Fodor's Expert Review Hidden Canopy Treehouses

Santa Elena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica Fodor's Choice

Nestled among 13½ acres of rolling hills nearly 3 km (2 miles) from town, luxury tree houses have wraparound decks, driftwood headboards, tree-stump nightstands, waterfall showers, and skylight ceilings, ultimately fading the line between nature and decor. Each unit is unique in design, but all are built of wood, stone, and glass and have minibars, lounge areas, and private entrances. The spacious two-bedroom Rivendell tree house looks more like a two-story chalet cupped in the branches. Eden has an indoor Jacuzzi, and Neverland—built over a koi pond—has floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the hills to the Gulf of Nicoya. Breakfast and tea are served in a lovely solarium in the main house, which also has two standard guest rooms. The rules here are simple: no shoes in the house, no working during your stay, and dessert is served before dinner promptly at 5 (the coconut flan is to die for). The property's views are among Monteverde’s best, and there are plenty of quiet spots for reflection and a network of hiking trails.

PROS

  • great happy hour at sunset
  • huge film library and board games for guests
  • exceptional breakfast
  • rooms have dehumidifiers

CONS

  • two- or three-night minimum stay depending on season
  • patchy Wi-Fi in rooms
  • no kids under 14
  • checkout at 10 am

QUICK FACTS

B&B/Inn
$$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 2645–5447

HOTEL DETAILS

7 units
Rate Includes: Closed Sept. 15–Dec. 1, Free Breakfast

What’s Nearby