Our second day in Costa Rica was the perfect blend of adventure and pure relaxation – exactly what we came for.
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.
Room Service Breakfast
Being the early bird I am, and with the two-hour time change working in my favor, I was up with the sun. (Fun fact: did you know that because Costa Rica is so close to the equator, it gets about 12 hours of daylight every day of the year?) I slipped out to our mineral hot springs pool with my espresso in hand and watched the rainforest wake up around me. This is the pura vida.
With an early morning call time and a full day of adventure ahead, we eased into the day with a hearty in-room breakfast. Because really… is it even vacation if you don’t order room service? And the best part? When you book with me, it’s included!
We placed our orders the night before and woke up to the most luxurious spread waiting for us right on the deck of our jungle tent. There’s just something that hits different about French press coffee and avo toast while you’re perched in the rainforest canopy.
Zip Lining
Next, we were off to one of the most thrilling adventures of our trip: ziplining! After a scenic tram ride up the mountain (with the most amazing aerial views), we stopped for photos at the famous Hand of Arenal sculpture overlooking the lake.
Then it was time to gear up and fly! We soared along seven ziplines, some stretching over 2,400 feet and reaching heights of 200 meters! It was a solid couple of hours of adrenaline rush paired with views we’ll never forget. All smiles all around! When you book Costa Rica with me, it is a destination where I plan a full itinerary, including hotels, dinners and excursions. (Dominican Republic, too)
He doesn’t know it yet, but they aren’t sure mom will make it across this one on her own. Since he weighs less than the other two men of the family, mama’s gonna be riding on his back. LOLOL. SO. MANY. LAUGHS.
Afterwards, we wound down with well-earned margaritas at the café perched high above Arenal Lake.
Afternoon at Nayara Resort
Once back at the resort, we headed straight to Ayla for a delicious poolside lunch.
We spent the rest of the afternoon the best way possible: stretched out in the hammock, dipping into our mineral hot springs pool, and simply soaking it all in.
Night Walk
To wrap up our day, Honey, Whit, and I set out for a private night walk guided by one of Nayara’s naturalists, while John stayed back to tackle some calculus homework and a physics test (travel life for a college student!). Just moment after meeting our guide and driver, we were pulled off of the road with a scope learning about a very active male sloth! A memorable moment we never would have had left to our own devices.
As the sun set, the rainforest came alive. Armed with flashlights and not straying far from our guide, we stepped into the magical realm of Arenal Oasis after dark. Walking along dimly lit paths, we listened to the calls of nocturnal creatures and learned about the fragile ecosystem that comes alive at night. We began the tour with no expectations, and ended it in absolute awe. Our guide was so friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and had the keenest eye imaginable. Most of the rainforest residents we encountered with so tiny I never would have seen them on my own. spotted five species of frogs, learning about each one. We even saw a tadpole emerging from the pond for likely the very first time – tail in tact!
We encountered a jungle crab, learned about spiders spinning and then eating their webs, saw a spider at work that reacted to our voices, traced bullet ants, counted grasshoppers, saw countless glass wing butterflies, millipedes, an eyelash pit viper and… ugh…. even a roach (yes, I nearly died… the pit viper had nothing on it).
We were lucky enough to end the trek watching another active sloth high up in the jungle canopy!
I always say get the guide – it has never once disappointed us, and this night was pure magic.
La Terazza
We wrapped up our day with a family dinner at La Terraza, Nayara’s open-air restaurant serving delicious à la carte Latin American dishes. Everything hit the spot – tacos, tableside guacamole, and more.
As we made our way back to our tent, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this little slice of rainforest paradise. Goodnight from Costa Rica.
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.
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