Arenal Nayara

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La Fortuna, Costa Rica

A small, elegant boutique hotel with perfect views of Arenal volcano from its villas New!

Reviewed by Christabelle Dilks

Arenal Nayara, Costa Rica, Overview

ARENAL NAYARA - REVIEW

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, a small stylish hotel has opened, offering guests chic design, personalised service and the most stunning views of the volcano from each of its 24 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 mustard yellow and deep saffron 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 unprecedented view: Watch Arenal Volcano in action from your bed!
The welcome: cold drinks and cooling towels on arrival
Privacy: each spacious casita (little house) feels utterly secluded
Good value: exceptionally equipped rooms, with high standards of design and at a reasonable price
Small hotel with an exclusive feel, yet very relaxed
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

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
There were some tiny teething problems at the hotel’s opening, which should by now be ironed out. Meanwhile, WiFi in the rooms 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

Print Whole Report

Name	Arenal Nayara	Location	La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal & Monteverde
Type	Boutique Hotel: 24 casitas	Country	Costa Rica
Price Guide	Dbl: US$160-235, BB	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 130km	Nearest Shops: 8km	Nearest restaurant: 3km	Beach: 115km