Where the rainforest exhales and luxury whispers, Nayara Springs in San Carlos invites adults-only immersion in Costa Rica’s most sensorial escape. Tucked within Arenal’s emerald canopy, this secluded sanctuary marries barefoot elegance with elevated gastronomy—think wood-kissed seafood, volcanic-ash–cured vegetables, and a sommelier-led wine program that rivals urban temples of taste. For travelers seeking the pinnacle of San Carlos fine dining, Nayara Springs + San Carlos promises an experience as rare as it is refined.

The Story & Heritage
Opened as the crown jewel of the Nayara collection, Nayara Springs was conceived as an intimate, adults-only retreat—private villas, personal plunge pools fed by mineral-rich hot springs, and a culinary ethos rooted in place. Under the stewardship of the Nayara Resorts group, the property’s kitchens celebrate Costa Rica’s biodiversity with exacting technique and quiet sophistication. The culinary team draws influence from Latin American traditions and global haute cuisine, steadily evolving from resort dining to destination gastronomy recognized by international travel publications and luxury guides for its sustainability and service excellence.

The Cuisine & Menu
The cuisine champions hyper-seasonal Costa Rican produce and line-caught Pacific seafood shaped by fire, smoke, and precision. Expect a tasting menu and à la carte options that spotlight provenance: Guanacaste grass-fed beef with cacao jus; “Arenal Ember” octopus with roasted yuca and chorizo oil; palm-heart crudo with citrus leche de tigre; and plantain mille-feuille layered with vanilla and rum. Vegetarian and gluten-free tasting paths are thoughtfully designed, with vegan adaptations available on request. Sourcing privileges local farms, rainforest botanicals, and specialty producers, elevating flavor through craft rather than ornament. Price positioning is firmly fine dining, underscored by a limited-seat chef’s counter for an intimate, narrative-driven service.

Experience & Atmosphere
Dining unfolds in open-air pavilions and candlelit salons framed by the hum of the jungle, with polished teak, volcanic stone, and featherweight linens enhancing a cocoon of calm. Service is choreographed yet warm, with guides-turned-servers sharing the story of ingredients and terrain. The wine program—curated by an in-house sommelier—leans Old World with incisive New World selections, structured for thoughtful pairings and rare finds by the glass. Guests can reserve a chef’s table or private villa dinner, while the bar crafts botanical-forward cocktails using rainforest aromatics and local cacao. Smart-elegant dress code recommended; reservations essential, with a preference for booking weeks in advance during peak season.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Nayara Springs for a distinctly Costa Rican expression of luxury dining—intimate, ingredient-led, and serenaded by the rainforest. Reserve early—sunset seatings and the chef’s table are the most coveted—and request wine pairings to unlock the cellar’s best-kept secrets. For those seeking the best fine dining in San Carlos, this is the reservation worth planning a journey around.