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Costa Rica has become a very popular travel destination for both families and couples over the past few years. And certain hotels like Nayara Tented Camp are generating a lot of buzz. It is an amazing country full of culture, adventure and nature reserves, with diverse climates, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, jungles and pristine rainforests.
When I started researching Costa Rica family vacations, I knew we wanted to go to the rainforest, experience the unique flora and fauna, and go on many adventures as a family. We narrowed our search down to one hotel in Central America that has won many travel awards and accolades. After visiting, it was very easy to see why.
![Nayara Gardens and Bridge at Nayara Springs](https://luxerecess.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nayara-Tented-Camp-Costa-Rica-18.jpeg)
![Nayara Gardens and Bridge at Nayara Springs](https://luxerecess.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nayara-Tented-Camp-Costa-Rica-18.jpeg)
We traveled through the La Fortuna region surrounding Arenal Volcano in central Costa Rica to Nayara Reserve, a 4,500-acre resort comprised of three hotels: Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs (adults-only option), and Nayara Tented Camp. Each has its own personality.
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First opened in 2007, the resort has been a model of sustainable luxury tourism and conservation efforts to reforest areas once depleted by livestock grazing. Nearby Arenal Volcano National Park is a destination for animal and nature lovers, and Nayara has created a game reserve for sloths, coatis, howler monkeys and armadillos.
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The Arenal region is located at the heart of every adventure imaginable. Nature walks through the jungle via suspension bridges designed to spot sloths and rare species of birds (possible even to the non-expert eye), night walks for frogs, canyoning, ziplining, horseback riding, natural mineral springs and more.
Additionally, if you drive a little further into the surrounding area, you can enjoy the Cano Negro Wildlife Sanctuary and white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River. For a more in-depth review of activities in the area and why you should bring your family here, see our other articles with itineraries.
Upon entering the Nayara property, you will have access to all of the grounds, pools, restaurants, bars, spas and amenities offered by our sister property (except for a separate area at the adults-only resort Nayara Springs). You can walk through jungle paths surrounded by tropical plants and orchids, cross footbridges and suspension bridges, or take a golf cart to visit different areas of each hotel.
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After breakfast, Nayara Gardens' resort lobby features a sloth-finding map called “Daily Sloth Patrol,” allowing you to come face-to-face with these adorable animals in the wild.
All guests can participate in complimentary daily yoga, morning bird watching tours, and nightly frog hunts. Take a mixology class, coffee tasting, soak in a nearby hot spring, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. Just walking around the property in awe of the jungle canopy was thrill enough on my first visit to the rainforest.
Nayara Reserve is split into three different resorts, so read on below to help you choose the resort that best suits your group's travel needs!
Nayara Garden
The first of Costa Rica's Nayara resorts, this property was built in 2007 and is a family-friendly retreat located in the heart of the jungle. The 50 self-contained villas capture Costa Rican character with bright tropical orange, yellow and blue accents. Self-contained entry-level rooms, called “casitas,” are 856 square feet and feature one king bed or two twin beds and can sleep up to three people, provided the third child is under 12 years old.
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Boasting a private garden with indoor and outdoor showers and a Jacuzzi bath, you'll feel like you're in a very private jungle retreat.
Rainforest Pool Villas are freestanding octagonal buildings allowing natural light from all sides. This room is larger at 1,135 square feet and features a private deck with a lounge, hammock, and private plunge pool heated by hot springs. Rooms at this resort offer views of the jungle canopy or Arenal Volcano.
With all the comforts in your room, the rainforest area still offers local entertainment. Even during brief downpours throughout the day and night, you can enjoy soothing sights and sounds through your villa windows. One of the sounds coming from the roof was something I couldn't identify until the end of my stay. that very A large lizard wandering on the roof.
![Nayara Gardens Pool](https://luxerecess.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nayara-Tented-Camp-Costa-Rica-16.jpeg)
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There is a great pool for children near the jacuzzi (the pool can be a bit small for teenagers, especially during peak times). The property has 2 bars and the swimming pool has a swim-up bar.
A beautiful outdoor spa is also located within the resort, where you can enjoy the sounds of many animals and the delicate sound of rain while enjoying a massage. Each treatment room also includes a Jacuzzi hot tub and outdoor shower.
I chose a massage at the end of the day, so the jungle scenery was surrounded by dusk and sunset while I was receiving my treatment. The jungle soundtrack was outstanding and I have never felt the effects of a massage so strongly. Luckily, the staff took me to the villa in a golf cart so I didn't have to stray from the path into the jungle.
Nayara Springs
Built in 2014, Nayara Springs is an adults-only oasis that aims to provide romance and relaxation. This is a Relais & Châteaux hotel that includes 35 luxury villas made of wood and stone to blend in with the surrounding nature.
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Each room is 1,500 square feet and features a private terrace with a plunge pool, hammock, loungers and dining area. This room also features indoor and outdoor dual showers. The king-sized canopy bed is draped in soft white mesh, giving you the feeling of being in the jungle.
Restaurants and pools located throughout the Nayara grounds are available to all guests of the property, but Nayara Springs' pools and restaurants are adults only. (And the Nayara Springs swimming pool is also the best of the three.)
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There is a lap pool, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, and several restaurants. Intimate dining experiences are available at Mis Amores (Italian), Amor Loco, Mixology Bar, Espresso Bar and Besame Mucho.
Nayara Springs also features an on-site outdoor spa, with each treatment room featuring a private plunge pool.
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Nayara Tent Camp
The tented camp, the newest and most unique of the Nayara properties, opened in 2019 (with luxury tents added in 2022), with a total of 39 tent rooms set up on platform poles in the jungle. Canvas walls, leather, and a white mosquito net canopy adorn the king-size bed, giving the tranquil décor the ultimate glamping feel.
Two spacious day beds sit on either side of the room, providing space for two children to sleep individually.
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The 1,700-square-foot room features indoor and outdoor showers, a private terrace with loungers, a hammock, a dining table, and a private plunge pool heated by natural spring water. This room offers spectacular views of Arenal Volcano as the sun breaks through the rainforest showers.
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The resort can also accommodate large families in family tents at Nayara. There is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom tent that can accommodate up to six people, or two four-bedroom options for larger groups of multi-generational travelers. These two tents are self-contained and connected to an outdoor patio, so younger children will likely have to stay in the master bedroom tent.
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Infinity pool with swim-up bar overlooking Arenal Volcano. There are also three small hot spring pools set in the jungle, perfect for family swimming. The outdoor family restaurant La Terraza del Arenal (with a Costa Rican-inspired menu using local ingredients and seasonal produce) joins the Mediterranean cuisine. The themed fine-dining restaurants Ayla and Asia Luna feature an outdoor terrace with an internal sushi bar. An on-site spa opens in summer 2023.
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Our stay here was amazing and it remains one of our family's favorite vacations. Whether you're looking for a getaway for your family (large or small) or a romantic getaway, Nayara Reserve has a resort to suit all your needs.
How to book this holiday
Luxe Recess can book these Nayara hotels as well as Andaz or Four Seasons hotels with many additional perks. You can also use our on-site partners to create a complete itinerary that includes transportation, guides, and hotels for the ultimate stress-free Costa Rica vacation.
To start planning, set up a consultation call today.
Robin Hutson provides additional trip reporting.