Rio Perdido, an SLH Hotel
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Fortuna
Vibe
Elevated pathways weave through the dwarf forest canopy, connecting open-air pavilions to the rushing geothermal canyon below.
“Thermal canyon lair”
Volcanic hot spring river pools, riverside mud stations, and yoga pods suspended forty-three meters above the canyon.
A carbon-fiber zipline circuit, white-water canyon tubing, hanging bridges, and thirty-two kilometers of hiking and biking trails.
Stilt bungalows with singed timber walls, polished concrete, volcanic rock tiling, and private terraces with hammocks.
In a 1,500-acre thermal canyon reserve between the Miravalles and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
“The interiors, outfitted with natural wood and polished concrete, are cozy, cheerful and bright. Each has a private terrace strung with a hammock.”
Rooms
Bungalows raised on stilts frame the canopy with floor-to-ceiling glass, pairing singed timber accents with volcanic rock tiles and hammock-strung terraces.
“Tucked under the canopy of a jungle-like forest brimming with howler monkeys and technicolor birds, the resort greets guests with an open-air lobby...”
Wellness
Soak in natural thermo-mineral river pools, paint on riverside volcanic mud, or practice in yoga pods suspended high over the canyon.
Backstory
Civil engineer Gabriel Saragovia designed the retreat around a hidden geothermal river, developing less than one percent of the reserve.
Eat & drink
Perdido Pass serves regional casados beneath high timber ceilings, accompanied by fresh juices and cocktails at the swim-up pool bar.
The neighborhood
Thirty-two kilometers of trails wind through the volcanic reserve, with whitewater rafting running along the nearby Tenorio River.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.