every spring for years, and yet it still manages to surprise me. I’ve chased waves in Santa Teresa and Nosara, hiked through cloud forests, and woken up to howler monkeys more times than I can count, but what keeps drawing me back is how much variety is packed into this relatively small country, from world-class surf breaks and rainforest canopies to volcanic hot springs and some of the most biodiverse coastlines on Earth.

This variety also extends to where you can stay. While there are many wonderful

, for a more personal experience, I recommend booking a vacation rental. Costa Rica’s Airbnb market has matured significantly over the years, with options ranging from architecturally resplendent

steps from the best surf breaks. Keep in mind that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for many properties, and proximity to the beach doesn’t always mean easy road access—something worth researching before you book.

Whether you prefer swanky villas with enough room for a whole crew or charming mountain lodges away from it all, the 19 Airbnbs below should offer plenty of travel inspiration for your next trip. Ready to live the pura vida lifestyle? Here are our top picks for the best Costa Rica Airbnbs.

We’ve selected these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. Additional reporting by Kristin Braswell.

Oceanfront garden with hammocks, natural tide pool, daily housekeeping

One of the only properties sitting directly on the ocean in Montezuma, Casa Sol is an octagon-shaped two-story villa with hardwood floors and a radial wood ceiling. The architecture alone makes it worth a stay: A spiral staircase, vaulted beamed ceilings, and artistic touches throughout make the home feel more like an art installation than a rental. While the property’s interior is impressive, don’t discount the outdoor amenities: Casa Sol is part of the boutique Hotel Amor de Mar, so guests have access to hammocks in the oceanfront garden, a natural tide pool in the rocks,

. The famous Montezuma waterfall is directly across the street, and two beaches are within a 10-minute walk in either direction.

Montezuma Waterfall, Tortuga Island, Playa Montezuma

Modern jungle villa with floor-to-ceiling windows in Uvita

Jungle views, outdoor dining area, dipping pool, barbecue grill, Bluetooth sound system

Perched within the rainforest canopy in Uvita, Casa Rebi offers floor-to-ceiling

of the jungle from nearly every room. It’s the ideal escape if seeing monkeys and toucans is on your Costa Rica bucket list. This design-forward two-bedroom retreat is built for couples or small groups of friends who want privacy without sacrificing comfort. The open-concept layout leans into indoor-outdoor living—think morning coffee on the deck as birds pass through, evenings around the barbecue, and nights in the dipping pool with excellent

. Both queen en suite bedrooms have memory foam mattresses, and the fully equipped kitchen means you can load up on groceries before you arrive and cook in as easily as you can eat out. Outside, an expansive deck with a dining table faces directly into the jungle canopy. When errands are necessary, the town is only five minutes away.

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Catarata Uvita, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ventanas

Infinity saltwater pool, proximity to the beach, weekly wellness programming

I stayed at this villa, called Pandora, in the spring, and it was the perfect home base for one of the most effortless trips I’ve ever taken. One of five villas in the Rayo Verde complex, Pandora may also be the most architecturally striking—coral-tinted concrete walls, intricate carved woodwork, and double-height living spaces—the kind of pink-walled, light-drenched architecture that feels deliberately, confidently feminine. Large sliding glass doors can connect the kitchen and living areas with the jungle and pool, or seal shut when AC is warranted. The beach is within a minute’s walk.

Rayo Verde’s shared palapa hosts a weekly calendar of mat Pilates,

also on-site. The staff pre-stocks the kitchen based on your grocery list before you arrive, housekeeping cycles through multiple times a day (you won’t wash a single dish), and security and concierge staff are on hand throughout. When you’re ready to get in the water, local surf instructor Pablo Sandoval meets guests on the beach daily to teach them how to navigate the break at Playa Hermosa.

Infinity saltwater pool, daily breakfast, customized nature walks

For adventurers seeking their own personal slice of lush rainforest 1,060 feet above sea level,

offers small groups the opportunity to book all six of the elevated one-bedroom canopy suites on the property. With the Rainforest Sanctuary Buyout package–offered for a minimum of four nights for up to 24 people–guests get the grounds to themselves and customized experiences like wellness, agri-tourism, environmental programs, plus experiences with indigenous communities. Suite designs highlight minimalism and the natural surroundings, including stone sinks made from local stone and salvaged hardwood. Amenities include an infinity-edge saltwater

, morning coffee brought straight to your door, and activities with a certified naturalist who can take you to nearby attractions like Corcovado National Park and Piedras Blancas National Park.

Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park

Situated on a mountainside teeming with plants in Puntarenas’s Tajo Alto, this lush retreat is the place to go when you want to

and be completely immersed in nature. The one-bedroom private dome comes equipped with a small kitchenette and bathroom, and access to a pool and waterfalls. Nearby attractions include

—where you can zipline across 11 waterfalls—and island hopping on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Adventure Park Costa Rica, Nicoya Peninsula beaches

Located within a sustainable yoga retreat on the southern coast of Uvita, this seven-bedroom spot includes plenty of common areas for groups to relax, including an

Sursă: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-costa-rica-airbnbs