Lost Iguana Resort, La Fortuna

Located west of La Fortuna, this peaceful jungle lodge has rooms with balconies offering volcano vistas, large, comfortable beds and a swimming pool.

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Spa: This 75 acre boutique hotel is surrounded by the spectacular Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve. There are 35 individual casitas and a large common ‘Hacienda House’ with billiards room, comfortable salons with fireplace and the Sendero Restaurant, where authentic Costa Rican meals are served.

Lodge at Cristal Ballena, Costa Ballena: Located within walking distance of Ballena Natrional Park (named for the whales that are often seen close to shore in winter months), this hotel sits on 30 acres of land with extensive gardens. The infinity pool is large with sweeping views over Ballena National Park and the restaurant on site is excellent.

Extensions

Si Como No, Manuel Antonio: This upscale, boutique hotel boasts outstanding treetop views over the forest to the Pacific. The rooms, situated in 3-story villas are very comfortable and all have superb views. Amenities include 2 restaurants, 2 beautiful swimming pools, spa, on-site theatre. The service is excellent and this is our favorite hotel in Manuel Antonio!

Hotel Santa Teresa: This casual hotel boasts the best location in Santa Teresa, with beachfront bungalows and duplex units with A/C and is a Frommers guide favorite.  There is a good swimming pool, an excellent restaurant on site, as well as yoga studio and impressive spa. Note- we like this hotel (stayed for a week in 2011), but the restaurant service can be a bit hit or miss (but food amazing, with an Italian cook); the rooms are large but modest. If you want a ‘luxe’ experience with refined service and more upscale rooms, consider Flor Blanca, below.

Flor Blanca, Santa Teresa: Here’s what Frommers says: “This lush hotel is the most luxurious option in this neck of the woods and one of the top boutique hotels in the country.” The individual villas are huge, the spa is modern and there is a full-size dojo, or yoga studio. There is a free-form swimming pool and small, but private beach. The restaurant Nectar offers New American and Nuevo Latino cuisine at its finest. If you want to spoil yourself, this hotel is the place to finish your vacation in Costa Rica.