This New Costa Rican Hotel Has 7 Villas, 139 Acres of Rainforest, and Volcanic Landscapes-and We Were the First to Stay

"From my balcony, all I could see was green: massive banana leaves, moss-covered tree trunks, and green-throated birds soaring overhead. I had just arrived at Origins Astral, a new luxury lodge located in Costa Rica's northern Bijagua region, set between two inactive volcanoes. While the vibrant colors were intriguing, it was the sounds at sunset-squaks of a toucan, deep yells of howler monkeys migrating from east to west-that kept me outside each evening."

"Local architect Mario Aviles and U.S.-based architecture firm Gensler partnered together to ensure Origins Astral paid homage to the land, its history, and its people, the Indigenous Maleku community. More than 80 percent of the furniture is crafted and sourced locally, like the massive trunks holding up the roof of the restaurant, El Cosmo. (The pieces are made from wood that has naturally fallen in the surrounding forest.)"

"On our visit, my brother and I stayed in Mercury, a massive two-bedroom villa clad in a striking blend of caramel-colored wood and stainless steel. The private plunge pool, open-air kitchen, and living room with floor-to-ceiling windows connects the two bedrooms. While I could see two other villas in the distance to the left, the rainforest acted as the perfect cover of privacy."

Origins Astral occupies 139 acres of rainforest in Costa Rica's northern Bijagua region between two inactive volcanoes and shares the land with a nearby sibling property. The lodge incorporates local materials and honors the Indigenous Maleku community through celestial motifs and design choices. More than 80 percent of furniture is crafted and sourced locally, including massive trunks repurposed from naturally fallen trees. Seven villas are named for planets; Mercury features two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, an open-air kitchen, and a private plunge pool that maintains privacy within the surrounding forest. Wildlife is prolific, with guides reporting 255 bird species and frequent sightings of hummingbirds, toucans, and howler monkeys.

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