Unique Location and Property Highlights

Playa Sombrero Beach

Encanta La Vida is situated in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. The Osa Peninsula is home to much of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including many endangered species. The lodge is surrounded by lush rainforest, and its proximity to Corcovado National Park allows guests to explore one of the most vibrant ecosystems on the planet. The park is renowned for its extensive wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, and tapirs. Encanta La Vida is the only beachfront lodge on the Osa Peninsula. It has easy access to Pan Dulce and Bachwash Beach. In-house spa services are also available.

Activities and Experiences

Surfing at Playa Sombrero Beach

Encanta La Vida offers a variety of activities that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula. Some of the most popular activities include:

1. Hiking to 2 Nearby Waterfalls: Explore the numerous trails that wind through the rainforest, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls.
2. Wildlife Tours: Guided tours provide opportunities to see the diverse flora and fauna of the region, with knowledgeable guides offering insights into the local ecosystem.
3. Surf Lessons: The nearby beaches are renowned for their excellent surf conditions, catering to both beginners and experienced surfers.
4. Complimentary Yoga: The lodge offers yoga classes and wellness retreats, providing a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5. Bird Watching: The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds.
6. Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the peninsula on horseback, with guided tours that take you through the rainforest and along the beach.

Sustainable Practices

Encanta La Vida Aerial Solar Panels View

Encanta La Vida is committed to sustainability and conservation. The lodge operates with a strong emphasis on preserving the natural environment and supporting the local community. Some of their sustainable practices include:

• Solar Energy: The lodge utilizes solar panels to generate electricity, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Water Conservation: Rainwater is harvested and used for various purposes, ensuring minimal wastage of this precious resource.
• Local Sourcing: Ingredients for the lodge’s restaurant are sourced locally, supporting nearby farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
• Community Engagement: Encanta La Vida actively engages with the local community, providing employment opportunities and supporting local conservation efforts.

Dining

Encanta La Vida Restaurant At Night

The lodge’s restaurant offers a culinary experience highlighting Costa Rica’s flavors. Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing organic produce. The menu features a mix of traditional Costa Rican dishes and international cuisine, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. The open-air dining area allows guests to enjoy their meals while taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Wellness and Relaxation

Encanta La Vida Pool Area

Encanta La Vida is also a haven for wellness enthusiasts. The lodge offers yoga classes and wellness retreats, providing a tranquil environment for guests to unwind and rejuvenate. The serene surroundings, combined with the calming presence of nature, create the perfect setting for meditation and relaxation. The lodge’s wellness programs are designed to promote physical and mental well-being, ensuring that guests leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Encanta La Vida Treehouse Hammock

The eco-lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Encanta La Vida offers a range of accommodations, including bungalows and suites constructed using sustainable materials and practices. The 10 rooms are comfortably furnished, providing a rustic yet luxurious feel. The lodge offers jungle and rainforest views, queen and twin-sized beds, ceiling and floor fans, eco-friendly toilets, and WiFi. There is no AC, but the fans provide a steady breeze to keep cool.

Las Brisas

Las Brisas Room

Las Brisas benefits from easy pool and restaurant access, as well as a private jungle-view balcony. This is a great room for solo travelers or couples, with a queen bed and private atmosphere.

Mariposa

Mariposa Private Patio

Ideal for small groups or families, the Mariposa has one queen and one king bed as well as a private patio. It’s also in a convenient location to access the pool and restaurant at Encanta La Vida.

Stargazer

Stargazer Private Balcony

The Stargazer is a good choice for families or a small group with one queen and one king bed. It also has an open roof-top for star gazing, easy pool and restaurant access, and a private balcony.

Little Moon

Little Moon Suite and Private Balcony

Another great option for smaller groups or families is The Little Moon suite, with two queen beds and a private balcony. It allows for easy access to the restaurant and pool, but offers the privacy and seclusion of the trees.

Casa Ola 1

Casa Ola 1 Private Covered Patio

The Casa Ola 1 is a perfect choice for families, with a large private covered patio and two queen beds. Located on the ground floor, this cabin offers a secluded garden ambience.

Casa Ola 2

Casa Ola 2 Private Covered Patio

The Casa Ola 2 offers a treetop experience for a slightly larger group or family on the second floor, with three queen beds and two private patios.

Treehouse Corazón

Treehouse Corazón Interior Room

On the first floor of the Treehouse building, and with a name that mean’s ‘heart,’ the Treehouse Corazón has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It boasts two queen beds, an outdoor shower, enclosed garden, and private covered deck.

Treehouse Nest

Treehouse Nest Private Balcony

The Treehouse Nest is on the second floor of the Treehouse at Encanta La Vida. This level offers two queen beds and a private balcony.

Treehouse Canopy

Treehouse Canopy Interior

Located on the top floor of the Treehouse, this floor offers a secluded spot among the treetops. The Treehouse Canopy has a private deck and offers one queen and one single bed.

Luna Love Shack

Luna Love Shack Private Patio

The Luna Love Shack is tucked away from the rest of the property, offering serenity and seclusion as a standalone cabin with a private deck and patio. This is an ideal spot for couples or solo travelers seeking the peace of the rainforest.

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Arenal Observatory Lodge Amenities

Arenal Observatory Lodge view point

The lodge features a huge swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on-site horseback riding, volcano hikes, and miles of trails for independent hiking. It is one of the most authentic and educational properties in Arenal, and serves as a perfect base for a wide range of Arenal activities and adventures.

Arenal Observatory Lodge Rooms

Arenal Observatory Lodge contains 48 rooms in various buildings.  Many have views of the Arenal Volcano, as well as the old lava flow, and all are surrounded by gardens.  All rooms include a full buffet breakfast, swimming pool & Jacuzzi, free guided morning hikes, and over 7 miles of well-maintained trails. There is a maximum of 4 guests per room.

La Casona is great for groups or families, and set off from the main building. It contains 4 rooms with queen size beds and a fifth room with two queens and a bunk bed.  There are two bathrooms in the building, which are shared by all La Casona guests.

The Standard Rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge each have balconies with Arenal Volcano or Arenal Lake views, two queen-size beds,and a private bathroom.

Smithsonian Room

The Smithsonian Rooms are great for those who want an amazing view of the volcano while laying in bed!  The huge picture windows are ideal.  Each room contains two queen-size beds and a private bathroom.  Some Smithsonian rooms also have balconies. Five of these rooms are fully equipped for guests who require wheelchairs – halls, bathrooms, parking area, swimming pool, and over 2kms of paths are accessible.

Junior Suite

Junior Suites have a volcano view through massive windows, as well as a private deck with views of the Arenal Lake.  Each suite contains two king-size beds, a sitting area, and a mini refrigerator.

The White Hawk Villa is recommended for guests who enjoy walking, as it is placed about 0.7 miles from the main room. It does, however, have the ultimate view of the volcano and lake.  This villa includes a living room with television, a dining room, and a full kitchen. The two bedrooms can accommodate up to 8 people, as each has a queen size bed, two twin beds, and a private bathroom.

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Area Attractions

Aguila de Osa entrance

Guests delight in the nearby Corcovado National Park and the Cano Island Marine Reserve. Corcovado contains some of the last remaining old-growth rainforests in Central America, making it a beacon of hope to environmentalists and a fascinating glimpse into nature for everyone else! The animal life variety is astounding, and birdwatchers will have the time of their lives when exploring nearby – after all, the area is known to be home to over 350 different bird species. Very lucky guests might even have the chance to spot some of the endangered deep-forest creatures that once roamed throughout the country, such as the Baird’s Tapir or the shy, yet fascinating Central American squirrel monkey.

Diving with Porkfish Snappers at Aguila de Osa Inn

Surrounded by colorful coral reefs and amazingly clear water, Cano Island is one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving areas in the country. Dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and even manta rays pass by the islands on their migrations, making it perfect for wildlife-watching tours via boat. Both of these areas attract many guests a year, ranging from 20-somethings seeking some fun and kids yearning to spend the afternoon ziplining to naturalists and scientists eager for the opportunity to investigate this biodiversity hot spot.

Things To Do

The Osa Peninsula is more than just a destination – in an increasingly urban world, Aguila de Osa offers the opportunity to experience a world of adventure and nature that simply can’t be found anywhere else! Hiking, bird-watching, fishing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking, zip lining, whale and dolphin watching, and horseback riding are all offered from this magnificent location – and it’ll take more than one visit to see everything.

Sustainability

Aguila de Osa Inn is a dedicated eco-lodge, determined to exist as sustainably as possible. By working with their local community, Aguila de Osa is preserving the environment for future generations.  Recyclables are collected and the resulting money is donated to make repairs and improvements in schools. All water comes from the Inn’s own well. Food waste is composted and used in the hotel’s organic garden. The Inn is even involved in local children’s education, taking donations and selling notecards to help the community by hiring a teacher.

Dining at Aguila de Osa

For an amazingly unique experience, guests can’t go wrong with the Rio Selva Restaurant at Aguila de Osa! Combining the freshest produce with a simply amazing ocean view and an open-air dining area, Rio Selva focuses on doing simple yet flavorful meals, containing all the amazing fruits, veggies, and fish you can find right in the area. Like the cuisine of much of Costa Rica, while the focus tends to be on delicious natural flavors, guests will also find menus with foods ranging from crispy French fries and specialty cuts of beef to ceviche – caught just this morning! There’s truly no comparing when it comes to the freshness and variety of foods Costa Ricans seem to love. Guests with dietary preferences will find the servers at the restaurant wonderfully helpful and the chefs have experience in producing specialties.

Aguila de Osa Rooms

Room categories at Aguila de Osa include the Master Suite, Junior Suite, Deluxe Rooms, and Standard Rooms

All the room styles are nestled neatly into the surrounding hillside, offering spectacular views of the lush, tropical jungle that surrounds the hotel. Rooms have hardwood floors and cathedral-style ceilings.

Aguila de Osa rooms include King or Queen size beds, ceiling fans, huge screened windows to allow the wonderful breezes to blow through, spacious bathrooms with Italian tile, complimentary WiFi in the restaurant area, coffee maker and complimentary local coffee, and daily maid service.

Standard Rooms

Standard Room

Enjoy spectacular views of Drake Bay from Aguila de Osa’s Standard Room. It features two queen beds, 18-foot cathedral ceilings, screen windows, ceiling fans, and a full bathroom with a walk-in shower. The standard room can accommodate up to four people.

Deluxe Rooms

Deluxe Room

The Deluxe Room at Aguila de Osa is appointed with either a king or queen-size bed, ceiling fans, screens on three sides, and a full bathroom with amenities.

Junior Suite

Jr Suite outside

The Junior Suite features a king-size bed, sofa, and oversized sofa couch with a private balcony overlooking the picturesque bay.

Master Suites

Master Suite

The master suite is appointed with two queen beds and one king-size bed, 20-foot ceilings with ceiling fans, a large sofa, a chair, and a walk-in closet. In-room amenities include coffee, a mini bar, a fridge, toiletries, and a hairdryer.

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main lodge

Playa Nicuesa Lodge backs up to the wild Piedras Blancas National Park. To reach it, you’ll take a flight into the little town of Puerto Jimenez before taking a picturesque boat ferry to the lodge.

Playa Nicuesa Activities

Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll want to check out and arrange tours in advance. Discover the on-site hiking trails or get to know the area with a knowledgeable guide. Guided tours include treks to waterfalls, birding, or exploring the garden.

Take the complimentary kayaks to surrounding beaches to snorkel, catch the evening meal off the dock with provided fishing equipment, or sign up for a seaside yoga class. Nicuesa is a wild, secluded paradise, with inviting 80-degree water where wildlife abounds. Find quiet relaxation and adventure in unspoiled surroundings.

Playa Nicuesa outdoor yoga pavilion

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge also hosts a highly qualified Yoga instructor for guests that would like to enjoy either morning or afternoon practice. In between classes, the open-air yoga pavilion is available for guests who need a quiet place for meditation. There are also a variety of massage options to enhance the overall sense of well-being during a stay at this amazing lodge.

Dining at Playa Nicuesa

You’ll discover a real treat when going for food at Playa Nicuesa! Besides the stunning setting, the lodge offers fresh, local cuisine. Fresh fruit, salsas, and juice are plentiful, thanks to the amazing variety of fruit-bearing trees that can be found on the private reserve – starfruit, mangoes, pineapple, papayas, bananas – the list just continues! The food is delectable, light, and filling. A children’s menu is also available.

Playa Nicuesa Cabins

Completely immerse yourself in the rainforest. The lodge’s private cabins, and the four-room Mango Guesthouse, offer privacy in a natural setting.

One Bedroom Cabin

All cabins and rooms have canopied beds, ceiling fans, private terraces, and private baths with hot water and an open-air garden shower. The full-length louvre doors that wrap around your room and private verandas afford a panoramic nature experience.

Two-bedroom Cabin common area

Each cabin has its own private entrance, along with lovely hardwood floors. Cabins have Queen-size beds, or twin beds upon request, with mosquito netting. Playa Nicuesa cabins also have open-air showers for a truly liberating, yet private outdoor experience.

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Amenities

Amenities of Koora Hotel include Kiré bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, room service, concierge services, free WiFi, non-smoking areas, baby cots, and car parking.

While visiting the hotel, enjoy complimentary access to the Aguti Reserve, located just steps from the hotel (open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm). The reserve has 4 kilometers of cloud forest trails, 600 meters of which are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy a morning walk under trees that are more than 200 years old. Look for local bird species, butterflies, agoutis, coatis, and many other species unique to this region.

Rooms

The Koora Hotel features just 10 intimate suites and bungalows. Room categories include the Junior Suite, Family Suite, Family Bungalow, Junior Bungalow, and Jr. Bungalow Deluxe. All have hot showers and in-room safes. Some feature fully-equipped kitchenettes, dining rooms, and living rooms.

Junior Bungalow Deluxe with king beds

The Junior Bungalow Deluxe is outfitted with one king-size bed, a living room space, and a balcony with panoramic views of the Monteverde nature reserves.

Junior Bungalow accessible bathroom

The Junior Bungalow has one queen bed and one king bed with large windows and a balcony overlooking the cloud forest.

Junior Suite living room with cloud forest views

The Junior Suite has one king bed or one queen bed, a mezzanine, 1.5 bathrooms, and a balcony.

Family Bungalow guest room on the lower level

The Family Bungalow is split across two levels with two king beds with ample space to relax and spend time with children and loved ones.

Family Suite guest room and dining room

The Family Suite is the largest suite with panoramic views of the Monteverde cloud forest reserves. It has three king beds, two bathrooms, a spacious lobby, a mini bar with a refrigerator, and a mezzanine.

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All of their buildings are incorporated into their natural surroundings on elevated wooden platforms and walkways. The lodge feels like less of a hotel and more like it’s very own nature preserve.

Selva Verde Lodge pool

Selva Verde Lodge immerses guests in the world of the rainforest – whether that means a day-long hike, rafting down the Sarapiqui River, or just relaxing in a hammock to watch the birds fly by!

Selva Verde Lodge Rooms

River Room

There are 40 River Lodge rooms, accommodating one to four guests. Each room is equipped with two double or queen-size beds. These are amazing for wildlife viewing, thanks to the verandas that surround each block of rooms.

Selva Verde Bungalow

The Bungalows at Selva Verde Lodge offer A/C as well as ceiling fans. Tucked into the forest, they are more secluded and offer a peaceful retreat for relaxing and watching out for nearby wildlife. These five bungalows are perfect for romance or honeymoons. They are a 10 to 15 walk from the reception along a lit and mostly covered walkway. However, parts of the walk are uphill and have a number of wide steps.

Casona Rainforest Suite

The La Casona Rainforest Suite is the deluxe option at Selva Verde Lodge, great for families and small groups. This is a two-bedroom suite with a large kitchen, living area, two full bathrooms, and a veranda with hammock and chairs.  One room contains a queen-size bed and the other has two twins. This home away from home has ample space for additional rollaway beds, and the living room is great for relaxing, playing games, or reading.

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Other facilities include restaurant, bar, pool, gardens, private forest reserve, art gallery, spa, the internet, laundry service, and gym. Enjoy a first-class experience with their spa, where services include facials, manicures, pedicures, and stone massages. The art gallery on the property is an exclusive collection from the National Artist Marcela Crespo Gallegos. A variety of adventure tours are a few steps from the worldwide famous Tortuguero National Park.

Manatus Tours

Tortuguero contains a huge variety of things to do. Take a boat tour along the canals, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife along the way. During the right time of year, visit the beaches where you can watch the nesting of the Green Sea Turtle.  Soar above the canopy on zip lines for an amazing jungle view.

Amenities at Manatus Lodge

There’s so much more to Manatus than just the perfect location, stunning views, and surrounding exuberant greenery. Visit the Ara Macaw restaurant for delectable Afro-Caribbean cuisine, alongside both international and local favorite dishes. This gourmet restaurant definitely knows how to please! For peace and serenity, plus tasty cocktails, the Morpho Bar has an atmosphere that combines the best of relaxation with an undeniable celebratory feel – perfect for special occasions or any romantic tropical evening!

Manatus Lodge Rooms

Standard Room

Manatus Lodge contains 12 luxurious rooms. All rooms contain air conditioning, cable television, mini bar, two Queen-size beds, and a private solarium. The first-class experience is the rule at Manatus Hotel, not the exception! Rooms are spacious with luxury finishes. They are designed to inspire – the classic simplicity of Costa Rica with modern amenities. All of this beauty is surrounded by the serenity of a wildlife sanctuary and water channels, ensuring your comfort and privacy.

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Mawamba Lodge offers 54 comfortable standard rooms and 4 superior rooms, a private dock on the canals, 2 family style restaurants and swimming pool with bar.

Mawamba Lodge Activities

Mawamba Lodge is a good base for exploring Tortuguero National Park’s slow-moving jungle canals and tropical lowland forest. Mawamba offers a variety of tours to the canals of the National Park, turtle nesting observation, hikes into the lush rainforest of the area, kayaking, bird watching and night tours. In Tortuguero, you are only minutes away from world-class tarpon and snook fishing.

Mawamba Amenities

Guests truly can’t go wrong with a visit to Mawamba Lodge! It’s an incomparable location for guests interested in wildlife watching, birding, or exploring. For those who want a little less activity (or need a break from the hiking), Mawamba offers a variety of amenities to improve the stay. The direct beach access is perfect for days to relax, and the swimming pool and whirlpool are great for a refreshing dip. Enjoy both local and international cuisine at the two restaurants: the Mawamba restaurant and the Katonga floating restaurant. You’ll find Foosball, pool, a volleyball sand court, and more.

Mawamba Lodge Rooms

Mawamba Lodge standard room porch

All rooms at the Mawamba Lodge have views of the gardens, ceiling fan, complimentary safe box, daily maid service, and private bathroom. Hair dryer available upon request. Rooms are nonsmoking and built to accentuate the sounds of nature. There is no air-conditioning, TV, or radio in the rooms.

Standard Room with one double and one single bed

The 54 Standard Rooms at Mawamba Lodge contain one double bed and one single bed, or three single beds.

Superior Room

The 4 Superior Rooms are independent, private bungalows. They contain one King-size bed, a ceiling fan, views of the canals, a complimentary safe box, and a larger bathroom with a show and tub. This is a great choice for honeymooners!

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Activities

Activities abound on the island with options like hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and more. Many guided tours are available from the property as well. Book a tour through a local plantation known for its indigenous plantains and sweet guava. Discover the wildlife of the Curu Bio Reserve. Board the resort boat and go beach hopping! Take a day trip to the surrounding islands or go fishing. One very unique tour offered by the resort is the Bioluminescence Adventure in which you can see the ocean light up at night as a result of light-emitting plankton – creating a starry sky effect. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are also included in your stay.

Amenities

The property also features a seaside restaurant called Tia Nora with delicious seafood and options for all tastes. Tia Nora Restaurant serves up an extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drink menu with a variety of Costa Rican, American, and vegetarian options. Please note that the resort does not have A/C or a swimming pool and instead relies on the ocean and island breeze to cool off!

Isla Chiquita Glamping in Premium Tents

There are fifteen premium glamping tents at Isla Chiquita. The tents include 1 king bed and one day bed for a maximum occupancy of 3 people.

Tents feature a double sink in a full private bathroom, ceiling fans, mini-bar, in-tent safe, solar energy hot water, and a spacious open-air deck with views of the Gulf of Nicoya.

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Amenities

The trout pond at Trogon Lodge

Trogon Lodge has an on-site restaurant called El Quetzal Restaurant which uses many fresh ingredients coming directly from their hydroponic farm. Trout is grown in their own trout farm. The menu is small but rich in flavor in freshness.

A few tours are offered daily from the lodge: Quetzal Quest, Birdwatching Tour, Paramo Tour, and the Cerro de la Muerte Hike. As the tours suggest, this is a true paradise for birders!

Please note: due to the rugged, spread-out terrain, it is not possible to have WiFi in the rooms. However, WiFi is available in public areas. This is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from devices and reconnect with nature!

Rooms

The Trogon Lodge has 24 standard and 1 superior room on the property.

Standard Room

The standard rooms are spread around the property in modules of two, for a total of twelve modules. Some rooms are near the main facilities and restaurant, and others are situated higher in the forest. The standard rooms do not have TV or telephones. They are ideally suited for families, with a maximum occupancy of two adults and two children sharing beds. Please let our Experts know if you have any walking limitations as the terrain is verticle and rugged.

Superior Room

The lodge has one superior room perched up on a little hill with beautiful valley views and complete privacy. The superior room is spacious with one king-size bed, a balcony, shower and separate Jacuzzi, and a TV (the only room with a TV).To access this room, you must climb some steps and consider the higher altitude air. The superior room is not suitable for families or those with limited walking abilities.

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