Costa Rica is a popular, biodiverse, beach-fringed country sitting on the cutting edge of many trends including sustainable tourism. Whether you’re looking for an eco-retreat or go for yoga sessions on a pristine beach, Costa Rica’s eclectic accommodations offer a style for everyone. From jungle-style boutiques to high-end beachfront resorts, here are my favorite cool and fun hotels in Costa Rica, Central America…
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
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Best For Instagrammable Decor
LALOON Luxury Suites – Adults Only
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LALOON Luxury Suites – Adults Only
An epic blend of luscious forest, panoramic ocean vistas, and an abundance of wildlife sets the scene for an amazing vacation at LALOON Luxury Suites.
This Adults-Only resort invites you to relish total seclusion and privacy, yet puts you at arm’s reach of the famous surfing beaches and soothing tide pools of Santa Teresa.
The views can be admired from many areas in the resort, most notably from the salt water natural stone pool, which directly faces the iridescent sky and captures the most beautiful horizon sunsets.
The surrounding area is known for its wild palm-tree-lined beaches, as well as its yoga studios, artisan cafés, and quirky boutiques.
Pros
Scenic ocean and sunset views
Proximity to the wonderful Santa Teresa
Saltwater natural stone infinity pool
Eco-friendly accommodation
Cons
Children are not allowed
Not pet-friendly
Noah’s Forest Hotel by Tifakara
Through great comfort and luxury finishes, Noah’s Forest Hotel provides a lush tropical oasis, dotted by quaint waterside hang-out spots where you can reconnect.
Inviting you to sleep within the sounds of the jungle and gaze out over the forest from your private spa, this graceful boutique property enjoys a tranquil ambiance.
You can enjoy yoga or meditation sessions by the river, a swim in the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, or a pleasant walk through the gardens, all of which will turn on the light of your inspiration to create a unique, memorable experience.
The hotel is situated a short walk from the center of La Fortuna, blending its rainforest charm with a convenient location.
Pros
Serene rainforest ambiance
Awe-inspiring views
Marvelous private spa
Billiards and table tennis on-site
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Located quite far from the city centre
No gym or fitness centre
Kura Boutique Hotel
Embracing a unique style of tropical minimalism, Kura is an exclusive boutique situated high up in the Uvita rainforest. In the 8 luxury accommodations, panoramic views set the stage for ultra-relaxation, and each suite is individually appointed to provide the perfect tropical utopia for the discerning heart.
An air of ‘casual cosmopolitan’ is added in the form of upscale creature comforts, complementing a laid-back, coastal setting. After cooling off in a saltwater infinity pool by day, come dusk you can sit out to watch the dynamic show of fiery sky colours as you indulge in a crafted cocktail from the adjoining Diablitos Bar & Lounge.
Pros
Picturesque views
Easy-going and seaside ambiance
Fabulous outdoor saltwater infinity pool
Fantastic spa and wellness facilities
Cons
No gym or fitness centre
Children are not allowed
W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal
Here, we have a modern oasis hidden amongst the mangroves of Guanacaste. A haven for discerning travellers to let their spirits roam freely, The W is inspired by the vibrant culture of the local area and audaciously redefines the essence of luxury through a dramatic, bold design.
Surrounded by exotic landscapes and the sugar-white sands of Playa Conchal, you can admire awe-inspiring views from the blissful serenity of plush bedding before hopping into your private plunge pool to soak up the sultry charm.
After sundown, the on-site spa ‘AWAY’ invites you to sip on a martini while being pampered from head to toe with local treatments.
Pros
Eye-catching and strong aesthetics
Stunning views
Eco-friendly accommodation
Remarkable spa and wellness facilities
Cons
Breakfast is not included
Drinks can be pricey
Selina Nosara
Escape to a tropical paradise at this epic boutique sandwiched between Playa Pelada and Playa Guisones in the Nicoya Peninsula. A few steps from the property, you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches and ride some of the country’s most beloved waves.
During your stay here, you will have a unique opportunity to stretch out in a sunrise yoga class before interacting with howler monkeys at the nearby Sibu sanctuary.
On-site features include a swimming pool, a serene wellness area, a restaurant, and a bar. A CoWork area is also provided for guests who don’t want to compromise on routine.
Pros
Proximity to immaculate beaches
Eco-friendly accommodation
A Brilliant communal workplace area
Tranquil wellness space
Cons
Some noise from outside
Air con can be temperamental
The Retreat Costa Rica – Wellness Resort & Spa
Greeting you with a unique opportunity to experience the healing energies of a rainforest hideaway and a crystal quartz mountain, The Retreat is a holistic oasis designed to nourish mind, body, and soul.
The resort is rooted in a vision to create a transformational wellness centre, famed by returning visitors as ‘Heaven on Earth’. A perfect harmony of nature, nutrition, and wellness is the result of the elegantly appointed décor and the lush vegetation that surrounds it.
At this tropical base camp, you can connect deeper with your yoga practice, immerse in nature by heading off on hikes through the mountains, and savor gastronomical delights in a predominantly plant-based setting.
Pros
Botanical-themed ambiance
Lavisa Spa and Wellness facilities
Fantastic hiking and walking tours
Outdoor pool with mountain views
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
This sprawling, upbeat, eco-friendly resort located right on Flamingo Beach is a great choice for both families and couples. Playa Flamingo as it’s known in Costa Rica is home to marine blue waters, lagoons and secret hidden beaches and one of the best advantages of a location like this is you can watch the truly spectacular sunsets this part of the world is famous for.
Another advantage of Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo is that it’s well placed to take huge advantage of all the outdoor activities on offer too, such as scuba diving, paddleboarding, volcano tours, hiking, boat tours, zip lining, sailing, snorkelling, white water rafting, off-roading, the list goes on.
The resort itself is modern and bright with enough quirky design details to keep things interesting. Hotel highlights include a zen-like onsite spa, three swimming pools, a swim-up pool bar serving sublime cocktails, a fitness centre, a tennis court, beautiful gardens, an onsite restaurant serving international cuisine, including Costa Rican dishes, and that all-important beachfront location. Pure bliss!
Pros
Contemporary and vibrant quirky design
Water sports facilities on site
Exquisite spa and wellness facilities
Eco-friendly accommodation
Cons
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Not pet-friendly
Kintiri Glamping
Kintiri Glamping invites you to a spot of celebrity treatment with world-class service. Offering the idyllic haven to get lost and find yourself at the same time, the resort is the perfect place to disconnect and revel in the abundance of nature.
Spectacular panoramic views of unique sunsets and summer starlit skies feature in all of the glamping pods. Wooden hues and plush embellishments give each accommodation a true cabin-like character, where the amenities of a luxury hotel add a touch of class.
The property boasts a bar and a garden, where guests can connect with like-minded travellers whilst soaking up the fresh mountain environment.
Pros
Relaxing and romantic vibe
Scenic sunset views
Eco-friendly accommodation
Snorkeling and fishing activities
Cons
No fitness centre or gym
Children are not allowed
LA QUEBRADA ECO LODGE Hotel Boutique
Combining a sense of chic sophistication with a rustic, cabin-like feel, this graceful boutique is clad in beautiful woodwork and soft hues and adds an eco-conscious flair to an elegant setting.
Surrounding a lush turquoise pool are thatched-roofed poolside cabanas and epic lounge spots designed to enhance optimum relaxation. The interior is ornated with quirky décor and industrial sliding doors which open to a plush seating area.
A stunning terrace provides breathtaking views of the sun setting over the tropical hinterland, while the rest of the property’s hangouts surround a beautifully manicured garden. Each morning, a delicious à la carte breakfast is served, which caters to vegetarians through organic, locally sourced produce.
Pros
Quirky interior decor
Spectacular views
Eco-friendly accommodation
Fabulous outdoor infinity pool
Cons
No fitness centre or gym
No spa
Les Voiles Blanches
Situated by the most beautiful beaches of the North Pacific, an exceptional setting to spend a few days of peaceful relaxation is provided at Les Voiles Blanches.
A quaint, intimate environment permeates the 4 bedrooms, which boast a serene outdoor shower and stunning private terrace, as well as grand 4-poster beds. During your moments of downtime, you can laze by the shimmering pool or explore the local flora and fauna as you prepare your next Instagram shot.
A charming staff team awaits you under the rancho each morning to offer a breakfast with various flavours and colours, providing the fuel needed to embark on zip lining or hiking excursions.
Pros
Cosy and quaint ambience
Terrific massages
Sailing cruise and diving activities
Cons
It is a quiet location and might not suit everyone
Children 16 and below are not allowed
Pacuare Lodge
An echo of timeless luxury, this sophisticated paradise is steeped in indigenous Cabécar-inspired architecture, complementing the natural surroundings of pristine rainforest and scenic white-water wonders.
The vibrant landscape of Pacuare Lodge offers a picture-perfect backdrop to adventure, romance, and wellness, and the suites and villas are just as unique as they are enchanting.
The ideal lodge for honeymoons, family vacations, or couple’s breaks, your stay will be enhanced through an air of refined seclusion, a large terrace, and private spring-fed pools.
A continuous search to provide an increasingly memorable vacation experience has resulted in a bountiful array of spectacular facilities, which include epic infinity pools framed by the lush rainforest.
Pros
Native Cabécar-influenced architecture
Eco-friendly accommodation
Splendid outdoor infinity pool
Magnificent spa
Cons
No air con and only a fan
Not pet-friendly
Ecolirios Boutique Hotel and Spa
Girdled by the dramatic Caribbean jungle, Ecolirios Boutique Hotel offers an experience of the senses in an exclusive paradise hidden by diverse fauna, dense vegetation, and soaring trees.
The interior was inspired by the textures and colours of the surrounding landscapes, which include volcanos, mountains, lowlands, rainforests, and coastlines.
Each suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, while the wider property features beautiful gardens that you can walk through as you inhale the fresh mountain air.
After a scintillating day of adventures, you are invited to taste the flavours of this island gem in the restaurant, which serves fresh farm-to-table produce and signature Costa Rican dishes.
Pros
Nature-inspired interior
Eco-friendly accommodation
Terrific spa and wellness facilities
Exquisite gardens
Cons
Remote location might not suit everyone
Children 5 and under are not allowed
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – A concept by Hyatt
Epitomizing the essence of barefoot luxury in a jungle-inspired setting, Andaz invites you to recharge, reconnect, and stimulate your senses. The rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors, which open up to the magic of the tropical forest.
This atmosphere is echoed in the bathrooms, where a river stone rain shower opens out to a bird’s nest-inspired balcony. The on-site Onda Spa and Wellness Sanctuary combines indigenous traditions with nature’s healing powers to help revitalize the mind, body, and soul.
At end, you can enjoy a casual toes-in-the-sand meal at Andaz Beach House or escape to the romantic dining experience ‘Ostra.’
Pros
Jungle-inspired ambiance
Native traditions-inspired spa
Jungle and the Pacific Ocean’s gorgeous views
Splendid outdoor infinity pool
Cons
Valet parking only
Not pet-friendly
Gaia Hotel & Reserve- Adults Only
Situated in a vast haven of lowland forests, The Gaia Reserve is a project created by the hotel to conserve local plants and provide a home for wildlife.
Perched on a beautiful hillside, Gaia has earned rave recognition in Costa Rica’s Sustainable Tourism Certification Programme, and greenery edges every pathway through the property.
The 22 guestrooms boast stone and polished hardwood floors and exude eco-chic elegance through understated artwork. A variety of top services is provided in the hotel, from fine dining in the on-site restaurant to a luxury wellness experience, topped with personalized service in an eco-friendly environment.
Pros
Eco-chic elegance with refined artwork rooms
Eco-friendly accommodation
Lavish spa and wellness facilities
Exquisite rainforest views
Cons
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Children are not allowed
Tribe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only
Here, we have a quaint, picture-perfect resort that offers an authentic space for joy, inspiration, and creativity to blossom. Tribe Boutique Hotel thrives off community and connection and uses the backdrop of nature to enhance your spiritual side.
Dotted with elegant swinging chairs and plush sun loungers, the turquoise pool area enjoys a pristine setting beneath soaring palms, offering an idyllic spot to unwind.
The bedrooms are sprinkled with charming touches, such as hanging dreamcatchers and potted plants, accompanied with tech-forward amenities. This graceful boutique hotel offers friends, families, and couples the chance to relax in total refinement and retreat to a slower pace of life.
Pros
Tranquil ambiance
Proximity to wonderful beaches and restaurants
A relaxing and exquisite garden
Cons
Some rooms are small
Children are not allowed
Hotel Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience
Situated a few steps from the immensity of the ocean expands, Nantipa (the Chorotegan word for blue) is the color that envelops this lavish resort experience.
Attracting nature and leisure lovers from near and far, this hidden treasure is framed by vividly green tropical rainforests and oozes a sense of splendor.
World-class surfing conditions and an atmosphere that depicts Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle combine to provide a unique vibe and a cozy ambiance in the guestrooms.
The hotel’s restaurant is located on the beach, providing an abundant seaside dining experience that turns into an evening of cocktails crafted by mixology experts from the Mulberry Project.
Pros
Lavish and comfy atmosphere
Breathtaking views of the natural surroundings
Local culture tour
Luxurious seaside cuisine experience
Cons
Breakfast is not included
Not pet-friendly
Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis
Honoring the Aborigine people with the name Tifikara, which means waterfall in the Maleku language, Tifikara Boutique Hotel offers an experience of peace, serenity, and harmony.
Surrounded by rich biodiversity, the gorgeous pool provides a paradisiacal setting to soak up the lush ambiance which emanates from the nearby Rio Fortuna Waterfall.
The guestrooms exude comfort through plush furnishings and large open spaces, resembling a home away from home. Meanwhile, outdoor showers and spacious balconies add a creative touch.
At Tifikara, guests can revel in a quaint, charming atmosphere as they tuck into a romantic dinner or a cocktail in an incredible open-air setting.
Pros
The luxuriant ambiance of the pool
Sublime volcanic views
Gigantic and marvelous balconies
Cons
Some rooms are small
No gym or fitness center
Koora Hotel-a Cloud Forest Resort
This luxury eco-lodge offers a blissful night’s sleep amid the stunning treetops in the heart of the cloud forest. The 10 comfortable suites and bungalows seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape and boast private balconies where you can revel in the soft breeze of the Costa Rica canopy, soundtracked by the chirping of tropical birds.
At Koora, wood embellishments and hand-crafted furniture created by local artisans have blended to form an authentic, immersive experience.
During your stay here, you will enjoy complimentary access to Aguti Reserve, situated just a few steps away, which showcases the perfect concoction of manicured trails, iridescent birds, and vivid displays of nature.
Pros
Local artisanal furniture
Eco-friendly accommodation
Free entry to Reserva Aguti
Cons
No swimming pool
Not pet-friendly
Awà Beach Boutique Hotel
Boasting an idyllic location between the jungle and the ocean, Awà Beach Boutique Hotel is designed to greet guests in style. The entrance is clad in exquisite contemporary décor yet shares a nod to the natural surroundings through a bountiful array of plants and elegant wooden furnishings.
An air of opulence extends into the guestrooms, which are fitted with trendsetting accessories. A spectacular breakfast buffet and five-star gastronomical offerings are set with a scenic rainforest backdrop, making for the perfect Instagram shot.
The hotel’s atmosphere and various secluded hangout spots are ready to drape guests in the charm of tropical life, making Awà Beach the perfect place to return to after exploring the nearby town of Puerto Viejo.
Pros
Eclectic design with reasonable room rates
Mesmerizing rainforest view
Local culture tour
Cons
Food can be pricey
Children 14 and under are not allowed
Kunken Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paying homage to the indigenous cultures that have shaped Costa Rica, Kunken Lodge inspires its visitors with the experience of wild nature and is sheltered by a forest reserve in a paradisiacal setting.
You can rest your head only a minute from the salty water of the ocean in a private sanctuary that balances luxury and intimacy. Girdled by the glorious jungle, the lodge’s open-structure restaurant is optimally situated for you to enjoy epic wildlife encounters and enthralling sunsets.
The ingredients are sourced with the help of local farmers and ethical fishermen and accompany fine wines and fresh fruit juices.
Pros
Awe-inspiring sunsets view
Serene ambiance
Water sports facilities on site
Cons
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Not pet-friendly
Comparison of Best Hotels In Costa Rica
In the table below, we have compared the top 20 cool and fun hotels in Costa Rica. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
LALOON Luxury Suites c.buenos aires santa teresa 900 meters east from the main road $2539 No 8.6 3
Noah's Forest Hotel by Tifakara Avenida 351 1.1 km del centro de La Fortuna $197-$529 No 4.3 3
Kura Boutique Hotel Uvita de Osa $848-$961 No 0.3 3
W Costa Rica Resort Reserva Conchal $1478-$1772 Yes 2.4 3
Selina Nosara Provincia de Guanacaste $33-$227 No 1.1 3
The Retreat Costa Rica 50 E Redondel De Toros $437-$1288 Yes 19 3
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo Playa Flamingo $225-$620 No 5 3
Kintiri Glamping Quebrada Bonita 300 mts Noreste de la escuela $350-$529 No 5.4 3
LA QUEBRADA ECO LODGE Hotel Boutique 500 METROS NOR-ESTE ESCUELA POTRERO $61-$178 No 8 3
Les Voiles Blanches Rio Santo Hernandez Route de Santa Cruz $189-$286 No 7.8 3
Pacuare Lodge Turrialba $2213-$5291 No 1.2 3
Ecolirios Boutique Hotel and Spa Calle La Angostura $261-$392 No 13 3
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo End of route 253 $696-$3732 Yes 0.4 3
Gaia Hotel & Reserve Quepos-Manuel Antonio $280-$1321 No 19 3
Tribe Boutique Hotel Dominical Costa Rica 50 meters south of the school $114-$145 No 1.5 3
Hotel Nantipa Calle Principal $475-$588 No 9.9 3
Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis 300 metros Oeste de la Catarata de la Fortuna $206-$278 No 20 3
Koora Hotel Cerro Plano 300m Noreste del BCR $325-$505 No 4 3
Awà Beach Boutique Hotel Punta Uva $355-$423 No 2.6 3
Kunken Lodge 600 metros al este parada de bus alto San Juan Puntarenas $306-$424 No 4.4 3
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Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
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