Between the Rainforest and the Beach in Costa Rica

Infinite shades of lush green; sprawling, white sand beaches; and black, volcanic wonder will bring you to life.

Costa Rica is a relatively small Central American country, both physically (smaller than West Virginia) and residentially (~5 million people). However, its unique location at the joining point of two tectonic plates gives it a natural landscape that is quite different from its much flatter neighbors. The result is a country dotted with volcanoes, teeming with wildlife, and ripe for exploration.

La Fortuna (The Rainforest)

You can't visit Costa Rica without traversing the windy roads up to La Fortuna, the area surrounding the country's most famous volcano, Arenal. Though not as active as it was a couple of decades ago, the volcano still emanates enough ambient heat underground to heat the incredible natural hot springs that flow through the mountainous area. And there is no better place to experience those hot springs than Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.

Image courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Both a five-star hotel and a hot springs hot-bed (that offers day passes!), Tabacón is the perfect place to experience Arenal and the rainforest coming together. The resort is in a rainforest, so there is some rain every day (more than "some" in the rainy season from May-November), but there's no better place to be when the drops start falling than in a 100-degree hot spring. The cold droplets sizzle on the hot water, creating a rising layer of steam that gives the jungle a mystical quality. The air is clean, the water is pure, and the jungle chatters around you as you soak your troubles away - or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment in one of Tabacón's ten private, outdoor bungalows.

When you're sufficiently prune-y, there's plenty to do outside of the hot springs, as well: nature walks, zip-lining, wildlife spotting (monkeys and toucans and sloths, oh my!), and even canyoning - also known as rappelling down a waterfall!

Santa Teresa (The Beach)

Costa Rica has several incredible beachy areas, but only one is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, which was identified as one of five Blue Zones in the world, famous for health and longevity. Santa Teresa is a small town on the southern tip of the peninsula, where surfing, yoga, and wellness reign supreme. The perfect hub for a visit to Santa Teresa is Nantipa, a beautiful, boutique, beachfront hotel spread among suites, bungalows, and villas.

Even the beaches of Costa Rica are teeming with wildlife, as the jungle meets the sand. At Nantipa, guests' private plunge pools and outdoor showers are surrounded by the jungle, with the beach just steps away. The west-facing beach means unforgettable sunsets every night, best enjoyed with a cold, tropical cocktail.

No visit to Santa Teresa is complete without surfing. Whether you're a beginner, enjoying a lesson on the calm and consistent waves of the aptly named Hermosa Beach, or an expert, carving through swells at Mal Pais (don't miss the tidepools, either!), the warm water and incredible community of locals will welcome you with open arms.

No matter what you love to do, Costa Rica has something for you. The best part: Costa Rica is in Central Time, so you don't have to contend with jet-lag! And with daily direct flights to San José from most US hubs, there's no excuse not to visit. What are you waiting for?

(San José is also a lovely, vibrant place to start or end your trip. A stay at the adorable Hotel Presidente - and a visit to its panoramic rooftop restaurant - will put the perfect bow on your trip!)