Costa Rica’s Hidden Gems

Osa Peninsula - Southeast Side

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote parts of Costa Rica for good reason. It is one of the last vast areas of rainforest to shelter Costa Rica's largest remaining population of jaguars and tapirs. There are some incredible mangroves and beaches to explore! Expect both your baggage AND you to be weighed for your flight!

Now, where to stay?

El Remanso Lodge - A wonderful German and Costa Rican couple own this amazing hotel and they haven’t lost touch with their roots, even the dog is there to greet you! With a slight Scandinavian twist on Costa Rican culture, you never have to leave the property to enjoy the Osa Peninsula. There is a beach nearby with hanging bridges on site and daily guided walks around the property. Tours into the Osa Peninsula National Park are offered, however the hotel is located so close to it, we didn’t think it was necessary as we saw so much wildlife on our doorstep! Tours into the park can be long and challenging in the humid conditions. We saw three types of monkey, butterflies and an abundance of birdlife including lots of toucans, whilst enjoying lunch on the treetop platform.

Lapa Rios Lodge - A favourite of Julia Roberts this hotels speaks for itself with stunning views of Panama and incredible rooms. We saw a troop of monkeys swinging overhead as we were taken to our room and poison dart frogs through the glass window, whilst enjoying a leisurely shower, that’s how close to nature you are! Incredible sunset decks with outdoor showers, hammocks and treetop hideaways overlooking the incredible valley below is why this hotel tops our list of unique experiences. Did we forget to mention it is on National Geographic’s list of unique hotels in the world?

*the local guides use red lights so as not to disturb the turtles whilst they lay their eggs.

Nosara

Nosara is a true hidden gem, not only for its laid back vibes but also for the incredible natural phenomena that happens there every year. Thousands and we mean thousands of olive ridley turtles arrive on shore each evening during the breeding season to lay their eggs. What we liked most about Nosara is the fact you can only set foot on the beach with a local guide. When we say local, we mean the guide has to have lived in the village for 20 years or more in order to even get their license, which means the turtle habitat is controlled and well looked-after. It is a great community project that allows tourists to visit the turtles, whilst not harming their natural habitat. The hotels are able to drop you off to meet your guide and fetch you without a problem. We arrived thinking we would be lucky to see one turtle, but what we found were several thousand in every direction that saw us hopping and jumping to get out their way - this is their beach after all and they will walk straight into you!

Remember Nosara is a tiny laid back surfing town made both for tourists and locals alike looking for a slower pace of life, there are no tarmac roads in sight. Hotels offer guest the opportunity to do kayaking, yoga and join beach clean up crews who try to protect the rainforest and its shores.

Now, where to stay?

Gilded Iguana - Located right in the centre of the village this hotel has everything! Incredible pool, insane gym and yoga facilities and an entire temperature controlled surfing clubhouse with bar right on the beach! If you want to be in the action this is the perfect hotel for you. Have lunch at the main restaurant, where you can people watch and listen to the sound of the waves. We were hugely impressed with this hotel as it has a very modern feel but with a great beachy twist, plus we loved the branded iguana corkcicle thermos bottles. Costa Rica is all about sustainability and reducing your use of plastic.

Lagarta Lodge - This hotel is slightly more out of the way but for good reason. Located on top of the hill the views are amazing from the moment you arrive. Dinner on a platform with uninterrupted views of nothing but rainforest and the ocean, yes please! There is even a sundowners terrace for those looking for that extra height. A stunning hotel with large rooms, great pool, different temperate hot tubs and amazing food, what more could you ask for?

Arenal Volcano

The home of hot springs and a backpackers paradise is the small town of La Fortuna, located just at the foot of the volcano. There is a sloth park, art gallery and large variety of restaurants to cater to all budgets. La Fortuna also has its own set of hanging bridges and a must see waterfall but be ready to climb those steps and don’t forget your water shoes! Tourists are also able to hike around the volcano, which offers incredible views but what we highly recommend is the zip lining. Yes, everywhere in Costa Rica offers zip lining but there is nothing quite like zigzagging your way down a volcano overlooking a lake and soaring above the rainforest down 14 zip lines, to get your blood pumping.

If you go to Arenal DO NOT miss the opportunity to go to Tobacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Oh my word, there is a spa and then there is heaven! We have never ever seen anything like it and have to list it as the number one thing to do. If you google Costa Rica, a picture of Tobacon will appear almost straight away as its the most picturesque place we have ever seen. Tobacon is a series of natural crazy rivers and waterfalls, which go up the side of the volcano. The higher you go up, the hotter the temperature and guests are welcome to jump in anywhere! Should the springs get too much take a break at their restaurant which served the best international cuisine we have ever had - two juicy steaks and a pizza later we could eat here forever!

Now, where to stay?

Arenal Manoa - We loved Manoa because there was so much to do! It is a resort so comes equipped with just about every service imaginable. The restaurant was located in the middle of the resort and looked out onto the volcano, so was the perfect lunch spot. We can also vouch for the food as we have never eaten so well! The rooms were large and beds very comfortable. However what we loved the most was the large hot spring heated pool with multiple hot tubs all varying in heat temperatures with a swim up bar and access to more amazing food! The hot spring was open late so ideal for night swims.

Arenal Observatory Lodge - This hotel is designed for those with a mountain spirit but little desire to scale one. On the drive up we saw monkeys and an anteater proving that the mountains were indeed hiding even more wildlife. The hotel has amazing views of the volcano when it decided to appear from the cloud and the hot chocolate was truly out of this world. There are also a series of nature trails varying in length that circled the property, giving the guests independence to explore the rainforest walking along the hotels hanging bridges to get to your room, which was truly surreal.

Esterillos

Otherwise known as surfers paradise, Esterillos is in the middle of nowhere and is one of the most laid-back, chilled out places we have ever been. With nothing to do and no one to see, this town forces relaxation on you whether you like it or not. Dip your toes in the Pacific and collect as many shells as your heart desires, whilst enjoying all the sounds of the rainforest. Esterillos is off the beaten path meaning tourists haven’t discovered it yet - so sssh! We met some lovely Americans who own second homes in the area so if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for us!

Now, where to stay?

Alma del Pacifico Hotel & Spa - This hotel is perfectly placed within the small town of Esterillos with cute little villas overlooking the amazing gardens. The local artwork is bright and colourful and can be spotted in even the most ridiculous places throughout the hotel eg toilets. The outdoor restaurant serves incredible seafood, perfect for people watching along the beach. There are some beautiful walks in the area but surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling remain the best forms of relaxation. The hotel also has a pool, hot tub and spa.

For more information on Costa Rica, why not visit our sister company 2by2 Holidays