Casa Rural Aroma de Campo, Rincón de la Vieja

Aroma de Campo is a homey bed-and-breakfast that offers a peaceful stay surrounded by unspoiled nature. Run by a friendly Belgian couple, the hotel features 12 rooms, half of which occupy the main hacienda, while the other half are in bungalows made from creatively repurposed shipping containers. All meals at the hotel are served at the main hacienda on a patio with views over well-maintained gardens. The location is decidedly remote, but the property is located close to several major national parks, including Rincón de la Vieja Volcano (a 15-minute drive), Santa Rosa (a 45-minute drive), and Palo Verde (a 1.5-hour drive). 

Pros

• Travelers rave about the owners, a friendly Belgian couple who go above and beyond to accommodate their guests. 
• The atmosphere is quiet; guests can enjoy the sounds of the forest.
• Meals are served at a communal table, a fun way to meet other guests.
• The hotel is a good base for excursions to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. 

Cons

• The hotel is remote and not easily accessible to modern conveniences.
• The only WiFi available is at the main house (and in common areas, not guest rooms).
• Travelers report bugs and small lizards, like geckos, in the rooms. 
• This isn't the best option for those with limited mobility. 

Authenticity

The hotel is immersed in nature and removed from technology and the modern world. The owners, a friendly Belgian couple, are always ready to make your stay more enjoyable, whether it's by recommending activities, sharing fruits and vegetables from their on-site gardens, or offering their home-brewed beer.

Location

The property is located close to several major national parks, including Rincón de la Vieja Volcano (a 15-minute drive), Santa Rosa (a 45-minute drive), and Palo Verde (a 1.5-hour drive). This tranquil retreat is also situated near the charming small town of Curubandé, just a 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk away, where you'll find a traditional Costa Rican food stand and a market.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each room is designed to be cozy and comfortable, with conveniences such as coffee/tea makers and ceiling fans. Six of the rooms are standard, located in the main hacienda, and the other six, called Superior Rooms, are in creatively repurposed shipping containers that feel more like colorful, furnished bungalows than anything industrial. These are a short walk down a hill from the main building and feature partially detached bathrooms with outdoor showers and front porches with basket chairs.

Wildlife

It's common to wake up to the birdsong in the surrounding forests. Besides the birds, lizards, and toads on the property, travelers can also expect company from the owners' resident dogs and a talkative parrot who resides in the reception area.

Amenities

Aroma de Campo offers a small, unheated outdoor pool open 24 hours a day and a stone patio surrounded by the lush rainforest. There's no spa or fitness center, and WiFi is limited. The grounds are hilly and have no accessibility features, so this hotel isn't a good option for those with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

This isn't exactly a family-friendly hotel. Though it's possible to request rollaway beds in the rooms, the accommodations here are designed mostly for two adults. The hotel gardens are a nice spot for kids to play. But typically, there aren't many children at the hotel, and the restaurant has no dedicated children's menu. 

Other Highlights

You can enjoy a delicious meal at the informal on-site restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are served on the patio of the main house at a communal table—a fun way to meet fellow guests. The owner makes the dinners from Monday to Saturday (reservation is required in advance), and the menu changes daily according to what she wants to serve. This typically includes one main dish of protein, vegetables, and salad. There's no bar on-site.