Opened
2013
Price
$$$
Outside the door
Thermal canyon lodge
Elevated pathways weave through the dwarf forest canopy, connecting open-air pavilions to the rushing geothermal canyon below.
“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…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
White-water tubing, canyon ziplining, suspension bridges, and twenty miles of biking trails.
Notable
Stilt bungalows featuring singed wood walls, volcanic rock tiles, and polished concrete floors.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The interiors, outfitted with natural wood and polished concrete, are cozy, cheerful and bright.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Thirty-two kilometers of trails wind through the volcanic reserve, with whitewater rafting running along the nearby Tenorio River.
The 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.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The thermal pools
Three thermo-mineral pools sit beside illuminated boardwalks at the main level, warmed to varying temperatures by volcanic springs.
Perdido Pass Restaurant
Open-air tables sit under high timber trusses, serving Costa Rican dishes made with produce from the on-site garden.
How it began
Civil engineer Gabriel Saragovia designed the retreat around a hidden geothermal river, developing less than one percent of the reserve.
Stay here
Rio Perdido, an SLH Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.