Nayara Springs

“Cross a suspended footbridge through the rainforest canopy to reach your villa, with its own private mineral spring pool.”

Our Review

Setting & First Impressions

Set on a lush hillside within sight of the Arenal massif, Nayara Tented Camp blends eco-minded design with rainforest drama. Elevated walkways and tented structures on stilts minimize impact while opening up sweeping, frame-worthy views—especially at the main infinity pool, which looks across jungle canopy toward the volcano. Arrivals feel unrushed and cocooned; after a long travel day, the soundscape of birds and cicadas, the soft lighting and the gentle pace quickly reset the mood to vacation.

Tented Suites & Amenities

The signature tents are notably spacious (about 1,700 square feet) and balance rustic textures with quietly luxurious details. A four-poster king bed sits beneath a billowing mosquito net, with twin daybeds for families; bathrooms include deep soaking tubs plus indoor and outdoor double showers. Every tent opens to a broad terrace with a daybed and hammock, and a private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs—a highlight day or night. Practical comforts are dialed in too: complimentary laundry, twice-daily housekeeping and thoughtful in-room touches make multi-day stays easy. For groups, connected Family Tents add space without losing the tree-top seclusion.

Dining & Drinks

On property, meals center on Ayla, a Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern restaurant set in an elegant tent with sightlines to the infinity pool and volcano. Expect vibrant mezze, wood-oven flatbreads and well-handled grilled fish alongside familiar breakfast favorites (think gallo pinto, French toast and pancakes) that please both adventurous and selective eaters. A major advantage here is cross-resort access: guests can dine across the Nayara campus, including the adults-only Nayara Springs’ fine-dining Amor Loco, Asian-Latin fusion at Asia Luna, the open-air La Terraza de Arenal, and easygoing bars like Nostalgia Wine Bar, Mi Cafecito and the Cielito Lindo swim-up bar. It’s rare to feel zero pressure to leave the grounds for variety—but that’s the case here.

Wellness, Pools & Pace

Thermal water is the quiet luxury that defines this property. Beyond your plunge pool, landscaped hot-spring circuits invite languid soaks between rainforest showers, with loungers tucked into leafy corners for lingering. Complimentary yoga sessions and gentle nature activities keep the day unhurried, while the main lobby-side pool offers a social focal point. Families will appreciate that many venues are relaxed and flexible; couples can engineer privacy by timing dips and dinners, or by gravitating to the quieter corners around Nayara Springs’ adults-only areas.

Nature & Nearby Adventures

Location is top-tier for soft adventure. Mistico’s hanging bridges wind through biodiverse rainforest—an easy half-day for spotting toucans, sloths and the occasional viper—while the famed La Fortuna Waterfall sits at the end of roughly 500–530 steps, rewarding swimmers with emerald pools below the falls. Zip-lining, volcano-side hikes and night wildlife walks round out the menu, and it’s all simple to arrange through the concierge. Afterward, retreating to your terrace—listening to the rain drum on canvas as steam rises from your hot-spring pool—is the kind of memory this accommodation consistently delivers.

Verdict

Marrying rainforest theatrics with polished service, this property earns its reputation as one of Central America’s leading stays. Spacious tents, hot-spring indulgence, and cross-resort dining give it range; connected layouts, kids’ menus and gentle activities make it family-friendly, while quiet corners and adults-only spaces keep it romantic. If your Costa Rica wish list balances adventure with restorative comfort, Nayara Tented Camp sets a high bar.

Select Amenities & Features

Free Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Swimming pool Swimming pool
Yoga Yoga
Spa & wellness Spa & wellness
Fitness centre Fitness centre
Room service Room service
Laundry & dry cleaning Laundry & dry cleaning
Airport transfer Airport transfer
Bar Bar
Restaurant Restaurant

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of amenities.

Location

How to Get There

By Air
  • (SJO) Juan Santamaría Int'l Airport: main international gateway; ~2.5–3 hours by road (≈130 km).
  • (LIR) Daniel Oduber Quirós Int'l Airport: alternative gateway; ~2.5–3 hours by road (≈140 km).
By Road
  • From San José: ~2.5–3 hours (≈130 km), route via San Ramón.
  • From Liberia: ~2.5–3 hours (≈140 km), route via Cañas.
  • Roads to La Fortuna are winding; travel during daylight is recommended.
From Arenal Volcano National Park
  • The property is located nearby, typically a ~10–15 minute drive from the main park entrance.
By Helicopter/Charter
  • The property features an on-site helipad.
  • Charter flights (e.g., ~30–45 min from SJO) must be arranged in advance.

Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic and season.

Nearby Places & Attraction

Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Home to the iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano with well-maintained trails through lava fields from past eruptions and opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in protected rainforest.
  • Distance: ≈16 km
  • Mode: Car; ~20–25 min
  • Best time: Early morning for clearer volcano views and wildlife activity
  • Tip: Park opens 8am–4pm; arrive early to avoid tour groups and maximize wildlife sightings.
La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Stunning 70-meter cascade fed by the Arenal River, accessible via approximately 500 steps descending through lush rainforest with swimming allowed in the pool below.
  • Distance: ≈6 km
  • Mode: Car or taxi; ~10–15 min
  • Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds and wildlife spotting
  • Tip: Entrance $18; wear closed-toe shoes and bring swimwear for the pool.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
  • Network of 16 bridges including six suspension bridges up to 45 meters above the rainforest floor, offering canopy-level views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting wildlife.
  • Distance: ≈20 km
  • Mode: Car; ~30 min
  • Best time: Before 8am to avoid tour groups; dry season Dec–Apr for clearer conditions
  • Tip: Reserve tickets online in advance; closed-toe shoes required for entry.
Lake Arenal
  • Costa Rica's largest lake spanning 85 square kilometers, offering water sports including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boat tours with Arenal Volcano as a backdrop.
  • Distance: ≈20–30 km to access points
  • Mode: Car; ~30–40 min
  • Best time: Dec–Apr dry season for clearer volcano views; windy conditions ideal for windsurfing
Rio Celeste Waterfall (Tenorio National Park)
  • Spectacular turquoise waterfall resulting from a natural mineral reaction where two rivers meet, accessible via moderately challenging rainforest trail with additional features including natural hot springs and Los Teñideros viewpoint.
  • Distance: ≈70 km
  • Mode: Car; ~1.5–2 hours, conditions permitting
  • Best time: Dec–Apr dry season for most vivid blue color; arrive by 8am
  • Tip: Purchase park tickets online in advance via SINAC website; swimming not permitted in park.

General Tip: La Fortuna's tropical climate means afternoon rain showers are common year-round; schedule outdoor activities for morning hours to avoid weather disruptions and enjoy better visibility of Arenal Volcano.

Seasonality Overview

Peak
  • Dec–Apr is the dry season with sunny weather and minimal rain.
  • Clear skies offer reliable Arenal Volcano views and dry trails.
  • Highest demand; advance booking recommended for hotels and tours.
  • Rates often at their upper range during this busy period.
Low/Off
  • May–Nov brings afternoon showers but lush, vibrant rainforest landscapes.
  • Sept–Oct are the rainiest months with frequent cloud cover.
  • Lower occupancy and more availability across accommodations.
  • Morning hours typically remain clear for outdoor activities.

Note: Month windows are indicative and may change year to year.

Other Information

Theme: Mountain, Hills, Wilderness, Healing & Wellness
Check-in time: After 3:00 PM
Check-out time: Until 12:00 PM

Explore More Hotels