The Top Five Eco Resorts of Costa Rica
Posted in Costa Rica about 1 year ago, 0 replies
To really capture the essence of Costa Rica in a Kodak sort of way- listening to tree frogs, catching the scent of fresh rain, and witnessing monkeys swoop by your window (if you happen to actually have a window, that is), you'll just have to go eco. No question about it, this is the way to experience the jungles and the beaches of Costa Rica- and keep it all to yourself. Here are our nominations for the top five eco resorts of Costa Rica.
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula
Topping the Condé Nast Gold List in 2008, Lapa Rios offers some pretty awesome views of rain forest and the Pacific. Built of native materials, the environmentally sustainable bamboo bungalows blend into the environment. Features include "eco-plain decor," a private deck, and two showers (one with cold water, the other with solar-heated warm water.) The reserve of over 1,000 acres of rainforest includes a protective corridor to the Corcovado National Park.
laparios.com
Tiskita Jungle Lodge, Southern Pacific
Close to the Panamanian border, in a location both remote and wild, lies a beautiful lodge – one of the very first ecolodges. Accessible only by plane, the Tiskita Jungle Lodge will sweep you off to your own paradise, with no telephones, television, fax or even passers-by. Pluck and taste your way through 37 acres of tropical fruit orchards, gaze into rock pools, or take in the wildlife in action from the veranda of your wooden cabin as hummingbirds, sloths, and squirrel monkeys make their way through the surrounding trees. Large mammals lurk just beyond in the forest reserve and guided hikes are free of charge. Sea and mangrove fishing, riding and other amazing memories can be had for a reasonable price.
tiskita-lodge.co.cr
Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort, Central Pacific Coast
The newly opened Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort has already seen its' way to the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List (2008). As the first 100% sustainable development project in Costa Rica, Arenas Del Mar has followed in the footsteps of Lapa Rios in attaining all five levels of the Costa Rican Certification for Sustainable Tourism. Over three-fourths of the land has been left as an untouched nature reserve for wildlife, including squirrel and white faced monkeys, sloths, and thousands of birds. Additionally, the Arenas Del Mar is planting more than 7,000 species of trees and plants that are native to the land. As for the accomodations, guest rooms, apartments and suites present picture-perfect ocean views, upscale dining in two restaurants showcases fresh local products, and personalized service goes beyond travelers' expectations.
arenasdelmar.com
Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park, Southern Pacific
This one is worth the trek, and a trek it is given there are no roads. None. Simply find your way to one of the three perimeter stations, walk 14km along the beach (from La Leona), make your way through 20km of orange mud (from Los Patos) or, from San Pedrillo, hike 23km along mostly sand and plan to arrive at two tidal rivers before the water is nearly waist-high and teaming with hammerheads. The wooden ranger station is located in a grassy airstrip set back from the ocean, but swimming is not advised due to rip currents and bull sharks. And you may want to stay out of the river, as well, since this is crocodile, bull sharks, and sting ray territory thanks to the brackish water. Modest accomodations include grounds for camping, a spot to string up a hammock, and, if you book ahead, you'll enjoy rice and beans and bunkbeds. Despite any hardships you may endure, it will all melt away as the sun sets and the night tunes up to a fabulous symphony of the wild- howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, and so much more.
corcovadoguide.com
The Iguana Verde Treehouse, Southern Caribbean
Travel a sandy lane that runs south to Panama between mountainous forests and the Caribbean sea, complete with hibiscus hedges and palms, birdsong, reggae, and hatch-front pulperias offering cold beer. Soon you'll come to the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge, a steamy jungle you must see by dugout canoe in the company of indigenous guides. The treehouse is one of four quirky, yet beautiful properties inside the 10-acre beachfront refuge owned by the Green Iguana Foundation. Once settled in, it's easy to forget it's a tree, for within the two stories are two bedrooms and a kitchen and shower room built from salvaged hardwoods. Your time here is best spent lying quietly in a hammock observing the abundant wildlife, including suprisingly large iguanas. For a more active experience, forest treks are offered, getting you across the continent in just 6-days through La Amistad.
costaricatreehouse.com
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula
Topping the Condé Nast Gold List in 2008, Lapa Rios offers some pretty awesome views of rain forest and the Pacific. Built of native materials, the environmentally sustainable bamboo bungalows blend into the environment. Features include "eco-plain decor," a private deck, and two showers (one with cold water, the other with solar-heated warm water.) The reserve of over 1,000 acres of rainforest includes a protective corridor to the Corcovado National Park.
laparios.com
Tiskita Jungle Lodge, Southern Pacific
Close to the Panamanian border, in a location both remote and wild, lies a beautiful lodge – one of the very first ecolodges. Accessible only by plane, the Tiskita Jungle Lodge will sweep you off to your own paradise, with no telephones, television, fax or even passers-by. Pluck and taste your way through 37 acres of tropical fruit orchards, gaze into rock pools, or take in the wildlife in action from the veranda of your wooden cabin as hummingbirds, sloths, and squirrel monkeys make their way through the surrounding trees. Large mammals lurk just beyond in the forest reserve and guided hikes are free of charge. Sea and mangrove fishing, riding and other amazing memories can be had for a reasonable price.
tiskita-lodge.co.cr
Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort, Central Pacific Coast
The newly opened Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort has already seen its' way to the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List (2008). As the first 100% sustainable development project in Costa Rica, Arenas Del Mar has followed in the footsteps of Lapa Rios in attaining all five levels of the Costa Rican Certification for Sustainable Tourism. Over three-fourths of the land has been left as an untouched nature reserve for wildlife, including squirrel and white faced monkeys, sloths, and thousands of birds. Additionally, the Arenas Del Mar is planting more than 7,000 species of trees and plants that are native to the land. As for the accomodations, guest rooms, apartments and suites present picture-perfect ocean views, upscale dining in two restaurants showcases fresh local products, and personalized service goes beyond travelers' expectations.
arenasdelmar.com
Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park, Southern Pacific
This one is worth the trek, and a trek it is given there are no roads. None. Simply find your way to one of the three perimeter stations, walk 14km along the beach (from La Leona), make your way through 20km of orange mud (from Los Patos) or, from San Pedrillo, hike 23km along mostly sand and plan to arrive at two tidal rivers before the water is nearly waist-high and teaming with hammerheads. The wooden ranger station is located in a grassy airstrip set back from the ocean, but swimming is not advised due to rip currents and bull sharks. And you may want to stay out of the river, as well, since this is crocodile, bull sharks, and sting ray territory thanks to the brackish water. Modest accomodations include grounds for camping, a spot to string up a hammock, and, if you book ahead, you'll enjoy rice and beans and bunkbeds. Despite any hardships you may endure, it will all melt away as the sun sets and the night tunes up to a fabulous symphony of the wild- howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, and so much more.
corcovadoguide.com
The Iguana Verde Treehouse, Southern Caribbean
Travel a sandy lane that runs south to Panama between mountainous forests and the Caribbean sea, complete with hibiscus hedges and palms, birdsong, reggae, and hatch-front pulperias offering cold beer. Soon you'll come to the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge, a steamy jungle you must see by dugout canoe in the company of indigenous guides. The treehouse is one of four quirky, yet beautiful properties inside the 10-acre beachfront refuge owned by the Green Iguana Foundation. Once settled in, it's easy to forget it's a tree, for within the two stories are two bedrooms and a kitchen and shower room built from salvaged hardwoods. Your time here is best spent lying quietly in a hammock observing the abundant wildlife, including suprisingly large iguanas. For a more active experience, forest treks are offered, getting you across the continent in just 6-days through La Amistad.
costaricatreehouse.com
submitted by Heather