Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Costa Rica 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

Situated a few steps from the immensity of the ocean expands, Nantipa (the Chorotegan word for blue) is the colour 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 cosy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.