Nayara Springs: Adults-only rainforest sanctuary in Arenal with private natural thermal mineral spring plunge pools in every villa

Nestled in the lush, emerald tropical rainforest canopy directly overlooking the dramatic silhouette of Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Nayara Springs opened in December 2013 as an adults-only sanctuary of Relais & Châteaux. Holding Two Michelin Keys, the 35-villa rainforest haven is connected to its sister property Nayara Gardens via a romantic pedestrian suspension footbridge soaring 100 feet above the rainforest ravine. Thermal mineral spring plunge pools fed directly by the volcano in every villa, free-roaming sloths and toucans in the trees, open-air spa pavilions, and the Latin-fusion fine dining restaurant Amor Loco establish Nayara Springs as Costa Rica’s most celebrated romantic retreat.

Arrival introduces travelers to pure tropical rainforest elegance: personal hosts greet guests across the suspension bridge with fresh passionfruit cocktails and the peaceful sounds of chirping tree frogs and tropical birds. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating bespoke Arenal volcanic, wildlife, and rainforest pursuits: swimming in your private natural thermal spring plunge pool, taking guided sloth-spotting walks along private rainforest trails with the resident naturalist, hiking the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park (15 minutes away), canopy ziplining over rainforest waterfalls, walking the Mistico hanging bridges, white-water rafting the Balsa River, and reserving dinner at Amor Loco.

Rainforest living balances eco-adventure with sublime volcanic wellness: the open-air Spa at Nayara Springs features open-sided treatment pavilions surrounded by tropical jungle, natural thermal spring soaking pools, and therapies utilizing volcanic mud and local coffee. Dining spans refined Latin-Asian fusion fine dining at Amor Loco (with plush velvet seating and live music), Mediterranean seafood at Mis Amores, Costa Rican coffee tastings at Mi Cafecito, and craft cocktails at the Swim-Up Bar.

Accommodations comprise 35 private standalone Rainforest Springs Villas (each spanning 140 square metres). Each villa features a private heated thermal mineral plunge pool, outdoor daybed pavilion, indoor and outdoor rain showers, king four-poster beds, and lush private tropical gardens.

Romance seekers, honeymooners, and luxury eco-travelers seeking adults-only rainforest luxury, Two Michelin Keys prestige, and private volcano-fed thermal spring plunge pools in Costa Rica should book Nayara Springs without hesitation. Travelers seeking family resorts with children should look to sister property Nayara Gardens. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 3,600 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 on Google across 2,800 reviews.