Nayara Tented Camp
Tents on stilts in a replanted rainforest, each with its own hot spring pool facing Arenal
Nayara Tented Camp, on a reforested hillside facing the Arenal Volcano
Nayara Tented Camp sits on a hill above its sister hotels, Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, on the La Fortuna side of the Arenal Volcano. The land was cleared for cattle years ago and has been replanted with rainforest, and the tents stand on stilts in the canopy. It suits couples on a honeymoon and families who want something they will talk about for years, with a hot spring pool on their own terrace.
Why we choose it
- A hot spring pool on every tent. Each tent has a private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs, and some look out at the volcano. Soaking there at night, in the sound of the forest, is the reason to book it.
- Sloths in the grounds. Thousands of Cecropia trees were planted across the reforested land as a sloth sanctuary, and a naturalist guide meets you when you arrive.
- Three hotels' worth of choice. Guests can also use the restaurants, spa and pools at Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens next door.
Rooms and views
The Nayara Tent is 1,700 sq ft, with a four-poster king bed under a mosquito net, two twin daybeds, a bathtub and double showers inside and out. It takes 2 adults and 2 children.
For families, the Family Tent joins two tents around a shared outdoor living space on top of the hill, with an oversize hot springs pool. The Grand Tent, at 4,804 sq ft, has a full kitchen, a fire pit and an infinity pool looking straight at the volcano. Two private residences, Casa Paloma and Casa Dana, take up to 12 adults.
On the property
Ayla serves modern Mediterranean food with a Middle Eastern touch, in a tent looking over the infinity pool and the volcano, and Henry's Bar next door has a fireplace and a library. Down at the shared complex, La Terraza del Arenal has local musicians every night and Asia Luna runs a sushi bar. Adults can book Amor Loco at Nayara Springs.
The open-air spa works in pavilions in the forest, with treatments using local coffee, chocolate and volcanic mud. Yoga is at 8:15 a.m. daily, with bird watching each week and a frog tour twice a week.
Location and getting there
The camp is ten minutes from La Fortuna, about two and a half hours from San José airport and about three hours from Liberia. We arrange the private transfer, and the concierge can book rafting, waterfall rappelling and volcano hikes. Check-in is at 3:00 PM. Read more about the Arenal Volcano.
Hotels we book in Arenal
From our own hotel records: stars, themes and amenities. Nothing here is a price.
| Nayara Tented Camp | Nayara Springs | Nayara Gardens | Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stars | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Natural hot springs | Not listed | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Volcano setting | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boutique | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Private jacuzzi in room | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Spa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Team favourite | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | Yes |
| Check availability | See hotel | See hotel | See hotel |
Where it is
Your Costa Rican driver waits at arrivals and stops whenever you like on the way: fruit stands, a sloth in a tree, a bathroom.
If this hotel is full, we would look at
Your Costa Rica, starting in Arenal
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