Costa Rica Family Vacations

Where does one even start when reviewing this gem? Their reputation is well earned as one of the leading resorts/hotels in the world. First, the staff. Every person we met had one goal--to make our stay unforgettable. The Welcome Center staff, assistants, golf cart drivers, staff at the bars and restaurants, and housekeeping were all positive and approachable. Next, the grounds. Nayara is nestled in the heart of the rainforest, with lush vegetation and wildlife. It is beautifully kept, with stone paths, bridges and muted lighting that is breathtaking. Finally, the accommodations. We stayed in both a villa and a tent, and each space was beyond all expectation. Each had defined areas: A luxurious bath, with indoor and outdoor dual showers. A well appointed sleeping/living area with canopy netting over the bed. Each villa/tent had its own private hot springs plunge pool with jets for extra relaxation. The complimentary well-appointed mini-bar. In addition to all of this, there are numerous restaurants, hot springs, infinity pools with swim up bars, spas, exercise options, and gift shops. Our stay was a dream and we are so happy we made the investment to stay there. We were sad to leave, and will be back.

A boutique hotel that redeemed itself after our first impression. As we exited the car the first time to check in, there was a stench of garbage(sewage), and the pool/spa was in need of cleaning. We were concerned. The next morning (and for the rest of our stay), no smell, and the pool/spa area was cleaned daily. Because of reviews we had read, we requested a room on the second level for more privacy. We arrived right around sunset, and were given the last room on the grounds--main floor, on the main walkway with no privacy unless the blinds were drawn. We decided that we would talk to someone about it in the morning. The broken toilet seat was fixed immediately. Dinner in the ocean front restaurant was very good, with the menu having a varied selection of entrees. The next morning, Maite', the general manager, greeted us personally and moved us to a second floor room, as we had requested. She was fantastic, and checked in throughout our stay to make sure everything was OK. The wait staff in the restaurant were very personable, willing to chat and laugh with us. There is service from the restaurant on the beach, which was very nice. We used paddleboards and a jet ski that were available for rent at the front desk, and our Kuna Vela sailing excursion (highly recommend) picked us up on the beach in front of the hotel. Not a touristy area, which was a positive for us. Family friendly, nice beachfront for swimming and playing. Grounds were quiet at night. Parking was lit and secure. Many dining options in the vicinity.

We were so lucky to be the only 2 people with Grady, our guide. He was knowledgeable about everything on the farm, and made it a very personal experience. So much more than a coffee farm. There was cacao, fruits, flowers and many medicinal plants as well. Grady told us about them all. We crushed sugar cane, and sampled the juice (and fermented juice as well--yum). The brewed coffee and treats were the perfect way to end the tour.

A very beautiful and well managed experience. As someone who had never ziplined before, the staff were so professional and helpful that I didn't worry for a moment.

A wonderful place to view the nature of Costa Rica. As advertised.

A personalized ocean experience. Small group, drinks, and snacks. They were open to the group's wants (whale watching vs. snorkeling). We were able to go ashore on a beach to explore caves during our sail as well.

Great Breakfast buffet and lovely cabins, we had ones at the back of the hotel, perfect for us as they were looking out into the jungle where we saw howler monkeys and other wildlife. The free hot spring pools on the grounds were nice to relax in. The hotel also has options for activities on site and they were able to accommodate our last minute request to zipline and horse ride. The horse riding ended up being a private session and we were taken to a river and waterfalls with a very knowledge guide.

Staff were friendly and helpful. We arrived into the country late due to a delayed flight and they got us into our rooms quickly. Breakfast the next morning was a good choice for a buffet. The staff observed that I was interested in some of the fresh fruit that had not been cut up (mangos etc) so I did not select the items. However, the staff came to our table with a plate of cut up prepared mango for us along with other fruits we had never tasted.

The cabins are cute and located in the forest. We had some issues communicating with the staff over stinging insects entering the cabin from the roof. It was eventually sorted. They have greenhouses on site which apparently you can purchase salad items from. However, after hiking up to the greenhouses we could find no one to help us and it did not look like you could help yourself in anyway, certainly not any direction for guests. The hotel is in a good location and you can walk the 15 minutes to town. There is a steep hill on the walk.

The hotel is up a very steep hill! The views out over the ocean are amazing. The location is great, on the edge of the National Park and 5 minutes to the beach and 1-2 minutes walk to several restaurants. Rooms are small and basic, and the Beds were not comfortable, and the AC unit drips water on your head at night. You have to watch for the monkeys that will try and get in your room, have no food unattended outside.

Great location for exploring the city. Comfortable rooms and good breakfast. They have a restaurant on the roof too which has a nice view.

We had a private tour and the guide was engaging for all of us. He explained the chocolate making process and we got to sample some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had. The night hike to see the wildlife was fun even in the rain! We got to see the release of a baby snake.

The beaches in the park are beautiful, plenty of iguanas and monkeys.

The hanging bridges and trails make you feel you are in the canopy of the jungle. The guide was knowledgeable and pointed out things of interest. The zip lining staff were fun and engaged my teen with his little Spanish and taught him a few new phrases. I was nervous of hights and the staff put me at ease with the very easy to use system.

We enjoyed our day in San Jose and visited the national museum, which has a butterfly room and national history including indigenous history. We also visited the market, it is pretty crowded with narrow walk ways between stalls which can be overwhelming. I would not spend any more than 2 days max in the city, unless you want to see all the museums