The Costa Rica Resort I Still Think About: Why We Loved Nayara Springs

There are some hotels that are beautiful.

And then there are places that completely stay with you.

For me, that place is

Nayara Springs in Costa Rica.

Tucked into the lush mountains near Arenal Volcano, this adults-only resort feels like stepping into another world. Instead of beaches and ocean views, you are surrounded by rainforest, misty mountains, tropical sounds, and nature everywhere you look. It feels luxurious, peaceful, and immersive all at once.

What surprised me most was how magical it felt to be in the mountains.

There is something so calming about waking up surrounded by nothing but green, hearing the sounds of nature, sipping coffee while looking out at the rainforest, and completely disconnecting from real life.

And the wildlife?

Unforgettable.

One of my favorite memories was spotting sloths hanging in the trees right on property. There is something so surreal about casually looking up and seeing one tucked high in the branches. Nayara is actually known for its sloth sanctuary, and the property was designed to preserve and attract wildlife, which makes the entire experience feel even more special.

Then there were the frogs.

At night, you hear them everywhere.

Not in an annoying way — in a magical rainforest soundtrack kind of way.

It became one of those things that instantly made us feel like we were really in Costa Rica. Sitting outside at night, listening to the frogs, surrounded by nature, became one of my favorite parts of the trip. Nayara even offers frog-watching experiences because the rainforest comes alive after dark. 

Another highlight for me was the coffee class.

If you love coffee even a little bit, do it.

Costa Rica takes coffee seriously, and learning about the beans, roasting, and tasting process somehow made my morning coffee feel even more special after that. There is something really fun about experiencing a destination through something so rooted in local culture. Nayara offers artisan coffee experiences at its coffee bar and incorporates local Costa Rican coffee culture into the stay.

And now let’s talk about the food.

Because usually at a resort, after a couple meals, I want to leave property and explore.

Not here.

The restaurants at Nayara were honestly part of the experience.

Every dinner felt special.

Whether it was a romantic dinner surrounded by rainforest, an incredible meal after a day of adventure, or simply lingering over cocktails, the restaurants made us want to stay on property. Between places like Amor Loco, Mis Amores, and the other dining experiences across the resort, there was enough variety that it never felt repetitive. The food felt elevated without being pretentious — just really, really good.

What I loved most about Nayara Springs was the feeling.

Luxury without feeling stuffy.

Peaceful without ever being boring.

Immersed in nature while still feeling completely spoiled.

You can spend your days exploring waterfalls, ziplining, hiking near Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs, spotting wildlife, or simply sitting outside your villa listening to the rainforest.

And honestly?

Sometimes doing absolutely nothing there felt just as perfect.

If Costa Rica is on your bucket list and you want something romantic, relaxing, unique, and unforgettable…

Nayara Springs is absolutely worth it.

This is one of those places I still think about long after coming home.