This trip combines a four-night stay at Punta Islita, an exclusive lodge set on a wooded hillside on the Nicoya Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a further three nights in the fresh mountain air of El Silencio Lodge, near Poas Volcano.
From £1302 per person - save £160!
Day 1: Transfer to Pavas airport, 45 minutes’ drive from the capital, for your flight to Punta Islita’s local airstrip. The exclusive lodge is set on a wooded hillside on the Nicoya Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It has 32 rooms that either share a bungalow, occupy a single cottage, or are one of four family villas. All are en suite, have a private terrace with hammock, and are attractively designed with thatched and tiled roofs. Furnishings are made from indigenous wood from the surrounding forests. The restaurant is a spacious, conical thatched building with fresh seafood a speciality. Immediately below is a two-tier 'horizon' pool. There is also a bar, two tennis courts, golf driving range, gym and a spa. Horse riding, mountain-biking, hiking and snorkelling can be arranged locally.
There are no private beaches in Costa Rica, but a 10minute walk down a steep path is a secluded palm-tree-shaded sandy stretch with a beachfront pool and lawn dotted with palms and hammocks. Romantic evening meals on the beach can be arranged.
Day 2-4: at leisure
Day 5: Fly back to San José, where you will be picked up by car for the hour-long drive to El Silencio Lodge, set in a private reserve in the vicinity of Poas Volcano National Park. There are 16 suites with river or cloud forest views from their private decks. Each has Jacuzzi, gas fireplace, minibar and private bathroom. The restaurant serves predominantly regional food including local organic ingredients. There is also a spa with massages and beauty treatments. Yoga can also be offered with advance warning. Guided walks along its network of trails are offered, and bird watching can be rewarding. Other activities include visits to local communities and farms (including a cheese factory), lake kayaking, forest canopy zip-lining, river rafting and horse riding.
Day 6-7: at leisure
Day 8: Drive back to San José. |  Punta Islita's infinity pool overlooking the Pacific
 Punta Islita
 El Silencio Lodge
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