I nearly didn't book at Nayara at all - I sent them an email specifically enquiring if by booking directly with the hotel, they could match the more competitive rates offered on online booking sites - and reservations ("Johnny") merely responded with a curt, standard email reminding me of their standard price and attaching a form to fill in. Strangely, once booked (via ebookers), the hotel switched into helpful mode with thoughtful replies (from "Carlos") to various questions I emailed.

The hotel's own transit from San Jose airport at USD140 is competitive with independent private car transfers and for the 3-4 hour journey is good value. Nice driver in clean, 4WD car.

Itinerary planning:
Two nights was sufficient (with Monteverde to follow). The SkyTram/Sky Trek zip wire is well worth doing. As is the Eco Thermales thermal springs. The hotel-recommended Arenal Volcano Tour that preceded the springs was over-billed - more a walk to a nice view spot. On the way back, everyone in the minibus had to fill out feedback forms in front of the guide who had been repetitive and uninspiring so we had to write nice things even though we were all disappointed.

A few things just to manage expectations:

- You can't walk into town - it's a short drive in if you want other restaurants in the evening.

- The hotel casitas (rooms) are large with balconies directly onto forest. They are mostly delightful. They are quite densely packed together, but the connecting paths are cleverly landscaped and the overall layout is staggered so you can barely see neighbouring balconies - it's not a full 'hideway' resort but this is reflected in the price.

- The casitas are beautifully and simply appointed but would benefit from at least one item of upholstered furniture for comfort. All the seating in the room and balcony is unforgiving bare hardwood.

- The wi-fi in the rooms was broken (at least in the two casitas our party was occupying) - something the hotel management seemed to have a longstanding awareness of, claiming it was difficult to get working properly. Other much more spread out properties have sufficient access points to deliver a wifi signal without the need to go to reception to get a connection so I'm sure this is fixable.

- Unfortunately, the main restaurant is sandwiched between a fairly busy reception pavilion (with slighty manic management) and the main car park (which is visible and audible when eating). This is a shame as it somewhat breaks the calm 'magic spell' of being in the remote foothills of the volcano.

-Food in the main restaurant was mostly good (but not the best hotel food in CR) and predictably pricey for the captive audience. The inclusion of a sushi restaurant seemed an odd novelty. The wine bar (staffed by helpful Jonathan - there are a few Jonathan's there) was more useful, serving a very small range of very large plates of tapas!

So overall, still a lovely place, a recommendation and I would go back. Just be aware of some limitations.

PS the Mystery Of The Third Tap (faucet) - hot, cold and ???? feeding the single outlet shower remains...

Gorgeous setting, perfect service, beautiful private cabanas with deck with private jacuzzi. Amazing gardens, fantastic spa and the whole premises very well maintained. Great sushi restaurant (although somehow overpriced), gorgeous wine bar with outside terrace for fine dining. Pool area with great cocktail bar. Super friendly and helpful staff ( sometimes too much focussing on the US clients and fishing for tips). Almost perfect and absolutely no better place to stay in La Fortuna. And of course, all of this does have a price, but worth it.

This is the summun of luxury from the moment you step up in your transfer van. Staff are super dedicated, the tours are of top level. We recommend Edwin and the canopy tour. The people staying there are lovely, its a very social place. We did find it on the expensive side. But good things are never cheap, just be aware that money goes quickly when you have a great sushi bar, an amazing wine bar and a world class open air spa. Perfect for a honeymoon or if you need to fix your marriage. The laundry did ruin my favorite t shirts which they put in the dryer and the staff is pushing too hard on the tips. For the record, they has 13% tax and 10% tip. You don't need to leave extra. But we loved it there, go on spoil yourself, you are worth it.

The vibrancy of Costa Rica...the culture, the people, the colors, the food....they all come alive at the Nayara. All in all, the property and staff represented the best of Costa Rica. Food was good and plentiful, the grounds were amazing...lush and colorful, the accommodations were luxurious and restful, and the staff were incredibly professional yet friendly and eager to please. All in all, our 3 nights were the start of an incredible journey in CR which enabled us to experience the wonders of the rain forest and get to know a little about the local area and the communities. The Nayara booked our excursions each day and we were not disappointed with the volcano and waterfall hikes, the rafting trips down the river, the intensity of the zip lines, and capping it all off with some down time at the mineral baths. We could not have found a better place to stay!