What: Lapa Rios

Where: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

What makes it special

Combine the Blue Lagoon with Swiss Family Robinson and Lost and you’re getting close to the experience of Lapa Rios. With 1,000 acres in the middle of a rainforest, this expansive luxury resort gives you a sustainable tourism experience where you can co-exist with Costa Rican nature without the restrictions of modern life… like walls. The open air bungalows here give you ocean views and daily symphonies of howler monkeys. Go for a guided hike to see waterfalls and exotic birds, then come back to a complimentary yoga class or a massage with the ocean wind whispering around you. Nature is the focus here, so leave your iPhone in your luggage and get to know the true nature of Costa Rica. Oh, by the way, it was named Travel + Leisure’s #9 hotel in the world for 2019…

In your own words

“We went to Lapa Rios because it was highly recommended by my brother and his wife. It was incredible at the time, but I had forgotten about it until recently when a friend asked for a recommendation in Costa Rica. I went to their website and the magic of it came flooding back.”

Recommended by: Lauren Lexton. First time trying peanut butter pie: Magnolia Cafe in Austin, TX.

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Photo via Lapa Rios