27-06-2025
Amor Arenal hotel review: sleep in the shadows of a Costa Rican volcano
Just 5 per cent of Amor's 250-acre undulating land was used to create this adult-friendly boutique hotel, which edges a rainforested canyon in full view of Arenal volcano. Each of the immaculate shiny-wood casitas (cottages) stands alone, lusciously enveloped by tropical foliage, and with the restaurant, bar, open-air spa, pools and gym all hidden amid this intense greenery, the resort feels deceptively small and looks empty, even when full. Guests either cocoon themselves in their casitas — taking full advantage of their rainforest-view spa pools — wander local trails or explore Arenal's zip lines, aerial walkways and thermal springs.
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Score 9/10Amor's 31 casitas are essentially chocolate-box cottages, crafted from at least six varieties of precious hardwood, with private terraces for peering up at Arenal's famous volcano. It's heaven for honeymooners — think cloud-soft beds heaped with cushions, heated whirlpools and strong, rainforest-view double-head showers — and also suits friends travelling together (some rooms have twin queen beds). Yoga mats, kettle bells, plates of sweet treats and even hair straighteners are welcome touches. Light sleepers might find the lack of curtains unnerving, but even if the dawn light doesn't wake you up the howler monkeys will certainly sound the alarm. Just be aware that while all casitas are volcano-facing, the encroaching rainforest conceals the view from some. Buggies can be called upon to whisk those staying in the furthest flung accommodation to the restaurant sweat-free.
Score 9/10The chefs are very selective with their produce, favouring organic, seasonal and regional ingredients. El Rancho, the main restaurant with a volcano-view terrace, infuses Latin American flavour into its dishes, though Mexico, Italy and Peru are well represented too. Breakfasts are hearty (think burritos bursting with fillings) but there are also lighter options: homemade pastries, fresh fruit and creamy oats. For something different, amble down the boardwalk from the restaurant (look out for resident red-eyed tree frogs) to La Jaranita Bar and Tico Grill where in-table barbecues are poised for socially grilling gallitos (soft corn tortillas). The hotel has a considered wine menu and a cocktail cart championing sugar cane-based guaro cacique concoctions. Foodies can also sign up for cookery demos, wine tasting and a chef's table dinner.
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Score 9/10It's hard to resist the allure of the gorgeously designed spa. Peeping between curtains of vines are sensual open-sided massage rooms, a thatched yoga shala and a meditation pavilion. It's rightfully popular, so worth booking a treatment before you come, though anyone can join the daily morning wellness classes focussing on yoga, meditation or sound therapy.
Two trails explore Amor's canyon, past waterfalls, bubbling streams and pristine rainforest, though you'll need a guide if you are tackling the more challenging route. The hotel also has a couple of spring-fed pools backed by trickling waterfalls, lipstick palms and ginger, and a very well equipped gym furnished with functional training and cardio equipment as well as free weights.
Score 9/10Arenal is Costa Rica's most photographed volcano and nothing but rainforest stands between Amor and this pointed peak (but don't worry, the volcano is currently 'resting'). This region is the country's undisputed adventure capital with treks, trails and aerial walkways leading through wildlife-dense rainforest, lakes for paddleboarding and meandering rivers for gentle floats or white-knuckle rafting — the accommodating hotel team can help craft you an itinerary. For a change of (culinary) scene, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in La Fortuna, a ten-minute drive away, along with shops selling souvenirs and supplies.
Price B&B doubles from £470Restaurant mains from £20Family-friendly over-13s onlyAccessible Y
Emma Boyle was a guest of Amor Arenal (
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