Review of Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
UPDATE: Restaurant Altamira was replaced by La Terraza, Sushi Amor by Asia Luna; you have access to the facilities of the sister properties (Springs & Tented Camp)
Luxurious, spacious bungalows with good view of volcano in lush tropical garden with helpful staff:
My husband, our teenage son and I stayed three nights at Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens. it offers a good view of the Arenal Volcano. And you can see not only the inactive side but also the active one. There are 50 free-standing bungalows in a lush tropical garden and many of them have an unobstructed vista of the volcano.
Our bungalow (Premium Suite) had a beautiful master bedroom and a separate large room for our son. It featured not only a double walk-in shower, an outdoor shower and two sinks but also a terrace with a (small) Jacuzzi. And we had a direct view of the Arenal Volcano. Furthermore, our bungalow was luxurious, well-appointed and unbelievably spacious, we loved it. To cap it all, the rates were surprisingly affordable in light of the room’s offerings.
The hotel is situated outside of town, a rental car is recommended to get to La Fortuna. Said that, it is ideally located for a trip to the National Park Volcano Arenal.
Our bungalow (Premium Suite) had a beautiful master bedroom and a separate large room for our son. It featured not only a double walk-in shower, an outdoor shower and two sinks but also a terrace with a (small) Jacuzzi. And we had a direct view of the Arenal Volcano. Furthermore, our bungalow was luxurious, well-appointed and unbelievably spacious, we loved it. To cap it all, the rates were surprisingly affordable in light of the room’s offerings.
The hotel is situated outside of town, a rental car is recommended to get to La Fortuna. Said that, it is ideally located for a trip to the National Park Volcano Arenal.
We had all our meals on site. There is the main restaurant Altamira serving dinner and breakfast. Then you also find here the new sushi restaurant Sushi Amor. The breakfast buffet offered everything the heart could wish for including an omelette bar and local fare. Fresh juices were available too. You even could help yourself to wrapped sandwiches which come handy when going on a hike, a nice touch. We twice had dinner at the Altamira. The food was good although not outstanding. On one occasion, we went to Sushi Amor where we really liked what we got. A wine bar is at your disposal too. Here you could taste a variety of wines using a dispensing system. You could help yourself either to a sip, half a glass or a glass of wine, an ingenious idea!
On site there is a swimming pool, but you cannot swim in it. Actually, it is a floating bar. But my husband and my son liked it and enjoyed their pre-dinner drink in the warm water. A spa completes the offer, which we did not use. In terms of service orientation, almost every employee was eager to please. The manager even appeared at our table when we had dinner the first day and handed over his business card, a nice touch. We also booked a trip to Rio Celeste (very recommended if you do not mind an intermediate hike) through the hotel. Although it was quite expensive, it was really worthwhile doing.
All in all, the Nayara is an excellent choice when going to Fortuna. It offers luxury accommodations in a nice environment at fair rates with direct views of the volcano.
Date of stay: April 2012
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