Nayara Tented Camp COSTA RICA Nayara Resorts adds a tented camp to its complex, offering close encounters with the flora and fauna of Arenal Volcano National Park. Words: Regina Winkle-Bryan Photography: © Brice Ferré Studio
N
estled in the hills of La Fortuna in Costa
when you are in direct contact with nature – you
Rica, Nayara Resorts has long been
can hear birds, see sloth in the trees. It’s much
a go-to for travellers visiting Arenal
more of an immersive feeling than anything else
Volcano National Park. Surrounded by an area
I’ve experienced,” he explains, adding that his
of lively geothermal activity, where hot springs
own childhood played a key role in the vision
bubble within dense jungle, the resort offers
too. “Growing up, I used to go camping with my
accommodation, dining and leisure pursuits
family in Colombia, so I wanted to recreate that
across its two properties – the adults-only
adventure in the rainforest but combine it with
Nayara Springs and family-friendly Nayara
an incredible luxury experience.”
Gardens. With the two destinations already well
The centrepiece of the camp is a series
established, the group has now added a third
of six cascading hot spring pools of varying
component to its offer, this time in the form of
temperatures, surrounded by lush flora. To the
a tented camp.
untrained eye, the forest enveloping the pools
One of only a handful of its kind in Central
seems as though it has always been there. In fact,
America, the new camp sits adjacent to its sister
the camp sits on what was once cattle pastures.
properties, connected via footbridges through
Ghitis brought in over 20,000 trees to reforest
the vegetation. It’s the brainchild of owner Leo
the land and more are on the way. Thankfully,
Ghitis, who was inspired to bring barefoot luxury
the jungle works quickly, and orchids, strangler
to Costa Rica while globe-trotting himself. “The
figs and bromeliads are filling in empty spaces.
concept of this camp began as an idea when I was
As the forest returns, so too will the animals;
travelling to tented camps around the world; I
sloth, coatis, hummingbirds, toucans and frogs
was inspired by those in Thailand, Morocco and
have all be spotted on site. Fauna is a major
Africa. I fell in love with the experience you get
draw in this area and Nayara provides access
069
