From Surf Havens to Misty Forests, Discover Costa Rica’s Most Enchanting Airbnbs

Costa Rica is a destination that truly lives up to its reputation: With a motto like pura vida, meaning “pure life,” it’s hard not to anticipate a slice of paradise. Fortunately, you’re likely to find your dreams fulfilled here. This Central American jewel offers everything from surfer-friendly shores and wildlife-rich national parks to exceptional dining and adventurous activities. While the country boasts some of the finest resorts in the area, there’s a unique charm in escaping the hustle and renting your own villa, cabin, or treehouse.

In these private retreats, you won’t be surrounded by other tourists at a bustling lobby or pool. Instead, you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the country: spot migrating whales from your terrace, enjoy the melodies of the cloud forest over morning coffee, swim in pristine rivers, ride the ocean waves, or trek through lush trails to discover hidden waterfalls. Best of all, these 10 Costa Rican Airbnbs provide luxurious experiences, featuring amenities like saunas, clawfoot tubs, infinity pools, and even options for massage or private chef services.

Contemporary Home with a View of the Pacific

Nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula, close to vibrant coral reefs and sea turtle nesting grounds, this two-bedroom home showcases midcentury modern design with ample teak and concrete accents, striking orange furnishings, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to stunning views of the bay and surrounding islands. The outdoor area is highlighted by a grand mango tree that provides shade over an infinity pool and chic seating area. From the deck, you can enjoy the melodies of cicadas and tropical birds, along with the distinctive—but still charming!—calls of howler monkeys, serving as a delightful, natural alarm clock.

Earth-rammed villa perched on a jungle hillside

Czech design studio Formafatal crafted these two stunning modern one-bedroom villas—the earthy-toned Nefrit and its lighter counterpart, Jaspis—perched about 1,000 feet above the renowned surf spot Playa Hermosa. The architects sourced local clay to construct these sustainable rammed-earth homes, presenting a sunlit interpretation of brutalist architecture. With frameless, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a private infinity pool, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of migrating whales during the day and bioluminescent waves at night. Keep in mind, the steep road leading to the villas requires a 4x4 vehicle, where you’ll likely encounter monkeys and parrots welcoming you at the top.

Cottage nestled in the cloud forest

Monteverde stands as a key ecotourism destination in the country, particularly for those eager to experience the cloud forest up close. For an immersive wildlife encounter, consider this timber-framed tree house, which boasts amenities like a vintage clawfoot bathtub, a catamaran net for lounging on the terrace, and a workspace by a window overlooking the forest. It’s an ideal retreat for unplugging (if you choose, though high-speed fiber optic internet is available if needed!) and exploring hiking trails. If you seek more activities, the two-bedroom cottage is just a five-minute stroll from Hotel Belmar, which features a farm-to-table restaurant, a cocktail bar, a craft brewery, and a yoga studio.

Serene sky cabin with a unique design

Nestled into a lush hillside, this stylish one-bedroom cabin exudes more Nordic charm than tropical vibes, featuring midcentury-inspired decor and a custom bathtub and shower with glass walls offering treetop views. An expansive wraparound window is positioned beside the bed, and at night, you can lower the shades to transform them into a smart TV projector. (A second full-size bed is cleverly hidden in the platform of the main bed.) The cabin is set on four acres of rainforest, shared with toucans, hummingbirds, and butterflies, and there’s a quaint, boulder-lined pool just steps away, fed by natural spring water. About a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find Bajos del Toro, a stunning series of waterfalls and mineral-rich swimming spots in the highlands.

Unique adobe cottage featuring a pool

Nestled along the lesser-known Caribbean coastline, this charming one-bedroom adobe cottage is situated about half a mile from the beach and near the well-known Jaguar Rescue Center, which was highlighted in Zac Efron’s Netflix series Down to Earth. Resembling a blend of a terra-cotta pot and a Buddha figure, this quirky retreat boasts organic curves, oversized porthole windows, prism-like skylights, and a thatched observation deck adorned with Adirondack chairs and a hammock. You’ll adore the tiled pool, enveloped by lush greenery that makes it feel like a hidden jungle spring.

Opulent villa close to a favorite surf beach

The beach town of Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast is famous for its reliable surf conditions, and this newly constructed two-bedroom villa is just a short walk from the shore, nestled within an exclusive gated community, conveniently near the vibrant downtown area. The owners have designed it with a “tropical chic” aesthetic, featuring oversized palm motifs on the walls and a thatched patio that overlooks the pool. Daily housekeeping is provided (excluding Sundays and public holidays), and options for hiring a private chef, massage therapist, or yoga instructor are available.

Five-bedroom villa with sweeping ocean views

Many villas meant for larger groups often leave someone feeling less than thrilled (who gets the kids’ room or ends up on the top bunk?), but that's not the case with the Setai Luxury Villa: It boasts five “royal suites,” each featuring king-size beds and private bathrooms. Situated just outside the relaxed surf town of Santa Teresa, this villa includes a garden with a BBQ grill and an outdoor kitchen, ideal for preparing meals al fresco. The highlight might just be the partially submerged loungers in the infinity pool, where you can cool off while taking in the stunning Pacific sunsets.

Retreat with river access and an organic garden

A river meanders through this picturesque two-bedroom property, aptly named Kubla Khan after Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem about Xanadu's summer palace; much like that idyllic source of inspiration, this is a sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy views of the untouched cloud forest and the San Isidro Valley, unwind by the pool or in the bio-sauna, or harvest organic fruits and vegetables from the garden. For the active traveler, there's a “jungle gym” featuring an exercise bike, yoga mat, foam roller, free weights, and bench press, plus mountain bikes available for exploring the area. You might discover waterfalls, swimming holes, and sunbathing rocks, and after a day of activity, you can arrange for massages on-site.

Villa with a pool and workspace ideal for digital nomads

Located fifteen minutes from the town of Ojochal in Puntarenas province, this three-bedroom villa accommodates up to eight guests and was thoughtfully designed to offer jungle and ocean views from every room—even the bathrooms. As a result, an abundance of natural light fills the space, enhancing the already bright interior adorned in crisp whites and warm wood accents. The outdoor area includes a BBQ grill, picnic table, and a cozy sectional, as well as a beautiful infinity pool. Digital nomads will appreciate the high-speed Starlink internet and a dedicated workspace equipped with two monitors, a wireless keyboard, and mouse. Nearby, you'll find beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and boogie-boarding, alongside zip lines, deep-sea fishing charters, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting opportunities.

Tropical mountain retreat with a pool

While many chic villas in the area obscure their lush surroundings with stark minimalist decor, this vibrant three-bedroom home celebrates its Costa Rican roots: Expect vibrant floral cushions on the beds, dishware adorned with colorful folk designs, birds-of-paradise shower curtains, and a dining room featuring a massive mural of sloths, toucans, jaguars, and rich plant life. The backyard includes a half basketball court, a fire pit with complimentary wood, and an above-ground pool, plus access to hiking trails and a private waterfall just a short walk away from the house.