Lapa Rios

Lapa Rios, Costa Rica’s most famous eco-lodge, certainly cuts a humble silhouette: a row of thatched-roof lodges on a ridge hundreds of feet above the beach, it’s as far as you can get from the pampering of a luxury hotel experience. With no phones, televisions or music, it’s an exercise in total immersion — in this case, in the unspoiled landscape of Central America’s last surviving lowland tropical rainforest.

Not a single tree was cut in the process of this resort’s construction, and it leaves as small an ecological footprint as possible; solar water heaters reduce energy consumption, and they’ve even gone so far as to plant thousands of native palm trees to provide materials for maintaining the bungalows’ thatched roofs.

Despite these austere measures, the accommodations are far from Spartan — bungalow walls open to the breeze, obviating the need for air conditioning, and the hardwood-floored bedrooms and tiled bathrooms are as elegant as can be. Each comes with a patio garden, indoor/outdoor shower and a private hardwood deck with an impressive view of the ocean below.

Board is included, and indeed there’s no shame in staying on the grounds, soaking in the peace and quiet and the astonishing views of this primitive landscape. Many, however, will be tempted to wander a bit — Lapa Rios offers a wealth of excursions, from the simplest self-guided nature walks to all manner of jungle tours, boat trips, surf lessons and even dolphin swims.

How to get there:
Flights are available from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and take about 40 to 50 minutes. Round trip tickets to Puerto Jimenez cost between $185 and $210 per person. The airstrip in Puerto Jiménez is right next to the Lapa Rios office and from there you will travel in the 4X4 Lapa Rios safari truck for 45 minutes to get to the Reserve.