If one were to describe Nayara Tented Camp in one word, it would be lush. Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest, with a view of the majestic Arenal volcano visible on the horizon, Nayara’s network of luxurious tented rooms, fine-dining restaurants and spas is tucked seamlessly into the landscape. It’s the ultimate glamping experience: Every tented guest room is an example of understated luxury, with an inviting infinity plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, over-the-top amenities, outdoor shower and a plush king-sized bed. Guests can’t help but commune with nature, opportunities to see sloths swinging through the canopy of trees to hearing the sound of toucans chuffing in the evening abound.
Behind the scenes, Nayara is also a marvel of modern sustainability, with electricity powered by a series of high-tech solar energy systems and renewable water cycling. Costa Rica has established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in recent years. With over 6% of the world’s biodiversity found there (and over a quarter of the national land allocated to public parks) it’s not surprising that eco-tourism has become a priority for the local hospitality industries. Their Certification for Sustainable Tourism Standard has been recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and has become a global model for best sustainable tourism practices – it covers everything from renewable power sources to employment practices that empower local communities.
The resort’s culinary offerings – each carefully designed to fit with their zero-kilometre philosophy – showcase the best of Costa Rica’s bounty, interpreted by exceptional chefs and mixologists.
Nayara Resorts has a lineup of exceptional eateries. Overseen by culinary director Gianluca Re Fraschini, the restaurants pay tribute to authentic Central American cooking traditions, as well as finding unique ways to use locally-sourced produce and products.
Ayla, a large tented restaurant with panoramic views, specializes in Mediterranean dishes with a Middle Eastern flourish. At Asia-Luna, a fusion of Asian and Costa-Rican flavours dominate the menu. The Futo Maki, for example, is made with local crab, marlín tempura, organic carrot, cucumber, avocado and ponzu mayonnaise.
Heading off-property, guests can explore the farms and plantations that supply everything from the fruits to the coffees, chocolate and rums served at Nayara. (A map of the surrounding territory and the suppliers found of it can be found at every table during the seven-course tasting menu at Amor Loco, the baroque-style eatery found on the adjacent adults-only Nayara Springs resort). A visit and tour of Finca la Amistad, a sustainable cacao farm known for it’s delicious organic chocolate, is a curated activity where guests can visit the cacao orchard, then learn how chocolate is processed. Of course, the best part is sampling Finca’s rich drinking chocolate and its melt-in-your-mouth milk 45% chocolate.
It’s not just the restaurants that highlight the offerings of the rainforest terroir. The on-site spa (reachable through winding rainforest paths via golf cart) has created unique spa services that integrate local ingredients. In open-air treatment rooms, guests can experience everything from a coffee scrub made from locally-grown organic coffee to a revitalizing volcanic mud massage.
At Nayara, every detail – from the flavours on your plates to the treatments in the spa – is a celebration of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. It’s a place where luxury and eco-consciousness seamlessly coexist, and offer travelers a deeper connection to the land, its people and traditions.
The effects of their efforts are immediately visible through the property’s seamless integration with the surrounding wildlife – sloths swinging through the branches overhead, passing through the property without seeming to notice the human occupations beneath.
