Indagare Matchmaker: Costa Rica

Costa Rica

has been a go-to vacation destination for U.S residents for decades thanks to easy flights and an abundance of available activities. While the country attracts many tourists, there is a great range of resorts and regions. Whether you seek simple rest and relaxation, adventure or to learn about eco-friendly initiatives, the following properties offer plentiful options.

For a Pampering Getaway: Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo

An equally wonderful place for couples or families, this Four Seasons is perfect for travelers looking for a mixture of adventure and relaxation with five-star service, excellent food and luxurious surroundings.

• Best For: A long weekend escape or hassle-free family vacation.
• Room to Book: The treetop suites nestled in the jungle for couples, or Casa del Mar villa, a sprawling five-bedroom hideaway.
• Top Activities: Tennis, golf, a day trip to Tamarindo to surf, the community service initiatives
• Keep in Mind: While there are plenty of local influences throughout the resort, this property is grand, sophisticated and polished. If you prefer small, boutique and rustic, the Four Seasons is not for you.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.

For a Relaxed Beachfront Escape: Andaz

Located on Peninsula Papagayo, the Andaz Costa Rica offers contemporary accommodations, multiple pools and restaurants and a spectacular beach at a lower price point then the neighboring Four Seasons. 

• Best For: The Andaz is a wonderful place for families as it has a Kids’ Club, lots of activities and a family pool, but couples will also be happy here.
• Room to Book: The Andaz Large Suite offers a private plunge pool and spacious terrace with views of the jungle.
• Top Activities: Golf and tennis, water sports and spending time at the casual beach club, which is complete with a bar and small restaurant, located a 15-minute drive from the property.
• Keep in Mind: The service, while warm and welcoming, can be slow especially in the high season.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.

For the Ultimate Adventure: Pacuare Lodge

A pioneering Eco resort since it opened in 1993, Pacuare is set in the middle of nowhere, and that is its best attribute; the riverside hideaway is ideal for adventurists looking to unplug and enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning topography.

• Best For: Thrill seekers or father-son duos looking to bond in the wilderness; they will be endlessly entertained and awed by the remote lodge.
• Room to Book: Jaguar villa for families or the Linda Vista suite for couples
• Top Activities: White-water rafting, zip-lining, sustainability tour, dining at the treetop Nest.
• Keep in Mind: Pacuare forces guests to get their hands dirty; if the idea of rafting or taking a man-powered gondola across a river into the resort (the two main modes of entry) gives you anxiety, this is not the right property for you.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.

For the Nature Enthusiast: Lapa Rios

This sustainable beachfront lodge, set on more than 1,000 acres of protected land that is also home to Pumas and Jaguars, attracts wildlife lovers looking to engage with the environment and local culture.

• Best For: Those who want to completely disconnect from the modern world, and in doing so, reconnect with nature, wildlife and oneself.
• Room to Book: All the rooms have the same layout, but booking a villa close to the main house is preferable, as the hilly property has a lot of stairs, which can be strenuous.
• Top Activities: Naturalist-led walks, soccer with local children at the Carbonera School, surfing, bird watching, Spanish lessons.
• Keep in Mind: Lapa Rios considers its environmental footprint before all else, so guests will have to go without luxurious extras like air conditioning, televisions, Internet and even cell service for the duration of their stay.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.

For Romantics and Spa Lovers: Nayara Springs

Set at the base of the Arenal Volcano, this secluded, adults-only lodge offers quiet, natural surroundings and excellent service.

• Best For: It’s doesn’t offer over-the-top luxury like the Four Seasons, but Nayara is pampering while still offering a magical experience for those looking to embrace their surroundings and the local culture. It is a great option for couples seeking a boutique experience, alone time and a great spa.
• Room to Book: All of the 16 villas have the same layout.
• Top Activities: The spa (which boasts open-air treatment rooms), volcano tours, yoga lessons, mornings spent enjoying room service breakfast on one’s terrace, unwinding in the natural mineral hot springs
• Keep in Mind: Guests at Nayara have to pass through the Nayara Spa & Gardens Hotel (which accepts children) to reach the more exclusive property. While it is a good option for families, it is not as nice as the Springs hotel.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.

For Contemporary Couples: Kurà Design Villas

This Bali-esque collection of six contemporary, eco-friendly villas is geared towards interior design lovers who want sleek décor and breathtaking views from the infinity pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

• Best For: Honeymooners who want isolation as well as couples who want luxurious accommodations on a smaller scale than the Four Seasons.
• Room to Book: The top-floor suite villas, which have the best views
• Top Activities: Snorkeling at Isla del Cano, surfing, hiking, day trip to Corcovado National Park
• Keep in Mind: The villas only have one bedroom each, so families with older children would not be able to fit under one roof.
• Read Indagare’s full review of the property.