Where lush jungles & crystalline seas dominate the landscape

Jungle & Beach Retreat

When to go

November-August

Trip length

9 days / 8 nights

Typical investmentPrice

from $5,200 pp

Venture into the heart of Costa Rica on an unforgettable rainforest & beach escape of two of the most romantic locales in the country. Trek through rainforest, explore the coastline by ATV, wind down in natural volcanic hot springs and wander windswept beaches, hand in hand. After days adventuring, retreat to luxurious hideaways to pamper yourself with a soak in your volcano-view hot tub or a glorious sunset enjoyed from your private plunge pool on this ultra-romantic Costa Rica honeymoon escape. Adventure and relaxation with a heavy dose of romance thrown in, what a combination!

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Along the way

Trip highlights

A private plunge pool sits beneath a thatched pergola with hammock and banana leaves, framing a view of the beach beyond.

Watch golden sunsets from your private plunge pool in Santa Teresa

A woman soaks in the warm cascading pools of Tabacón hot springs, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

Soak in natural hot springs beneath the stars at Tabacón

Friends ride ATVs with a surfboard strapped on back down a palm-lined jungle road in Costa Rica.

Hidden jungle waterfalls and wild beaches by ATV

A hiker descends wooden stairs toward the bright turquoise pool and waterfall at Rio Celeste in Costa Rica's rainforest.

Hike to the turquoise waters of Río Celeste deep in Tenorio's rainforest

Your route

Day by day

Where jungle meets fire & sky

Arenal Region

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, check into your hotel, an urban oasis in the heart of San José. Head out on foot to explore tree-lined boulevards and historic architecture, or enjoy a little rest and relaxation in the rooftop jacuzzi before tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2: Lush jungle & volcanic vistas

After breakfast, begin your adventure with a ride through Costa Rica’s scenic countryside. Check into your rainforest retreat in the shadow of Arenal Volcano and spend the afternoon enjoying the views, wandering the grounds, or relaxing in your beautiful surroundings.

Day 3: Turquoise waters at Río Celeste

Hike through dense forest in Tenorio Volcano National Park to Río Celeste, whose brilliant turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Watch for monkeys and toucans as you follow the trail to the waterfall. Bring your camera!

Day 4: Zip lines & natural hot springs

Start your day with a bird’s-eye view and an adrenaline rush on a zip line adventure through the forest canopy. This afternoon, head to Tabacón Hot Springs for dinner and an evening soak. Explore warm pools of varying sizes and temperatures, with the sound of cascading water all around you.

The perfectly conical peak of Arenal Volcano rises against a clear blue sky above the rainforest.

Barefoot luxury by the sea

Santa Teresa Region

Day 5: Trade jungle for beach

Head to Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula and check into your luxurious beachfront villa. Spend the afternoon exploring the beach, relaxing on the terrace, or enjoying your private plunge pool. Your next days are for Pacific sunsets and a little beachside indulgence.

Day 6: Wild waterfalls & hidden beaches by ATV

Strap in for a day free to explore one of the most rugged and remote coastlines in Costa Rica. Cruise east to discover jungle waterfalls and the vibrant little hippie town of Montezuma, then spend the rest of your afternoon laid out on the powdery white sand of Playa Suecos or Secret Beach.

Day 7: Enjoy another day on the Nicoya coast

Take a full day to enjoy Santa Teresa at your own pace. Walk the beach, explore forest trails, or stretch out beside your private plunge pool. Plenty of time for a lazy afternoon and another beautiful Pacific sunset.

Day 8: Beach time & dinner beneath the stars

Spend the rest of your time in Santa Teresa how you wish, whether at the beach, hiking rainforested trails, or beside your private plunge pool. For your last dinner in Costa Rica, dine on fresh local seafood at a private ocean-view table beneath the stars.

Day 9: Farewell to Costa Rica

After breakfast, transfer to Cobano airport, board a quick flight to San José and continue on your onward travels.

A couple relaxes in beachfront lounge chairs with wine as the sun sets over the ocean at Nantipa.

Where will your story take you?

Let's discover your next adventure

Our top picks

Where to stay

Nantipa Resort, Santa Teresa, Nicoya, Costa Rica

Nantipa Resort

Nantipa sits directly on Santa Teresa's broad beach, where contemporary bungalows and villas are only steps from the sand. Mornings bring surfers, long beach walks, and quiet swims before the afternoon heat arrives. As the sun sets, the beachfront restaurant becomes one of the liveliest gathering places on this stretch of coast.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Casa Chameleon

High above Las Catalinas, Casa Chameleon looks across the Pacific toward the Catalinas Islands from a collection of private villas. Every villa includes its own plunge pool and terrace, making privacy a defining part of the stay. Beaches, hiking trails, and the restaurants of Las Catalinas are all just below the hillside.

Amor Arenal, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Amor Arenal

Amor Arenal occupies a forested hillside on the lower slopes of Arenal Volcano, where standalone wooden casitas are carefully spaced among the trees. Every casita includes a private hot spring plunge pool, while larger thermal pools and forest trails are woven throughout the property. Toucans, monkeys, and hummingbirds are regular visitors, especially during the early morning.

Chachagua Costa Rica

Chachagua Hotel & Hot Springs

Hidden in the rainforest between La Fortuna and Costa Rica's Central Highlands, Chachagua spreads its rooms and villas across a private reserve of forest, gardens, and natural hot springs. Wildlife is common throughout the property, with toucans, monkeys, and sloths regularly spotted near the accommodations. La Fortuna is about 20 minutes away, leaving evenings noticeably quieter than staying in town.

Lomas del Volcan, Arenal

Lomas del Volcán

Fifty standalone bungalows are spread across 370 acres of gardens and secondary rainforest just outside La Fortuna. Wide spacing between the accommodations gives the property an unusually open feel, with Arenal Volcano visible from much of the grounds. Early mornings often begin with birds, monkeys, and coatis moving through the gardens.

Nayara Gardens Arenal Costa Rica

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens was the first of the three Nayara properties, and its mature tropical landscaping still gives it the most established feel. Casitas are hidden among dense gardens beneath Arenal Volcano, with restaurants, pools, and hanging bridges linking the wider resort. Guests also have access to the facilities at Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp.

OCiO Villas, Malpais

OCiO Villas

Hidden in the hills above Mal País, OCiO is a collection of private villas designed for travelers who want the space and privacy of a luxury home. Each residence includes generous indoor-outdoor living areas, a private pool, and wide Pacific views framed by tropical forest. It's a very different experience from staying in the heart of Santa Teresa, with room to spread out and complete privacy between villas.

Nayara Springs pool

Nayara Springs

Adults-only Nayara Springs occupies a quiet corner of the Nayara estate beneath Arenal Volcano. Every villa includes a private, mineral-fed plunge pool surrounded by rainforest, with hanging bridges linking guests to the restaurants, spa, and facilities across all three Nayara properties. It's the most private of the Nayara collection while still giving guests access to everything the resort has to offer.

Nomade Holbox Mexico

Nômade Holbox

At the quieter end of Holbox, Nômade spreads treehouses, tents, and suites between mangroves and the Gulf of Mexico. Organic architecture and wellness programming reflect the island’s slower pace, with the beach immediately beyond the property.

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