Kura, Costa Rica: A Guilt-Free Hideaway That’s Redefining Sustainable Luxury
Few places exude romance quite like Kura Costa Rica. With just eight sleek and secluded suites, this adults-only luxury hotel is a masterclass in contemporary design. Perched high above the lush jungle, Kura offers breathtaking views that sweep across the rainforest canopy toward the Pacific Ocean and the pristine expanse of Marino Ballena National Park.
Kura is more than just a luxury boutique hotel—it’s a bold response to how we travel in a world increasingly conscious of its footprint. As jet-setting loses its sheen and Flygskam—Swedish for “flight shame”—gains traction, travellers in the know are rethinking their choices. Slower journeys, longer stays, and more thoughtful itineraries are no longer niche—they’re the new norm.
Kura, part of the Cayuga Collection, embraces this shift without sacrificing style. Yes, aviation accounts for a significant chunk of global emissions, but travel done intelligently—where tourism is rooted in community, conservation, and culture—can generate what Cayuga calls “handprints”: the lasting positive impact created by doing things right.
At Kura, that means locally sourced everything, renewable energy, zero single-use plastics, and a team made up almost entirely of Costa Ricans (no ex-pats employed here). It also means serious investment in the surrounding communities and natural ecosystems. The result? A luxurious, grown-up escape where your stay supports something bigger.
For over 20 years, Kura have offered complimentary Back of the House Sustainability Tours, giving you a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of their eco-conscious operations.
“Spending an hour exploring the back of the house of the hotel is maybe not the first thing that comes to mind on a tropical vacation to Costa Rica,” says Juliet Kinsman, Sustainability Editor at Condé Nast Traveller, “but it really changes the way you see the operation. Understanding all that goes into becoming more sustainable creates a whole different level of appreciation of the hotel experience overall.”
Their intention? To show what sustainability truly looks like in action—and, with any luck, to inspire guests to take some of these practices home.
100% Transparency
Led by an Experience & Sustainability Manager, a Naturalist Guide or even the General Manager, these tours take you through the hotel’s kitchens, laundry, storage rooms, maintenance shops, staff dining areas and even their wastewater treatment and waste management systems. It’s sustainability without the sugar-coating—and it’s genuinely fascinating.
Ultra-local Food
Kura work closely with a network of local farmers and food producers, proudly sharing their stories with guests. And for those with a little extra time and curiosity? They’ll even take you along to the local farmer’s market.
A Sanctuary in the Sky
Each of Kura’s eight suites is designed to dissolve the boundaries between the indoors and the wild beauty outside. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame jaw-dropping vistas, while spacious terraces make you want to bask in the sounds of the jungle. Inside, modern minimalism meets tropical luxury, with king-sized beds draped in soft linens and bespoke wooden furnishings that complement the surrounding nature. The standout feature? A glass-walled shower that brings the rainforest into your morning ritual.
It’s the attention to detail that makes Kura a dream for couples. Each suite comes with not one, but two mini bars—one exclusively for wine and the other stocked with non-alcoholic drinks—so your every need is anticipated whether you’re craving a sunset cocktail or a refreshing juice after a morning hike. A pair of binoculars allows you to spot toucans and monkeys from your terrace, while an adjustable reading light ensures cosy evenings curled up with a book after a day spent exploring.
Kura provide a complimentary shuttle (on demand) to and from the National Park which means you can walk the whale’s tail at low tide (often early in the morning).
At Kura’s open-air restaurant, the focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menus showcase Costa Rica’s bold flavours in refined, imaginative dishes. The seafood is exceptional, with freshly caught fish transformed into zesty ceviches and grilled delicacies that taste even better when paired with a glass of something chilled from the dedicated wine mini bar (the cocktails are great too, many featuring locally grown fruits). I loved the bar menu, which included several sushi options which is also available in the restaurant.
Kura’s Infinity Pool
Beyond the rooms, the real showstopper is the infinity pool. Designed to appear as though it melts into the horizon, it’s the perfect place to float at sunset, cocktail in hand, as the sky turns shades of pink and gold. For those looking to unwind further, the spa offers deeply restorative treatments, including volcanic clay body wraps and coconut oil massages inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Sushi at Kura
Final Word
Kura Costa Rica is pure magic for honeymooners and couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Its unparalleled views, sleek, spacious suites, and thoughtful details (natural straws left on your bed at turndown, coffee to take home on your bed on your last night) make it a boutique hotel where romance and adventure intertwine. A stay here isn’t just about luxury—it’s about immersion in the wild, seductive beauty of Costa Rica.
Why stay at Kura? Large modern suites with balcony overlooking the rainforest. Sexy double showers with glass walls onto the balcony with views to the ocean.
Highlight: The views and the stunning pool. Gorgeous sunsets.
How to get to Kura? Four-hour drive or transfer (USD 230) from San Jose airport. Gatwick has a direct flight or you can fly from Heathrow via Madrid. I flew from San Jose via Miami and for this an ESTA is needed even if you are flying through the USA in transit (and once in Miami, you still have to go through passport control and then back through security)
For those questioning whether flying across the world is worth it—Kura’s answer is a resounding yes, when the journey leads to a place like this.
Lulu’s Luxury Tip: Stay longer, travel slower, and make it count. And yes—the bathrooms have flannels.
Stayed: March 2025