Creature Comforts

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn

Central Valley

This eco-award winning Inn is located above the Central Valley of Costa Rica, 4000 feet above sea level, on a plateau of extraordinary beauty. It is surrounded by towering "Higuerón" trees and exotic flora, volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations. The Inn features a unique architecture inspired by Gaudi and 10 acres of private property with fruit trees and dramatic tropical fauna. Each of the rooms is individually decorated and the communal areas feature unique works of art and sculptures. The honeymoon suite is on 2 levels with panoramic views over the valley and this is is a great place to begin or end your trip with a lovely pool to relax by.

Rancho Humo Estancia

Palo Verde region

Rancho Humo Estancia is a  boutique ecolodge set in a 1,100 hectare traditional estate ranch on the banks of the Tempisque river ranch bordering the Palo Verde National Park. The ranch is an international example of wetland resuce - its extensive grounds protect a range of habitats: mangrove, wetlands, dry tropical rainforest and pastures, offering impressive birding and nature viewing opportunities - species such as storks, egrets, herons, ibis, grebes, spoonbills, ducks and hawks, American crocodiles, spectacled caimans, howler monkeys and anteaters can all be seen here.

The hotel has 10 modern rooms and suites each with A/C, two-queen or a king-sized bed, wifi, telephone, safe, coffee maker flat-screen T.V, hairdryer, mini-fridge. Some rooms and suites have terraces and views of the wetland plains. There is a small swimming pool and loungers. The hotel's restaurant serves local produce prepared in a gourmet style.

A complimentary shared guided wetlands tour in specially adapted open-sided vehicles is included during each guests stay, as is a one-way boat transfer in or out of the lodge along the Tempisque river. There are a variety of additional tours on offer, from visiting the Palo Verde Biological Station to a cattle ranch farm experience, horse-riding, birding as well as off-site tours to visit Barra Honda caves or Monte Alto nature reserve.

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

Osa Peninsula

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Costa Rica's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios overlooks the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean. It is the vision of John and Karen Lewis; a private nature reserve and eco-lodge which has won many awards for its sustainable practice.

The main building and 16 bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps. Built with local materials, over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical breezes. This lodge is legendary in Costa Rica. A great upmarket eco-lodge option, ideal for honeymoons.

Note: the impressive, spacious, wooden guest cabins descend steeply down the stepped hillside from the ridge-top restaurant and pool area set at 350ft above sea level.

Playa Cativo Lodge

Golfo Dulce

Playa Cativo is a small upmarket waterfront lodge set amongst 1,000 acres of private rainforest reserve surrounded by the Piedras Blancas National Park on the Golfo Dulce. As there are no roads, the lodge is accessible exclusively by boat from Golfito. There are a total of 18 rooms split between the original main building and a 'Fourplex' building, all constructed from reclaimed hardwood and decorated with locally crafted artisanal tiles and divided into three categories: deluxe, luxury and premium, each has an ocean view and is steps away from the beach with king-sized beds, ceiling fans, sofa (or pullout bed), Wi-Fi, coffee makers and safe boxes, bathrooms with solar powered hot water rainforest showers, biodegradable toiletries and cotton bathrobes.

There are also stand-alone Premium Plus casita bungalows dotted around the tropical grounds which are more spacious and have superior views as well as an included mini-bar and private plunge pool.

Lodge facilities include a gourmet a la carte restaurant 'El Gavilan' that uses fresh local ingredients, El Gazebo' sunset bar, a freshwater chemical-free swimming pool and air-conditioned library, organic farm, self-guided trails, adventure centre where guests can enjoy complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and also book tours at additional cost such as mangrove kayaking, Piedras Blancas nature hikes, birding, night-walks, dolphin and whale watching, 'Lotus Wellness centre' where guests can book a range of treatments and therapies, yoga classes.

Note: Different cancellation penalties apply at this property than in Geodyssey's usual Terms and Conditions. The differences for you to note are:

CANCELLATION POLICY:  

Reservations for High Season (01 Nov-22 Dec & 03 Jan-30 Apr): Cancellation requests must be received in writing 61 days or more prior to arrival to avoid a 100% penalty of the price of the whole number of nights booked here.

Reservations for Peak Christmas/New Year Season (23 Dec-02 Jan): A minimum 4 night stay policy applies with Full payment required 90  days prior to arrival. Cancellation requests must be received in writing 91 days or more prior to arrival to avoid a 100% penalty of the price of the whole number of nights booked here.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Bajos del Toro

Located in a 500 acre private reserve in the picturesque village of Bajos del Toro nestled between  the Juan Castro and Poas Volcano National Parks, approx 1.5hrs drive from San Jose airport, this is Costa Rica's only luxury hotel and spa in a cloudforest setting.

Each of the spacious, stylish suites and villas decorated in natural tones have picture windows and floor to ceiling glass doors that slide open to cloudforest, mountain or river views and private wooden decks which boast outdoor heated whirlpools and traditional handcrafted rocking chairs. In room amenities include plush pillowtop beds, comfy robes and slippers, minibar, minifridge, electric heaters,safe, haridryer, coffee maker, living room area, organic personal care products and wifi. Suites are located on the hillside each with a king-sized bed. Two bedroom suites feature two separate bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Larger two and three bedrooms villas have additional bathrooms, kitchen facilities, dining and living areas and flatscreen cable TV's.  

The emphasis here is on 'well being' and food is healthy, locally sourced and seasonally grown at the hotel's organic minifarm. The "Las Ventanas" restaurant offers a farm to table dining concept serving a mixture of local and international inspired dishes. The "Toro Bohemio" bar serves local and classic cocktails, as well as a variety of wines and beers including their very own home brews.  

Additional facilities and amenities include onsite horse-riding stables, walking and mountain biking trails, full service 'Esencia' spa using the resort's own natural products and a yoga studio.

A large variety of onsite and off-site tours can be booked with the hotel's resident 'eco-concierge' guides

The hotel prides itself on its commitment to sustainable practices and has been awarded the top  '5 leaf' certification in sustainable tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

Part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel group.