David recently traveled to Costa Rica and reports back on his experience at the destination’s top luxury hotels. You can read his full report of the luxury hotels of Costa Rica here on FlyerTalk with highlights below:
- Costa Rican Cloud Forest | El Silencio Lodge: An upscale eco lodge, El Silencio was designed by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher. Situated in a remote tropical cloud forest, the beautiful and quiet (hence the name) natural surroundings are the entire point of a visit here. El Silencio offers a comfortable way to get to know the cloud forest, and its staff offers personal and sincere service. Encompassing 500 acres, the resort has six miles of hiking trails, a daily complimentary Forest Immersion Hike, and optional off-property tours as well. We took the cultural tour of Bajos del Toro, the small village a short 10-15 minute walk away. I enjoyed seeing the village and its two bars (separated by the police station and medical clinic), and even had lunch in a local family home. El Silencio does offer a unique set of creature comforts: good food, great coffee, Escencia Spa (3 treatment rooms right in the forest), and a Happy Hour from 3-4 p.m. daily that features complimentary Costa Rican Hot Chocolate (or herbal tea) served in the Main Lodge or in your Suite.
- Costa Rican Rain Forest and the Arenal Volcano | Nayara: Rooms are decorated with contemporary colors, shades of orange, yellow, and green. Although I had initial doubts when I saw these vivid colors on the website, I found the rooms quite attractive when in them! Built on both sides of a deep jungle canyon, a long bridge joins the two halves of the property. The newly opened Spring Villas are on the far side of the bridge, a “resort within the resort” with private check-in. These spacious suites are nearly 1300 square feet in area with a large sitting space within the room. The best feature of Spring Villas is the private infinity-edge plunge pool fed by hot water from the natural springs.
- Costa Rican Dry Forest | The Four Seasons Costa Rica: FS Costa Rica was designed by the same architect, Ronald Zurcher, who designed El Silencio, and the resort is stunning while blending into its setting. Four Seasons has created a fabulous resort in the same class as Maui, Hualalai, Nevis, and Manele Bay. Better beaches than Hualalai, more space than Maui (and plenty of lounge chairs on the two beaches and around the pools). A quiet beach and adult-only pool on the Pacific side. Periodic “treats” while lounging — cold towels, small cups of fruit smoothies. An active beach with volleyball and complimentary non-motorized water sports on the bay side. Easier to reach than Hawaii from the Midwest and east coast with Saturday nonstops from ORD, MSP, and LAX and daily flights from New York, Miami, and Dallas. About the only drawback is the geography of the resort. Because the residences, suites, and villas are located uphill, most guests will depend on the resort’s golf carts which are always on call to take you around the property. Related: Read Jessica’s Review of the Four Seasons Costa Rica from her visit in 2012
- We planned our itinerary and arranged our transfers with the assistance of Rico Tours, and all of their services were provided flawlessly and precisely on time. Rico Tours is the Virtuoso on-site (destination management company) for Costa Rica, and I use them to arrange anything beyond straight hotel bookings.
