At the end of April, my two friends and I went on a girls’ trip to Costa Rica. On the first leg of the trip we went to Nayara Gardens in La Fortuna, nestled in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano. While there we were given the chance to try out treatments at the most stunning spa I have been to.

The morning after we arrived, we enjoyed the yoga class they offer every morning and a lovely breakfast overlooking the volcano, and then just a quick golf cart ride away we arrived at the spa. We were greeted by the receptionist, who gave us papers to fill out on where we wanted our therapists to focus our treatments. After we filled out our papers, we were led to the changing area, which had lockers and a stunning shower.

Nayara offers a number of treatments from massages to mud baths to immersive sound experiences in their private open-air treatment pavilions. Once we changed, our therapists led us to the outdoor lounge area where you can find refreshing beverages and fruit to enjoy before or after your treatment. They then led us to our pavilion, which was beautiful: Each had massage tables, Jacuzzis and showers to use overlooking the ravine on Nayara’s property while you drink in the sounds of the rainforest.

Being late April, the cicadas were out and almost lulled me to sleep while I enjoyed an aromatherapy massage. I highly recommend this, as the therapist uses different essential oils to activate your senses and help you relax. Afterwards I enjoyed an express facial, where the therapist washed, exfoliated and moisturized my skin. Once I wrapped up my massage, she led me back to the lounge area where I enjoyed a glass of infused water.

I was sad to leave the spa, as I could have spent the entirety of the trip there trying out the different treatments. If you are thinking of heading to Costa Rica, I highly recommend carving out some time to visit the La Fortuna region, and I would suggest Nayara Resorts to anyone looking for a relaxing and luxurious experience.

— Aly Evans, business development and events coordinator