When the fresh pink glow of sunrise creeps up the side of Arenal Volcano and stretches over the forest treetops, there is no better place to be than on the large open deck at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. And when the sun sinks low over beautiful Lake Arenal, the sky awash in fiery colors and the lake mirroring rosy hues, again, there is no better place to be than on that same deck. Sip a cool drink, snap your most memorable travel photos, and revel in the splendor of nature’s beauty.

The views on the decks were also breathtaking. I could spend hours there taking it easy with a drink, book, or just hanging out listening to the birds and nature,” writes a hotel guest on TripAdvisor.The expansive wooden observation deck extends off to the side of the hotel restaurant over the gardens, and wraps around the front of the restaurant bar and lounge in a balcony. Lake Arenal extends out to the west, dotted with tiny islands, and Arenal Volcano is literally right next to you. Plenty of deck chairs encourage you to sit and relax, gazing out at nature happening all around you in a nearly 360-degree view! The bird watching is spectacular, from brightly colored tanagers to toucans.

The lodge’s daily happy hour on the deck overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal can’t be beat. After a busy day exploring the trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge, the deck is the perfect place to meet up with other guests and share your day’s adventures.