee tour and adventure activities such as tubing.

You can access Origins by car from Liberia or San Jose, or even take a private helicopter flight to the Lodge own heliport.

The rates are on a full board basis.

Tamarindo Diria

Guanacaste Beaches - First Hotel

Situated in the centre of Tamarindo town and, unlike nearly all other first class hotels in the area, fronting directly onto the wide beach, Tamarindo Diria is an ideal choice for couples and families. There is a separate adults only area of the hotel if you want more privacy.

The comfortable 242 comfortable air conditioned rooms have private facilities, safe, TV, FREE Wi-FI, telephone, coffee maker, fridge and terrace or balcony.

Relax by one of the 5 swimming pools, on Tamarindo Beach or in the lush tropical gardens of the hotel grounds. Other public facilities include a bar, casino, boutique and 4 restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine. The hotel can arrange many excursions and tours exploring the forest.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Cala Luna Boutique & Villas

Guanacaste Beaches - First Boutique

Located on Costa Rica's North West coast and close to the famous Tamarindo beach, the well regarded Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas is surrounded by lush vegetation, palms, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Playa Langosta beach, in a sheltered bay, is also within a short walking distance away.

The 21 air-conditioned villas each has private swimming pool and two or three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, TV, CD player, telephone and private bathroom. There are also 20 fully equipped hotel rooms with a patio terrace. 

Guests can enjoy the excellent restaurant serving 100% organic ingredients from the hotel's sister project La Senda Farm. The restaurant and bar overlook the pool. Other public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, surfing lessons, yoga and fishing tours. 

Rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.

El Mangroove

Guanacaste Beaches - First Hotel

Papagayo Beach Resort

Staying at the El Mangroove Autograph Collection Hotel - 4-nights on a bed and breakfast - or on an all-inclusive basis.

Located in Bahia Papagayo, the hotel is set in 17 acres and has 150 meters of beach front. El Coco, an artsy and bustling beach town, is just 15 minutes away.

The Resort’s 85 boutique suites are nestled amongst mangrove and beach front forest. Their design captures the simple yet exotic essence of Costa Rica, with natural wood furnishings, regional artwork and contemporary stone finishes. There are several different types of suites, all of them including A/C system, ceiling fans, flat screen TV, in-room bar, independent WI-FI connectivity, iPad/ iPhone docking station and alarm clock, hair dryer, vanity magnifying mirror, in room electronic safety box and iron and ironing board.

El Mangroove’s 3 dining areas are all informal and offer something international cuisine for everyone, with a particular reputation for excellent seafood. Other facilities include a massive pool, spa, gym, live musical entertainment, free Wi-Fi and many activities for children in the December holidays.

Dates and Prices - per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room

October 2021 - £399

November - 15 December 2021 - £495 per persons sharing a twin room

16 December 2021 - 15 January 2022 - prices on request

15 January - 31 March 2022 - £578

Single room supplement from £299 per person

Children only £79 per child sharing the same room

Price includes: 4 Nights at El Mangrove Autograph Collection Hotel, daily breakfast, local taxes, shared transfer from Monteverde to Papagayo, shared transfer from Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Andaz Hyatt

Guanacaste Beaches - Deluxe Resort

Nestled among the lush vegetation on the shore of the Papagayo Peninsula, Andaz captures the native spirit of Costa Rica with its distinctive "Pura Vida" (pure life) philosophy of laid back relaxation. Vibrant yet stylish, Andaz blends contemporary high-end design with touches of Latin character.

The luxury air-conditioned rooms feature views of the jungle, some look out to the Pacific Ocean, and all have comfortable modern furniture and a large private bathroom with premium toiletries.

Kasiiya

Guanacaste Beaches - Luxury Resort

Located on the beach in Papagayo, The Kasiilya is a wonderful eco resort offering the perfect balance between comfort and wilderness. You stay in luxury tented suites, designed to strengthen your bond with nature and enhance your wellbeing. It is a unique experience.

The resort has 5 very spacious air-conditioned suites in total, balcony, quality linens, private bathroom, outside bath and luxury amenities. All are moments from the beach.

The public areas include a dining room, lounge and spa. Plus you can explore over 100 acres of wilderness. The cuisine is created by Chef Sebastian Guevara who believes the menus of Kasiiya should be as beautiful as the land itself. The views, the air and the smell of the ocean inspire his dishes.

A stay at Kasiilya is very much about the outdoors, with many activities available including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, wildlife tours, culinary classes, surfing or simply relaxing on the beach.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.