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Arenal Observatory Lodge & TrailsvsXandari Resort & Spa
Both properties are rated very highly by expert reviewers. Overall, Xandari Resort & Spa ranks significantly higher than Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. Xandari Resort & Spa comes in at #10 in Costa Rica with recommendations from 2 sources like Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Afar Magazine
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Frommer's
Oyster
23 km west from La Fortuna town, Main road to Arenal National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
Afar Magazine "Within the grounds of the Arenal Observatory Lodge in Costa Rica, there are several paths of varying length that can be walked." Full review
Fodor's "These cozy, comfortable, and simple rooms allow you to sleep as close as anyone should to a volcano—it's a mere 2¾ km (1¾ miles) away, and stellar views and outdoor activities are what the place is all about." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Close enough to Arenal Volcano for visitors to hear and feel the nearly constant rumbling, this observatory (on a hillside just over a mile from the peak) gets excellent views of the eruptions." Full review
Lonely Planet "Rooms range from La Casona’s rustic doubles with shared bathrooms and views from the porch, to plus junior suites, with king-size beds, local art and huge picture windows framing the volcano." Full review
Frommer's "The views from the rooms, restaurant, and common areas are simply spectacular. The main dining room features a massive wall of glass, with a V-shaped peak that perfectly frames the volcano." Full review
OysterMid-Range
"This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest" Full review
Xandari Resort & Spa
Condé Nast Traveler Fodor's
Jetsetter Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Lonely Planet
1 km northwest of El Diamante Bar, Tacacori, Alajuela 4050, Costa Rica
From $233/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
Condé Nast Traveler "On a former coffee plantation, this 40-acre resort with a perfect design score is just 20 minutes from San Jose's Juan Santamaria Airport, but "it's worlds away from the chaotic capital." Full review
Fodor's "The tranquil and colorful Xandari is a strikingly original inn and spa, tailor-made for honeymooners and romantic getaways." Full review
Jetsetter "Artist-architect-owned boutique featuring handmade art and miles of nature trails overlooking Costa Rica’s Central Valley." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Overlooking the Central Valley, this spa village features five private jalapa treatment quarters where guests enjoy mud wraps, facials, and exotic Costa Rican body treatments." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A working coffee plantation 3,900 feet above sea level is the setting for this relaxing resort and spa." Full review
Lonely Planet "With spectacular bird's-eye views of the Central Valley, this romantic spot is the fanciful creation of an architect–designer couple." Full review
