Home to numerous national parks, this country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty will take your breath away. Here you can spot a wide variety of exotic wildlife, like monkeys, sloths and jaguars; join a zipline tour to soar through the rainforest canopy and get a bird’s eye view; or wander through a cloud forest, such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and San Gerardo de Dota. Go surfing at Tamarindo, Jaco and Playa Grande, or relax on the popular beaches of Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa and Playa Flamingo. The land’s heritage and culture can be experienced at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Museum of Costa Rica.
Liberia, Guanacaste
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
(5 stars) Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an ultra-luxury retreat on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula, offering 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including treetop tents and the exclusive 10-bedroom Villa Guayacan. Designed to blend seamlessly with its biodiverse surroundings, the resort showcases Chorotega-inspired décor, private plunge pools, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors framing breathtaking coastal views. Culinary highlights include Puna by Chef Diego Muñoz, the stylish Niri Beach Club, and the treetop cocktail bar Ámbar. Wellness seekers can rejuvenate at the 27,000-square-foot Nimbu Spa, while adventurers can explore The Outpost at Palmares Preserve, world-class surfing spots, and the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. This secluded sanctuary offers an unparalleled blend of nature, culture, and refined hospitality.