Costa Rica is well-known for its lovely eco lodges, dotted across the country – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels on the Osa Peninsula.
Casa Corcovado
This very isolated jungle lodge is the closest accommodation to Corcovado National Park from this end of the Osa Peninsula.
The rooms are all private bungalows built on the grounds of an old cacao plantation, on the edge of the jungle. The bungalows are spacious, with one or two double beds (each with mosquito netting) and a large tiled bathroom. Electricity and hot water are supplied by a combination solar and hydroelectric energy system. Family-style meals are served in the main lodge, although most guests take lunch with them to the beach or on one of the various tours available. Late afternoons are usually enjoyed from a high point overlooking the sea and sunset, with your beverage of choice in hand. When the sea isn't too rough, the beach is great for swimming; when it is rough, it's a great place to grab a hammock in the shade and read a book. A wide range of tours and activities are available.
Why We Love It
Access is strictly by small boat here and sometimes the beach landing can be a bit rough, so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary.
Lapa Rios
Set in a private nature reserve, spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific and gives you a strong insight into sustainable hospitality.
The thatched and extremely comfortable bungalows all have terraces with hammocks and the focal point of the main lodge is a hardwood stairwell, soaring up three storeys from the restaurant floor, so guests can see out over the dense rainforest canopy down to the ocean. All the man-made structures blend beautifully into the surroundings and the fact that Lapa Rios enhances this special location, rather than detracting from it is entirely down to the vision and dedication of the American owners John and Karen Lewis. Overlooking the sea, the property catches the cooling tropical breezes, as do the jungle bungalows below, which are connected by walking paths. The overall decor is rustic but comfortable, with locally made bamboo furniture adding to the relaxed feel. Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby ocean and include jungle hikes, bird watching, ocean kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing.
Why We Love It
Lapa Rios is keen that its guests interact with the local people and can arrange all sorts of activities, from playing soccer with locals, to attending local dances, planting trees and making tortillas.
Nicuesa Lodge
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment, offering a perfect blend of comfort and sustainability.
This wilderness lodge is sensitively designed with the environment in mind and constructed from naturally fallen trees, recycled materials and harnesses the natural energy from the sun to provide electricity.
The lodge's accommodation is in five private cabins and the Mango Guesthouse, with its four rooms. All cabins and rooms have canopied beds, ceiling fans, private terraces and private baths, with hot water and open-air garden showers. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables.
Explore the rainforest or lounge in the hammock on your private terrace, before savouring the tropical-Latino inspired dinner, where you meet for appetisers under the thatched roof of the candlelit bar.
Why We Love It
Never say no to a juice or salsa while here; the 165 acre reserve is filled with tropical fruit trees laden with mangos, pineapple, starfruit, oranges, lemons, papayas, water apples, bananas and coconuts.