Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp: luxury glamping next to Arenal Volcano

Nayara Tented Camp is a luxury tented accommodation perched on a cliff overlooking the rainforest in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. It is part of Nayara Resorts and presents itself as a place of nature with adventure and relaxation, designed for both couples and families. The company itself describes it as the No. 1 resort in Central America and No. 28 in the world, according to its presentation.

The camp offers luxury tents, an award-winning spa, dining experiences, and exploration activities. Highlights include visiting a sloth sanctuary, birdwatching, and spotting the blue morpho butterfly. The company also mentions the possibility of arranging private early-morning visits to hanging bridges.

Locally focused gastronomy

The camp's culinary philosophy is centered on offering sustainable, healthy food with local and seasonal ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers. The stated goal is to achieve "zero kilometers" between ingredients and the kitchen. The Ayla restaurant features Chef Mohamed Ternanni, born in Beirut, Lebanon, with a 16-year culinary career that began at age 17, including a decade at InterContinental and Leading Hotels of the World Resorts, and experience in Mediterranean, European, Turkish, and Asian cuisines. The site mentions dishes such as marlin carpaccio, Amor Loco artichoke salad, Amor Loco red snapper, and Asia Luna.

Team and service

The staff is presented as the soul of Nayara, with a focus on local hospitality. Specific names are mentioned: Karina, resident manager; Rodrigo, maitre d' at Ayla; Alfonso, head gardener; Michael and Jonathan, front desk concierges; and Carlos Rojas, from the reservations team, born in Palmares and with twelve years at the company. The camp offers personal concierge service to arrange itineraries and attend to guest needs.

Sustainability and community

Sustainability is a stated pillar of the project. The camp was built on stilts, leaving space between tents to plant trees and palms, on land that had been deforested by cattle farmers and where reforestation work has been carried out with thousands of native trees and shrubs. The orientation of the tents takes advantage of sunlight and ventilation to reduce the use of air conditioning and heating, and low-energy light bulbs and lighting systems are used, as well as water-conserving faucets and towels. On the social side, most of the team comes from La Fortuna de San Carlos; the company offers free transportation, sustainable tourism training, and health services, as well as free early education for employees' children, volunteering, and financial support for the Hogarcito de Niños orphanage and support for local artists. Nayara Resorts has an ESG report and a management plan.

Awards

The site lists distinctions such as Time's World's Greatest Places 2021, Condé Nast Traveler's 2020 Hot List, the New Concept award, the best sustainability recognition at Sustainable Design Now, and the 2020 Legend Award. A review by Peter Lindberg in Travel+Leisure about spotting a sloth named Tony is also mentioned.

Natural surroundings

The camp is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. The description highlights the vibrant rainforest, birdsong, and the chance to spot sloths and blue morpho butterflies. The company presents itself as part of Leading Hotels of the World and a hotel collection.

Location and contact

Phone: +506 2479 1600 · Email: reservations@nayararesorts.com · Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00