Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• You'll be surrounded by nature at this secluded resort, with 120 acres (48 ha) of protected rainforest and extensive walking trails on your doorstep. 
• Room options range from doubles to large, multi-room villas, all with private terraces and a fusion of Costa Rican and Balinese-style decor.
• Amenities include multiple pools, a Balinese-inspired spa, and an open-air restaurant. 
• The property features some of the best views of Arenal Volcano in the area.
• Families will enjoy the many kid-friendly touches, including a separate pool, a maze, and a children's spa menu.

Cons

• The location isn't ideal if you're looking for convenience; it's a solid 30-minute drive to downtown La Fortuna's shops and restaurants.
• Past guests have found smaller rooms on the dark side with limited lighting— opt for the second-story rooms or larger suites for more natural light and better views.
• The grounds are extensive and hilly, though there are golf cart shuttles available to help you get around with luggage. 

Authenticity

Lost Iguana Resort & Spa feels like part of the rainforest, with its collection of Balinese-inspired wooden and thatched-roof buildings tucked among 120 acres (48 ha) of protected land. It's a trek from the nearest town, but you'll trade convenience for a secluded experience surrounded by nature. Extensive walking trails offer prime bird-watching and wildlife-spotting opportunities, and guests are given flashlights after dark to navigate the sometimes long walks between the restaurant, pool, and spa areas and their rooms. 

Location

The resort's location is more remote than most in the area, and it's a solid 30-minute drive from the amenities of La Fortuna (on sometimes rough and narrow roads). The drive into Arenal Volcano National Park to reach the start of the lava trail network takes just 10 minutes, and getting to Fortuna Waterfall on the other side of the volcano takes about 30 minutes, passing two popular hot springs along the way. The popular Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges are within walking distance or a few minutes drive north, and there's access to plenty of outdoor and adventure activities in the surrounding area. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 40+ air-conditioned accommodations range from Standard Deluxe options with two double beds to Superior Villas that sleep six in multiple bedrooms. All include private terraces or balconies, most with clear volcano views, and interiors feature local hardwoods and high paneled ceilings. The decor continues the resort's fusion of Balinese and Costa Rican styles, with bamboo accents and nature-inspired artwork. Bathrooms are modern and well-equipped, most with rain-style showers. Book the Deluxe Suites for a balcony with a Jacuzzi, or opt for the Suite Deluxe for an outdoor volcanic rock shower. 

Amenities

Winding trails and pathways lead to the property's central area, with a pair of heated and cold water pools, a poolside bar, and lots of inviting seating surrounded by dense rainforest foliage. The nearby spa is a highlight, set in a two-story Balinese-style building and offering luxurious treatments using local products like chocolate and volcanic mud.  The open-air Blue Hibiscus restaurant serves international and Costa Rican fare for lunch and dinner under vaulted wooden ceilings, as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes lots of egg dishes and fresh fruit juices each morning. 

Family-Friendliness

Lost Iguana welcomes children, and the many suite and villa options provide plenty of room for larger families. There's a separate kids' pool area, and the spa offers a fun menu of kid-focused treatments like strawberry foot massages and colorful pedicures. The on-site walking trails and maze are a hit with adventurous little ones, though the distance between rooms and amenities, and the resort's more remote location might not be the best choice for families prioritizing convenience.

Wildlife

The 120 acres (48 ha) of protected grounds offer plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, and there are miles of well-maintained trails and walkways to hike without ever leaving the property. You might spot howler and spider monkeys, coatimundis, and possibly even a sloth during your stay, as well as colorful avians like toucans and macaws. The resort offers guided walks at night to glimpse more nocturnal residents of the rainforest, like tree frogs and snakes.

Accessibility

There are accessible rooms available on the ground floors, but the extensive walkways and longer distances between rooms, villas, and the central restaurant and pool area mean the resort isn't ideal for travelers with limited mobility.