Secluded Costa Rica resort
When people imagine a secluded Costa Rica resort, they often picture a place hidden away from the noise of cities and crowds, a sanctuary where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end under a sky lit with fireflies. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Hotel Rivel.
Tucked away in the highlands of Turrialba, this non-profit retreat was created with a simple vision: to share the restorative power of Costa Rica’s cloud forest with guests from around the world. It isn’t about luxury in the traditional sense. It’s about the kind of comfort that comes from quiet trails, fresh mountain air, and a deep connection to the land.
Here, you’ll wake to the sound of the Tuis River flowing just beyond your lodge, sip coffee grown and harvested on the very property you’re standing on, and feel time slow down in a way that makes every moment meaningful. Hotel Rivel is secluded, yes, but more than that, it’s a place where seclusion transforms into peace.
Why Choose Seclusion in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a dream destination for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and authenticity. But the country also welcomes millions of visitors each year, which means some areas (especially beaches and big resorts) can feel crowded. That’s why choosing a secluded resort in Costa Rica offers such a different kind of experience.
When you step away from busy tourist paths and into the lush highlands of Turrialba, you get more than just beautiful views. You get space. Space to walk forest trails without a rush. Space to swim in spring-fed pools where the water is so pure you can drink it. Space to listen, without interruption, to the calls of toucans and the chatter of monkeys.
Seclusion here doesn’t mean giving up connection. It means trading crowds for clarity. It means being close enough to experience Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity, but far enough to feel like the forest, the river, and the mountains belong only to you. For many travelers, that balance is what turns a trip into a true retreat.
Hotel Rivel: More Than Just a Stay, It’s a Retreat
Not every resort can call itself a retreat, but Hotel Rivel was created with that very purpose. Originally purchased as a future retirement haven, the property evolved into something much more meaningful: a place where people from all over the world could find rest, connection, and renewal.
Nestled at 1,000 meters above sea level, Hotel Rivel enjoys a naturally mild climate: cool mornings, warm afternoons, and evenings comfortable enough that air conditioning is never needed. This altitude also means breathtaking views of Costa Rica’s green mountains and valleys, which unfold in every direction.
Guests stay in intimate lodges and glamping domes, each designed to keep you close to nature without sacrificing comfort. The land itself has been kept largely wild, with thousands of fruit trees, coffee plants, and natural trails left for guests to explore. And because it’s run entirely by a team of Costa Ricans, every detail (from the fresh eggs served at breakfast to the stories shared on guided hikes) is rooted in local authenticity.
At Hotel Rivel, the focus isn’t on how much you can do, but on how deeply you can experience. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to truly retreat.
Private Lodges Surrounded by Jungle Serenity
A true secluded Costa Rica resort gives you space to yourself, and that’s exactly what the private lodges at Hotel Rivel provide. Whether you choose the Sky Lodge, Infinity Lodge, River Lodge, or Penthouse Lodge, each offers a cozy hideaway framed by the sights and sounds of the forest.
Imagine falling asleep to the steady rush of the river or waking up to mist lifting over the hills outside your window. The cabins are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind: double beds, wooden finishes, and just enough space to feel at home without ever forgetting you’re in the heart of nature. For families or small groups, the Penthouse Lodge offers room for up to four guests, while the mountain glamping domes create a more adventurous yet equally private experience.
What makes these lodges special isn’t just their design, but their setting. You won’t hear traffic. You won’t see high-rise buildings. Instead, you’ll step outside your door to find fruit trees, butterflies, and the quiet rhythm of the jungle. It’s a kind of privacy that feels rare — where you’re not isolated, but you are completely removed from the noise of everyday life.
Experiences That Belong Only to You
Birdwatching in a World-Class Setting
Costa Rica is home to nearly 600 bird species, and Hotel Rivel’s unique valley position makes it one of the best places to see them. Guests regularly log their sightings on eBird.org, spotting everything from toucans and hummingbirds to rare species that even seasoned birders get excited about. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious photographer, the open skies and lush trails create the perfect conditions to witness the beauty of Costa Rica’s birdlife.
Swim in a Spring-Fed Infinity Pool
One of the resort’s most remarkable features is its freshwater infinity pool, constantly replenished by mountain spring water. With no chemicals or salt added, the water is so pure you can drink it. Surrounded by green mountains, the pool offers not just a refreshing swim, but a one-of-a-kind connection to the natural world.
Explore Hidden Trails and Natural Pools
The property itself is a playground for nature lovers. Trails wind through the forest, leading to natural pools and riverbanks perfect for a picnic or a quiet afternoon in the sun. Because the land has been kept largely untouched, you’re never far from butterflies, birds, and the soothing sound of water flowing through the Tuis River.
Adventure on Horseback
For those who want to explore further, guided horseback tours provide a breathtaking way to discover Costa Rica’s cloud forest. With well-trained horses and experienced guides, you’ll see waterfalls, mountain vistas, and hidden corners of the jungle that few travelers ever experience.
Dining That Tastes Like the Land Itself
Seclusion doesn’t mean going without flavor. Hotel Rivel’s full-service restaurant and bar bring the richness of the land directly to your table. Meals feature fruit picked from the property, eggs from free-range chickens, and coffee grown on-site. Guests can also enjoy cocktails, wine, and beer, crafted by a dedicated in-house mixologist.
At Hotel Rivel, experiences don’t feel staged or mass-produced. They feel authentic; moments that belong only to you, shaped by the land and its rhythm.
Seclusion Without Isolation — Comforts You’ll Appreciate
One of the most beautiful surprises about Hotel Rivel is that while it feels tucked away in nature, it never feels disconnected. Seclusion here doesn’t mean roughing it — it means being cared for in ways that allow you to fully relax.
Each cabin is thoughtfully equipped with private WiFi, so you can stream, check in with family, or even take a work call if you choose. Many guests mention how seamless it felt to unplug when they wanted to (and reconnect when they needed to) without ever leaving their cozy lodge.
The retreat also offers a full-service indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals, cocktails, wine, or locally brewed coffee. There’s even a resident mixologist crafting drinks that reflect the flavors of the region.
And perhaps most importantly, everything is run by an all-local team. Guests often highlight the warmth of the staff in their reviews — from the friendly bartenders to the guides who share stories about plants, traditions, and hidden trails. At Hotel Rivel, you may be away from the bustle of cities and crowded resorts, but you’re never far from a warm welcome.
This blend of quiet seclusion with modern comfort is what makes Hotel Rivel such a rare find. It’s a place where you can escape into nature without ever feeling isolated.
What Guests Say About Their Secluded Stay
The best way to understand what makes Hotel Rivel special is to hear it from those who’ve experienced it. Guests consistently describe their time here as peaceful, restorative, and unlike any other Costa Rica resort they’ve visited.
“Such a peaceful place. The staff is so kind and helpful… we swam in the pool, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the tranquility of the cabin.” — Lauren, United States
“It really was a special retreat with fabulous trails through the jungle. Loved our cabin… will try to visit again.” — Alison, United States
“Everything felt like a retreat… fantastic trails, delicious food, and the cabin had everything you need. Evening you’ll be enchanted by thousands of fireflies giving a light show.” — Judy, Netherlands
Time and again, reviews highlight the tranquility of the cabins, the beauty of the trails and pools, and the genuine kindness of the staff. For many, it feels less like staying at a resort and more like being welcomed into a home tucked away in the mountains.
It’s this combination of privacy, natural beauty, and heartfelt hospitality that leaves guests not just refreshed, but eager to return.
Your Secluded Costa Rica Escape Awaits
In a world that moves too fast, places like Hotel Rivel feel rare. Here, in the highlands of Costa Rica, seclusion isn’t about being far away, it’s about being closer. Closer to nature, closer to yourself, and closer to the kind of peace that only comes when the noise of everyday life finally fades.
Whether you’re walking forest trails, swimming in a pool fed by mountain springs, or simply sitting outside your lodge listening to the river, each moment reminds you of what’s possible when you slow down.
Hotel Rivel is more than a secluded resort. It’s a retreat built on authenticity, community, and care for the land. And it’s waiting for you.
Ready to plan your stay? Message us on WhatsApp at +506 8770 1654 or email info@hotelrivel.online to begin your journey.
Seclusion. Simplicity. Serenity. It’s all here — and it’s yours to discover.
