Nayara Springs- San Carlos, Costa Rica

Tucked in under the dense canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, Nayara Springs is practically perfect. An adults only enclave, with a magnificent spa, it is the quintessential relaxing resort.

Carved out of reclaimed farmland, Nayara Springs inserts you into the rainforest. Each villa is surrounded by dense foliage, with its own mineral fed plunge pool- providing an individual oasis, teeming with native wildlife including tree frogs, sloths and Howler monkeys. The rooms themselves are open and airy, with soaring ceilings, teak floors, and outdoor showers.

The spectacular spa operates under the same principal, with open air treatment pavilions. Here, there is no need for the traditional instrumental background music-gentle rain and tropical birds provide your spa soundtrack. You will probably fall asleep, and you will definitely wake up relaxed. It was by far the best spa experience of my life.

Across a grand gorge, located deep in the forest, Nayara’s hot springs are discretely hidden away. The largest includes a thatched bar, but the other springs retain an air of seclusion. The upper area is also home to the compound’s newest section of tented camp rooms, which mostly cater to families, so expect some children splashing around.

Honestly, everything here is amazing. The service, staff and dining are all excellent, as are the resort amenities (it is a Relais & Chateaux property). Trumping it all however is your proximity to the riches of the rainforest, the magnificent variety of flowers, insects, animals and birds that you probably traveled to Costa Rica to encounter. Access here is unparalleled, making for an unforgettable experience.