Manatus Hotel, Tortuguero National Park

Manatus is a wonderful base in Tortuguero National Park – a place of stunning beauty. This all-inclusive resort has just twelve rooms – which are actually sizeable bungalows set right in the heart of the rainforest.

A patchwork of waterways and tropical foliage spread out around the hotel, with any number of colourful birds and marine creatures within easy spotting distance, not least the nesting green sea turtles that come here year after year. Alligators, herons and howler monkeys are also seen on the boat trips offered by the hotel.

In between all the natural beauty there’s a lovely swimming pool with views over the river and a restaurant serving up Caribbean-style dishes inspired by the freshest of local ingredients. Rooms are decked out with stylish four-posted beds flanked by floaty mosquito-net curtains while lofty wood-beamed ceilings look down onto polished-wood floors. And, each one comes equipped with a private terrace, mini bar and a private outdoor patio complete with shower.