The Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica is covered in mysterious beauty. Whether you prefer to stay among the trees or down by the ocean, this destination offers endless opportunities to hike through miles of luscious forest, relax by the beach, or spend your days observing wildlife. Whenever you’re ready to head off the grid to an eco-friendly destination, check out our roundup of ten unique places to stay in Costa Rica.

You’ll feel like you’re flying at Hotel Costa Verde’s 727 Fuselage Home. Inside a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airframe, you’ll find two bedrooms outfitted in hand-carved furniture from Indonesia and 360-degree views of the ocean and gardens. There’s even a terrace outside the aircraft to get even closer to the Costa Rican jungle. 

Finca Bellavista is 600 acres of community-run land. Created by two friends with a dream that came true with the help of the people around them, this land has been salvaged as a place for travelers to enjoy what makes Costa Rica so special. Accommodations are rustic but comfortable, and community living is at the forefront of this venture. Enjoy wifi, yoga, and zipline tours and more at Finca’s basecamp community center, or simply enjoy nature from your own treehouse.

Go off the grid at this lodge designed with your relaxation in mind. La Carolina is buried among lush tropical forests with wide patios to watch the river float by, yoga and massages offered on the premises, and miles and miles of jungle to spend the day exploring on horseback or by foot. La Carolina Lodge is easily one of the most beautiful, relaxing and unique places to stay in Costa Rica.

Five egg-shaped pods have been resurrected in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle for, as Lonely Planet puts it, “brave people who like to feel as if they’re up amongst the trees.” Though they’re also near the ocean, these were designed to have a tree house vibe and make you feel immersed in the environment. There’s a shared pavilion where guests can enjoy massages, a sauna, spa, fitness room and more. 

You’ll feel totally at peace at Topo’s Tree House. Nestled high up in a rubber tree, this lodging in Cahuita is one-of-a-kind. Enjoy wildlife from one of three spacious decks, make a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, and watch parrots fly by from the outdoor shower. There’s no shortage of photo-worth opportunities up among the trees.

The only hotel in the world made entirely of shipping containers, the El Faro Beach Hotel in Manuel Antonio is one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica and beyond. Proof that a little creativity goes a long way, the rooms are modern and airy, offering sunset views that overlook the pool and ocean. El Faro has a spa onsite as well as restaurant, coffee bar, pool bar, guided tours, and 24-hour reception.

With seven luxury bungalows and two beachfront villas, Ocho Artisan Bungalows is your key to experiencing the heart of Tamarindo. The surroundings are rugged but your accommodations are comfortable, making this the perfect option for days spent laying on white sand and evenings at the pool bar. 

Sustainability and luxury go hand in hand at Igloo Beach Lodge. These dome-shaped cabins use 50% less energy to heat and cool than other typical lodgings, but the best part is that they’re situated on beautiful grounds in Manuel Antonio and just a minute’s walk from the beach. Also on the premises is a luxury beach club and Casa Planta, the resort’s restaurant and bar.

See the sea from the sky. At Cielo Lodge, an infinity pool overlooks the ocean and mountains. The resort describes itself as modern, minimalist and eco-friendly, inviting guests to comfortably coexist with nature. They offer complementary excursions like a dolphin tour, mangrove tour, waterfall hikes and more to get you as close as possible to the magic of Costa Rica.

Note that Tortuga Lodge & Gardens is only accessible by bus, boat, or small plane, but going the extra mile is worth it for this unique lodge. Located on a beautiful canal, 27 spacious guest rooms invite you to settle in and relax before heading out to see rare sea turtles, touring the gardens, or exploring the town of Tortuguero.