By Day 4, we’d settled beautifully into rainforest life. Slow mornings, a little adventure and some delicious meals seem to be our perfect blend of pura vida.
Pura Vida in Costa Rica
Nayara Tented Camp Resort Review – Spoiler Alert: It’s Spectacular!
Day 1: La Fortuna Arrival
Day 2: Zip Line, Unwind, Night Walk
Day 3: Resort Day at Nayara Tented Camp
Day 4: Chocolate, Waterfalls & Cocktails
Day 5: Rainforest Farewell, Rafting & Beach Arrival
Day 6: Las Catalinas Beach Day & Cooking Class
Day 7: Las Catalinas Boat Day
Day 8: Las Catalinas Beach Day
Day 9: Traveling Home
Book Costa Rica with Me
While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks – from bucket-list escapes to milestone celebrations, multi-generational adventures, and even business travel done beautifully. I’m proud to be not only a Premier Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, but also part of GSC World Travel, where I design unforgettable experiences around the globe.
Our own Costa Rican adventure begins with four nights in the Arenal area of La Fortuna. We’re calling the spectacular Nayara Tented Camp home – named the Number One Resort in Central America for four years running. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and adventure that brings the whole family back to nature, in the most indulgent way. After a day of rainforest hikes or ziplining adventures, retreat to your private tent and sink into your own mineral hot springs pool. Stretch out with a good book in the hammock, or simply relax on the balcony overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. And, yes, there’s air conditioning! It’s five-star comfort in the heart of the rainforest.
Nayara’s sister properties, Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, offer even more ways to experience the Arenal Volcano National Park in style. Nayara Gardens features intimate single-bedroom villas with private gardens, outdoor showers, and stunning volcano views. At the adults-only Nayara Springs, each villa boasts its own hot spring plunge pool for the ultimate indulgence. The properties, connected by a charming footbridge, share four unique restaurants and two dreamy open-air spas.
For booking with me:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
- $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Let’s find your perfect Costa Rica… where adventure, nature, and luxury come together in ways you’ll remember forever.
Breakfast in the Tent
Day 4 began just the way I love it – with breakfast delivered right to our tent. The rain had already started as we sipped the most divine Costa Rican coffee in our own little misty hideaway. I was already trying to not feel sad about leaving this special place!
Chocolate Tour
Our first adventure of the day kicked off when our guide picked us up right at the resort and whisked us away to a local cacao plantation. There, we spent the morning learning all about the chocolate-making process – from pod to bar. The experience was hands-on, engaging and delicious! We tasted the cacao beans fresh from their pods, where they’re wrapped in a sweet, fruity pulp, made chocolate paste in our hands from just cacao and sugar, and got to sample the “elixir of the gods” – a rich, traditional chocolate drink once reserved for ancient royalty. Our time wrapped up the best way possible – with copious spoonfuls of rich, melted chocolate, garnished any way you like. A delicious finale!
La Fortuna Waterfall
After our chocolate adventure, we enjoyed a scenic drive up a winding country road before reaching the trailhead to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Our guide came prepared with extra ponchos, waters and snacks, which were much appreciated. From the main platform, we soaked in stunning views of the lush jungle and the towering 150-foot cascade plunging through the canopy. Then came the real adventure: the hike down! It’s about 450 steps along a well-maintained but steep path. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but so worth it. (Ask me if I said that on the way back up, LOL!)
At the bottom, the roar of the waterfall was incredible. The mist and drizzle on this rainy day in the rainforest added to the mystique of this breathtaking spot. You can swim in the crystalline pool below when conditions allow, but with the strong current that day no swimming was permitted. Our wonderful guide snapped fantastic photos for us as we soaked it all in. When we made the trek back to the van, he literally wrapped us in warm, cozy towels and delivered us back to the resort. A fantastic morning indeed!
Afternoon at the Tent
By the time we made it back to our tent, we were completely exhausted. We ordered pizzas from room service, showered off the rainforest and waterfall mist, and enjoyed the kind of naps I’m convinced are only possible in the rainforest – some of us inside, some outside.
By late afternoon the rain had cleared and we were treated to perfect volcano views!
Mixology Class at Henry’s Bar
John, Honey, and I headed over to Henry’s Bar for a mixology class with the amazing José, and it turned out to be one of the true highlights of our stay. José was incredibly kind and welcoming, and he taught us so much about sustainability in cocktail making, from using local ingredients thoughtfully to crafting house-made bitters, garnishes, syrups, and cordials.
He even got both of my guys behind the bar shaking up their own cocktails for me, Madre :-) It was hands on, fun, and surprisingly fascinating. We laughed, learned new techniques, and left with a whole new appreciation for what goes into a great drink.
José’s warmth, patience, and genuine passion reminded us once again why everyone says Costa Ricans are some of the friendliest people on the planet. And we couldn’t agree more.
Mis Amores Dinner
We ended the night with a cozy dinner at Mis Amores. Generous bowls of pasta and pool views for days were the perfect end to a wonderful day!
We were off to one last sleep at this special place….
Let’s Travel and My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I’m proud to be recognized for delivering the highest level of service, expertise, and personalized care in the industry. I leverage my personal connections and firsthand knowledge to design bespoke vacations for the most discerning travelers. Travel is an investment, and I’m here to ensure you receive the very best value for your time and money. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply seeking a well-deserved escape, it’s an honor to be part of the memories you’re making.
Click on About to learn more, and Let’s Plan to get started!
