Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort is tucked away on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific region. Between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park, the resort is an all-inclusive oasis accessible only by boat—making it a perfect base for those seeking an immersive nature experience. The property only accommodates up to 20 guests at a time in stylish but rustic wood cabins. As one of Costa Rica’s top spots for experiential travel, you’ll find a blend of adventure, gourmet cuisine, and eco-luxe accommodations.

Pros

• There are beautiful beach, ocean, and garden views from all over the property.
• The resort is all-inclusive, and the food is excellent.
• Guests can book resort-led excursions like a sunset boat cruise (for an extra fee).
• Past guests rave about the caring staff.
• No crying babies will disturb the peace: only children four and up are permitted.
• The on-site masseuse gives wonderful massages.

Cons

• Getting here can be challenging, as the resort is only accessible by boat.
• The pool and pool area are small in relation to how many travelers stay at the resort.
• The WiFi is somewhat spotty and can be hard to connect at times.
• The property isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Authenticity

The owners have lived on the property for over 25 years. The place began as a four-room rainforest hideaway that eventually developed into today’s resort. Every cabin was custom-made by hand and maintains a native Costa Rican architectural theme. The resort tries to integrate all of its buildings into the landscape to maintain the beauty and natural footprint found in the area. Rooms are constructed using recycled materials and reforested wood such as teak, cypress, and beechwood.

Location

Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort sits in a somewhat isolated location outside of Drake Bay on the coastal path that connects Drake Bay to Corcovado. There are beautiful beach, ocean, and garden views from all over the property. As the resort is quite remote, guests typically fly into the Aguijitas airport from San José and meet up with their scheduled hotel boat transfer. The resort is only accessible by boat. To go off the property, travelers need to schedule a transfer at reception and then use a car or hire a taxi to visit the small community of Drake Bay for restaurants and grocery shopping, about a 20-minute drive away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The resort’s air-conditioned rooms and villas provide a comfortable retreat amid the surrounding rainforest and ocean views. Crafted from recycled materials and reforested wood, the accommodations blend in with the landscape. The high-ceilinged interiors are adorned with earth tones and cheerful plants. Upgraded villas add kitchen facilities and extra bedrooms, making them perfect for families or groups. The resort’s grandest accommodation, Palm, has a two-story layout with an extra-large bathroom featuring a Japanese-style soaking tub.

Wildlife

Many animals have been spotted across the 70-acre (28 ha) property, and the most memorable sightings happen in the morning (and often by the pool). Wildlife typically spotted includes monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, woodpeckers, iguanas, parakeets, and butterflies.

Amenities

A four-tiered series of infinity pools face leafy foliage and the Pacific. The topmost pool is a small hot tub, the middle two are unheated plunge pools, and the last is a small kids’ pool. There’s patio space around the pools where guests can enjoy the resort’s drinks and food poolside. There’s no spa on-site, but excellent massages are offered in guests’ rooms. Guests can also take advantage of the various recreational activities, including private dining experiences, sunset boat cruises, and beach trips.

Family-Friendliness

Children under four aren’t permitted, but kids ages 4-12 receive a 40% off room rate and packages when staying with two adults. Amargo, Bamboo, Palm, Amapola, Cacao, Mango, and Coco are the best cabins for families with kids, as they all have space for up to 4-5 travelers and can fit extra beds in if necessary. There’s a kids’ pool and plenty of options for children in the breakfast and lunch buffet.

Other Highlights

All meals are included at the resort’s elegant open-air Miramar restaurant, where you can savor fresh, locally sourced dishes while taking in scenic views of the garden, beach, and ocean. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a la carte. The offerings include local fruits and vegetables, fresh-caught seafood, meats, poultry, freshly baked bread, desserts, smoothies, and specialty coffees. The bar is open all day, serving domestic and imported beers, wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails.