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Best romantic luxury hideaways in Costa Rica

Whether you celebrate it or hate it, in February we are all bombarded by Valentine’s Day and all things love. For those celebrating special occasions in 2020: big anniversaries, birthdays and honeymoons, we think that few other countries do luxury romance like the tiny tropical country of Costa Rica. With verdant nature, stylish high-end hotel options and sweeping vistas of jungle, ocean and mountains, Costa Rica is perfect for a memorable couple’s getaway. Playa Cativo, Osa Peninsula Blissfully remote and accessible only via a scenic boat ride across the Pacific Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo is the ultimate escape for nature-loving couples. Situated in Costa Rica’s picturesque and biodiverse Osa region in the southern Pacific, this chic lodge backs on to the Piedras Blancas National Park, known for being home to over 140 mammal species including all five of Costa Rica’s wild cats. Offering a sweeping view of a palm-lined beach and the dolphins playfully leaping in the Gulf from the open-air dining terrace, Playa Cativo is the perfect luxury escape for those who seek immersion in Costa Rica’s abundant tropical nature. For couples celebrating special occasions, we recommend booking one of the lodge’s exclusive Premium Plus Casitas. These exquisite stand-alone rooms feature a sophisticated private plunge pool and a spacious private terrace to enjoy the balmy climate in romantic seclusion. The plush accommodation, Pacific breezes, and luxurious complimentary amenities; coupled with a truly stunning restaurant menu of refined and innovative dishes made from organic local produce, makes Playa Cativo a treat for all the senses. Kura Design Villas, Uvita Without question, the space-age Kura Design Villas perched high in the hills of Uvita, have the most attractive and ‘Instagram-able’ infinity pool in all of Central America. Composed of clean lines, slate-grey edifices and angular design, the avant-garde Kura complex does stand out against its lush green backdrop. Offering an adults-only hideaway with just eight exclusive suites, this stylish resort and its stellar views towards the Marino Ballena National Park is an ideal getaway for couples seeking an attentive, but laid-back atmosphere with plenty of privacy. Just a short shuttle ride away from some of the Pacific Coast’s prettiest stretches of sand, Kura and Uvita feel a million miles away from the somewhat over-commercialised attractions of the better-known Manuel Antonio. The main attraction in the region is the ‘Whale-Tail’ of the Marino Ballena National Park, an oddly shaped spit of land shaped like a whale’s tail where whales can be spotted on boat trips at the right time of year. Snorkelling and diving off the coast of Uvita, around Caño Island, is also something that will appeal to more active couples. Finish the day with a sparkling Pacific sunset and an elegant cocktail in hand on the private terrace of your sleek villa in the mountains. Nayara Springs For travellers seeking an easy luxury hideaway for a romantic occasion, the Nayara Springs Resort in the Arenal region of Costa Rica is likely the best option. Ideally situated in a region where all of Costa Rica’s famous adventure and nature activities can be enjoyed from a single base, alongside natural hot springs formed by the geo-thermal activities of the volcanic earth, this plush resort is a slice of tropical heaven on earth. Boasting a delightful full-service spa tucked away amongst carefully landscaped gardens and rainforest, several beautiful outdoor pools, and a multitude of cosy dining options where guests can enjoy romantic dinners – Nayara has all the facilities guests could hope for during a couple’s escape. Each tastefully designed and almost absurdly spacious Springs Villa provides guests with a spacious private deck with garden views, finished off with a large private plunge pool to lounge in during quiet moments. The stand-alone bungalows are ensconced in tropical vegetation so brilliantly that you could be forgiven for thinking your own casita was the only one in the resort. Guests of the adults-only Nayara Springs have full access to the restaurants and facilities of the hotel’s family-friendly sister-property, Nayara Spa & Gardens, meaning that even for longer stays, this authentic Costa Rican retreat can offer plenty to keep visitors happy and entertained. Casa Chameleon A luxurious adults-only hotel on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, this romantic retreat enjoys spectacular views over the unspoiled beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. This is one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets – a preferred destination for nature lovers and couples seeking an exclusive hideaway. With its intimate setting, Hotel Casa Chameleon offers complete seclusion, relaxation, and one-of-a-kind personalised service that is the perfect fit for special holidays like honeymoons.  Extensive tropical landscaping and natural borders create perfect privacy, making each villa at the hotel a secluded piece of paradise that blends in perfectly with the jungle. All of the private villas feature a stylish private plunge pool, luxurious king-size beds with fine linens, expansive balconies and spacious covered porches with lounge chairs and hammocks with a private outdoor dining area perfect for organising romantic candlelit meals. The villas have floor to ceiling glass doors that let nothing come between you and peaceful ocean breezes with amazing panoramic views. Pacuare Lodge The perfect fit for adventure-loving couples looking for a memorable retreat in Costa Rica, the remote Pacuare Lodge brings comfort, style and fun in bucket-loads. Situated on the banks of the roaring Pacuare River in Costa Rica’s central transitional forest zone, this isolated lodge is best reached by taking part in a rafting expedition with the experienced guiding team. Whilst your belongings reach the lodge via a rough dirt road, guests can enjoy a scenic rafting tour into the lodge over Class II and III rapids. Rafting out at the end of your stay offers a longer, three-hour expedition through Class III and IV rapids and a stunning tropical canyon. All meals are included at the lodge and the eco-friendly gourmet cuisine offered by the hotel kitchen is a real highlight of a stay here. Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on the restaurant deck or on a secluded treetop platform with the soft sounds of the Pacuare River whispering in the background. For a special occasion like an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, we recommend booking a Linda Vista suite. These spacious cabins are closest to the riverfront and feature an ample terrace with cosy lounge chairs by an all-natural, spring-fed private plunge pool –  perfect for a memorable romantic getaway.

Simon Williams

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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9 Comments

  1. Costa Rica’s definitely on the up, I’ve heard good things from friends who’ve been and anticipation from those planning to go. I’m very interested in a trip myself. There are some package holidays with direct flights from the U.K. Otherwise it can be quite a long journey with 2 or even 3 flights. Once there are some direct scheduled flights I think it’s a destination that will really take off.

  2. I think one of the things that makes Costa Rica so romantic is the jungle. A lot of these lodges make use of the rain forest to give you a bit of piece and seclusion. When you are screened from your neighbours, who probably aren’t that close anyway, it seems like just the two of you in a sort of Garden of Eden way. Very romantic.

  3. I’ve just been reading in a newspaper that the average person spends around 110 hours per year thinking of their regrets in life. That’s an incredible 2 hours per week. I wonder how many of those regrets are travel based. When it comes to regrets I like that old piece of advice that it’s the things that you don’t do which you regret more than the things you did. Seeing these great pictures of the Saronic Islands I’ve got to admit that there is a tinge of regret that I haven’t visited as yet and also that I’ve never done a yacht trip round any of the Greek Islands.

  4. Oh yes, I’m liking the sound of the Nayara resort. But solo, forget the romance, I just want to relax and enjoy it all to myself! There are some perks to being single. I love the design of all these places, they’re so light and airy, a mix of classic and modern but still comfortable. You mentioned a plunge pool at Pacuare, what’s one of those, is it just deeper than a regular pool? I’m also curious about the eco friendly cuisine – is any of the rest of the lodge eco friendly? Not that it changes my travel habits, I’m just curious. It’s insanely appealing to jet off to Costa Rica, especially when you’re in the middle of the British winter.

  5. Traveling to Costa Rica is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. The peaceful environment definitely interests me. Playa Cativo looks truly beautiful. Hotel Casa Chameleon reminded me of a place I stayed in Ubud, Bali last year. Except this place has glass doors that open to view the sea which is hard to imagine anything better for a romantic getaway, for sure.

  6. What perfect places for honeymoon in Costa Rica! Admittedly, I’ve never would have thought of a visit here. Maybe because the equally enchanting Cayman Islands are close by. I love that all the properties features here have amazing overlooking views and privacy surrounded by lush greenery. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to that view and luxury every single day. It must be hard to leave.

  7. I live down here and work for a company that rents out luxury homes in the guanacaste area and it was been very busy! Couples and families looking for larger and luxury homes to stay at away from crowds and really enjoy themselves. Plus its so nice that most of the activities are outdoors and the weather is always very nice!

  8. Hey, good list. I have a suggestion to add to it, I went with my partner to Altos de Eros… AMAZING. The attention is great, the place is beautiful, the amenities, everything was just perfect. Highly recommend it too. Pura vida!

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