Stay now
Two of our homes are already open.
THE CANOPIES OF ARENAL
Our story
Long before The Canopies of Arenal had a name, it began with four siblings and a shared love of discovering the world.
Growing up, our parents gave us the extraordinary opportunity to travel together to unique corners of the globe. But they never wanted us to experience a destination only as tourists. Wherever we went, they encouraged us to meet local people, learn about their traditions, and understand what everyday life looked like in that part of the world.
Those experiences gave us a deep sense of wanderlust and eventually inspired a dream...to create a place where families could travel more meaningfully, make lasting memories, and experience another culture while helping preserve and support the community that welcomed them.
So, with God at the helm, we set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
Jodi, John, Jesse & Caitlin
Mario and The Royal Iguana
That adventure eventually placed us inside a green 1970s Nissan we affectionately named The Royal Iguana, driven by a man who would become a dear friend: "Coconut Mario."
After searching high and low for the right property, Mario mentioned that his neighbors—local sweet-potato farmers—had land for sale. The moment we stepped onto it and saw Arenal Volcano rising above the landscape and the sweeping green valley below, we knew we had found where we were meant to be.
From there, the story unfolded one step, one trip, and one new friendship at a time.
As the list of friends grew, we realized we were not simply building a resort. We were becoming part of a community—and creating a place that renewed the spirit.
Dan
Our contractor who became family
Mario
Our builder
Dyanna
Local businesswoman and community connector
Jessica
Talented artist
Costa Rican Chuck Norris
Locally famous character and gifted welder
Querencia
A place where you feel safe, at home, and deeply drawn to return.
LISTEN
The Canopies of Arenal
Our song, made for The Canopies of Arenal.
BUILT WITH PURPOSE
Through years of traveling and staying in hotels, resorts, and vacation homes, we paid close attention to the little things that make a guest feel genuinely comfortable and cared for. We have worked tirelessly to bring those thoughtful details to The Canopies while preserving the warmth, beauty, and authenticity of Costa Rican life.
Sustainability and community are at the heart of our vision. Rainwater collected from the rainforest will help wash linens and towels, while solar and wind energy will support the property's energy needs. Natural and responsibly sourced materials, including teak harvested and prepared by hand, are being incorporated throughout the resort.
Whenever possible, we hire people from the surrounding community and partner with local craftspeople. Neighbors have helped build the resort. Local artisans are creating furniture, paintings, pottery, and dishware that will give every space its own story and sense of place.
We are also proud to work in partnership with Bosque de Tío Víctor, helping create educational opportunities and improve the trail systems connected to the Children's Eternal Rainforest, Costa Rica's largest private reserve.
MORE THAN A PLACE TO STAY
What sets The Canopies of Arenal apart is simple.
When you stay with us, you are not separated from the community. You become part of it.
You can walk where the neighbors walk, shop where they shop, eat food prepared with local ingredients, and experience the rhythm of authentic Costa Rican life. This is not a manufactured tourist destination. It is life in Costa Rica as it is truly lived—the Pura Vida life.
Toucans, sloths, butterflies, and the occasional neighborhood dog become part of your day. Strangers smile and wave. Time begins to move at a gentler, more manageable pace. You breathe more deeply, notice the beauty around you, and remember what it feels like to be fully present.
For a few days—or perhaps much longer—the stress begins to melt away.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
The Canopies of Arenal is being created as a luxury villa resort and spa capable of welcoming more than 70 guests, along with 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for longer stays.
Our vision includes:
Stays
- A 12-bedroom villa with 360-degree rainforest and valley views
- Three 6-bedroom villas
- Casita Catalina, our intimate honeymoon house
- A 3-bedroom Lake Arenal property with Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal views
Experiences
- A 30-person pontoon for fishing adventures and group sunset cruises
- Rainforest hiking trails and waterfall swimming
- Jungle pickleball
Gatherings
- Weddings, family reunions, corporate gatherings, and wellness retreats
On Property
- A restaurant featuring a bakery and small grocery store with fresh fruit and other produce grown directly on the property
- A spa using locally sourced ingredients
- Daily movement, fitness, and wellness classes
Located within 15 minutes of the La Fortuna airport
All of this will be surrounded by extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano and conveniently located near La Fortuna Waterfall, Místico Hanging Bridges, volcano trails, rafting, four-wheeling adventures, and wonderful local restaurants.
We are not simply creating a vacation.
We are creating a destination that can change the way you see the world—a place that invites you to slow down, reconnect with the people you love, experience a living culture, and carry a little of the Pura Vida spirit home with you.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We cannot wait to welcome you into the story.
Pura Vida,
Jodi, John, Jesse & Caitlin
Opening 2027
Join the waitlist and we'll write when dates open.
We'll let you know when dates open.