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.
Read This Next
Trendy Delano Miami Beach Hotel Reopens This Year
Daily
Feb 13, 2025
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox
On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
eFlyer Reviews
Feb 12, 2025La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin Review
I recently visited La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, located on Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Although most of the resort is on the French side of St. Martin, a very small piece sits on the Dutch side, Sint-Maarten, making it possible to walk from France to Holland, and back again, by taking two steps. Of course, since most of the resort’s guests speak English, everyone working at the resort speaks English as well.
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025JW Marriott Expands in Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
JW Marriott just unveiled its second resort in the Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located in Kaafu atoll’s largest lagoon (just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport), this new and luxurious retreat spans 80 private pool villas, include 47 overwater pool villas.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025Air France Launches New Direct Flights Between Los Angeles and Nice, France
To celebrate Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Air France launches new direct flights between Hollywood and the French Riviera. A longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France once again restarts special flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Nice (NCE).
New SIRO Hotel to Open in Tokyo in 2029
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025February 2025
Feb 10, 2025Beaches, Parks and Family Attractions Make San Diego a Perennial Favorite
Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels to me like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.
Sponsored Content
A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO
Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor
Slideshow
Feb 10, 20258 Stained-Glass Windows to Put on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows with us.
ShareThis