When it comes to boutique hotels, Costa Rica sets the bar high. The country’s independent properties range from intimate beachfront glamping to mountaintop eco-lodges. Some lean into sleek, modern design, while others capture the essence of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, surrounded by lush jungle or tucked away in remote settings.
Yet the appeal of these hotels extends far beyond their spectacular settings and design. Each property crafts immersive local experiences—from coffee farm tours steps from your door to private wildlife walks guided by resident naturalists. Many properties also lead Costa Rica’s ecotourism movement, implementing innovative sustainability practices like solar-powered facilities and zero-waste dining programs.
Costa Rica is home to hundreds of boutique hotels, but after planning thousands of vacations, we’ve narrowed it down to 14 intimate properties—each with fewer than 25 rooms, where pristine wilderness meets effortless sophistication. Let’s dive in.
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What is a boutique hotel?
Many travelers planning a trip to Costa Rica think of boutique hotels as bed-and-breakfasts, but there’s more to it. Boutique hotels are small, independent properties—typically with fewer than 100 rooms—that focus on offering a unique, personalized experience. While bed-and-breakfasts can fall under this category, what sets boutique hotels apart is their distinct design, character, and attention to detail.
Unlike large hotel chains or all-inclusive resorts, where the experience can feel generic, boutique hotels offer something more intimate. There’s no navigating crowds at check-in or long, bleak hallways; every element is carefully curated to reflect the hotel’s personality, making your stay feel personal and special. Now, let’s explore our top picks for the best boutique hotels in Costa Rica.
1. Azul Hotel & Retreat
Just north of Nosara, the newly opened Azul Hotel & Retreat blends modern design with Costa Rica’s wild Pacific coast. Its 23 rooms offer a serene base for exploring some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, from the white sands of San Juanillo to Nosara’s legendary surf breaks at Playa Guiones.
The hotel’s prime location puts nature’s most dramatic shows within reach—witness thousands of sea turtles nesting at nearby Ostional Beach or spot howler monkeys in the surrounding forest. Whether you’re catching waves at Marbella, ziplining through the canopy, or horseback riding along pristine coastline, Azul serves as an elegant launching pad for coastal adventures.
2. Isla Chiquita
Accessible only by boat, Isla Chiquita is a hidden gem off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast where 18 luxury tents perch between jungle and sea. Each tented suite offers plush bedding, open-air showers, and panoramic ocean views, striking an elegant balance between comfort and adventure.
At night, the waters around the island come alive with bioluminescence—a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that turns the ocean into a glowing spectacle. Days here unfold at your pace: kayak through mangroves, try your hand at fishing, or simply unwind on the beach before savoring fresh-caught seafood at the island’s restaurant.
3. Rafiki Safari Lodge
In the southern jungles of Costa Rica, Rafiki Safari Lodge features a safari-inspired stay with 14 spacious tents, each with private decks that immerse you in the surrounding rainforest. This secluded retreat provides endless ways to enjoy the wild beauty of Costa Rica.
Adventurers can dive into whitewater rafting on the Savegre River, explore jungle trails on horseback, or hike to nearby waterfalls. For nature lovers, the lodge is also a haven for world-class birding. If relaxation is more your speed, take a ride down the lodge’s water slide, unwind in the solar-powered hot tub, or indulge in a massage.
4. Finca Rosa Blanca
Perched in the mountains outside San José, Finca Rosa Blanca transforms a working coffee farm into an immersive cultural retreat. The property’s 14 suites are architectural works of art, each offering sweeping views across the organic coffee plantations to the Central Valley below.
Here, mornings begin with just-roasted coffee from beans harvested steps from your door. The property shines brightest at its acclaimed restaurant, El Tigre Vestido, where the seven-course chef’s table celebrates Costa Rica’s culinary heritage through hyper-local ingredients. Between coffee cupping sessions and cooking classes, guests drift between the infinity pool and gardens, finding quiet moments that capture the essence of mountain life in Costa Rica.
5. Aguila de Osa
Hidden amidst jungle-covered hillsides overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay, Aguila de Osa is an exquisite rainforest and marine adventure hotel on the edge of the Osa Peninsula. This 13-room eco-lodge is an intimate retreat in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions.
Guests can explore the surrounding rainforest with guided hikes, snorkel or dive at nearby Cano Island, or embark on birdwatching tours that showcase the area’s vibrant wildlife. Aguila de Osa is committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring that every experience minimizes environmental impact. After a day of adventure, relax on the open-air terraces, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
6. Poás Volcano Lodge
Situated in rolling pastures with dreamy views of Poás Volcano and the northern Caribbean Plains, Poás Volcano Lodge is an intimate mountain retreat featuring 12 charming rooms. Surrounded by cloud forest, it’s an ideal escape for those looking to explore the nearby volcano and enjoy the cooler mountain air.
The lodge’s rustic yet refined design includes cozy fireplaces, wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lush landscape. Guests can explore hiking trails through the cloud forest, go birdwatching, or visit Poás Volcano National Park. For relaxation, the lodge has a game room, library, and spa, creating plenty of spaces to unwind after a day of adventure.
7. Copa de Arbol
Tucked between the rainforest and the ocean on the Osa Peninsula, Copa de Arbol is a 10-cabin eco-luxury retreat that boasts air conditioning and a pool—rare finds in this remote, tropical region and very much appreciated in the heat and humidity!
Copa de Arbol delivers barefoot luxury with exceptional service and knowledgeable guides who bring the natural surroundings to life. Guests can snorkel at nearby Cano Island, explore Corcovado National Park, or take part in guided wildlife tours. When you’re not adventuring, enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals in the open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean.
8. Amaka Ocean Living Lodge
Amaka Ocean Living Lodge caters to fishermen, yachters, surfers, and eco-tourists, offering one of the few high-quality accommodations right in Golfito—not in a nearby national park. It’s the perfect base for those heading out on a liveaboard to Cocos Island, with more departures now originating from this location.
With 10 sleek, modern rooms, a Latin American restaurant, and a beachfront bar, Amaka is the perfect place to relax before your next adventure—whether you’re here to explore Golfito or preparing for a liveaboard trip.
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9. Suitree Experience Hotel
20 minutes from Playas del Coco, Suitree Experience Hotel delivers an elevated stay—literally. These eight spacious, 100 m² suites are built within the branches of tall trees, providing a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest. With private outdoor showers and thoughtful touches like a mini-bar and 24-hour room service, every detail brings you closer to nature while maintaining luxury.
Designed with privacy and seclusion in mind, each suite feels like a retreat within the forest—without needing to venture far inland.
10. Santa Juana Lodge
Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Lodge & Nature Reserve is 60 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, providing cozy and thoughtfully designed accommodations with sparkling views of the Pacific coastline. With eight rooms, this eco-lodge boasts an authentic rural experience that immerses you in the beauty of Costa Rica’s countryside. Explore nearby waterfalls, hike through lush trails, or simply relax in a hammock while taking in the stunning vistas.
11. Kura Design Villas
Perched high above Uvita, Kura Design Villas is an intimate hideaway that exudes sexy charm, with eight beautifully designed suites. Each spacious suite offers contemporary decor and jaw-dropping views of the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Some even come with private plunge pools, making it a top pick for a romantic getaway.
The magic continues at the open-air restaurant by the infinity pool, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and fresh, delicious meals as the sun sets. It’s a dining experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. With complimentary shuttles to the beach and a staff that goes above and beyond, Kura combines romance, nature, and sustainability for a getaway you’ll never forget.
12. Origins Lodge
Origins Lodge stands alone in Costa Rica. This seven-room boutique retreat combines high-end service with a deep respect for the region’s natural beauty and culture. Unwind in the amazing jacuzzi heated by a cozy fireplace, all while soaking in views that stretch all the way to Nicaragua.
Dining at Origins is an experience in itself, featuring some of the best cuisine in Costa Rica crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal or simply enjoying the tranquility of your surroundings, Origins Lodge promises a unique and unforgettable escape into the heart of nature.
13. Villas Alturas
At Villas Alturas, you’ll find tranquil ocean view villas, each tastefully designed with fully equipped kitchens, modern amenities, and cozy living spaces. This seven-room boutique hotel creates a warm and personalized atmosphere where you can unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Located right next to the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s easy to explore this conservation haven, home to rescued wildlife. Whether you’re spotting native species or learning about vital conservation work, the sanctuary is a must-visit when visiting southern Costa Rica.
14. Chirra Glamping
Chirra Glamping offers a truly Instagram-worthy escape in the stunning cloud forest of Monteverde. With just five luxurious tents, this eco-friendly retreat effortlessly blends comfort with nature, making it the perfect place to unwind or explore. But our favorite reason to stay here? The San Lucas Dining Experience—a seven-course meal served high up in the treetops. Each course is inspired by a different province of Costa Rica, offering a delicious culinary journey through the country’s unique flavors.
Ready to travel to Costa Rica? Book your trip with Dive the Americas and enjoy VIP hotel perks and upgrades at no extra cost.
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