Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River

The aptly named Rio Perdido ('lost river' in English) is a one-of-a-kind property in Costa Rica. It is set on 600 acres of natural reserve that has been untouched for decades, and everything here has been designed to be in harmony with its surroundings. Occupying just one percent of the vast property, the hotel was built with the environment in mind, using sustainable materials and avoiding clearing the forest during construction. In addition, toiletries are organic, the wood used was farmed under license (and most of it came from fallen trees), and more than half of the land it occupies is now protected. The interior design is understated but stylish, with clean lines, lots of wood accents, soft palettes, and huge windows that bring in the gorgeous outdoors. The lobby is airy and uncluttered, featuring high wooden ceilings, massive windows, and a mix of simple couches and handcrafted furniture made of natural wood. 

The vibe here is laid-back, intimate, and peaceful. There are just 30 bungalows, and most guests spend the day out and about in the jungle taking part in the outdoor activities available. This means crowds are never an issue, and most of the time the only sounds one can hear are the monkeys’ rackets and the songs of birds. This is an excellent choice for active families and couples. 

Rio Perdido is in a rather isolated location, surrounded by jungle, canyons, and hot springs. Set in 600 acres of natural reserve in the heart of Guanacaste province, this is better suited for those looking to take part in the many outdoor activities offered on-site or relax by the pool than for those seeking to explore the region’s towns and beaches. There aren’t any restaurants or shops around, and the nearest urban area is Bagaces, home to just a handful of local eateries and mostly popular among those visiting the nearby Palo Verde National Park. Liberia and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport are about an hour away. The hotel offers transfer services to the airport and local attractions on request. 

The hotel has 30 stand-alone bungalows, each designed to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. There are three types of room here -- East Bungalows, Center Bungalow Queen, and Center Bungalow King -- and all are spacious, airy, and comfortable. At 452 square feet, East Bungalows are the smallest of all three categories but can fit up to three guests, as one of the two twin beds has a trundle. They’re also the simplest of all three room types, with a soft palette that combines warm woods and whites with a few pops of yellow, polished concrete floors, and clean-lined furniture that includes window seats with lots of pillows and narrow desks with stools. The other two room categories have a darker palette (some may find them a tad too dark), with steel and copper surfaces and volcanic rock floors that stand out against the handcrafted wooden furniture. In all but East Bungalows, massive floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows make nature the centerpiece, leaving walls completely bare and bringing in the outdoors. 

Standard amenities are good across the board, consisting of free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs (projectors in Center Bungalows), and coffeemakers. Each room is also outfitted with a safe, and all units have spacious terraces with either hammocks or chairs. Bathrooms range from contemporary to sleek, with windows offering jungle views, spacious sink areas, and walk-in rainfall showers. Center Bungalow King units have double outdoor showers. Organic toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all room categories.  

Rio Perdido offers tons of things to do on-site, both for the active traveler and for those who just want to unwind. Due to its location in the middle of the jungle, most activities on offer are for the outdoorsy type. These include a 15-platform zipline that offers canyon views, eight hot springs where guests can take a dip, white-water tubing, and an adventure circuit with a 27-meter (88 feet) challenge bridge. There are also multiple hiking trails for all ages, as well as mountain bikes for those who want to explore the area on two wheels. 

Those wanting something mellower can swim and sunbathe by any of the hotel’s three pools, all of them set amid nature. The main one has a swim-up bar serving up cocktails and light meals, while the other two are smaller and quieter, with a few loungers on serene decks overlooking the forest. The spa offers a wide variety of body treatments in open-air rooms surrounded by nature. There are also several yoga decks available for those who want to join the scheduled classes as well as for those who want to practice on their own. 

The hotel has one restaurant, housed in a large open pavilion with a pitched wooden roof and expansive jungle views. The menu offers a range of local and international options for lunch and dinner, along with snacks between meals. A tasty breakfast with hot and cold options is served free of charge every morning. Gluten-free and vegetarian items are also available.