Perhaps it’s the sultry sunsets, the dewy seductiveness of sun-kissed skin or the uninhibited appeal of the wilderness that tickles the fancy of couples looking for a romantic getaway. There are many romantic destinations worldwide, but in Costa Rica you can fall in love again and again.
Costa Rica’s green season (summer in the U.S.) is one of the best times for couples to experience the most romantic months of the year. What makes the green season so romantic?
First, it is less crowded. There are still people visiting Costa Rica from May to November, but it is not nearly as crowded as December to April. You will be able to get dinner reservations, find an open lounge chair by the pool and avoid the crazy spring breakers who are here earlier in the year.
Second, the afternoon rains provide the perfect setting for some rain forest romance. The sunny morning hours are ideal for tours and getting that perfect tan. Then, in the afternoons you can lounge with your sweetheart in a hammock. Add a little Bob Marley music, some wine and the sound of rain in the backdrop, and you are set for afternoon delight!
Last but not least, the green season is a time when many hotels offer special spa and romance packages, designed specifically for couples. Whether planning your honeymoon, an anniversary trip or just a well-deserved getaway, Costa Rica should be at the top of your list this summer.
Now that you have a little inside scoop on what makes these summer months so hot, let’s talk hotels! I have been to hundreds of hotels, resorts and lodges in this country and I’d like to share with you my list of Costa Rica’s hottest properties for couples.
Arenal Nayara & Nayara Springs, La Fortuna: The iconic Arenal Volcano surrounded by primary rain forest is the backdrop of this must-see destination. Arenal Nayara has been named among the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and has been named the most romantic hotel in Central America as well. The property is a lover’s labyrinth of lush, vibrant gardens with intimate lounging areas scattered around the grounds. The private “casitas” are free-standing guest rooms that offer the privacy you want as a couple. The hotel offers a full-service spa and various restaurant options including international cuisine, sushi and tapas in its Nostalgia Wine Bar.
Nayara Springs is the new and even more couples-oriented section of the property. At Nayara Springs, you will enjoy your own impeccable villa with a spring-fed plunge pool just for the two of you. This section of Nayara has its own adults-only swimming pool, and the restaurant, aptly named Amor Loco, is a lovely place to wind down with live acoustic performances, sultry low lighting and succulent dishes.
If you are up for some tours during your stay, I highly recommend a steamy evening in the area’s natural hot springs, a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall and a rappelling tour.
Pacuare Lodge: Set along the roaring Pacuare River, this unique property is the perfect place to disconnect from life and reconnect with your partner. Pacuare Lodge is unique for many reasons, one of them being that there is no electricity in the guest bungalows. So, each evening while you are at dinner the staff enters and lights all the candles in and around your room. There is also a waterfall just minutes away from your private bungalow where you can take a refreshing dip each morning before breakfast.
Here I highly recommend upgrading to one of the various suites. The upgraded amenities, private plunge pool and outdoor rainfall shower are well worth the minimum cost of the upgrade. All meals are included in your stay, and the food is some of the best I’ve had in the entire country.
Villa Buena Onda: The coastal town of Playas del Coco has the perfect blend of night life and touring opportunities for couples to get out and have some fun with each other. This 7-bedroom boutique retreat is positioned on a hillside, surrounded by vibrant gardens. You will feel worlds away from the bustling markets and bars in town, though they’re only minutes away. Villa Buena Onda is an adults-only hotel and one of the most relaxing and intimate locations in Costa Rica. Its small and attentive staff will know both of you by name the very first day. The intimate atmosphere and exceed-your-expectations staff members make this property feel like a private rental where you two are the guests of honor.
Couples love Villa Buena Onda for the convenience of its gourmet inclusive meal plan. You will enjoy sumptuous dishes prepared with ingredients from the region, while avoiding the lines, crowds and buffets of a typical inclusive resort. Spend your days lounging by the infinity pool, take an afternoon canopy tour or arrange a private beaches tour with the on-site concierge. In the evenings, you and your partner can hit the town, mingle with friendly locals and dance the night away.
El Silencio Resort: If you’re looking to change things up a bit, you may consider this mountain retreat for some snuggle weather. The high elevation and cool climate make for an unexpected experience here in the tropics. The lobby and restaurant offer fireplaces and cozy blankets for the cool evenings. The property’s intimate valley location is surrounded by green mountains. There are hiking trails and several stunning waterfalls for you to visit during your time in El Silencio. This is another foodie paradise that offers a most reasonable meal plan option for your convenience (and culinary delight). And each private standing guest suite has its own private jacuzzi on the deck, with two lush robes provided to bundle up after exiting your steamy soak under the stars.
I hope I’ve enticed you to embrace Costa Rica’s most romantic season. Whether you are a young couple in the infancy of your relationship or a veteran couple with many years of marriage under your belt, Costa Rica is the perfect playground to fall for each other all over again.
Join us April 29 for a webinar — https://vacationscostarica.leadpages.net/secrets-of-honeymoons-webinar-reg — where we discuss how to plan the perfect romantic vacation in Costa Rica.
Anastasia McCulloch is sales team lead at Costa Rican Vacations, which provides customized vacations in Costa Rica. Contact her at anastasiamcculloch@goduesouth.com.
