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    12 Places To Stay In Costa Rica You Won't Believe Actually Exist

    Costa Rica has sloths, waterfalls, volcanos, and absolutely incredible resorts. BRB, going to an airport!

    1. Stay on a working farm and hike through the hillsides at Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn.

    Location: 20 minutes outside San José

    Why you need to stay here: The inn is located on a hillside with over 300 fruit trees, and a 30 acre coffee bean plantation — the inn provides guided hiking tours of the farm. There's an infinity pool and hot tub that overlook the farm, as well as a spa, and concierge service to set you up on whitewater rafting, zipline, or volcano exploration adventures.

    2. If you want to stay in a REAL TREEHOUSE, then opt for Finca Bellavista!

    Location: Privacy is very important in Finca Bellavista, so while there's no EXACT location online, it's described as being, "in the mountainous South Pacific coastal region".

    Why you need to stay here: So, for starters, you should know that Finca Bellavista is a residential treehouse community, and any treehouse you rent is owned and operated by the individual owners. That being said: You're staying in a TREEHOUSE. Childhood dreams can come true! And because folks live there year-round, you can take gardening and cooking classes, go on hikes, make art, or even sign up for a massage.

    3. If you're searching for waterfalls, then look no further than the Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall.

    Location: Less than an hour from San José

    Why you need to stay here: This place is nestled in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, which boasts 70 acres of wildlife to hike through, including natural waterfalls, rain forest, and butterfly gardens, among other things. Plus every room comes with a jacuzzi and waterfall shower, so you can rinse off and relax after that long hike.

    4. To truly embrace your surroundings, stay at the El Silencio Lodge and Spa in their 500-acre nature preserve.

    Location: In Costa Rica’s central valley, sandwiched between the Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks

    Why you need to stay here: How do you feel about staying on a private 500 acre nature preserve? How about doing yoga outside in the middle of a rainforest on a yoga deck? And taking a nice, long, jacuzzi bath afterward on your private deck? That's why. That. Is. Exactly. Why.

    5. For incredible luxury, stunning views, and beach adventures, stay at Kurà Design Villas.

    Location: Along the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

    Why you need to stay here: If you're at all a beach person, then Kurà has access to seven beaches along the coastline. And if you'd rather stay at the hotel, each room comes with a private terrace, in addition to the resort's saltwater pool and rooftop lounge.

    6. Arenal Observatory Lodge lets you sleep as close to a volcano as you can get, and hike along lava trails.

    Location: 1.7 miles from the Arenal Volcano in the Northern Plains

    Why you need to stay here: The lodge is as close to an active volcano as you can safely go, and it was founded by Smithsonian researchers in 1987. You can hike along lava flow trails, and explore the Cerro Chato Volcano, which is Arenal's younger sibling (and much less active) volcano.

    7. For absolutely incredible beach access and sloth spotting, check out Arenas Del Mar.

    Location: Near the Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

    Why you need to stay here: Location. Location. Location! Arenas Del Mar is situated next to two beaches, so you can lay out under palm trees and feel like you're on your own private island. Or hike into the national park with a guide to go ziplining, sloth spotting, and learn about the local ecology.

    8. Pacuare Lodge is in the middle of the rainforest, and you can take your meals in a sky-high treehouse!

    Location: Located along the Pacuare River, in the middle of the rainforest

    Why you need to stay here: Take advantage of the nearby Pacuare River, and go on a whitewater rafting tour, or take in the natural wildlife with a little birdwatching (there are toucans!). Bonus: You can have a special, romantic dinner in an actual treehouse/nest that's only accessible by zipline.

    9. Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort has hot springs and a spa, so you can completely relax.

    Location: The base of the Arenal volcano

    Why you need to stay here: First of all: HOT SPRINGS. Since this luxury hotel is at the base of a volcano, the hot springs are naturally occurring and optimal for swimming in. There's also an incredible spa to cater to your every whim.

    10. For yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean, stay at the Anamaya Resort.

    Location: In the northwest area of Costa Rica, in Montezuma

    Why you need to stay here: If you're looking for a healing retreat from the everyday, then Anamaya is the place. They have a yoga deck, where classes are held, that overlooks the pacific ocean and gulf of Nicoya. And they serve mostly organic meals, raw foods, and even have vegan options. Other options to treat your body here include surfing and scuba classes, as well as spiritual development seminars.

    11. Looking for surfing and a cozy beachfront bungalow? Check out Milarepa.

    Location: On the Pacific Ocean, and the Nicoya Peninsula.

    Why you need to stay here: You'll feel like you're stranded on a super-fancy desert island when you stay in one of the four private bungalows, and you may never want to leave! Surfing is definitely a huge draw here, and there's even volcanic rock reefs, but Milarepa also provides a gourmet chef service, private yoga classes, fishing excursions, waterfall and canopy tours, and massage therapy. In other words: BYE, I'LL SEE YOU THERE.

    12. For guided outdoor adventures, it's Hotel Punta Islita for the win.

    Location: Fairly secluded on the Nicoya peninsula in the Guanacaste Province.

    Why you need to stay here: This 300-acre property has enough to do, see, and explore, that you may never have to leave it. (Though you definitely should visit the adjacent artist colony town of Islita.) Canopy zip lining, and even night zip lining are big here, along with beach horseback rides, kayaking, and Costa Rican cooking classes. There's also plenty of wildlife to spot and take tours of, like howler monkeys, sea turtles, dolphins, and bird watching!