Nayara Resorts Costa Rica: Springs vs Tented Camp vs Gardens

*A Nayara Tented Camp suite with a private plunge pool and the Arenal Volcano doing the heavy lifting behind it.*

The Short Version

Nayara is one of Costa Rica's most beloved luxury rainforest resorts in Costa Rica, but choosing the right Nayara property is where things get interesting.

There are three Nayara resorts in Arenal: Nayara Springs, Nayara Tented Camp, and Nayara Gardens. They are connected within the same larger rainforest world, but they are not interchangeable. One is adults-only and deeply romantic. One is the dramatic, volcano-view, wow-factor splurge. One is family-friendly, beautiful, and usually the more approachable choice.

I have stayed at Nayara Springs, toured the larger resort, and experienced the restaurants, hot springs, yoga, spa setting, and room layouts firsthand, and I regularly plan Costa Rica trips for families and couples pairing Arenal with the beach. So this is not a generic “best luxury hotels in Costa Rica” roundup written from a swivel chair and an affiliate link. This is the practical version: which Nayara resort to book, who each one is best for, when the Tented Camp splurge is worth it, and where families or couples should pause before choosing a room.

The short version: Nayara Springs is the adults-only romantic one. Nayara Tented Camp is the most special one, and my top pick for families who want the biggest wow factor. Nayara Gardens is the family-friendly, slightly more approachable one.

My overall pick? Nayara Tented Camp if you want the most memorable stay, especially for families or milestone trips. Nayara Springs for honeymoons, anniversaries, and adults-only trips. Nayara Gardens for families who want the Nayara experience without going all-in on the Tented Camp splurge.

I would happily stay at any of them. This is not a situation where one is good and the others are merely tolerable. It is more like ranking desserts at a very good restaurant. Someone has to come third. It does not mean the cake has failed.

A lot of people treat Nayara as the jungle half of one trip and pair it with a few nights on the Pacific coast. That works beautifully, and if you are adding the coast, I broke down the two big Peninsula Papagayo resorts in my Nekajui vs. Four Seasons Costa Rica comparison.

But here is my slightly unpopular opinion: Costa Rica deserves more than one trip. I could easily spend five to seven days at Nayara with my family and never run out of things to do, on property or off. Between the hot springs, the hanging bridges, the wildlife, the food, and the genuine pleasure of doing nothing in a plunge pool, it earns the full stay on its own.

Planning a Costa Rica trip and not sure which Nayara property fits your family, honeymoon, or budget? I can help you choose the right room, pair Arenal with the beach, and book at the same rate you would book yourself. There is no planning fee, no markup on the room, and I am happy to answer any question before you commit. Tell me your dates and I will build the right trip around them.

Plan your Nayara stay with Sebastian Luxe Travel →

Which Nayara resort is best for you?
Traveler	Best Nayara property	Why
Honeymooners	Tented Camp or Springs	Tented Camp for rainforest immersion and views, or Springs if privacy is key
Families with kids	Tented Camp or Gardens	Tented Camp for the splurge, Gardens for value
Multi-generational trips	Nayara Tented Camp	More space and a stronger sense of occasion
Couples during school holidays	Nayara Springs	Adults-only areas keep it peaceful
Volcano views	Nayara Tented Camp	Higher location and stronger view potential
Families watching budget	Nayara Gardens	Still beautiful, family-friendly, and part of Nayara
Solo travelers	Springs or Gardens	Safe, warm, easy to navigate, and welcoming

*Inside a Nayara Tented Camp suite, where the terrace and plunge pool are basically the whole point.*

Book Nayara Tented Camp if you want the most memorable room, the strongest volcano-view potential, and the stay that feels most like a once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica trip. It is especially strong for families who want space, privacy, and a room that feels like part of the experience.

Book Nayara Springs if you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or adults-only trip and want privacy, romance, and a quieter pace. Each villa is adults-only with a private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs, which is exactly how I would position it.

Book Nayara Gardens if you want the Nayara experience at a more approachable price point, especially with kids. The casitas are set into the rainforest, and you still get access to the wider resort, so it is the natural choice for families who want the beauty and the access without the Tented Camp splurge.

My Honest Nayara Review

*The kind of pool-and-lounger setup that makes a five to seven night stay at Nayara feel completely reasonable*

I will be honest: I was a little nervous about staying by myself in the rainforest.

That sounds slightly dramatic now, but at the time it felt reasonable. I was traveling alone, arriving in a remote rainforest setting, and was not totally sure how I would feel once I got there. But almost immediately after arriving at Nayara, I realized I had nothing to worry about.

Nayara is beautiful. It is one of those places that is hard to fully capture in words or photos, which is inconvenient for a travel advisor who relies heavily on both. The landscaping is lush and layered, with orchids tucked throughout the property. It feels wild, but also deeply cared for.

The three Costa Rica properties are connected, but each one has its own personality and best-fit traveler. That distinction matters. Nayara is not just one resort with three names. It is more like one beautifully designed rainforest world with three different ways to experience it.

One thing to know before you go: there are hills. Real hills. The kind of hills that make you reconsider how committed you are to walking to dinner in linen.

The resort is built into a steep hillside, which is also part of how you get those volcano views. The good news is that golf carts are easy to call, and I never waited long for one. The drivers were lovely, and honestly, the little shuttle rides became part of the charm. There is something very vacation about being driven uphill through the rainforest while pretending this was your fitness plan all along.

Nayara Springs: The Adults-Only Romantic One

*Orchids, koi, and the layered landscaping that runs through the whole Nayara reserve*

I stayed at Nayara Springs, the adults-only property, and my room was beautiful.

I ended up there because it was the only room available for my dates, which says a lot about how popular Nayara is. The resort was at full capacity while I was there, but it never felt crowded. Because the property is spread out, and because so many rooms have private plunge pools, guests disperse naturally.

This is one of Nayara's greatest strengths. It can be full without feeling full. That matters, especially in Costa Rica during school breaks, festive dates, or peak travel weeks when some resorts start to feel like a very expensive group project.

*My Nayara Springs villa: canopy bed, crystal chandelier, and a lot of glamour against the jungle.*

My room at Nayara Springs was spacious, comfortable, and genuinely luxurious. The bathroom was huge, with double sinks, plenty of closet space, an indoor shower, and a double outdoor shower. The bed had a beautiful canopy, and I loved the crystal chandelier, which added a little glamour against the jungle setting without feeling overdone.

The outdoor space was also lovely. The private plunge pool was heated, which made it feel usable and inviting, not just something pretty to photograph. There was a canopy, seating area, and table outside, so the whole room felt like a private retreat.

This is the kind of room where you can easily spend hours without feeling like you are missing out on the rest of the resort. For honeymooners, anniversaries, or adults who want privacy, Nayara Springs makes a lot of sense.

Dining at Nayara

*Costa Rica is supposedly not a food destination. Nayara did not get the memo.*

The food at Nayara was a real highlight of my stay.

People will tell you Costa Rica is not a food destination. Nayara is the happy exception. Across the resort you have La Terraza for relaxed Costa Rican plates, Ayla for Mediterranean, Asia Luna for sushi, Mis Amores and Amor Loco over at Springs, and Mi Cafecito if your love language is coffee. Guests staying at any of the three properties can dine across all of them, which is part of why the place works so well for a longer stay.

I ate at La Terraza on my first night, which was recommended by the concierge, and I am still thinking about that meal. I had skipped lunch that day, partly because of travel logistics and partly because I knew I had a nice dinner coming and did not want to spoil it. This turned out to be an excellent decision.

I started with the tuna tartare, which was delicious, and then had the classic Costa Rican dish with chicken, rice, beans, plantains, and a really good chimichurri sauce. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Not just good for a resort. Actually memorable.

The atmosphere at La Terraza was lovely too. It felt relaxed and warm, with live music that added to the evening without taking over the whole dinner. I would absolutely go there on a date, and I would also happily go with my family.

Ayla, the Mediterranean restaurant, was another favorite and very high on my list. I went back to Nayara as part of an advisor FAM trip, and we had a group lunch there. It was excellent.

The small plates were the dangerous part. Each one seemed better than the next, and I kept thinking, well, just one more bite, which is how many of my better and worse decisions begin. The food was fresh, bright, and generous, and I ate up every bit of the Mediterranean spread.

Then one of the servers came over and said the main courses would be served shortly.

This was one of the saddest moments of my trip because I realized I had no room left. I still managed a bite of each main course, because I believe in follow-through, and even completely full, I can honestly say everything was delicious.

That is one of the reasons I think Nayara works so well for a longer stay. There are enough restaurants and enough variety that you do not feel like you are repeating the same resort meal in a slightly different outfit. The dining feels thoughtful, fresh, and genuinely enjoyable. For a rainforest resort where many guests stay four or five nights, or longer, that matters.

You do not want to be trapped somewhere beautiful with mediocre food. That is how people start making dramatic statements like, maybe we should have rented a car.

Breakfast and Morning Yoga

The treetop yoga shala, where 7 AM is somehow a pleasure rather than a punishment.

Breakfast at Nayara Springs was excellent. Everything felt very fresh: fresh-squeezed juice, fruit, coffee, and more food than I could reasonably finish. It was included with my stay, which is always nice when breakfast is actually worth lingering over.

I went after the 7 AM yoga class, which is offered every morning at the yoga shala. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

The yoga shala is tucked up in the treetops and feels very peaceful. You hear the animals around you, and the class itself was gentle, grounding, and not overly strenuous. There was a lovely meditation at the end. It is the kind of slow, nervous-system-down morning that does more for jet lag than any amount of coffee.

It felt like exactly the kind of yoga class you want in a rainforest setting: calm, quiet, and not trying to turn breakfast into a reward for suffering.

There is also an option to follow the instructor afterward to the yoga pavilion near Nayara Tented Camp for a second complimentary class at 8:15 AM. That class is family-inclusive, but adults can join too. I thought that was a thoughtful option, especially for families who want something active and peaceful to do together.

The Spa and Hot Springs

*One of the pools that opens onto the rainforest. The hot springs nearby are wonderful, and genuinely hot.*

I toured the spa but did not have time for a treatment. This was a mistake, and I am willing to grow from it.

The spa looked beautiful, and I would recommend making time for a treatment while you are there. This is especially important if you are planning a slower Costa Rica honeymoon, anniversary trip, or family trip with enough time to actually enjoy the resort instead of treating it like a very beautiful base camp.

Nayara is a wellness-focused resort without feeling joylessly wellness-y, which is an important distinction. You can do yoga, soak in the springs, eat well, have a massage, and still order dessert like a normal person.

The hot springs were another highlight. They are lovely and very enjoyable, but one practical note: they really are hot, and Costa Rica is already warm. It is easy to get overheated if you stay in too long.

I met up with another travel advisor, who is now a very good friend of mine, though we were meeting for the first time. She was sitting in one of the warmer pools with very rosy cheeks and said, oops, I think I got a little overheated in the springs.

So take breaks. Drink water. Do not treat the hot springs like a competitive sport.

That said, the springs are especially wonderful in the rain. I went later in the day when it was raining, and that was probably my favorite time to experience them. The rain feels cool while the water stays warm, and once the sun goes down, the springs feel even better.

Nayara Springs vs. Nayara Tented Camp vs. Nayara Gardens

The biggest question with Nayara is which property to book.

The three resorts are connected within the larger Nayara experience, but they are not interchangeable. This is where good planning matters, especially if you are traveling with kids, planning a honeymoon, deciding whether to splurge, or trying to figure out which room category actually gives you the trip you want.

If you want the shortcut: tell me who is traveling and your dates, and I will tell you exactly which property and which room fits, before you spend an evening comparing tents to villas.

Start planning your Costa Rica trip →

Nayara Tented Camp Review: Best for Families, Volcano Views, and the Biggest Wow Factor

*Tented Camp sits highest on the hill, which is why the volcano views actually reach your room here.*

My first pick overall would be Nayara Tented Camp.

This is the most dramatic of the three properties, with large luxury tents, private terraces, plunge pools, and some of the strongest Arenal Volcano view potential on property.

The tents are beautiful and feel more tucked into the rainforest. When the volcano is clear, the views genuinely stop you. This is the one I would choose for a milestone family trip, a splurge-worthy Costa Rica itinerary, or clients who want the most distinctive Nayara experience.

This is worth being clear about, because it is the thing people argue over most. Most villas at Springs and Gardens are tucked into the jungle and do not have a clear volcano view; the open views tend to come from the main pool and lobby areas. Tented Camp sits higher on the hill, so if waking up to the volcano from your own room is the point of the trip, this is the property that actually delivers it.

It feels less like a hotel room and more like an actual event, which is sometimes exactly what you want from a big trip.

The Family Tent is especially useful for families who want more space. It is made up of two tents connected by an outdoor living area, with a shared private pool. It can work beautifully for larger families, but I would still confirm the exact occupancy and bedding before booking, because room occupancy is one of those details that sounds boring until it becomes the entire vacation.

*The playground over by Nayara Tented Camp. No kids when I walked through, just hummingbirds and butterflies taking full advantage.*

Even if you do not stay at Tented Camp, families should know that there is a beautiful playground in that area of the resort. When I saw it, there were no kids there, but it was such a good space. I saw a hummingbird and butterflies and immediately thought how magical it would feel for a child to play there. I would love to bring my son back to see it.

Best for:

Families who want the most special Nayara stay
Milestone trips
Multi-generational trips
Travelers who want the strongest volcano-view potential
Anyone who wants the wow room

Nayara Springs Review: Best Nayara Resort for Honeymoons and Adults-Only Costa Rica Trips

My second pick would be Nayara Springs.

This is the adults-only property and the one I stayed in. I stayed here because it was the only room left when I made a last minute reservation. It's worth noting that while the resort was full, it in no way felt that way. Nayara Springs is ideal for honeymooners, couples, anniversaries, or adults traveling during school holidays who still want a quiet, romantic experience.

The rooms are beautiful, the plunge pools feel private, and there are adults-only dining and pool areas, which gives the whole property a peaceful feel.

For a honeymoon, I would choose based on whether you value the uniqueness of the tented camp experience and volcano views, or whether Springs feels romantic, private, and easy. It is the kind of place where you can sleep late, order breakfast, soak in your plunge pool, go to dinner, and feel like you have made several excellent decisions with very little effort.

Best for:

Honeymoons
Anniversaries
Adults-only Costa Rica trips
Couples traveling during school breaks
Travelers who want privacy and romance

Nayara Gardens Review: Best Value Nayara Resort for Families

*A Nayara Gardens room, the family-friendly, better-value way into the same rainforest world.*

My third pick would be Nayara Gardens.

And I do not mean that negatively. Nayara Gardens also looked lovely and is probably where I would stay with my son if I did not want to splurge on the full Tented Camp experience. Depending on the season and pricing, it may be the smartest choice for families.

Nayara Gardens is family-friendly and gives you access to the larger Nayara setting, restaurants, rainforest atmosphere, and overall experience. My family would be happy at either Nayara Gardens or Nayara Tented Camp, so I would look closely at budget, availability, room configuration, and how much time you actually plan to spend in the room.

Here is the value play most people miss: even at the Gardens price point, you can walk up and use the hot springs and the infinity pool at Tented Camp, plus the restaurants across the resort. The only areas that are off-limits are the adults-only pools and gym at Springs. That shared access is what makes Gardens such a smart booking when the budget matters more than the room.

One nuance for families with teenagers: because the better adults-only pools and gym at Springs are off-limits to anyone under 18, older kids can feel a little boxed in at Gardens. If you are traveling with teens, Tented Camp and its own large infinity pool is usually the better fit.

A practical difference to know: at Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Springs, breakfast can often be included and served in your room or at the restaurant, depending on your rate and booking details. At Nayara Gardens, breakfast is typically included at the restaurant, but in-room breakfast may come with an extra charge.

This is exactly the kind of small thing I like to clarify before booking, because morning coffee logistics matter more than people admit.

Best for:

Families who want a beautiful Nayara stay
Travelers watching budget
Younger families who do not need the largest room
Families pairing Arenal with a beach stay
Clients who want the Nayara experience at a lower price point than Tented Camp

What There Is to Do at Nayara, On Property and Off

*This three-toed sloth turned up on a railing like he owned the place. Bring binoculars; you will use them.*

This is the part that convinces me Nayara earns a full five to seven nights rather than a quick two. On property, the days fill themselves: morning yoga in the treetop shala, the hot springs at dusk, a spa treatment, long lunches, and a surprising amount of wildlife. Sloths, monkeys, frogs, and an absurd number of birds move through the grounds, so bring binoculars and actually use them.

Off property, you are minutes from some of the best of Arenal: the hanging bridges, the volcano and national park trails, waterfalls, and night walks to find frogs. You can pack the days or do almost nothing, and both versions feel like a good decision. That range is exactly why I do not think you need to rush off to the coast to justify the trip.

Best Time to Visit Nayara and Arenal

Arenal gets rain year-round, which is exactly why the hot springs always work. Dry season, roughly December through April, gives you the best odds of a clear volcano and reliable sun. Green season, May through October, is quieter, greener, and often better value, and Nayara genuinely feels more alive when everything is lush.

If a clear volcano view is the whole point for you, lean toward dry season and build in a few nights, because the volcano is shy and the clouds tend to roll in by afternoon.

Send me your dates, who is traveling, and whether you are leaning rainforest romance, family wow factor, or smart splurge. I will tell you which Nayara property actually fits, which room category is worth it, and how to pair Arenal with the beach without turning the trip into a transfer Olympics.

Plan your Nayara stay →

Nayara Resorts: Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nayara resort is best for families?

Nayara Tented Camp for the wow factor, the strongest volcano views, and the connected Family Tents; Nayara Gardens for the best value. Both work beautifully. It usually comes down to budget.

Which Nayara resort is best for a honeymoon?

Nayara Springs, the adults-only property, with private plunge pools and adults-only dining and pool areas. Choose Tented Camp instead if dramatic volcano views and the tented-suite experience matter more to you than adults-only quiet.

What is the difference between Nayara Springs, Tented Camp, and Gardens?

Springs is adults-only and romantic. Tented Camp is the most dramatic, with elevated luxury tents and the best volcano-view potential, and works well for families and milestone trips. Gardens is family-friendly and the best value. All three sit within one reserve and share restaurants and facilities.

Are the three Nayara resorts connected?

Yes. They sit within the same rainforest reserve and are connected, so guests can move between them and enjoy the different restaurants and pools across the property.

Is breakfast included at Nayara?

At Tented Camp and Springs, breakfast can often be included and served in your room or at a restaurant, depending on your rate. At Gardens, breakfast is typically included at the restaurant, with in-room breakfast sometimes carrying an extra charge. It is worth confirming the details for your specific rate before booking.

How do you get to Nayara in Arenal?

Most guests fly into San José (SJO) and transfer to Arenal by car, roughly two and a half to three hours. Liberia (LIR) on the Pacific side is another option, and works well if you are pairing Arenal with a beach stay. Private transfers can be arranged in advance.

Is Nayara worth it?

For the rainforest setting, the dining, and the hot springs, yes. It is one of the properties I most enjoy recommending in Costa Rica. Which of the three resorts is worth it for you depends on whether you are optimizing for romance, the wow factor, or value.

Which Nayara resort has the best volcano views?

Nayara Tented Camp. It sits higher on the hill, so the tents have the strongest shot at a real Arenal volcano view from the room. Most villas at Springs and Gardens are tucked into the jungle without a clear view, though the main pool and lobby areas open up.

Which Nayara resort is most romantic?

Nayara Springs. It is adults-only, with private villas, plunge pools fed by mineral hot springs, and adults-only dining and pool areas, which keeps the whole property quiet and intimate.

Is Nayara better for families or couples?

Both, but at different properties. Couples lean Springs for adults-only romance. Families lean Tented Camp for the wow factor and space, or Gardens for value. Everyone shares the restaurants and most of the resort regardless of where they sleep.

How many nights should you stay at Nayara?

Three nights is the minimum I would book, four is the sweet spot, and five or more if you are pairing Arenal with the beach and do not want the trip to feel rushed. There is genuinely enough on and off property to fill a longer stay.

Is Nayara Tented Camp worth the extra cost?

If the room and the volcano view are the point of the trip, yes. The tents feel like part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep. If you will barely be in the room, Springs or Gardens gets you the same resort, restaurants, and hot springs for less.

Should I book Nayara through a travel advisor?

Yes, especially because the best Nayara choice depends so heavily on who is traveling, the ages of your children, room availability, season, budget, and whether you are pairing Arenal with the beach. I book at the same public rate you would book yourself, but I can match you to the right property, clarify room and breakfast details, arrange transfers, and add preferred-partner benefits when available. Tell me your dates and I will take it from there.