Nayara Springs, Costa Rica

Resort Recap

Aug 20

Every once in a while, I'm totally in awe of a resort and Nayara Springs in Costa Rica is one I'm still dreaming about. Nayara Springs is the exclusive adults-only section of Nayara Gardens and I had the opportunity to spend 2 nights there. It was all that I was expecting and so much more!!!

Located approximately three hours from the capital of San Jose and around 3.5 hours from the Liberia Airport, Nayara Springs sits in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. It has been voted best resort in Central and South America by Conde Nast Traveler and it's easy to see why.

Nayara is a couples paradise!

At a Glance

Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Perfect for: Couples celebrating an anniversary or special occasion
Property type: Luxury boutique resort with 35 villas
Why we love it: Spacious villas with private plunge pools offer the perfect escape

Couples Paradise

Nayara Springs is truly an experience for couples and honeymooners. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. They are all about knowing what you want before even asking for it. The facilities at Nayara Springs are superb, including a romantic spa with open-sided massage rooms, yoga pavilion, oversized lap pool and sophisticated wine bar.

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Villas include their own private plunge pools from natural mineral hot springs.

The VillAs

The 35 villas at Nayara Springs offer a range of luxury amenities. Each villa features their own private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, an expansive private outdoor shower with dual rain showers (and indoor shower if you prefer), oversized bathroom, four-poster bed, and indoor and outdoor sitting areas complete with a hammock for lounging.

You’ll love the privacy, the modern amentias, and the authentic design of these 1,500 sq. ft. villas.

Villas include a four-poster bed overlooking a private patio and plunge pool.

Villa bathrooms and modern and spacious and connect to an outdoor shower.

Private outdoor shower is complete with detailed stonework and dual rain showers.

Dining

At Nayara Springs, guests here have their own pool-side restaurant Amor Loco which is unexpectedly upscale and makes the most of the hotel's organic vegetable garden as well as fresh seafood.

Guests can also dine at any of the restaurants at Nayara.
- La Terraza open-air restaurant serves a mix of Costa Rican and international dishes
- Kali Kali pool bar serves snacks and cocktails
- Asia Luna mixes Peruvian and Asian flavors
- Nostalgia, which is a beautiful wine and tapas bar that offers tasting menus matched with Latin American wines.

Activities

This central region of Costa Rica hosts an array of exciting outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, horseback riding, hot springs, canyoning, rappelling, kayaking, zip wiring and canopy tours.

ACCESS tO Nayara Gardens

Cross over the bridge that links Nayara Springs to its sister property Nayara Gardens and there is a second outdoor pool and spa. Nayara Gardens comprises of 50 exclusive private spring villas, surrounded by tropical rainforest, natural hot springs and views of Arenal, the third most active volcano on earth. The Gardens section is perfect for families, but my NEW favorite for families AND couples is the Nayara Tented Camp section. OMG, this is glamping at it's finest! These "tents" are filled with every amenity you could ask for, including plunge pools heated by the hot springs.

Andrea’s Takeaways

If you’re planning a stay at Nayara Springs, here are a few of my top tips!

Couples: Pick the tented camp for modern luxury, even if it's in the family friendly section, you have access to the adult only sections!
Nostalgia Wine Bar: My absolute favorite "wow" moment from Nayara Springs. I couldn't get over this beautiful and cozy wine bar hidden in the rainforest. It was so warm and inviting, and totally unexpected.
La Terraza Restaurant: The breakfast buffet here was fabulous. From freshly pressed coffee to fresh coconut water, it was a delight and well surpassed the standard breakfast buffets!
Heading out on excursions? Grab pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks at the breakfast buffet at La Terraza. They had a wonderful selection to take with you on your adventures for the day.
Room not ready? I had my bathing suit packed and went immediately to the hot springs. I ended up staying there until 5pm when I decided I better go get my room. :) It was a perfect way to spend the day without constantly worrying about when the room would be ready. They held all of my luggage (and even my carry-on with my valuables, which normally never leaves my side) locked and I did not worry one bit about it.
Want to hear the best live music? Go to Amor Loco (headed up by a Michelin Star chef) for live music from 7-9pm every night. Not only is it an incredible atmosphere, but the live music pulls the whole unique experience together. Live music is also available at Mis Amores restaurant from 7-9pm.
Grab a caramel frappuccino and / or a cortadito at Mi Cafecito! Perfection!!!
There are nature trails abound, but if you are tired of walking, don't be afraid to call for a golf cart. They are running all the time and the staff is so happy to talk about their beautiful hidden gem.

Take Me Back

After visiting Costa Rica for the first time, I cannot wait to return. I’m absolutely coming back to Nayara for a repeat visit and plan to spend 4 nights there and then head down to the coast for a few nights. This is absolutely the best way to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer.

Just when I think I’ve seen a lot, there is a destination that surprises and reinvigorates me to continue to explore the world. Costa Rica did just that… I felt and lived the Pura Vida way for a brief time and will continue to hold the memories from my first trip to this country close to my heart.

Cheers to all things travel!