Costa Rica, paradoxically, is a mostly unspoiled paradise where travelers can spoil themselves in environments epitomizing what it means to be “down to earth.” As the better resorts successfully balance the country’s natural assets (rain forests, wildlife and clean beaches), cultural attributes and wellspring of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise Costa Rica tops many high-profile, best-of destination lists for 2024. With that in mind, three independently owned resorts promise to expand the scope of what makes this little country so big on adventure and well-being.

© Tabacón Thermal Resort & Springs

Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa, La Fortuna

Tabacón was the first hotel in Costa Rica to simultaneously achieve Elite Level Certification for Sustainable Tourism in the categories of Lodging, Gastronomy and Hot Springs & Spa by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. And with that, a guest cannot be more in tune with nature when the backdrop consists of Arenal Volcano and more than 900 acres of a pristine rain forest reserve. The 105-room property is a blissful retreat outfitted with the largest network of naturally flowing thermal hot springs and cascading waterfalls and river pools. It also provides guests peace of mind as it has set the standard for sustainability tourism in the region for more than three decades. Tabacón has also taken on such practices as environmental species tagging, use of all organic and biodegradable products, integral water management program, reforestation efforts, energy-saving technology and a “plant-a-tree” program. It continues to do so with its Spa at Tabacón, offering nourishing treatments administered with local, female-owned products.

© Hotel Nantipa

Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula

Years before wellness became a bona fide travel category, the population of the Nicoya region cultivated a lifestyle that made it one of only five blue zones in the world. Nantipa (“blue” in the regional Chorotegan language) puts its way of life into a luxury beachfront context, with 29 luxury bungalows, suites and villas sprinkled across 5.7 acres. The exclusive beachfront location offers guests the luxury of relaxing, unplugging and adopting better lifestyle habits in the lap of nature. Personalized service at the property enhances the results, and the recently launched Blue Wellness Experience seamlessly ties Nantipa hospitality with local pillars of social connectedness, community, time in nature, active days, fulfilling encounters and nutritious meals crafted with local Nicoyan superfoods.

© Río Perdido

Río Perdido, Guanacaste Province, Western Costa Rica

This resort, nestled into a 1,500-acre nature reserve, is noted for its ongoing reforestation efforts to ensure this oasis is accessible to visitors in the most sustainable way possible and its respect for the heritage of indigenous civilizations maintained. This allows guests to fully experience one of the rarest ecosystems in the world, with its jungle terrain, volcanic springs and a rare dwarf forest. On-property activities, including hiking, mountain biking, yoga, wildlife spotting, zip line canyon adventures and white-water tubing, take full advantage of the unique scenery, as do off-property activities such as white-water rafting on Tenorio River within Palo Verde National Park. West Bungalows, luxury treehouses made with sustainably sourced materials and biophilic design principles, open this year and expand upon what this boutique wellness retreat has to offer.