The Occidental El Tucano and Spa
The Occidental El Tucano is 60 miles north of the capital and the international airport, San Jose. The 87-room lodging is in a private forest reserve. Tourists can find tranquility while enjoying the resort's swimming pool and natural surroundings. Visitors can head off onto the hiking trails and create their own private adventure. The hot springs spa is a favorite among guests, providing views of exotic birds in the trees above.
Each room is equipped with a mini-fridge, TV, private balcony and seating area. A breakfast buffet is included in the rate. There are two restaurants. El Tucano serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Las Thermas is a snack bar.
While the resort caters to couples and families, business travelers are welcome and can chose from four meeting rooms that accommodate 10 to 100 guests.
Occidental El Tucano and Spa
Aguas Zarcas San Carlos, Alajuela
P.O. Box 434-11150
La Uruca, San Jose, Costa Rica
(011) (+506) 2 460 6000
occidentalhotels.com/hotels/ElTucanoContact.asp
Termales del Bosque
Termales del Bosque is a modest hotel but a fine selection for the outdoors lover. Guests can head out to the many trails, caverns, mineral hot springs and rivers at nearby Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Planatar Volcano. Travelers can also head back to enjoy a clay mask or massage. The staff is a family enterprise and takes great pride in giving a special touch of local hospitality.
There is much to see in the way of exotic birds, reptiles, insects and sometimes mammals. Tourists can also explore a forest on the hotel's "eco-hike," which was designed by biologists. Visitors can also see some of the largest varieties of butterflies, which combine in flight with the birds.
Breakfast is included with the room rate. On-site there is La Casona restaurant and the El Rancho bar. Rooms have a private bath and terrace overlooking the ample green grounds.
Termales del Bosque
Aquas Zarcas
Quesada, Alajuela, Costa Rica
(011) 506 2460-4740
termalesdelbosque.com
Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
For those truly wanting to get into the rainforest spirit, stay at the Tree Houses Hotel, not far from Quesada on the main road between San Jose and the Arenal volcano. Located on 8 acres and surrounded by a 70-acre wildlife refuge, there are only three tree houses, so book early.
The tree houses are fully equipped with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a refrigerator and full bathroom. Each is a split level with a double bed and a loft on the top level. Two are equipped with twin beds, and one tree house has a full-size bed.
The Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica is a bed and breakfast with several restaurants nearby, including some within walking distance. The tree houses are private and would suit honeymooners fine as well as the adventurous traveler looking to experience the great outdoors.
300 Meters Norte de Cemetario de la Florencia
Santa Clara, San Carlos, Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2475-6507
treehouseshotelcostarica.com
