Costa Rica | Latest Hotspots | fabsearch | Where to eat and stay | hotels

Vanity Fair's pick for the "real rainforest" in Costa Rica. The magazne describes Lapa Rios as "a simple top-of-the-line eco lodge [in the jungle] with 16 private bungalows, set 300 feet aboveground, gives you full access to the area's beautiful views and wildlife." [Vanity Fair, Flirt of the World, September 2009]

Last Update: September 30, 2009 | Created: September 01, 2009

El Silencio Lodge and Spa, Volcano region

+ TOWN AND COUNTRY, ELLE DECOR

506 2 761 0301

"Luxurious" new eco lodge and spa, nestled on 500 acres of tropical rain forest in Costa Rica's picturesque volcano region. "Eco-friendly cottages forgo televisions and phones for gas fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and panoramic mountain views. An open air yoga platform and organic fusion restaurant are among the amenities." [Elle Decor, What's hot news, December 2008] Good chill out spot. "Adrenaline junkies can ride horseback, raft on Class II and III rapids or zing along a zip line nearby," advises Town & Country in September 2009. Cottages from $210 per person.

Last Update: September 09, 2009 | Created: December 12, 2008

Le Cameleon Hotel, Puerto Viejo

+ FINANCIAL TIMES

506 27 50 05 01

The first boutique hotel on Costa Rica's "fabled" Caribbean coast, located between the beach and the rainforest, just 10 km from the Gandaco Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. Accommodations consist of 23 white, minimalist-chic rooms. Doubles from $226. [Financial Times, How to spend it, Travelista, July 2009]

Last Update: July 10, 2009 | Created: July 09, 2009

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, Central Valley

+ BRITISH HARPERS BAZAAR, ELLE

506 269 9392

Smart eco lodge in Costa Rica's Central Valley, recommended by Elle. In its May 2009 article The top 12 Ethical Hideaways, Harper's Bazaar named Finca Rosa Blanca, "Best for jungle immersion."

Last Update: May 20, 2009 | Created: September 23, 2007

Rancho Pacifico, Uvita, Pacific Coast

+ DAILYCANDY

1 800 621 1975

A DailyCandy resort pick for the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. "You’ll find eco-friendly Rancho Pacifico nestled in the quiet hills of Uvita. The open-air, tree-house suites are built into the mountains overlooking Whale’s Tail Beach. Eat local organic food, wake up to the aptly named Howler monkeys, and get a massage at the outdoor spa. The helpful staff will arrange activities from mangrove tours to horseback riding. Ask kooky guide Cuca to take you to the waterfalls. (Swimming in your skivvies optional — and encouraged.)" [DailyCandy] Learn more about touring Costa Rica in the attached DailyCandy article.

Last Update: November 12, 2008 | Created: November 12, 2008

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Golfo Dulce

+ DAILYCANDY

506 2258 8250

A DailyCandy "extreme" eco pick, located in Costa Rica in the lush rain forest of the Piedras Blancas National Park on the coast of Golfo Dulce. [Reachable only by boat], "Playa Nicuesa was built with naturally fallen wood and roof tiles made from recycled plastics." [DailyCandy] Read more in the attached DailyCandy article. Rates from $170 for a cabin.

Last Update: October 07, 2008 | Created: October 06, 2008

Harmony Hotel, Nosara

+ ELLE, VOGUE

506 682 4114

Vogue and Elle's spa pick for "the surfer." "Low key glamour and total escape." Perfect surfing conditions. Good "surf" school nearby for beginners. 40 miles from the nearest paved road. Room rates start at $120. Good value.

Last Update: January 28, 2008 | Created: October 10, 2007

Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo

+ TOWN AND COUNTRY

50 66 96 0000

In its 2005 article Costa Rica with kids, Town & Country says the Four Seasons is a good spot to bring children along for a holiday in Costa Rica, with lots of activities/care for them.

Last Update: October 20, 2007 | Created: October 20, 2007

Punta Islita, Guanacaste

+ TOWN AND COUNTRY

506 231 6122

Stylish eco resort in Costa Rica, carved into a terraced hillside overlooking the Pacific. Town and Country reports that three nights a week from June to November, guests at Punta Islita are transported to Camaronal Beach, a natural sea turtle habitat, to witness the egg laying ritual of this endangered animal. Doubles from $180 including breakfast. Good value.

Last Update: October 05, 2007 | Created: October 05, 2007