Costa Rica is the Central American hotspot that sits snug between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Made up of seven unique provinces, each of which holds its own magnetism. Wanderlust’s dream of Costa Rica – from the bustling capital, San Jose, to its flawless landscape, rainforests that ignite instant peace and beaches that breathe purified air. Costa Rica is a cultural and wellness phenomenon that cannot be duplicated; only be experienced.
A Rainforest Retreat at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Head northwest of the region, through the winding roads of La Fortuna, to arrive at the luxury Tabacón Resort and Spa in the heart of the Arenal rainforest. Resting on a private reserve, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa grounds are finely tuned with an array of vibrant plants where tropical birds nest and chirp a welcome to guests. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa guarantees the purest form of relaxation; guestrooms are spirited oases canopied by the rainforest. The stunning Volcano suite hosts a private balcony with a deluxe outdoor bath and a hanging daybed that invites you to take in the unfiltered view of the Arenal volcano peaks and, on a good day, spot Costa Rica’s very own mascot – a sloth.
Unwind in the Thermal Hot Springs
Work your way through the mapped-out reserve of Thermal Hot Springs, which offers ascending temperatures starting at as low as 22 degrees Celsius. With tales of healing properties, immerse yourself in the calming, warm waters, which contain minerals that aid in deep muscle repair. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa remains the only hotel in the region to offer the largest network of naturally flowing mineral hot springs, directly sourced from the Arenal Volcano. Become one with the springs as you’ll have the option to try a Biosfera Skincare white clay mask – the highest purity clay extracted from Costa Rican soils – to brighten and tighten your skin. Just a short shuttle ride away for hotel guests and a day pass purchase away for visitors, experience the magic of the most talked about hot springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
A Taste of Costa Rican Culinary
At Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa you can simultaneously eat like a local and dine like royalty. From a relaxed morning breakfast at the main restaurant, Tucanes, where you can experience a typical Costa Rican breakfast of rice, beans, plantains and more. Not to mention the eye-catching spread of tropical fruit, an honorary mention to the sweetest pineapple you might ever taste. To then dine in the middle of the rainforest at the stylish Ephemeral Table. Fit for royalty and A-listers combined, enjoy a privately curated six-course dinner of contemporary Central American dishes with cocktail and wine pairings that continue to perfectly complement each plate, course after course.
Visit the Hanging Bridges
An experience of a lifetime, if you’re an adrenaline chaser or keen to view the sights closer to heaven than land, then visiting the hanging bridges is a must. At Mistico Park in Arenal, hike the 2-mile accessible trail, set your sights on some of the hidden creatures of the tropical rainforest at a safe distance. You’ll get to walk across 10 fixed bridges that are the gateway to the infamous six. Safely suspended in the air, the highest hanging at 180 feet above the forest floor, steadily trek across the bridge and avail in an all-inclusive view of the picturesque rainforest and beyond.
Pura Vida isn’t just a salutation Costa Ricans bless you with upon meeting or leaving. It’s a way of life honed over generations – a continent where health, happiness and community are prioritised to live life to the fullest and the longest. So, head South, to Santa Teresa – a multicultural beach town that turns summer visitors into long-term locals for an abundance of positive reasons.
Savour Serenity at Hotel Nantipa
Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the five blue zones, a stay at Nantipa will calmly restore you from the inside out. From revitalising morning yoga, to dining on customary freshly caught red snapper and patacones, to watching the pastel sun rise or set from, if you’re lucky, one of Nantipa’s legendary beachfront villas. Nantipa offers a unique barefoot retreat right beside the beach, where the pursuit of wellness blends seamlessly with refined luxury. The resort is dedicated to delivering an indulgent experience while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability, ensuring guests can unwind in comfort while preserving its natural surroundings.
Experience a Blue Zone Morning
A Blue Zone is a term coined for parts of the world that hold the largest populations of people who live to 100, due to a culmination of things such as community, food and lifestyle. Numú, meaning ‘sun’ in Chorotegan, Costa Rica’s indigenous language, is Nantipa’s designated wellness experience. Start your morning by flowing into downward dog with a guided outdoor Yoga session by the resident Yoga teacher, Camilla, held in Nantipa’s very own outdoor yoga studio. Then, bring your blue zone morning to an even mellower state at the Nantipa Spa. Tailored to you, get comfortable as the masseuse sways a range of essential oils by your nose for approval. A massage focused on calming your nervous system and making you feel ethereal when it’s finished. Lie flat, listen to the intimate sounds of nature as the masseuse gently bestows magical hands on you.
Discover Coastal Conservation at Cirenas
Cirena’s invites tourists to explore the Costa Rican land through experimental tourism dedicated to preserving the environment. Located on the Hacienda Aro ranch, set on 4,700 coastal acres. Saddle up for a ride through the river valleys, which open out to an unbelievably striking beach close to the turtle conservation. Tempted to gallop? Do it with ease and make imprints not just in the sand but in your memory. Get up close and personal with the turtles when you visit Cirenas. Home to a turtle hatchery and medicinal farm, learn all things turtle conservation whilst your heart fills with equal parts joy and sorrow as you learn their journey. Don’t worry, you’ll leave elated, as at Cirenas, each turtle is intensely looked after until they are ready to make their way back home to sea.
Cocktail Making at Manzú
Manzú is Nantipa’s main restaurant and arguably the heart of the premises. While Manzú is known for delectable dishes, get hands-on and behind-the-bar experience as you create your favourite cocktail on the menu at the Regenerative Mixology class. Led by the head bartender at Manzú, get to mixing and shaking, pouring and stirring as you discover the tricks of the trade, the ‘Blue Zone’ health benefits of the cocktail you’ve chosen, where ingredients have come from, which are deeply inspired by generations that have come before to aid in health. No ingredient is wasted in Nantipa, even down to cocktails, which is why Manzú has been recognised as an ocean-friendly business by the Nicoya Peninsula WaterKeeper association for its ongoing sustainable efforts.
Costa Rica is Pura Vida Personified. Whether you are exploring the land through adrenaline-pumping activities or resetting and relaxing in hotels that redefine luxury. Nature will become your best friend, and you’ll find a perfect blend of experiences when you visit Costa Rica.
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
de, Main Street, Puntarenas Province, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
