Alta Hotel

Clinging to the hills of Alto de las Palomas in Santa Ana, a 25-minute drive from Juan Santamaria international airport.

The 23 rooms ooze charm with beautiful handcrafted furnishings, romantic pendant lamps, Italian tobacco-coloured artisan leather chairs, and soothing colour schemes. The collection of deluxe rooms and suites offer upscale lodgings with contemporary cathedral ceilings and spacious private balconies. Enjoy spectacular views over the exotic garden and the forest-covered mountains beyond the Valle de Santa Ana.

With delicious meals created by head chef Angelo, La Luz restaurant combines international and Mediterranean flavours with Costa Rican tropical ingredients sourced from local organic farms. For dinner, try the tantalising rack of lamb served with organic coffee sauce and finish off the evening with the crème brûlée trio: vanilla, lemon with rosemary, and panameño hot pepper.

For a day of quiet relaxation, take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool, spa tub and sauna. Or for some retail therapy, visit the nearby mall for a day of shopping bliss.