Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens

An elegant boutique hotel with perfect views of Arenal volcano from its villas

The compelling Arenal volcano roars and emits great plumes of smoke by day, and oozes red hot lava by night. Resort hotels have mushroomed around its base, with unrestrained commercial kitsch. But away from the main road, this small and stylish hotel offers chic design, personalised service and the most stunning views of the volcano from each of its 50 beautiful casitas.

Paths wind through beautifully landscaped gardens filled with tropical flowers to an organically shaped pool with a swim-up bar. Interiors are Javanese inspired: elegant carved wooded furniture against sunny yellow and verdant green walls. The restaurant is open to the warm tropical breezes and bilingual staff readily leap to your every need, running you around in the golf buggy or bringing breakfast to your room. The huge, secluded casitas are perfectly equipped, with iPod docking stations and slick bathrooms. Fill the private Jacuzzi on your balcony, order cocktails and watch Arenal’s plume of smoke spiral into the sky, while birds call and cicadas chirrup all around you. Stunning.

Highs

• The view is unprecedented: watch the volcano in action from your bed!
• The welcome is lovely: expect cold drinks and cooling towels on arrival
• You'll find superb privacy; each spacious casita feels utterly secluded
• It's surprisingly good value, with exceptionally equipped rooms and high standards of design at a reasonable price
• This is a small hotel with an exclusive feel, yet very relaxed
• It's very close to the main attractions; Tabacón hot springs, the Sky Tram and the hanging bridges are all within easy reach and there’s a tour agency within the hotel

Lows

• The hotel's seclusion from the touristy La Fortuna means you’ll need to get into town if you want to eat outside the hotel’s restaurant, but staff can easily arrange this
• The WiFi can be unreliable
• This is a sophisticated place for couples; there’s no party atmosphere in the bar if you want to meet other guests