Luxury Costa Rica

This morning you’ll wake up to birdsong and the sounds of nature, hopefully fresh and recovered from the long flight. Today you’ll acclimatise to the slower pace of life in the beautiful Central Valley. Have your first taste of Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s traditional breakfast, before spending a few hours relaxing by the pool in the sunshine or exploring the stunning plantation grounds. This afternoon, we really recommend heading off on a visit to a local coffee plantation. You’ll learn all about the process of growing, producing and packaging one of the country’s biggest exports, all from the wonderful people who spend their days immersed in this world. 

Today you’ll leave the Central Valley behind and be driven on to Bajos del Toro. Home to one of Costa Rica's most luxurious cloud forest retreats, the next three nights at the tranquil El Silencio will be three you’ll never forget. Tucked away in a 500-acre private reserve, this Relais & Chateaux property oozes elegance, and your stunning suite will come complete with your very own private outdoor jacuzzi. Perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and sounds of the cloud forest whilst toasting the adventure to come. In between dips, there are a huge number of activities on offer here. From immersive cooking classes and treks to nearby waterfalls, to learning the art of traditional ox cart painting, or even planting your own tree in the hotel grounds.   

Today you’ll be picked up and driven out of the clouds, towards Costa Rica’s adventure capital of Arenal for the next three nights. There are a handful of seriously special hotels to choose from in Arenal. All are nestled within beautiful green landscapes, and most will treat you to incredible views over Arenal’s perfectly conical volcano. Trust us to make sure you’re returning from all of the adrenaline-infused exploring to a pamper in the lap of luxury. Perhaps even from the comfort of your very own jungle-fringed plunge pool.

Today you’ll be whisked off for a tour of the Arenal 1968 Reserve. This lesser-visited volcanic park offers a unique opportunity to explore the dramatic landscapes shaped by the catastrophic eruption of Arenal Volcano back in 1968. You’ll walk through lava fields, wind through lush rainforests and get a real glimpse into the area’s geological history and diverse flora and fauna – all with a backdrop of the imposing volcano itself. After thoroughly exploring the reserve, you’ll travel to a luxurious hot springs complex for a well-earned soak in the healing natural thermal pools surrounded by jungle and the sounds of nature. 

We’ve left today free for you to fill with whichever adventures you like. For wildlife lovers we hugely recommend the superb day trip to the Cano Negro refuge, for a glimpse into one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse ecosystems. Or, take off to explore the forests surrounding La Fortuna on a brilliant sloth tour. The guides here know the sloths so well, you’ll learn a lot and get to watch Costa Rica’s most adorable residents slowly go about their days. If you’d prefer something a bit more active and adventurous, we can organise zip lining, rafting, mountain biking or stand-up paddle boarding. There’s really no end to the options here, we’ll help you narrow down the options. 

Today you’ll travel onwards to your last stop on your luxury Costa Rica holiday – the jungle-fringed beaches of Manuel Antonio. This brilliant blend of lush rainforests and white sand coastline, all teeming with the most vibrant wildlife, makes it the perfect place to soak up as much Pura Vida nature as you can before it’s time to head home. There are some top hotels here, all with fantastic facilities, unbeatable service, and so much wildlife roaming free within their grounds. We’ve included plenty of time for you to unwind on the powdery white sand or by your hotel pool. You don’t really need to visit the national park with so much wildlife spottable from your balcony, but we’ve included a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park on your second day. You’ll wander down trails listening out for the rustle of leaves as sloths lazily navigate their branches, with howler monkeys calling from the treetops and the most colourful birds flying overhead. 

Today it’s – sadly – time to head back to San Jose for your flight home. Your private transfer will make the journey stress-free, but we know the return to the airport’s never going to be anyone’s favourite day. We know you’ll be flying home rejuvenated, pampered and a little bit in love with the country after this luxury Costa Rica adventure.