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The Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica

the most unique places to stay in costa rica

Photo: Zocha Group – The Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica

 

Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is covered in mysterious beauty. Whether you prefer to stay among the trees or down by the ocean, this destination offers endless opportunities to hike through miles of luscious forest, relax by the beach, or spend your days observing wildlife. Whenever you’re ready to head off the grid to an eco-friendly destination, check out our roundup of ten unique places to stay in Costa Rica.




unique places to stay in costa rica

Photo: Zocha Group

─ In The Trees ─

You’ll feel like you’re flying at Hotel Costa Verde’s 727 Fuselage Home. Inside a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airframe, you’ll find two bedrooms outfitted in hand-carved furniture from Indonesia and 360-degree views of the ocean and gardens. There’s even a terrace outside the aircraft to get even closer to the Costa Rican jungle. 




costa rica waterfall in the trees

Photo: Zocha Group

Finca Bellavista Treehouse Community

Finca Bellavista is 600 acres of community-run land. Created by two friends with a dream that came true with the help of the people around them, this land has been salvaged as a place for travelers to enjoy what makes Costa Rica so special. Accommodations are rustic but comfortable, and community living is at the forefront of this venture. Enjoy wifi, yoga, and zipline tours and more at Finca’s basecamp community center, or simply enjoy nature from your own treehouse.




costa rica toucan on a tree

Photo: Zocha Group

La Carolina Lodge

Go off the grid at this lodge designed with your relaxation in mind. La Carolina is buried among lush tropical forests with wide patios to watch the river float by, yoga and massages offered on the premises, and miles and miles of jungle to spend the day exploring on horseback or by foot. La Carolina Lodge is easily one of the most beautiful, relaxing and unique places to stay in Costa Rica.




costa rica waterfall in the forest

Photo: Zocha Group

Art Villas Resort

Five egg-shaped pods have been resurrected in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle for, as Lonely Planet puts it, “brave people who like to feel as if they’re up amongst the trees.” Though they’re also near the ocean, these were designed to have a tree house vibe and make you feel immersed in the environment. There’s a shared pavilion where guests can enjoy massages, a sauna, spa, fitness room and more. 




Topos Tree House

You’ll feel totally at peace at Topo’s Tree House. Nestled high up in a rubber tree, this lodging in Cahuita is one-of-a-kind. Enjoy wildlife from one of three spacious decks, make a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, and watch parrots fly by from the outdoor shower. There’s no shortage of photo-worth opportunities up among the trees.




─ By the Water ─

The only hotel in the world made entirely of shipping containers, the El Faro Beach Hotel in Manuel Antonio is one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica and beyond. Proof that a little creativity goes a long way, the rooms are modern and airy, offering sunset views that overlook the pool and ocean. El Faro has a spa onsite as well as restaurant, coffee bar, pool bar, guided tours, and 24-hour reception.




costa rica beach coast

Photo: Zocha Group

Ocho Artisan Bungalows

With seven luxury bungalows and two beachfront villas, Ocho Artisan Bungalows is your key to experiencing the heart of Tamarindo. The surroundings are rugged but your accommodations are comfortable, making this the perfect option for days spent laying on white sand and evenings at the pool bar. 




costa rica tamarindo guy surfing

Photo: Zocha Group

Igloo Beach Lodge

Sustainability and luxury go hand in hand at Igloo Beach Lodge. These dome-shaped cabins use 50% less energy to heat and cool than other typical lodgings, but the best part is that they’re situated on beautiful grounds in Manuel Antonio and just a minute’s walk from the beach. Also on the premises is a luxury beach club and Casa Planta, the resort’s restaurant and bar.




Manuel Antonio beach in costa rica

Photo: Zocha Group

Cielo Lodge

See the sea from the sky. At Cielo Lodge, an infinity pool overlooks the ocean and mountains. The resort describes itself as modern, minimalist and eco-friendly, inviting guests to comfortably coexist with nature. They offer complementary excursions like a dolphin tour, mangrove tour, waterfall hikes and more to get you as close as possible to the magic of Costa Rica.




Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Note that Tortuga Lodge & Gardens is only accessible by bus, boat, or small plane, but going the extra mile is worth it for this unique lodge. Located on a beautiful canal, 27 spacious guest rooms invite you to settle in and relax before heading out to see rare sea turtles, touring the gardens, or exploring the town of Tortuguero. 




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    Let us help you find the perfect unique stay for your time in Costa Rica. Zocha Group is here to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime, from waterfall hikes to dolphin tours.

    For more information, contact [email protected] or inquire in the chat box below.

    The Top 12 Eco-Friendly Resorts in the World

    the top 12 eco-friendly resorts in the world

    Photo: Zocha Group – The Top 12 Eco-Friendly Resorts in the World

     

    Explore the Top Eco-Friendly Resorts in the World

    For the environmentally conscious traveler, an Eco-resort is the perfect place for a sustainable escape. These days, a green getaway doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury, and many world-class resorts are implementing measures to cut back on water consumption, carbon footprint, and all forms of waste. Experience these phenomenal Eco-friendly resorts for a vacation that is restful for guests and the environment alike.




    eco friendly resorts by the beach

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Trisara, Thailand

    Perched above the quiet waters of Phuket’s serene northwest coast, Trisara is a divine tropical oasis boasting verdant grounds, jaw-dropping accommodations, and even a Michelin-star restaurant. Guests can relax in salt-chlorinated infinity pools overlooking the Andaman sea, knowing energy-saving sensors will shut off the A/C when doors are open. A combination of collected rainwater and waste gray water irrigate the resort’s luscious gardens, which guests can enjoy while riding a zero-emission electric buggy.




    phuket thailand eco friendly

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Jetwing Surf, Sri Lanka

    A beautiful harmony of sustainability and eco-luxury, the grounds of this tropical oasis has been constructed with natural materials like wood, palm leaves, and iluc grass to provide minimal disturbance to the existing vegetation of the surrounding coastal environment. Natural lighting is used whenever possible, all garden trimmings are composted, and waste water is biologically treated to protect the natural beauty of sunny Sri Lanka.




    arugam bay sri lanka

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

    A self-described utopia, this gorgeous resort on the Laamu Atoll is as sumptuous as it is sustainable. The hotel has an on-site marine team dedicated to protecting the resident sea turtles, manta rays, and meadows of seagrass that share the resort’s crystalline waters. With private, cozy, and comfortable waterfront villas, as well as a spa and multiple options for dining on the beach, this sustainable paradise is one of the finest eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives.




    eco-friendly resorts maldives

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico

    This sanctuary of natural splendor is a far cry from the raging party scene in Playa del Carmen, offering plenty of measures to further green ambitions, like eliminating single-use plastics, implementing a towel reuse system, and working with a company that converts used vegetable oil into biodiesel. The opportunities for leisure are endless, with outdoor dining, in-house yoga classes, and exemplary service.




    tulum playa del carmen cave girl swimming

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

    Secluded deep in the heart of the Central Highlands’ rainforest of Costa Rica, the lush tropical grounds of Pacuare Lodge are renowned for thrilling jungle adventures, natural beauty and exotic animal sightings, and an unparalleled commitment to sustainability. No trees were felled to construct the luxurious bungalows, which are lit with lanterns creating a natural warmth. All meals are made to order so that nothing is wasted, and electricity is generated with a turbine from a nearby stream. Guests can enjoy a dip in a solar-heated infinity pool, framed by the rainforest and the sounds of nature.




    eco friendly rainforest

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

    The extraordinary Mashpi Lodge is an eco-wonder set within the incredible foliage of the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest. The charming resort was designed around the topography to prevent further damage to the trees of this rainforest paradise, and blends in perfectly with the environment. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of Ecuador’s bountiful rainforest, and the hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and jungle frogs that call it their home.




    cloud forest ecuador

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Discovery Rottnest Island, Australia

    Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth, is home to the adorable quokka, as well as a resort fully dedicated to conserving their environment, with carefully limited development, air-flow cooling, and waste water recycling. The gorgeous hotel exists in harmony with the surrounding flora and fauna, and has no fences or boundaries so that the quokka may roam.




    Rottnest Island Australia

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Fogo Island Inn, Canada

    Set on a striking foggy island, the Inn is a community friendly initiative with 100% of operating surpluses being reinvested into the community to help the people of Fogo Island prosper. Collected rainwater is used throughout the hotel, solar panels supply hot water, the furniture in the rooms is from the local woodshop, and even the elaborate quilts on the beds are produced by local craftspeople. For a resort vacation that is truly in touch with the local environment, look no further than Fogo Island.




    foggy morning water in canada

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Heckfield Place, England

    This Georgian manor estate is straight out of a Jane Austen novel, set on 400 acres of sustainable farmland. Pigs, sheep, and chickens roam the grounds, while the vibrant gardens and orchards form the base of celebrated chef Skye Gyngell’s decadent cuisine. For a vacation that is elegant, natural, and sustainable, Heckfield Place is one of the finest eco-friendly resorts in England.




    heckfield place england

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Oil Nut Bay, British Virgin Islands

    The unspoiled beaches and rolling hills of the British Virgin Islands are enrapturing, and Oil Nut Bay is committed to protecting them. The resort worked with the BVI government to make solar power legal, and now uses it to run everything from the air conditioning to the “turtle-friendly” lighting. Guests can explore the car-free community by electric golf cart, enjoying amenities like the pool, spa, and cozy multi-bedroom villas.




    turtle in the caribbean BVI

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Casa de Uco Villas, Argentina

    From the heart of Mendoza wine country comes a collection of quaint villas with an emphasis on clean living. The hotel features green rooftops, geothermal energy in the walls and floors, self-contained water systems, and solar panels powering the property. Guests can savor meals made from estate-grown products from the region’s sun-soaked vineyards, explore the fertile lands by foot, bike or horseback, and take a dip in luxurious mountain-view hot tubs.




    mendoza wine country eco friendly

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Svart (Norway)

    Opening before the end of 2022, this futuristic waterfront construction is set to be the world’s first energy-positive hotel, and is cradled in the incredible Helgeland coastline, just above the arctic circle, where summer days last forever and winter nights are lit by the breathtaking Northern Lights. Secluded and serene, the resort is poised for hiking, skiing, and fishing, while the grounds offer a state-of-the-art wellness center and spa. 




    norway eco friendly resort northern lights

    Photo: Zocha Group

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      For more information on reservations at these destinations and eco-friendly resorts, please contact [email protected] or inquire in the chat box below.