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From a treetop studio nestled in the jungle canopy of Santa Teresa to a private villa with views of the Arénal Volcano, the best Airbnbs in Costa Rica cater to every kind of travel. Whether you stay at a design home overlooking Playa Guiones in the seaside surf village of Nosara or at a villa in Pavones only a short drive from one of the longest left-hand waves in the world (surf culture is definitely a throughline here), you’ll be immersed in one of Costa Rica’s best assets: its rich natural wonders.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica
- For a Luxe Stay in the Cloud Forest: Casa Jaguar in Montevedre
- For a Sprawling Home Near the Surf Break: Design Home in Nosara
- For a Floating Cabin in the Jungle Canopy: Naia Studio in Santa Teresa
- For Whale-Spotting: An Oceanview Cabin in Uvita
- For Unmatched Volcano Views: Tres Volcanes Glass Cabin in Chambacú
- For a Cozy Artistic Studio: Hidden Art Studio in Piedras
The country’s landscapes offer adventurous travelers a chance to experience its wild beaches, rich biodiversity, rugged mountains, and lush tropical rainforests—all up close and personal. Think: 360-degree views and homes nearly completely shrouded by lush greenery, where visits from tropical birds is a near-daily occurance. A stay at one of these 15 vacation rentals will put you in the heart of it all.
Casa Flotanta in Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa
Perched above the jungle canopy near Playa Hermosa, just north of Santa Teresa, this stilted villa by architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe opens to sweeping Pacific views. Three pod structures with two master suites connect airy living spaces full of teak furnishings to a saltwater infinity pool framed by treetops. Only a five-minute walk to a quiet surf beach, this home is for travelers who desire a secluded perch where monkeys swing by for daily visits.
- Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Amenities: Ocean view, private patio, private backyard, library, Marshall speaker sound system, dedicated workspace, BBQ grill, fully-equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances
- Highlight: The villa’s floating design and secluded 1.5-acre setting offer uninterrupted immersion in Costa Rica’s coastal jungle.
Hidden Art Studio in Piedras, Lake Arenal
Framed by fruiting mango and guava trees, this creative studio near Lake Arenal was hand-built by artists using recycled materials like glass bottles, bamboo, clay, and wood. An ideal retreat for writers, musicians, or anyone craving inspiration in nature, the studio’s interiors are whimsical and ethereal with mosaic floors, glowing bottle walls, and a main room with a Tatami-style sleeping area. But a stay here is just as much about the home as it is the surrounding forest, where guests frequently glimpses toucans, orioles, and butterflies passing by.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Forest and garden views, hammock, outdoor dining area, fire pit, bikes, fully-equipped kitchen
- Highlight: Wake early to see the sun’s first rays ignite the bark of rainbow eucalyptus trees, creating an iridescent kaleidoscope of color.
Forestview Villa in Naranjito
Set between the mountains and the sea and only a short drive from Manuel Antonio National Park, this airy villa in Naranjito attracts many of the park’s signature wildlife species: three-toed sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of tropical birds, to name a few of your potential roommates. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive gardens, and shaded terraces, this home an immersive nature escape ideal for families or groups. Guests can spend mornings spotting wildlife from the private outdoor plunge pool and enjoying meals in the indoor-outdoor living spaces.
- Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
- Amenities: Outdoor plunge pool, gardens, wildlife viewing, enclosed grounds, laundry and daily cleaning service on weekdays
- Highlight: Though guests will love visiting the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, this secluded retreat offers wildlife viewing of its own.
Tres Volcanes Glass Cabin in Chambacú, La Fortuna
This modern glass and wood cabin sits on a 56-acre ranch with clear views of three volcanoes: Arenal, Tenorio, and Rincón de la Vieja. Perched at the highest point of the property, the home is a unique stay for groups and families who desire to immerses themselves in Costa Rica’s pastoral life. During a stay, guests can enjoy slow mornings sipping coffee on the balcony as the mist curls over the treetops, then can partake in the tasks and subsequent spoils of life on a working farm: milking cows, collecting fresh eggs, and tasting honey from stingless bees.
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Amenities: Farm tours, fire pit, hammock, outdoor dining, fully-equipped kitchen, Google Nest sound system
- Highlight: A rare blend of glossy modern design and hands-on farm life, this is an ideal stay for families who want to interact with farm animals and enjoy fresh honey straight from the comb.
Casa Jaspis in Uvita
Designed by the award-winning Formafatal Studio, Casa Jaspis is a minimalist hillside retreat with a panoramic vista. The home features its own infinity plunge pool and terrace, where guests can spot toucans, monkeys, and even whales passing offshore. Inside, contemporary interiors balance clean lines with natural textures, creating a refined but grounded escape. With world-class surf at Playa Hermosa below and waterfalls and national parks nearby, it’s a design-lover’s hideaway immersed in Costa Rica’s wild beauty.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Infinity plunge pool, ocean-view terrace, fully-equipped kitchen
- Highlight: Whale-watch, surf, or spot bioluminescent waves without ever leaving your hillside villa.
An Oceanview Cabin in Uvita
With an unobstructed view of the Marino Ballena National Park—and the iconic rock and sand formation that resembles a whale’s tail—this private cabin and its floor-to-ceiling windows eliminate any barrier between you and the outdoors. Immersed in the jungle, this loft-style space is the best way to immerse in the area’s verdant landscape.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Ocean view, sound system, air conditioning, dedicated workspace, kitchen basics, balcony, free parking
- Highlight: From the outdoor balcony, keep your eyes on the coast to spot a migrating humpback whale in the distance.
Casa Jaguar in Montevedre
Nordic architecture and natural light are just some of the perks of this loft, an elevated dwelling set on pillars to protect the landscape and make you feel like you’re floating in the treetops. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll have a perfect view of the Monteverde mountains and plenty of cozy spaces to enjoy, from an outdoor terrace with a hammock to a living room with a built-in fireplace.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Mountain view, bathtub, washer/dryer, air conditioning, indoor fireplace, balcony, fenced backyard, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, dedicated workspace
- Highlight: The home is conveniently located near the forested trails of the Santa Elena Nature Reserve
Naia Studio in Santa Teresa
You’ll feel like you’re floating in the jungle canopy of Santa Teresa at this treetop studio overlooking the ocean. As if the outdoor shower and elemental decor weren’t enough, you also have your own outdoor plunge pool. Whether in the water or enjoying a coffee in the seating area, it’s a perfect perch for spotting white face capuchin monkeys and hummingbirds.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Ocean and mountain views, central air conditioning, private plunge pool, free parking, pet-friendly
- Highlight: The property provides organic aromatherapy bath products made in Costa Rica.
Piña Hills Villa in Pavones
This luxury villa is perfect for friends or family who want to entertain and enjoy the natural landscape. With its sleek design and elemental materials—concrete, wood, and stone—the villa’s open-air kitchen and seating area are ideal for festive meals, while its outdoor natural stone pool is perfect for enjoying the area’s tropical climate. The villa is only a five-minute walk from a secluded beach.
- Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Amenities: Ocean view, air conditioning, kitchen with cooking basics, outdoor space, BBQ grill, natural stone pool, pet-friendly
- Highlight: The property is about a 10-minute drive from the Pavones surf break, one of the longest left-hand waves in the world.
Villa Calathea in La Fortuna
Most travelers go to La Fortuna for one reason: to experience the Arénal Volcano in the site’s namesake national park. This villa, set on the outskirts of downtown La Fortuna, puts you in the middle of the action and offers one of the best views of the volcano. Enjoy the views from your private outdoor balcony or during a soak in your hot tub.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom (two queens), 1 bath
- Amenities: Volcano view, air conditioning, kitchen with cooking basics, private balcony, outdoor seating, BBQ grill, free parking, pet-friendly
- Highlight: As as guest of the villa, you have access to the Los Lagos Hotel Resort Spa and its hot springs.
Casa Duna in Tamarindo
Located near Tamarindo’s beachfront, this two-bedroom villa brings creature comforts to this tropical oasis. In Senderos, Tamarindo’s most exclusive and secure gated community, you’ll enjoy indoor-outdoor living with expansive entertaining spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool with cozy sun loungers. Guests have access to booking a private chef service, as well as in-villa massages and yoga classes.
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Amenities: Beach access, gated community, daily housekeeping, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, dedicated workspace, private pool, outdoor space with sun loungers
- Highlight: The property includes a pond full of wild ducks and iguanas.
Design Home in Nosara
Wake up to glimpse monkeys, toucans, and iguanas roaming in your yard at this expansive home overlooking Playa Guiones, one of the top surf beaches in the Nicoya Peninsula. The house has everything you need for indoor-outdoor living: large terraces, a fully-equipped kitchen, an outdoor pool, and an entertaining area with plush sun loungers and a seating area.
- Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
- Amenities: Free parking, private pool, washer/dryer, central heating and air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, fenced back-yard, outdoor furniture and dining area
- Highlight: From the outdoor terrace, you’ll have the perfect sunset views of Playa Guiones.
Kañik Apart Hotel on Playa Manzanillo
This cozy cabin for two has everything you need for a beach getaway. Set steps from Playa Manzanillo, the space has rustic interiors: exposed wood beams, floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the foliage, and a private outdoor nook perfect for morning coffees. When you’re not lounging at the beach, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a shared outdoor pool.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Shared pool, dedicated workspace, kitchen essentials, free parking, Bluetooth sound system, air conditioning, French press and coffee, outdoor dining area
- Highlight: The property is located in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a tropical rainforest climate where you can spot sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.
Casa Amazilia near Playa Brasilito
During a stay in this private home, you’ll have the entire grounds to yourself—including an expansive saltwater swimming pool. You’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors, given the property’s outdoor shower, patio and grill space, and massive top-floor terrace, which are perfect for entertaining guests during the area’s characteristic sunsets.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Amenities: Pool view, private pool, gated community, washer/dryer, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, BBQ grill, outdoor space with sun loungers
- Highlight: While the property is within walking distance to Playa Brasilito, it’s also about a 10-minute drive to other nearby beaches, including Flamingo and Conchal.
Garden Oasis in Santa Ana
Plush rugs, oversized sofas, and a porcelain bathtub are just a few delights at this garden home. Located about 20 minutes outside of downtown San José in the suburb of Santa Ana, this property is ideal for extended stays with friends or family, especially with its large backyard replete with grilling equipment and a spacious seating area.
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
- Amenities: Garden view, bathtub, washer/dryer, sound system, air conditioning, dedicated workspace, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, private patio, outdoor dining area, hammock, BBQ grill, free parking
- Highlight: Enjoy a private terrace and an expansive shared garden with the owner.
