ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I recently traveled to Costa Rica with two of my friends for our yearly girls’ trip, and we spent part of our stay at Nayara Gardens in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. We rented a car and made the picturesque drive from Juan Santamaría Airport in San José, about 2.5 hours.

Upon arriving at the Nayara property, which includes Nayara Tented Camp, Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens, we were directed to the Nayara Gardens entrance. Attendants welcomed us, unloaded our bags and parked our vehicle. The reception area was warm and inviting, with greenery and bright light bringing us to the front desk, where we were greeted by friendly staff and a delicious welcome drink — a cross between a mojito and a piña colada. Check- in was seamless, and we received information about the spa, tours of the rain forest and confirmation of our dinner reservations throughout our stay. Nayara offers a complimentary breakfast right behind the reception area, with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and surrounding rain forest. We were brought via golf cart to our suite, one of the newly renovated Arenal Pool Casitas.

GUEST QUARTERS: Upon opening our suite, we were greeted by billowing white curtains surrounding the bed frame and sliding doors that led to a deck with a private pool and view of the rain forest. A bottle of Champagne stood ready to help us begin the first night of our vacation. After we picked our jaws up off the floor, we explored the other side of our room, which had ample closet space, a huge shower for two, his and hers vanity, and a second private patio with an outdoor shower.

Throughout the room the décor tied into a similar energy as the reception area — light and airy with a nature vibe while maintaining the luxurious feel of the whole resort.

© Nayara Gardens

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Nayara Gardens is connected to the surrounding Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Springs, and the three seemingly operate as one resort, with golf carts ferrying guests throughout the property. Every morning the resort hosts yoga in an open-air pavilion, allowing you to hear the sounds of the animals and insects and treating you to a fresh, chilled coconut to drink from afterward. Each resort has its own spa with a number of treatments available. With each treatment, staff leads you past whirlpool tubs and mud baths to the reception and changing areas, and then your specialist leads you to your personal open-air treatment pavilion with massage tables, spa tubs and showers at your disposal. Since I was there at the end of April, I enjoyed the peaceful sounds of the cicadas in the forest around Nayara.

The resort includes a number of pools — our favorite was the Kali Kali swim-up bar, where the infinity pool looked out on a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano, and the drinks were delicious. You can enjoy dinner at a number of restaurants throughout Nayara, and our favorites were Asia Luna, an Asian-inspired restaurant; Ayla, the Mediterranean restaurant; and Nostalgia Wine Bar, where you can try a variety of wines and enjoy light bites.

Overall, the experience at Nayara Gardens was one to remember, and I will definitely be back to enjoy not only the amenities but the service, as well. I imagine this destination would make for a perfect honeymoon or couple’s trip!

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The Spa at Nayara is a must-try, with luxurious and relaxing treatments in a stunning pavilion.
• April may just be the best time to visit La Fortuna, as there is less chance of rain in the rain forest region where Nayara resides.
• Be on the lookout for wildlife. On my golf cart ride to my room, the driver pointed out mother and baby sloths in the trees!
• While you can arrange for transportation from the airport with the hotel, Costa Rica features some of the most scenic driving (just be prepared for winding roads).

NAYARA GARDENS
702 Road 21007
Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
tel 844 865 2002