Couple's Escape

Xandari Resort & Spa

near Alajuela

This resort is the creation of architect and artist Sherril and Charlene Broudy, who envisioned a paradise reflecting the natural beauty of Costa Rica. There are 24 spacious villas decorated with original art and custom-designed furniture, hidden away on a lush 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation which overlooks Costa Rica's Central Valley, just 20 minutes drive from San Jose airport. All villas have a private terrace with garden views, a walled-in sun area, ceiling fan, minifridge, coffee maker, safe, haridryer and either a king bed or two full beds.

Within the resort there are two lap swimming pools, a 125ft outdoor "Sunset Pool", two outdoor heated jacuzzis, 4km of scenic trails with rivers and natural waterfalls, an open-air restaurant which sources its food from the fruits, vegetables and herbs of the plantation’s gardens and has a dining room with a panoramic view of the Central Valley, and a yoga studio and full-service "Ayura Spa Village" offering a range of massages and treatments in five private palm-roof jalapas with an open-air jacuzzis and stunning views over the surrounding area. There is also a TV/DVD room, small reading library and gift shop.

Guided birdwatching and nature walks in the hotel grounds can be arranged at additional cost at reception.

An excellent place to start or end your trip.

Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare

One of our favourite lodge's in Costa Rica, Pacuare is an award winning ecolodge set on a 840 acre private reserve nestled deep inside the enchanting and captivating Pacuare River and tropical forest. Built with minimal impact on the surrounding forest and river and using renewable clean energy generated by water turbines, solar panels and biodigestors, the lodge is committed to operating as environmentally and socially sustainably as possible. There are 20 stand alone suites and villas each elegantly designed to reflect the surrounding natural environment and well appointed with Simmons Beautyrest mattresses, 300-thread Egyptian cotton linens, eco-fans, indoor and outdoor showers. Garden View suites are closest to the common areas, whilst River View suites are larger and more private with a waterfront deck. Jaguar and Linda Vista Villas are more secluded and spacious with large terraces and private, spring-fed plunge pools. Popular with honeymooners, the Canopy Villa is set high up in the jungle with a small stone plunge pool and unique hanging bridge that leads from the balcony across to a platform in a giant tree. There is 24h electricity in all rooms despite the remote location, though guests can still opt to have their rooms lit by candelight. The main building which houses the bar and restaurant overlooks the river and the food (all sourced locally) and following the farm to table concept is absolutely superb. There is also a 20m spring-fed, salt water infinity swimming pool, and spa "Jawa Juu" offering a range of treatments. The lodge has its own canopy tour and offers several other excursions including hikes, early morning birdwatching, horse riding and visiting the local Cabecar communities. The standard way to arrive at the lodge is by river, rafting in on grade II rapids taking around and hour to an hour and a half, depending on river levels. Rafting on the way out is a stronger grade III to IV and takes 4 hours through amazing scenery. Additional attractions include a special tree-house dining space called 'the nest' situated 20m high above the forest floor. It seats up to four people (min age 09 years) and should be pre-booked for a memorable meal at either breakfast or lunch. The food is winched up to you high in the canopy - supplementary costs apply ranging currently priced from $68-125pp depending on the meal option chosen.

Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

Child policy: If no rafting involved (ground transport in and out) the minimum age is 7 years

If rafting out: The minimum age 12 years, if river levels are low it could be possible for a child aged 10-12 years to raft in (but they can never raft out).  

Grano de Oro

San José

Our favourite amongst the more upmarket downtown hotels in San Jose, Grano de Oro is an elegant place to stay. It is located in the west of the city near the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Formerly a private Victorian mansion it has been extended over the years and now has 32 tastefully decorated rooms in three price categories. The hotel's impressive new dining room has been crafted in fin du siecle style and it is considered one of the top spots to dine in the city. There is a small internal patio filled with tropical plants and a roof-top jacuzzi with a couple of sun loungers should you tire of sightseeing. Room facilities include the usual mini-bar, cable TV, room service, direct telephone, and safe deposit box. A laundry service is available.

Rio Perdido

Guanacaste

Rio Perdido is a modern, stylish, upmarket lodge set in a 600 acre private reserve nestled in a remote part of Guanacaste's tropical dry/dwarf-forest region which is characterised by dramatic gorges, tumbling waterfalls, wild rivers and thermal hot-springs.

The lodge is a perfect base for those looking to combine adventure and relaxation.

Each of the Rio Perdido's 30 stand-alone, tastefully decorated bungalows have A/C, mini-bar, coffee station, terrace with hammock, wifi, flat screen cable T.V. East Bungalows are 452ft2 with two twin beds which can be moved together to form a king-sized bed. Larger Center Bungalows are 750ft2, with a king or two queen beds, floor to ceiling windows, private outdoor shower and high definition projector and AV system. Guests are transferred around the property by electric golf-carts

Facilities include a swimming pool, a striking restaurant and bar area view view out over the forest canopy, spa and excellent gift shop .

Activities possible include 20 plus miles of on-site hiking trails of varying lengths in the reserve (which is accessed by a 200ft hanging bridge), thermal canyon with hot river pools, mountain biking, tubing, canopy zipline.

It has been awarded a 'Green Leaders' Platinum property award by Trip Advisor for its exemplary practices in sustainable operation.

The lodge is 1.5hr drive from Liberia airport

Alma del Pacifico

Playa Esterillos Este

Alma del Pacifico is one of the few good quality beach hotels in Costa Rica that is actually set directly on the beach, so you can walk out of your room and on to the sands in a few steps. The style is colourful and original, as spacious and comfortable rooms have the feel of an upmarket Mexican villa. Most of the rooms enjoy a view of the landscaped garden, opening out on to the sands behind. The thatched open-air restaurant looks onto the garden and the beach and there is a lovely swimming pool and a spa. Alma del Pacifico is also a good choice for honeymooners.