Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Costa Rica / La Fortuna / Nayara Gardens
Nayara Gardens
La Fortuna, Costa Rica · Nayara Resorts · Grand Luxury
What began around 2007 as a modest 24-room hotel opened by architect Angelo Zaragovia became Costa Rica's founding Nayara resort when Miami developer Leo Ghitis bought out his partners in 2008. Today roughly 50 private casitas spread across 62 acres at the foot of Arenal Volcano, linked by footbridges to sister properties Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp.
- 50 rooms
- Opened 2008
- Neighborhood: Arenal northern foothills
- Rooms from 1,044 sq ft (97 m²)
- Architect: Angelo Zaragovia
About Nayara Gardens
- Nayara Gardens began around 2007 as a modest 24-room, three-star hotel opened by investors including architect Angelo Zaragovia.
- In 2008, Miami-based developer Leo Ghitis and his wife Ruthy bought out the other partners and transformed it into a luxury eco-resort.
- The family-friendly property now holds around 50 private casitas on a 62-acre mountainside beneath Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.
- Nayara Springs opened in 2013 and Nayara Tented Camp in December 2019, all linked by footbridges and jungle trails.
- Entry-level rooms start at 1,044 sq ft (97 m²).
History
Nayara Gardens is the original property of the Nayara Resorts collection at the foot of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The site began around 2007 as a modest 24-room, three-star hotel called Nayara, opened by a group of investors including architect Angelo Zaragovia. In 2008, Colombian-born, Miami-based developer Leo Ghitis and his wife Ruthy visited, fell for the property and bought out the other partners, transforming it into a luxury eco-resort.
The family-friendly Nayara Gardens features around 50 private casitas (bungalows) with terraces, outdoor showers, hammocks and Jacuzzi tubs. It was later joined on the same lush 62-acre mountainside by the adults-only Nayara Springs (2013) and Nayara Tented Camp (December 2019), all connected by footbridges and jungle trails and looking out to Arenal Volcano.
Restaurants and bars
- La Terraza — Restaurant
Experiences
- Gastronomy at La Terraza and resort kitchens — Kitchens source sustainable, healthy, seasonal local produce with a 'zero kilometers' aim.
- Private birding tour — Private birding tours with a guide; one guest reports seeing over 55 species.
- Sloth and wildlife spotting in the gardens and rainforest — Staff help guests find sloths, monkeys and birds on the grounds and pathways.
- Spa volcanic mud massage in open-air treatment space — Open-air treatment spaces with a thatched roof, no walls, and rainforest sounds.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Private pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- Travel + Leisure World's Best Hotels (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
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More Nayara Resorts hotels
- Nayara Springs — La Fortuna, Costa Rica · Apex Luxury
- Nayara Tented Camp — La Fortuna, Costa Rica · Grand Luxury
- Nayara Alto Atacama — San Pedro de Atacama, Chile · Grand Luxury
- Nayara Bocas del Toro — Bocas del Toro, Panama · Grand Luxury
- Nayara Hangaroa — Hanga Roa, Chile · High Luxury
More hotels in La Fortuna
- Nayara Tented Camp — Nayara Resorts · Grand Luxury
- Nayara Springs — Nayara Resorts · Apex Luxury
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa — Tabacón · High Luxury
- Amor Arenal — Independent · Core Luxury
- Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs — Independent · Near Luxury
- Lost Iguana Resort & Spa — Independent · Near Luxury
Nayara Resorts in The Maison: the brand's idea, history and every house on the atlas.