Jesús María Holidays from £1,545

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It is a dream. Waking up to volcano views and spending days hot springs hopping is truly magical. All of the staff go above and beyond as well.

If you want to be right in the middle of nature and wildlife this is the place to go. Most of the resort is raised up into the treetops so you can be eye level with creatures you'd usually only see way above you from the ground. The included hikes and birdwatching were wonderful with very knowledgeable and passionate guides. We also arranged a day trip to Corcovado by boat through the lodge in advance, seems pricey at first but was well worth it. Over the course of a week we saw sloths (lodge & Corcovado), monkeys (everywhere), tapirs (Corcovado), ant eaters (lodge and Corcovado), coatis (lodge), frogs and lizards (lodge) and so many different birds (everywhere). We chose a forest bungalow room which is just screened in from the outside. I was a bit worried the lack of AC might make it too hot to sleep, but at the end of April the fans in the room were enough to keep us comfortable over night. No need for alarm clocks, the howler monkeys will get you up every day. Overall a fantastic nature focused lodge that combines the ability to relax with adventure.

About an hour from San Jose and STRONGLY recommend at least 1 or 2 nights coming to or from. This is an extraordinary experience. The casitas are over the top, but the 5 waterfalls hike, the Aviary, Frog experience, Big Cats and Butterfly house will blow your mind. It is all rescued animals given the best experience that could be created. I will find a way to visit there EVERY time I go to Costa Rica.