JOURNEY THROUGH THE COFFEE LANDS

On arrival into Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, you’ll be whisked away to San Ramon in the magical Los Angeles cloudforest - with its tranquil setting among gorgeous mountain scenery and sugar plantations, it’s the perfect introduction to the country’s undiscovered gems. Staying at the lovely Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Lodge, you’ll be treated to two nights of beautiful views and fabulous food. Enjoy morning coffee on your private porch facing wonderful scenery before heading into dense cloudforest to spot the exotic flora and fauna (includingon a spectacular hike to the White Magic Waterfall. Go on night tours to discover the nocturnal creatures, including colourful treefrogs and velvety kinkajous, or walk along the canopy walkways through the forest looking for the resplendent quetzal. The lodge is also a goog gateway to Arenal Volcano, where you can bask in the natural hot springs or climb the foothills of the iconic peak.

Next, you’ll be taken north to Bagaces to stay in the heart of the dry forest and thermal river canyons surrounding eco-friendly Rio Perdido. You’ll stay in this gorgeous lodge for three nights, exploring the 600 acre private reserve that it sits in. Buckle up and fly between canyon faces on a pendulum cable, Tarzan swing or zip line, go mountain biking along the numerous trails that are suitable for riders of all ability, or put on a helmet, hold on tight and go white water tubing. For those who want to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, visit Palo Verde National Park to photograph the resident tropical birds, such as the pretty roseate spoonbills, and various mammals, including howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis and collared peccaries.

Crossing the border into Nicaragua, you’ll be driven to Playa Gigante. The region is the epitome of barefoot luxury, and you can explore the stunning 30-mile stretch of pristine coastline during your three nights, catching a wave or two, dining on superbly fresh seafood and relaxing on the white sand beaches. Combine this with a few hours spent trekking the tropical coastal forests, home to monkeys and parakeets, or take a helicopter flight to Cerro Negro volcano and ash-board down its vegetation-free slopes. For water based excursions, you can kayak and snorkel in the sea, head towards the darker waters and go deep sea fishing or cruise the bay in a private boat, sipping champagne as you go.

Skirting along the shores of Lake Nicaragua, your next stop is the UNESCO-protected old Spanish-built city of Granada, which drips with colonial allure. There are picture-perfect scenes at every turn, pastel-coloured architecture that makes you feel like you are in a dream, and there are still horses and carts that bump along the old cobbled streets. Much of the appeal of Granada is wandering its attractive streets, from Parque Central with its colourful cathedral to the narrow alleyways where tiny doorways reveal beautiful leafy courtyards. An uber-cool counterpoint to the historic and colonial city, you’ll stay two nights in the Tribal Hotel, a boho-chic hotel draped in unique artworks and designer furniture.

Once you've browsed Granada’s charms, you’ll soon discover that there’s a whole host of adventures just beyond the city’s reaches. There’s a volcano to climb, fish to catch, islands to explore, lakes to kayak and a variety of birdlife to identify. For your final three nights on this off-the-beaten-track holiday, we'd recommend taking a quick boat ride from Granada to a private island retreat, located on an islet in Lake Nicaragua. With a breathtaking viewpoint of the Mombacho Volcano and lake, Jicaro Island Ecolodge makes it easy to hop between incredible excursions; however, if you feel like you are losing steam, then the onsite spa is just the thing. Soak up the soothing oils with a regenerating massage in the open air spa and then roll yourself into the comfort of a hammock to while away the days in complete serenity, overlooking the lake.