Tortuguero to Nosara: A Luxury Beach Holiday in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country bubbling over with diversity, allowing you to traverse through the densest rainforest one day, and relax on white sandy beaches the next. We want to unearth the untouched side to Costa Rica, so for ten nights immerse yourself in the lush forests, tame the waves on empty beaches, and allow your senses to be beguiled by this Central American gem.

Start your Stay in San Jose

On touch down in San Jose, you’ll be whisked off to an urban oasis in the heart of Costa Rica’s vibrant capital. Converted from an old colonial Victorian mansion, the Hotel Grano de Oro provides a relaxing retreat to rest up after your flight, or set out and explore the sights and sounds of the city. Spend your time in San Jose acquainting yourself with Costa Rica’s melting pot of cultures, from visiting the National Theatre, home to historical paintings from colonial days, to the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum. After an early start, you’ll begin your journey to Tortuguero, crossing through the continental divide that runs through the beautiful Carrillo National Park. Reaching Caño Blanco Dock, climb aboard a boat that will skim you across the ocean towards the Tortuguero town and sandbar.

Back on dry land, you’re welcomed by lush tropical gardens at the Manatus Hotel, a tranquil place where you can relax surrounded by nature. For the next few days explore the local town of Tortuguero and take in all the local flavours and fascinating heritage that’s a cocktail of Hispanic, Miskito Indians from Nicaragua and Afro-Caribbean cultures. Take a tour floating down serpentine canals or hike through the coastal rainforest, keeping your eyes peeled for caimans, sloths, toucans, turtles and monkeys.

Land of turtles

As Tortuguero is translated as ‘region of turtles’, it’s no surprise that this little patch of paradise is a turtle watching haven. The piece de resistance if you ask us is watching Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks turtles nesting at night (from July to October) at Tortuguero Beach. ‘Ooh’ and ‘aah’ as you watch the majestic creatures crawl up the beach to lay their eggs in the sand – you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a David Attenborough documentary. For the rest of your time in Tortuguero enjoy the untouched beaches and forests at your leisure, flopping on the golden sands or taking to the crystal waters for a dip.

Into the wild

Once you feel totally immersed in the Costa Rican wildlife, it’s time to jet off south to the Osa Peninsula on the country’s Pacific Coast. Once you touch down in Sierpe Town you’ll take a boat ride weaving its way through the mangroves, before heading out into the vast blue ocean to Casa Corcovado, your eco-haven for the next few nights. One of the isolated parks in the country, the untamed Osa Peninsula is home to the largest and only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world. The next few days are a hiker’s dream, where you’ll be guided through lush rainforest, where around every corner you’ll be met by hidden beaches and lagoons. As you head deeper into 41,000 hectares of virgin jungle you’ll settle down for a picnic lunch by a cascading waterfall, where you can take a cooling dip to escape the heat. Tomorrow, visit Caño Island Biological Reserve, where your guide will let you in on the best snorkelling spots around the island and you can observe dolphins and whales as they surface from the depths.

Eco-chic

After a few days in the secluded forest, it’s time to emerge and head north in search of surf, sun, and relaxation. You’ll hole up at the Punta Islita where eco-luxury is fused with spectacular ocean views, a distinctive architectural style and a warm, friendly ambience. Enjoy your days lounging on sun-bleached bays, kayaking through shallow waters, and connecting with Maya and Aztec traditions in a healing cacao ceremony – encompassing meditation, breath work, and an ice bath to close. We’ve never felt calmer.

Perfect harmony

For the last few days of your trip, it’s time for a little change of scenery, as you head over to Guiones Beach in Nosara. The aptly named Hotel Harmony is the ideal place to finish off your secluded Costa Rican adventure. This coastal utopia offers up prime surfing on vast stretches of sand. We recommend the daily yoga classes, where you can calm the mind and revitalize the body, just what the doctor ordered before heading home. After two days of bliss and one last night in tropical paradise at the Xandari hotel, it’s time to bid farewell and return home refreshed and suitably sun-kissed.