Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
Heliconias Nature Lodge is a pitch perfect example of Costa Rica’s tasteful rain forest-inspired flavor. The outdoor plunge pool and large, open-air restaurant with free breakfast, a full wine list, and nightly entertainment are surprising touches for a small, mid-range property. All 18 freestanding cabins are bright, open, and rustic with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private balconies. Upgraded categories add panoramic windows with rain forest views. However, there’s little within walking or driving distance, so most guests will want a car to explore the area. The more rustic Hotel Arenal Montechiari offers the same amenities at the edge of downtown La Fortuna for less money.
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."