Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda - New Hotel in Carara National Park, Costa Rica
Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda — A Jungle Sanctuary at the Edge of Carara National Park
At Nature’s Threshold
Tucked along the banks of the Tárcoles River at the gateway to Carara National Park, Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda offers an unrivalled rainforest experience just 90 minutes from San José. Here, scarlet macaws glide above verdant canopies, white‑faced capuchins chatter between the trees, and the gentle murmur of the river becomes part of your daily rhythm. Set within a rare ecological transition zone between lush rainforest and tropical dry forest, this boutique refuge is both a portal to untouched wilderness and a serene retreat from the world beyond.
Jungle Meets Hacienda Tradition
Opened in January 2026 as part of the Autograph Collection, Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda reimagines Costa Rican hospitality through a vivid lens of design and place. The property celebrates the spirit of the hacienda tradition and the cultural heart of the region while embracing a contemporary sensibility that feels both authentic and timeless. With 84 thoughtfully curated rooms and suites that seamlessly blend colonial‑inspired elegance with modern comfort, this hotel captures the soul of Costa Rica’s ecological richness without ever feeling staged.
Contemporary Elegance in the Wild
Santa Lucia’s design ethos balances refined interiors with the untamed beauty of the rainforest outside. Natural materials, soft earthy tones, and handcrafted finishes create a refined canvas that feels warm, rooted, and unexpectedly poetic against the vibrant green backdrop. Architectural lines nod to colonial hacienda heritage, while open‑air spaces and verandas blur the boundary between indoors and out, letting the sounds of jungle life, dappled light, and rustling foliage become part of your stay.
Jungle‑Framed Tranquility
Across its 84 rooms and suites, Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda fosters a sense of calm and connection. From plush Deluxe King rooms and accessible ADA options to Deluxe River Bliss rooms that bring the gentle rhythms of the river into your private sanctuary, each space is designed for rest and reflection. Larger Junior Suites and the signature Presidential Suite elevate the experience with generous living areas, panoramic jungle vistas, and moments of quiet seclusion. Many accommodations include balconies or terraces that invite you to breathe in the lush atmosphere and listen as wildlife becomes a constant companion.
Flavors of Costa Rican Life
Culinary life at Santa Lucia unfolds across multiple distinct venues that guide you from sunrise to late‑night conversation. Casa del Río celebrates Latin American gastronomy with Costa Rican ingredients and regional flair, while Bambu Grill offers relaxed poolside dining with fire‑kissed flavors and refreshing bites. La Cantina, inspired by the traditional Costa Rican cantina experience, serves local drinks and snacks in a convivial setting, and La Chicha brings a moodier, atmospheric vibe for evenings with creative cocktails and refined small plates. These varied offerings reflect both the diversity and authenticity of Costa Rican cuisine.
Renewal in Nature’s Embrace
Well‑being at Santa Lucia is an immersive journey woven into the very fabric of the rainforest. The Sukia Wellness Spa — conceived as a nature‑first sanctuary — invites guests to unwind amid lush greenery and the gentle sounds of streams and birdcalls, where spa rituals and treatments blend ancient inspiration with contemporary luxury. A well‑equipped fitness centre anchors daily movement, while outdoor pools provide sunlit rhythms between explorations of the verdant reserve. Here, wellness feels organic, elemental, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.
A Jungle Escape That Captures the Spirit of Costa Rica
Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda stands as both a design‑driven retreat and a gateway to one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary ecosystems. It invites guests to slow down, heed the whisper of the rainforest, and discover a sense of ease that comes from living in harmony with nature — a sanctuary as unforgettable as the land that cradles it.
We love Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda for:
– Opening in January 2026 as a lush jungle luxury destination near Carara National Park
– 84 individually designed rooms and suites with mountain and jungle views
– Seamless blend of colonial‑inspired design and natural rainforest beauty
– Four distinct dining concepts highlighting Costa Rican flavors
– Sukia Wellness Spa and outdoor pools immersed in nature
– Proximity to wildlife, river safaris, hiking trails, and cultural experiences
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