About this hotel
General information
Nayara Gardens is the Nayara Resorts address in the rainforest at the foot of Arenal Volcano and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Freestanding casitas and villas are scattered through tropical gardens of heliconias, bougainvilleas, palms and philodendrons; the buildings were set around old trees and turned to catch light and breeze. Two footbridges cross the canopy, paths wind past koi ponds, and even at the centre of the resort the forest, not the hotel, sets the mood.
The land was once pasture and has been handed back to the forest: thousands of native trees planted, more than 30 acres of wildlife corridors restored, and Green Globe certification earned. Sloths, capuchins, toucans and hummingbirds are seen in the wild on the grounds. The resort is openly family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages, and evenings bring live music to a terrace that faces the volcano.
Location
The resort lies in Alajuela province beside Arenal Volcano National Park, about 7 km from the town of La Fortuna. Private air-conditioned transfers from San José International Airport or Liberia International Airport take about three hours and are led by a local naturalist. Guests can also fly by private plane to the La Fortuna airstrip, 15–20 minutes' drive from the resort.
Spa
Unwind Spa is an open-air affair: each treatment pavilion overlooks a forested ravine and has its own whirlpool and outdoor shower. Beyond classic massages and facials, the menu includes scrubs and wraps made with organic coffee, volcanic mud and chocolate clay, multi-step signature rituals and couples' journeys. A relaxation room rounds things off; treatments are best booked before arrival.
Sports & leisure
Complimentary yoga is taught every morning in an open wooden pavilion with a thatched roof among the trees, and there is a well-equipped gym. The resort's naturalists lead dawn birdwatching walks and a nightly tour of the ponds to find the hundreds of frogs that live there. Beyond the grounds, guides arrange private outings:
- zip lining across the rainforest canopy and rappelling down Arenal's waterfalls
- white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí River
- hikes on Arenal Volcano, across old lava fields and over hanging bridges
- waterfalls, clear rivers and hot springs
- a river float through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- a coffee plantation visit and an organic-cacao hot chocolate tasting
For adults there is also a mixology class and a coffee-roasting session.
For children
There is no formal kids' club, but naturalists lead family walks to spot sloths and toucans, and babysitting can be booked in advance for an extra charge.
Restaurants & bars
Breakfast is included every day and in-room dining runs around the clock. The resort's restaurants and bars:
- La Terraza del Arenal — open-air family restaurant serving à la carte Latin American cooking at lunch and dinner, with volcano views, a wine list of several hundred bottles and local musicians every night
- Bar Azul — the bar at La Terraza, known for its bartenders' tropical creations
- Asia Luna — Asian-Latin fusion in an intimate room with a sushi bar and an outdoor terrace; reservations required
- Nostalgia Wine Bar — a snug bar of leather and wood pouring Latin American and European wines by the flight, with small plates at the bar or on the balcony
- Swim-Up Bar — cocktails served in the pool
- Mi Cafecito Espresso Bar — a coffee bar reached across a small bridge
Couples can also book Besame Mucho, a private romantic dinner.
Swimming
There is no beach; instead, the Termas — seven mineral hot-spring pools fed from the volcano — lie hidden in the forest. There is also an outdoor pool with volcano views and a swim-up bar, pools suited to children, and every casita and villa has its own plunge pool on the terrace.
Pets
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs.
Rooms
Guests stay in freestanding casitas and villas set in the tropical gardens, each with a private plunge pool on the terrace and an outdoor shower.
Air conditioning, eco-friendly bath products, twice-daily housekeeping, minibar, coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, safe, free international calls, mosquito nets over the bed and screened windows.
Arenal Pool Casita
A freestanding casita with a broad garden deck holding a private plunge pool, lounge bed and dining table, with Arenal Volcano as a backdrop. King or two twin beds, a daybed for a child, a desk and rain showers both indoors and outdoors; sleeps two adults and two children under 18.
Rainforest Pool Villa
An octagonal villa that draws light from every side, wrapped by a terrace with a private plunge pool, hammock and rainforest or Arenal Volcano views. King bed, sitting area and a private garden with outdoor rain showers; sleeps two adults and one child under 18.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.