Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens, villas in the rainforest by the volcano

Nayara Gardens, the hotel we used to list as Arenal Nayara Spa & Gardens, sits in tropical rainforest close to the Arenal Volcano. Villas are set among thick gardens, each looking toward the cone, with a spa and a restaurant a short walk along the paths. It is one of our team's favourites at Arenal, for couples above all, and for families who want comfort close to nature.

Why we choose it

• A jacuzzi facing the volcano. The villas have a private jacuzzi and a balcony looking at Arenal, the classic honeymoon view.
• Gardens you live inside. The villas are tucked into the planting, so birds and flowers are right outside your door.
• Good food and a full spa. The restaurant cooks with care, and the spa has a full menu of treatments for a slow afternoon.

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Rooms and views

Choose between the Rainforest Villa and the Casita Deluxe. The villas are built for privacy, with a balcony facing the volcano, a private jacuzzi, and a TV, DVD player, phone and safe for the evenings in. The Rainforest Pool Villa adds its own pool.

Children are welcome at the hotel, but the Rainforest Pool Villa takes at most one child, so families of four should ask us which villa fits.

On the property

The main pool has jacuzzis beside it and a bar for a drink before dinner. The spa is the other heart of the hotel, with massages and treatments in a calm, green setting, and there is yoga for anyone who wants to start the day slowly. The pools are fed by local mineral springs.

Dinner at the restaurant is the evening's event, and the gardens are lovely to walk through at dusk.

Location and getting there

The hotel is close to the Arenal Volcano National Park, so hikes, zip lines and horseback rides are easy to arrange, and La Fortuna is a short drive. Liberia and San José are each about 3 hours away by road, and we arrange the driver. Read more about Arenal Volcano.

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