From a treetop studio tucked into the jungle canopy of Santa Teresa to a private villa with views of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s best Airbnbs suit every type of traveler. Whether you choose a designer home overlooking Playa Guiones in the surf town of Nosara or a villa in Pavones just a short drive from one of the world’s longest left-hand waves (surf culture is a definite theme here), you’ll be surrounded by one of Costa Rica’s greatest treasures: its spectacular natural beauty.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica
– For a Luxurious Stay in the Cloud Forest: Casa Jaguar in Monteverde
– For a Spacious Home Near the Surf: Design Home in Nosara
– For a Floating Jungle Cabin: Naia Studio in Santa Teresa
– For Whale Watching: Oceanview Cabin in Uvita
– For Unbeatable Volcano Views: Tres Volcanes Glass Cabin in Chambacú
– For a Cozy Artistic Retreat: Hidden Art Studio in Piedras
Costa Rica’s landscapes give adventurous travelers the chance to experience wild beaches, rich biodiversity, rugged mountains, and lush rainforests up close. Imagine 360-degree views and homes almost entirely surrounded by greenery, where tropical birds visit nearly every day. Staying at one of these 15 vacation rentals puts you right in the heart of it all.
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Casa Flotanta in Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa
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Perched above the jungle canopy near Playa Hermosa, just north of Santa Teresa, this stilted villa by architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe offers sweeping views of the Pacific. Three pod-like structures with two master suites connect to airy living spaces filled with teak furniture and a saltwater infinity pool surrounded by treetops. Just a five-minute walk to a quiet surf beach, this home is perfect for travelers seeking seclusion—monkeys often swing by for daily visits.
– Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
– Amenities: Ocean view, private patio, backyard, library, Marshall speaker system, workspace, BBQ grill, full kitchen, stainless steel appliances
– Highlight: The villa’s floating design and secluded 1.5-acre setting offer uninterrupted immersion in Costa Rica’s coastal jungle.
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Hidden Art Studio in Piedras, Lake Arenal
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Surrounded by mango and guava trees, this creative studio near Lake Arenal was hand-built by artists using recycled materials like glass bottles, bamboo, clay, and wood. Perfect for writers, musicians, or anyone seeking inspiration in nature, the studio features mosaic floors, glowing bottle walls, and a main room with a Tatami-style sleeping area. But the experience is as much about the surrounding forest as the home itself, where guests often spot toucans, orioles, and butterflies.
– Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
– Amenities: Forest and garden views, hammock, outdoor dining area, fire pit, bikes, full kitchen
– Highlight: Wake early to watch the sunrise light up rainbow eucalyptus trees, creating a shimmering display of color.
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Forestview Villa in Naranjito
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Nestled between the mountains and the sea, and just a short drive from Manuel Antonio National Park, this airy villa in Naranjito attracts many of the park’s iconic wildlife species—three-toed sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of tropical birds, to name a few. With floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive gardens, and shaded terraces, this home is an immersive nature retreat ideal for families or groups. Guests can spend mornings spotting wildlife from the private plunge pool and enjoying meals in the indoor-outdoor living areas.
– Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
– Amenities: Outdoor plunge pool, gardens, wildlife viewing, enclosed grounds, laundry, weekday cleaning service
– Highlight: While nearby Manuel Antonio National Park is a draw, this secluded retreat offers its own incredible wildlife encounters.
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Tres Volcanes Glass Cabin in Chambacú
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Designed for breathtaking views, this glass cabin offers an unparalleled perspective of three volcanoes. Surrounded by nature, it’s a perfect base for exploring the region’s natural wonders while enjoying modern comforts and stunning panoramas.Cabin in Chambacú, La Fortuna
Courtesy of Airbnb
This modern glass and wood cabin is set on a 56-acre ranch with clear views of three volcanoes: Arenal, Tenorio, and Rincón de la Vieja. Perched at the highest point of the property, it offers a unique stay for groups and families looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s rural life. Guests can enjoy slow mornings sipping coffee on the balcony as mist drifts over the treetops, then take part in farm activities like milking cows, collecting fresh eggs, and tasting honey from stingless bees.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Amenities: Farm tours, fire pit, hammock, outdoor dining, fully-equipped kitchen, Google Nest sound system
Highlight: A rare mix of sleek modern design and hands-on farm life, ideal for families wanting to interact with animals and enjoy fresh honey straight from the comb.
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Casa Jaspis in Uvita
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Designed by award-winning Formafatal Studio, Casa Jaspis is a minimalist hillside retreat with panoramic views. It features an infinity plunge pool and terrace where guests can spot toucans, monkeys, and even whales offshore. Inside, contemporary interiors blend clean lines with natural textures for a refined yet grounded escape. With world-class surf at Playa Hermosa below and nearby waterfalls and national parks, it’s a design-lover’s hideaway surrounded by Costa Rica’s wild beauty.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Infinity plunge pool, ocean-view terrace, fully-equipped kitchen
Highlight: Whale-watch, surf, or see bioluminescent waves without leaving your hillside villa.
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An Oceanview Cabin in Uvita
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
With unobstructed views of Marino Ballena National Park—and the iconic whale-tail-shaped sandbar—this private cabin’s floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between indoors and out. Nestled in the jungle, this loft-style space is the perfect way to soak in the lush surroundings.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Ocean view, sound system, air conditioning, dedicated workspace, kitchen basics, balcony, free parking
Highlight: From the outdoor balcony, watch the coast for migrating humpback whales in the distance.
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Casa Jaguar in Monteverde
This loft features Nordic architecture and natural light, elevated on pillars to protect the landscape and give a feeling of floating among the treetops. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll have perfect views of the Monteverde mountains and plenty of cozy spaces, from an outdoor terrace with a hammock to a living room with a built-in fireplace.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Mountain view, bathtub, washer/dryer, air conditioning, indoor fireplace, balcony, fenced backyard, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, dedicated workspace
Highlight: Conveniently located near the forested trails of the Santa Elena Nature Reserve.
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Naia Studio in Santa Teresa
Perched in the jungle canopy of Santa Teresa, this treetop studio overlooks the ocean. It includes an outdoor shower, natural decor, and a private plunge pool. Whether relaxing in the water or enjoying coffee in the seating area, it’s a perfect spot to watch white-faced capuchin monkeys and hummingbirds.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Ocean and mountain views, central air conditioning, private plunge pool, free parking, pet-friendly
Highlight: The property provides organic aromatherapy bath products made in Costa Rica.
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Piña Hills Villa in Pavones
This luxury villa is ideal for friends or family who love entertaining and nature. With its sleek design and natural materials—concrete, wood, and stone—the open-air kitchen and seating area are perfect for festive meals, while its…This outdoor natural stone pool is ideal for enjoying the tropical climate. The villa is just a five-minute walk from a quiet, secluded beach.
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Amenities: Ocean view, air conditioning, kitchen with basic cooking supplies, outdoor space, BBQ grill, natural stone pool, pet-friendly
Highlight: The property is about a 10-minute drive from the Pavones surf break, home to one of the world’s longest left-hand waves.
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Villa Calathea in La Fortuna
Most visitors come to La Fortuna to experience the Arenal Volcano in the national park of the same name. This villa, located on the edge of downtown La Fortuna, puts you right in the heart of the action and offers one of the best volcano views. Enjoy the scenery from your private outdoor balcony or while relaxing in the hot tub.
Rooms: 1 bedroom (with two queen beds), 1 bathroom
Amenities: Volcano view, air conditioning, kitchen with basic cooking supplies, private balcony, outdoor seating, BBQ grill, free parking, pet-friendly
Highlight: As a guest, you’ll have access to the Los Lagos Hotel Resort & Spa and its hot springs.
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Casa Duna in Tamarindo
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Located near Tamarindo’s beachfront, this two-bedroom villa offers modern comforts in a tropical oasis. Situated in Senderos, Tamarindo’s most exclusive and secure gated community, you’ll enjoy indoor-outdoor living with spacious entertaining areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool with comfortable sun loungers. Guests can also book a private chef, in-villa massages, and yoga classes.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Beach access, gated community, daily housekeeping, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen with basic supplies, dedicated workspace, private pool, outdoor space with sun loungers
Highlight: The property features a pond filled with wild ducks and iguanas.
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Design Home in Nosara
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Wake up to monkeys, toucans, and iguanas roaming the yard at this spacious home overlooking Playa Guiones, one of the top surf beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. The house is perfect for indoor-outdoor living, with large terraces, a fully-equipped kitchen, an outdoor pool, and a relaxing area with plush sun loungers and seating.
Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Free parking, private pool, washer/dryer, central heating and air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, fenced backyard, outdoor furniture and dining area
Highlight: The outdoor terrace offers perfect sunset views over Playa Guiones.
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Kañik Apart Hotel on Playa Manzanillo
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
This cozy cabin for two has everything you need for a beach getaway. Just steps from Playa Manzanillo, it features rustic interiors with exposed wood beams, floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the greenery, and a private outdoor nook perfect for morning coffee. When you’re not at the beach, relax by the shared outdoor pool.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Shared pool, dedicated workspace, kitchen essentials, free parking, Bluetooth sound system, air conditioning, French press and coffee, outdoor dining area
Highlight: The property is located in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a tropical rainforest where you can spot sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.
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Casa Amazilia near Playa Brasilito
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During your stay at this private home, you’ll have the entire property to yourself, including a large saltwater swimming pool. You’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors, thanks to the outdoor shower, patio and grill area, and spacious top-floor terrace—perfect for entertaining during the area’s stunning sunsets.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Pool view, private pool, gated community, washer/dryer, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen with basic supplies, BBQ grill, outdoor space with sun loungers
Highlight: While the property is within walking distance of Playa Brasilito, it’s also…This garden home is just a 10-minute drive to nearby beaches like Flamingo and Conchal. Inside, you’ll find plush rugs, oversized sofas, and a porcelain bathtub among its many comforts. Located about 20 minutes from downtown San José in the suburb of Santa Ana, it’s perfect for longer stays with friends or family. The large backyard includes a grill and plenty of seating.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Garden view, bathtub, washer/dryer, sound system, air conditioning, dedicated workspace, fully-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, private patio, outdoor dining area, hammock, BBQ grill, free parking
Highlight: A private terrace and access to a spacious shared garden with the owner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the top Airbnbs in Costa Rica focusing on cabins in Monteverde and beachfront rentals in Nosara
General Questions
Q Why should I choose an Airbnb over a hotel in Costa Rica
A Airbnbs often offer more space privacy and unique locations that provide a more authentic and immersive experience
Q Whats the best time of year to visit Monteverde and Nosara
A The dry season is most popular for sunny beach days in Nosara Monteverde is in the cloud forest and can be misty and cool yearround but the dry season also sees less rain there
Q Do I need to rent a car to get to these Airbnbs
A It is highly recommended While some rentals might be accessible by taxi having a 4×4 vehicle is best for navigating the steep sometimes unpaved roads in Monteverde and reaching more secluded beachfront properties in Nosara
Questions About Cabins in Monteverde
Q What exactly is Monteverde known for
A Monteverde is famous for its lush cloud forest reserves which are home to incredible biodiversity including the resplendent quetzal hummingbirds monkeys and exotic plants
Q What amenities are common in a Monteverde cabin
A Most cabins feature stunning forest views decks or balconies for wildlife spotting and cozy interiors Many are ecofriendly with features like composting toilets and rainwater collection systems
Q Will it be cold in a Monteverde cabin
A Yes it can be Due to its high elevation Monteverde is much cooler and mistier than the beach Pack layers and look for cabins that provide heaters or plenty of blankets
Q Are these cabins kidfriendly
A Many are but always check the listing details Some cabins are built on steep hillsides or have open lofts which might not be suitable for very young children
Q Whats a common mistake people make when booking a cabin in Monteverde
A Underestimating the drive The roads to many cabins are rugged Always confirm with the host if a 4×4 is necessary and