Destinations / Latin America / Costa Rica / Tailor-Made Costa Rica: Under a Rainforest Canopy
BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Costa Rica: Natural Refinement

Rainforest luxury unleashed

Venture into a realm where nature orchestrates its grandest performance, where rainbow-hued macaws paint the sky and mystical cloud forests cradle centuries of biodiversity. Costa Rica beckons with its profound commitment to both natural preservation and human progress, creating an environment where luxury finds expression in sustainability and where acceptance blooms as naturally as the orchids that grace its ancient trees. From the mist-shrouded peaks of Arenal to the pristine shores of the Osa Peninsula, this is a journey that marries wild beauty with refined comfort, where each sunrise brings new adventures and every sunset paints the sky in colours that defy description.

Costa Rica at a Glance

Step into a world where ‘pura vida’ isn’t just a greeting but a philosophy that embraces life in all its diverse expressions. Costa Rica stands as a beacon of progress in Central America, where marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws reflect a deep commitment to human rights alongside environmental conservation. In San José’s evolving cultural scene, LGBTQ+ owned businesses flourish in neighbourhoods like Barrio Escalante, where rainbow flags wave proudly above craft cocktail bars and art galleries showcase queer artists alongside local masters. Here, luxury finds expression in both pristine wilderness and spaces where all love stories are celebrated.

The rhythm of Costa Rican life pulses with nature’s own heartbeat, each season offering its unique enchantments. The dry season (December to April) brings Pride celebrations that paint San José in rainbow colours, while also offering perfect conditions for exploring the country’s legendary national parks. The ‘green season’ transforms the nation into an emerald paradise, when afternoon showers replenish the rainforests and communities come together to celebrate life in all its forms. Throughout the year, from LGBTQ+ friendly eco-lodges to progressive urban spaces, Costa Rica creates a sanctuary where every traveler can experience luxury on their own terms.

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Currency

Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

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Language

Spanish

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Visas

Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

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Best Time To Visit

December – April

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Timezone

Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

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Homosexual Activity

Legal

Costa Rica Credit Zdenek Machacek

10-day Travel Itinerary

This carefully curated journey weaves together Costa Rica's most compelling destinations, from the volcanic majesty of Arenal to the biodiversity haven of the Osa Peninsula. Begin in the cultural heart of San José, where colonial architecture meets contemporary art, before venturing into realms where nature crafts the most extraordinary experiences. Here, luxury finds expression not just in thread counts and tasting menus, but in moments of profound connection with some of the planet's most precious ecosystems. Each day unfolds as its own chapter in this Costa Rican narrative, where sophisticated service meets wild beauty, and where every experience is enriched by the country's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

DAY 1

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San José | First Whispers of Tropical Sophistication

Begin your Costa Rican journey at The Retreat Costa Rica, where your private transfer winds through verdant hills to this intimate wellness sanctuary in the crystal-clear heights of Atenas. Settle into your elegantly appointed suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the distant Gulf of Nicoya, before perhaps indulging in a treatment at the Vida Mía Healing Center and Spa. As sunset bathes the Central Valley in golden light, gather for an organic welcome dinner that offers your first taste of Costa Rica's commitment to pure, mindful living.

DAY 2

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Arenal | Where Volcanic Majesty Meets Forest Symphony

Journey into the realm of Arenal, where the perfect cone of Costa Rica's most iconic volcano commands attention against a canvas of ever-changing skies. Your home for the next two nights might be Nayara Springs, an adults-only sanctuary where private villas float above the rainforest canopy. Each villa opens to a private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs, offering an intimate connection to the volcanic landscape. As afternoon light filters through the foliage, join your naturalist guide for a twilight walk through Arenal Volcano National Park, where the forest comes alive with the ethereal calls of howler monkeys and the flutter of hummingbird wings.

DAY 3

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Arenal | Elevated Perspectives

Dawn breaks with a chorus of birdsong as you prepare for a day of thoughtfully curated adventures. Traverse the famous hanging bridges, where engineering marvel meets natural wonder, providing a toucan's-eye view of the rainforest canopy. After a farm-to-table lunch celebrating local flavours, surrender to the therapeutic waters of Ecotermales Fortuna. Unlike its more commercial counterparts, this family-owned hot spring preserve offers an intimate connection with nature's healing powers. As steam rises through the twilight, your private dinner is served in a lantern-lit garden grotto.

DAY 4

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Tortuguero | Caribbean Rhythms

This morning, transition from volcanic highlands to Caribbean lowlands as you wing your way to Tortuguero, Costa Rica's 'Little Amazon'. Your arrival at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens immediately sets the tone—accessible only by boat or air, this sophisticated riverside retreat epitomizes sustainable luxury. Settle into your river-view suite, where wraparound terraces invite private contemplation of the passing water taxis and occasional curious macaws.

DAY 5

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Tortuguero | Natural Theatre

Rise early to experience Tortuguero's morning performance—a symphony of bird calls and rustling palms. Your private guide leads you through a maze of waterways where three-toed sloths doze in cecropia trees and caiman bask on sunlit banks. Later, gain privileged insight into local conservation efforts at the Sea Turtle Conservancy, where you'll learn about their vital work protecting these ancient mariners. As evening approaches, kayak through silent backwaters where the only sound is your paddle greeting the water.

DAY 6

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Osa Peninsula | Gateway to Paradise

Wing your way south to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Your destination is Lapa Rios Lodge, an eco-luxury pioneer where sustainability meets sophistication. Perched between rainforest and ocean, your private bungalow offers panoramic views from a wraparound deck, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor drama. This afternoon, perhaps indulge in a tropical cocktail by the horizon pool as scarlet macaws paint the sky with their evening commute.

DAY 7

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Osa Peninsula | Wild Elegance

Let the rhythm of the rainforest guide your day. Join resident naturalists for guided wildlife encounters, where every turn might reveal a jaguar's fresh tracks or a troop of squirrel monkeys. Learn about medicinal plants on an ethnobotanical walk, or cool off beneath a pristine waterfall. As darkness falls, venture into the nocturnal realm where bioluminescent fungi create nature's own light show.

DAY 8

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Osa Peninsula | Freedom to Roam

Today offers a canvas for personal discovery. Perhaps join the lodge's sustainability tour to understand how luxury can coexist with conservation, plant a tree in the reforestation project, or simply lose yourself in the hypnotic sound of waves meeting shore at nearby Matapalo Beach. For those seeking connection with local culture, arrange a visit to a nearby community where traditional cacao farming still thrives.

DAY 9

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San José | Elevated Perspectives

Return to San José's sophisticated embrace, ascending to the InterContinental Costa Rica, where contemporary luxury meets panoramic valley views. Perched in the prestigious Escazú district, the property offers a refined final chapter to your journey. Spend your afternoon exploring the city's flourishing creative scene in Barrio Escalante, where design-forward galleries and innovative restaurants showcase Costa Rica's contemporary cultural renaissance.

DAY 10

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Departure | Carrying Paradise Home

Savour a final morning of Costa Rican tranquility before your private transfer to the airport, carrying with you memories of a land where luxury finds its truest expression in moments of natural wonder and cultural connection.

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Additional Recommended Experiences

Extend your Costa Rican sojourn with carefully curated experiences that reveal the country's diverse character. Venture to the cloud forests of Monteverde, where the sophisticated El Silencio Lodge offers encounters with quetzals and restorative forest bathing. Explore the pristine Nicoya Peninsula, where wellness-focused properties like Kasiiya Papagayo redefine barefoot luxury. Time your visit to coincide with San José Pride, when the capital celebrates diversity with particular Latin flair. For deeper cultural immersion, arrange private cooking classes with local chefs who share family recipes and cultural traditions, or join exclusive coffee cupping sessions at boutique highland fincas. Adventure seekers might choose to explore Tortuguero's waterways by private charter, followed by a champagne picnic on a secluded Caribbean beach. Throughout the year, Costa Rica offers exclusive experiences that match its natural grandeur with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as vivid as the landscapes themselves.

Costa Ballena Costa Rica

Transform Your Costa Rica Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Costa Rica journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.

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Personally crafted journey design

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Distinguished accommodations, thoughtfully selected

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Exclusive experiences and privileged access

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Expert local guides and cultural interpreters

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Private transfers with dedicated arrival service

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