For travelers ready to leave winter behind entirely, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River offers a very different kind of seasonal escape. Set within a wilderness landscape in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, the eco-luxury retreat combines outdoor adventure with the natural thermal waters of the volcanic landscape.

Days can move between hiking and mountain biking and experiences centered on the property’s thermal rivers and mineral pools, with volcanic mud adding another dimension to the retreat’s connection to the surrounding geology. Winter is particularly well suited to a Costa Rica escape, as the country’s dry season generally runs from mid-December through late April, bringing warm, sunny conditions to the outdoor landscape.

The Curated Take: Rio Perdido’s appeal is that wellness here begins with the landscape itself. Rather than separating adventure from relaxation, the retreat makes the volcanic environment the common thread, allowing travelers to move from an active day outdoors to naturally warm waters without leaving the setting that makes Guanacaste distinctive.