Black Friday & Cyber Monday Travel Offers 

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Our top travel promotions 

Our travel advisors are excited to see so many incredible Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel promotions! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best offers across the globe, from quick weekend getaways to luxury African Safaris.

See something interesting? Or have a bucket list item you don’t see an offer for? Reach out to your River Oaks Travel Concierge for more details!

Abercrombie & Kent Private Escapes Up to 50% Off!

Return to the world of travel in 2021 and save up to 50% on a Private Escape with A&K. Explore destinations eager to welcome you and your private party of family and friends, accompanied by handpicked local guides on journeys backed by A&K’s unmatched on-the-ground support and flexible Book with Confidence policy.

Sale begins Monday, November 30, at 9 a.m. CT and has limited availability – ask your advisor ASAP for information!

Humo

9 days from $3,195 (was $6,395)

Including Nile River Cruise, private guided Cairo touring, and more!

Tanzania African Safari Promotion with Abercrombie & Kent

Tanzania Safari

7 days from $3,595 (was $6,295)

African safari at luxury camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater!

Chile travel promotion with Abercrombie & Kent

Chile & Patagonia

7 days from $4,495 (was $8,995)

Explore the wilds of Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park!

This is just a sample of trip options available! Other itineraries include:

  • Costa Rica with luxury ecolodge from $2,195 per person
  • Kenya safari in the Masai Mara from $7,495 per person
  • Croatia with private touring in Dubrovnik from $1,995 per person
  • Private French Barging charter for 8 travelers from $37,940 for 7 days

Ask your River Oaks Travel Advisor for the full list of promotions available! We can also help you with extending your experience, finding discounted business and premium economy airfares, and more!

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor has remained one of the most recognizable and celebrated hotels in the world. Our distinctive blend of history, luxury and genuine hospitality has made us the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards. Explore the Garden of the Gods, go fishing, or just relax at the extensive spa.

Broadmoor

Broadmoor Hotel

Give yourself something to look forward to! Book your bucket list Broadmoor getaway and enjoy rates as low as $200 for select dates January 2021 through April 2021. Sale ends 12/1/2020.

Cloud Camp

Located on the historic site of Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose’s Cheyenne Lodge, Cloud Camp sits on an unmatched setting 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor. Book your stay now for a 20% discount on select stays in 2021 at Cloud Camp. Sale ends 12/1/2020.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Luxury Cruising for 20% off Plus $500 Shipboard Credit

This holiday season, we invite you to celebrate The Gift of Travel with 20% Savings on select 2021 Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages when booked by December 31, 2020.

PLUS — for a limited time only — enjoy an additional $500 Shipboard Credit per suite with our Black Friday Bonus when you book your sailing between November 16 and November 30, 2020. Ask your River Oaks Travel Agency advisor for a list of applicable sailings! We can also hold space for you while you decide, just provide us with names.

Los Cabos Escape to Esperanza or Chileno Bay

Take advantage of this Black Friday preview available exclusively for our River Oaks Travel Agency clients and book an unforgettable stay in Cabos! Get a 4th Night Free + Resort Credit for travel dates from November 29, 2020 through September 9, 2021! Minimum Stay: 4 nights. $500 Resort credit for hotel rooms, $750 resort credit for 1-2 bedroom villas, $1000 resort credit for 3-4 bedroom villas. Blackout dates may apply.

Esperanza Auberge resort

Esperanza Resort

The only private beach resort in Los Cabos. From whale watching in the gentle waters of the Sea of Cortez to horseback riding through a deep desert canyon, Baja California is a world of contrasts that beckons to be explored.

Chileno Bay

Tanzania Safari

7 days from $3,595 (was $6,295)

African safari at luxury camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater!

More Promotions…

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

  • Some of our favorite resorts in the world! This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, enjoy exclusive limited-time rates of 40% off for stays through June 30, 2021. Whether you’re dreaming of a restorative beach escape, a countryside retreat, or an urban adventure, your next Rosewood journey is close at hand.
  • Our favorites? RW Baha Mar in the Bahamas, RW Las Ventanas in Los Cabos, RW Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, RW San Miguel de Allende, and many more!
  • Book by December 1st – ask your advisor for more details!

Uniworld River Cruising

  • Luxurious all-inclusive boutique river cruiseline including excursions, gratuities, and alcoholic beverages!
  • Our pick? The iconic Castles Along the Rhine itinerary from $1999 per person
  • Ask your River Oaks Travel advisor for more details and itinerary options

Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

  • Get 21% off your stay, plus a host of other River Oaks Travel amenities like transfers, complimentary breakfast, activity credits, and more!
  • Ask an advisor for more information – stays must be a minimum of 4 nights

Ka’ana Resort in Belize

  • Book your next stay at this lux jungle retreat in Belize for 40% off!
  • From now through Cyber Monday you’ll get 40% off your Ka’ana booking. With rates starting at just US$180, now is the best time to book your luxury escape. Adventure awaits in the jungles of Belize!
  • Ask your advisor for more information

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts

  • Save up to 50% at Viceroy locations worldwide, from beaches where time stands still, to snow-capped mountains where exhilaration runs high.
  • Our favorite options are Sugar Beach in St. Lucia, the Viceroy Riviera Maya with private bungalows, and Viceroy Los Cabos, but there are domestic options too like Viceroy Snowmass!
  • Ask your advisor for more information

Strawberry Hill & The Caves, Jamaica

  • Book 2 or more nights at the iconic Strawberry Hill mountaintop retreat or The Caves oceanfront sanctuary for stays throughout 2021 and receive 30% off.
  • Ask your advisor for more information

Mexico Guide

Historic Ruins, Stunning Beaches, and Delicious Cuisine

Airports: Cancun (CUN), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Los Cabos (SJD), Mexico City (MEX)

Language: Spanish

Currency: Pesos

Known For: Mayan ruins, tequila tasting, Day of the Dead, traditional art and handicrafts

Thanks to coastlines lined with palm-fringed beaches, interiors with emerald jungles and russet deserts, teeming cities full of art, music and culture and deliciously spicy cuisine, Mexico is an ideal getaway for every type of traveler. Outdoor adventures range from relaxing on sun kissed beaches to hiking through the jungle on a quest for hidden treasures (Mayan ruins and secret cenotes are our favorites!). For those looking for a less physical trip, head to the Colonial Cities in search of traditional arts and handicrafts, delicious local delicacies and historical artifacts from the area’s many indigenous tribes and the civilizations that conquered them. No matter what you’re looking for Mexico can deliver it!

Who it’s great for:

Family Vacations

With plenty of white sand beaches to dig your toes into, blue waters to splash in and large accommodation options to fit everyone – Mexico was made for families!

Beaches lined with swaying palm trees and private cabanas give way to luxurious resorts offering stunning spas, gourmet dining and top shelf service – lovers will rejoice in a Mexican getaway.

While great art and design doesn’t come to mind immediately when thinking of Mexico the colonial cities of the interior offer amazing options to explore – from great modern designers to traditional artists.

Mexico’s border is lined with thousands of miles of beautiful white sand beaches and are the ultimate playground for beach bums from all over the world. From the cold Pacific waters of the Baja Peninsula to the warmer turqouise waves of Riviera Maya – there’s a perfect beach for everyone.

Advisor Tip

While Mexico is a great destination for a long weekend – the next time you’re planning a trip consider adding taking some extra time to explore more in depth. Start off with a few days along the Riviera Maya or Riviera Nayarit for some fun in the sun then head inland to the colonial cities of San Miguel de Allende and Puebla or to the capital, Mexico City for some culture and history!

Destination Guides

Ready to dive in? Check out our in depth destination guides below for recommendations on activities, hotels, and more in some of Mexico’s most popular areas.

Riviera Nayarit

Between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains lies a pure treasure — Riviera Nayarit! With a coastline nearly 200 miles long full of white sand beaches and turquoise waters Nayarit is a perfect vacation spot.

Riviera Maya

The verdant jungles and crystaline blue waters at the southern end of the Yucatan peninsula are home to one of Mexico’s most popular destinations – Riviera Maya! With hot spots like Tulum and Cancun and luxe retreats like Mayakoba, this is a perfect destination for a getaway!

Los Cabos

Journey to “Land’s End” where the crystalline blue waters of the Sea of Cortez meet the golden sand beaches and rusty desert of the Baja Peninsula. Come explore the bustling streets, stunning beaches and natural wonders of this glamourous paradise.

Advisor Favorite Hotels

1. One & Only Mandarina

Located on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific, the resort features a mix of rooms and treehouse-style villas with private pools among the lush rainforest. You can also enjoy the five swimming pools, full spa, and three restaurants, though we won’t blame you if you never leave your room!

2. Rosewood Mayakoba

From the moment you board your private boat at Rosewood Mayakoba for the ride to your suite, you know this is going to be an amazing experience. The ultraluxe property’s stunning suites are set among emerald jungles and along quiet lagoons, adding a new level of relaxation to any stay and the staff are ready and waiting to meet any request that you may have.

3. Esperanza

Located on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific, the resort features a mix of rooms and treehouse-style villas with private pools among the lush rainforest. You can also enjoy the five swimming pools, full spa, and three restaurants, though we won’t blame you if you never leave your room!

Esperanza Auberge resort

More Inspiration

Looking for more to inspire your next Mexican getaway? Check out our blog posts for details on our favorite hotels, experiences and more to be found South of the Border!Where to Go this Spring: 10 Top Spring Destinations

Ready to Plan YOUR Mexican getaway?!

Whether this is your first trip to Mexico or your fiftieth,
our River Oaks Travel Concierge team is here to make
your experience amazing! Reach out to our team today to
get started planning your South of the Border getaway!

Wildlife Safari by Private Jet

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Once-In-A-Lifetime Private Jet Journey

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world? While you may have been forced to put travel plans on hold for much of 2020, make up for it in 2022 by checking off several items on your wanderlist. Experience a Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet (Feb 3–26, 2022) for a trip highlighting the true wonder of the world: the incredible diversity of our planet’s wildlife.

Travel from one captivating destination to the next in style. You’ll join a small group of 48 guests on a chartered Boeing 757 jet equipped with 50 fully lie-flat seats. As you reach each locale, you’ll divide into small groups to get up close with some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. Joining you is an experienced wildlife photographer, so you can get real-time tips on getting that perfect shot.

Travel Health: You can travel in confidence knowing our partners have enhanced health and safety protocols with a full-time physician accompanying you throughout your entire adventure.

Abercrombie & Kent Private Escapes Up to 50% Off!

Start your private jet journey in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano, home to the Japanese macaque, AKA the snow monkey

Travel via helicopter to visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary at Corella and see one of the world’s smallest, and rarest, primates

Swim with the majestic and docile whale shark — the world’s largest fish — to observe this one-of-a-kind species up close

Go behind-the-scenes at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Borneo to observe young orangutans as they were conditioned to return to the jungle

Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center accompanied by its founder – in search of the sun bear, also known as the honey bear for its love of honeycombs and honey

Spanning about 250 square miles, the forests of Ranthambore are the finest habitat in the world to see wild tigers – go on a jeep tour in search of these elusive big cats

As you travel through Ranthambore, listen for the alarm calls of grey langur monkeys and you may be able to spot leopards

Get up close and personal to Madagascar’s playful endemic primates, the lemurs, on an excursion to the Nosy Antsoha Reserve

Trek through Rwanda to see troops of the jungle’s resident golden monkeys, an endangered species

For an unforgettable experience, look into the eyes of the mountain gorillas of the Parc Nationale des Volcanes in Rwanda

Set out on safari to see the Big Five in Kenya on the last stop on your journey: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffalo

End your private jet journey with a hot-air-balloon ride with a bird’s-eye view of elephants enjoying breakfast, while hippos and crocodiles swim nearby

Ready to see the world by private jet?

Limited to 48 Guests | 24 days | Feb 3–26, 2022
$154,950 per person, double occupancy | $19,950 single supplement

Seattle | Japan | The Philippines | Malaysia | India | Madagascar | Rwanda | Kenya | Boston

Ask your River Oaks Travel Concierge for more information!

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

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  • Tabacon is home to Costa Rica’s largest network of thermal hot springs – perfect for relaxing in after a long day of adventuring!
  • Couples and solo travelers love the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens located at the top of the springs.
  • Nine hundred acres of rainforest reserve surround Tabacon, so you’ll often see and hear wildlife from your balcony!

The Experience

We always recommend that travelers to Costa Rica spend at least a few days in the Arenal region. With a location near the base of the volcano outside of La Fortuna, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is a perfect base to explore the area!

As you may guess from the name, the biggest draw of Tabacon is their thermal spa and hot springs. The resort sits on the largest network of thermal mineral springs in Costa Rica, fed by the Tabacon river and heated by the Arenal volcano. The thermal waters flows into dozens of cascading waterfalls and warm pools, offering plenty of spots to relax and soak away the day! While day use passes are available, all Tabacon Resort guests receive unlimited access to the hot springs.

If you’re looking for a little more privacy during your soak, make sure to visit the Shangri-La Gardens. Located at the top of the hot springs, this area is designated for adults and is only open to guests staying at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. The open-air rainforest lounge is a great place to unwind after a spa treatment, enjoy six adults-only springs, or curl up with a book in a cocoon-shaped cabana. Plus, dedicated butlers are always on hand serving up tropical drinks and light snacks.

The resort’s 103 eco-friendly guest rooms and suites are all well-appointed, most with balconies overlooking the surrounding rainforest. Recent renovations brought in local artwork and furnishings designed by Costa Rican artisans. We love that all hot water in the bathrooms comes straight from the hot springs, so you’ll start your thermal experience in your morning shower!

While the town of La Fortuna offers shops and restaurants nearby, there are also several great options to enjoy at Tabacon. The resort offers two restaurants, Ave and Tucanes, that specialize in Costa Rican and international cuisines – so you can enjoy everything from typical casados to homemade Italian pastas. However, we highly recommend booking their private dining experience called Ephemeral Table. You’ll get to enjoy a custom 6-course menu prepared by a personal chef in a candlelit open-air rainforest bungalow. Talk about romance!

Advisor Tip

For a unique culinary experience, arrange for the resort’s Ephemeral Table Dinner in a private rain-forest bungalow, attended by your personal chef and server.

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit

Contact your River Oaks Travel advisor to reserve your stay at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa:

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Pacuare Lodge

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Arriving is an adventure itself – you’ll travel the last few miles by whitewater rafting, giving you the chance to spot wildlife along the way
  • This National Geographic Lodge runs without electricity, so you’ll return in the evenings to a romantic candelit bungalow
  • Don’t confuse ecolodge with roughing it – the 20 bungalows and suites are all well appointed
  • Meals can be enjoyed along the peaceful riverbank or at a table set 60 feet up in the canopy

The Experience

Pacuare Lodge is a luxury ecolodge located on 25,000 acres of pristine Costa Rican rainforest. Adventure is the name of the game here, starting even before you arrive! You’ll start your journey by car from the capital city of San Jose, until you reach the Pacuare River. There, you’ll gear up for a whitewater rafting adventure that takes you another hour deeper into the jungle to the lodge itself. (Don’t worry – your luggage will take the longer journey by road and will meet you in your room a few hours later!)

Every one of the 20 villas is designed to give you the experience of living in a tropical rainforest without sacrificing on any comfort. The buildings complement the surroundings, with materials like hardwood floors and teak furniture that bring the outdoors in. All have spacious terraces where you can relax and listen to the sounds of the forest, while keeping an eye out for colorful wildlife. Our favorite choice for romance is the Jaguar Villa, with a private spring-fed pool and outdoor showers.

While some hotels and resorts want you to stay in your room and relax, Pacuare Lodge is all about getting you out into nature. We highly recommend a tour to Tesorito Creek Gorge, where you’ll have a chance to go canyoning and rock climbing before rappelling into a cool waterfall. For more thrills (and a chance to spot more wildlife!) head out on a ziplining canopy adventure – you’ll see plenty of exotic birds among the treetops. If hiking is your thing, take the challenging Sendero de las Mulas trail through the Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve – your hard work will pay off when you reach the hidden mystical waterfall.

After a long day’s adventure, you’ll return to Pacuare Lodge to find it transformed into a magical candelit wonder. The lodge uses minimal electricity so you won’t find any overhead lighting here – instead, your farm-to-table meal will be served by the romantic light of hundreds of candles. You can choose to dine down by the riverbank, but we recommend booking “The Nest” for one night during your stay. You’ll zipline to a thatch platform, where you’ll enjoy a meal high up in the canopy. Talk about an evening you’ll never forget!

Advisor Tip

Ready for an incredibly unique dining experience? Fly like a bird down a zipline to reach The Nest, a thatched-roof platform set in the branches of a sacred ceiba tree 60 feet above the jungle floor. You’ll enjoy dinner in the jungle canopy before ziplining back down.

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Breakfast daily
  • Dinner set up by the river bank with candles and firepit
  • Complimentary $50 Spa credit per room
  • Shot of Pacuare Lodge crafted beer

Contact your River Oaks Travel advisor to reserve your stay at Pacuare Lodge:

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Four Seasons Costa Rica

Why You’ll Love It

  • Easy to reach location just 30 minutes from the Liberia airport
  • Signature Four Seasons excellence combined with rainforest luxury make for a unique stay
  • The chocolate and rum tastings are a fun (and tasty!) way to experience local products

The Experience

Looking for the perfect luxury retreat in Costa Rica? Look no further than the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. The resort is located on the northwest Pacific Coast and is just 30 minutes from the international airport, making it a great option for families that need a quick getaway. But once you arrive, we promise you may never want to leave!

Whether you’re staying for three nights or thirteen, you won’t find more comfortable rooms in Costa Rica. The 146 rooms and suites were recently renovated, tastefully incorporating indigenous art, local wood, and rich natural elements. Spacious private terraces overlook the rainforest or the bay, complete with comfy seating that’s absolutely perfect for watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee. Traveling with a larger family or friends? Ask us about the Prieta Bay Residences, offering a home-away-from-home with full kitchens and private pools.

Costa Rica is a great destination to combine beach bum relaxation and outdoor adventure, and the Four Seasons is no exception. The resort offers a variety of daily activities (many complimentary!) ranging from paddle boarding and kayaking to chocolate rum tasting and mixology classes. Relax in one of the three swimming pools or enjoy time down at the beach. Golfers absolutely love the 18-hole par-72 championship Arnold Palmer golf course, but trust us – everyone will want to check it out! The Four Seasons Costa Rica staff lead quick nature trips through the course in the evenings by golf cart, when you’re most likely to see wildlife like monkeys roaming around. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be living the “pura vida” lifestyle!

Good to know: While the resort is very family-friendly, some of the rooms feature cliffside pools or walkways. Your River Oaks Travel Concierge can help you pick the perfect category for your family.

We also recommend visiting the serene spa for a treatment (we recommend the traditional hammam ritual!). While you’re there, take advantage of some of the fitness classes. Morning yoga overlooking the bay is perfect for centering yourself, or schedule a one-on-one ayurvedic session with a wellness ambassador to identify your primal nature.

Of course, somewhere between your adventuring and relaxing you’ll need to eat. At the Four Seasons Costa Rica, you have the choice of four different restaurants that all feature world-class locally-sourced organic cuisine. Anejo is our favorite – Latin-style tapas, great cocktails, and fun music turn the restaurant into a lively hot spot in the evenings. For an elegant evening, dine at Pesce with their classic Italian cuisine, featuring local seafood, pastas and an extensive wine list (plus great views of the ocean!). Families in particular will love the all-day casual dining at Pesce, or venture down to the golf course for the creative cuisine at Nemare.

Beach at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica

Advisor Tip

We highly recommend doing a rum tasting during your stay! You’ll have the opportunity to taste incredible Latin American rums and try your hand at mixing and infusing your own blend.

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 Spa or Golf Credit per booking

Contact your River Oaks Travel advisor to reserve your stay at the Four Seasons Costa Rica:

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Andaz Costa Rica

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Incredible architecture gives the Andaz a jungle tree house feel
  • The Cambi Kids Club is a great option for families (perfect to keep the kids happy while parents visit the spa!)
  • The complimentary minibar has snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, perfect for a quick treat in between activities
  • With the rainforest all around, you’re almost guaranteed to see sloths and howler monkeys on the property

The Experience

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula is a tropical paradise, perfect for a family vacation! Everything is about ease – with the Liberia airport nearby (and with direct flights from Houston!), a 20 minute drive is all it takes to arrive at this luxe Costa Rica resort.

While part of the Andaz brand, the resort is designed to really reflect the surrounding Papagayo Peninsula. The open-air lobby is made of hardwood and earth-hued stone that seamlessly blends into the greenery, and every view faces out over the blue waters of the bay. The rooms are elegant and almost treehouse in feel, with a modern design that won’t detract from the natural beauty of Costa Rica outside. We love that every single one comes with a spacious terrace and river stone rain shower!

Psst – We love the little inclusions that the Andaz! Enjoy the complimentary in-room minibar with snacks and drinks, plus flip-flops and beach hats to use during your stay!

The Andaz Costa Rica has four pools (one adults-only), so plenty of room to spread out and relax! While you may be tempted to lounge poolside all day, make sure to go down to one of the two beaches and take advantage of the complimentary kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddleboards.

Our younger travelers love the Cambi kids club for ages 4 – 12, with plenty of games and activities. We can also arrange fun adventures with the Papagayo Explorers program, including outrigger canoeing, nature walks, mountain biking, survival lessons for teens (!) and more.

Whether traveling to Costa Rica for your first time or you’re a frequent visitor, a stay at the Andaz Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo will immerse you in natural beauty and the feeling of “pura vida”

Advisor Tip

Book one of the four rooms with private plunge pools for a truly spectacular getaway!

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • A la Carte breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to use during stay

Reserve your stay at the Andaz Costa Rica, backed by your River Oaks Travel Advisor:

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Nayara Gardens & Springs

Why You’ll Love It

  • Choose from the family-friendly Nayara Gardens or adults-only Nayara Springs, connected by a jungle footbridge
  • All rooms are private villas, most featuring private hot spring plunge pools
  • Open-air spa will have you relaxing to the sounds of the rainforest
  • As a member of Relais & Chateaux, the food at the four restaurants is phenomenal

The Experience

Nayara Gardens & Nayara Springs is the #1 Resort in Central and South America as named by Travel + Leisure, and the award is well-deserved! These two sister hotels offer guests an authentic and unmatched Costa Rican experience in the heart of the Arenal region.

Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens is perfect for families and couples – the 50 individual casitas and suites designed to bring nature inside. Each bungalow-style room has an outdoor shower and jacuzzi overlooked by the Arenal volcano – you’ll never forget where you are when you wake up to that view!

A suspension bridge connects the hotel to its adults-only sister property, Nayara Springs. Here you have the choice of 25 villas with ultra-luxe style and privacy, plus an adults-only pool. Our favorite part of the villas is that they all include a private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs – talk about the perfect way to relax after a long day of adventure!

Speaking of adventure, we recommend that all of our River Oaks Travelers spend at least three days in the Arenal region to have enough time to explore the area. This part of Costa Rica is known for adventures: ziplining, hanging bridges, waterfall hikes, whitewater rafting, nature safaris, and more! With a stay at Nayara, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all of these activities before winding down at your luxury resort.

Looking for some relaxation to mix in with your adventure? We highly recommend making a reservation at the Nayara Spa! The spa is perched on a cliff overlooking the tropical rainforest so you can enjoy a treatment to the sounds of nature. Far better than any sound machine! We also love that the products used highlight Costa Rica’s natural ingredients like coffee scrubs and volcanic mud.

For foodies, there are plenty of options to enjoy on-property (Nayara is part of Relais & Chateaux). The La Terraza Restaurant focuses on authentic, gourmet Costa Rican cuisine made from local produce and ingredients, all with the backdrop of the Arenal volcano. For a pre or post dinner drink, we love the Nostalgia wine bar, where you can sample the best of Latin American and Spanish vintages.

In the Nayara Springs section, Amor Loco is the signature gem, with avant-garde dishes, plush chairs, and live music that create an unexpectedly romantic ambience in the middle of the rainforest. Looking for something more casual? Mis Amores is a stylish terrace serving Latin-inspired bites like guacamole, gazpacho, and ceviche.

Advisor Tip

Head out on an after-dark exploration with one of the great staff members in search of the translucent “glass frogs” – they are extraordinary!

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • A la Carte breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay

Reserve your stay at Nayara, backed by your River Oaks Travel Advisor:

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One&Only Mandarina

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Treehouse Suites with infinity pools overlooking the jungle
  • Perfect mix of beach relaxation and active adventure
  • Worlds-away feeling with easy access from Houston
  • Incredible sunset views and Mexican dishes at Carao

The Experience

While many resorts are opening in the heart of established and bustling cities, One&Only Mandarina takes a different approach. This luxury retreat was designed as an intimate new destination in the Riviera Nayarit area. One&Only takes advantage of its unique location in one of the last remaining beachfront jungles in Mexico, flanked by the warm Pacific Ocean and the lush forested mountains.

One&Only Mandarina blends chic resort living, tropical relaxation, and authentic outdoor adventure for a one-of-a-kind experience. Rooms and suites take advantage of the surroundings, with dramatic cliffside views over the ocean or immersion in the tropical jungle. However, our favorite rooms for romance are the stunning Treehouse Suites – these standalone villas are nestled among the treetops and feel a world away. Each features a private pool and a design that brings the outdoors in, with all of the luxurious amenities the One&Only brand is known for.

The celebrity-chef restaurant, The Point, offers creative cuisine and breathtaking views from the highest point. While you can certainly venture further afield for dining, the spectacular offerings at the resort may prevent you from ever wanting to leave. For casual beachside dining throughout the day, we recommend The Jetty Beach Club on glimmering sand. Savor dinner and drinks at Alma, nestled high amid lush forest canopy. However, our absolute favorite is the celebrity-chef inspired Carao – its creative Mexican dishes are only outdone by the unmatched sunset views.


While relaxing on the gorgeous beach is a must-do, there’s plenty of activities to be had at the One&Only Mandarina. From the vibrant Canalan Beach Club to a culinary-themed farm, thrilling adventure playground, and guided excursions into wild jungle. Winding nature trails through biodiverse flatlands, perfect for strolling, biking, horse riding, and paddle boarding. And the iconic Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, home to international events, horseback lessons, and dazzling theme nights.

Advisor Tip

Set off on a sea adventure from the Jetty, featuring a fire pit as a symbol of the dormant volcano that shaped the landscape.

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay

Reserve your stay at One & Only Mandarina, backed by your River Oaks Travel Advisor:

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Imanta

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Complete Privacy
  • Romantic Setting
  • Perfect sunset views

As Experienced by River Oaks Travel Advisors

Sometimes the best gems are hidden off the beaten path. Roughly twenty minutes from Punta Mita at the end of dirt road, you will find a beautiful private jungle hideaway inspired by Aman hotels and Mexican prehispanic architecture – Imanta.

Imanta is set along a half-mile of private, sugar-white-sand beach, surrounded by a lush jungle reserve. When we say this is a boutique property, we mean it: this environmentally conscious resort features just 12 accommodations. Some are romantic bungalows seated on top of the dramatic cliffs, while others are multi-bedroom suites perfect for groups of friends or family. Ask your River Oaks Travel concierge to match you to the perfect accommodation option for you. To explore innovative solutions in trading, go here: Explore our solutions . Uncover the tools designed for modern traders.

Imanta is a member of Relais & Chateaux, meaning the cuisine is incredible. The food is created from products that are all fresh, pure, local, and sustainable, from freshly caught fish to vegetables from nearby organic gardens. These ingredients inspire the Tukipa restaurant menu, which focuses on unique Mexican cuisine. Inspired signature cocktails, fine wine, imported and local beers as well as freshly made fruit juices are available in the bars and beautiful beach palapa.

In need of relaxation? The Spa Experience at Imanta offers an unforgettable combination of service and setting. Enjoy a classic Shiatsu treatment, or explore the range of harmonic and balancing therapies delivered by seasoned therapists attuned to the power of place. No matter what you decide, we recommend having your treatment on the beach to the sound of the waves.

Advisor Tip

Perfect place for travelers searching for privacy and an intimate, romantic boutique hotel experience. If you have mobility issues, be aware of steep stairs.

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
  • A complimentary dinner for two, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
  • For 5 or more nights: two complimentary 55 minute massages, once during the stay will be provided

Reserve your stay at Imanta, backed by your River Oaks Travel Advisor:

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