Lapa Rios

NEED TO KOW

All 16 cabins have private terraces

Lapa Rios is on the undeveloped Osa Peninsula, in the south west of Costa Rica - within its own 1,000-acre reserve of primary forest and overlooking the meeting point of the Golfo Dulce fjord and the Pacific

The Brisa Azul restaurant specialises in freshly-cooked international cuisine infused with a hint of the tropics and offers breathtaking vistas

Zen Shiatsu, Ayurvedic, Core Integration and Reiki massages are available, as are Hatha Yoga and Chi Kung classes

The lodge has an outdoor pool surrounded by lush jungle

Other facilities include a lovely terrace overlooking the rainforest, a bar, with a raised central platform for superb views, private dining in a secluded rainforest setting and with a dedicated waiter, and a vast array of trips and excursions

Children are welcome, although the lodge is not recommended for under-fives

THE HOTEL
Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean.
The surrounding virgin reainfrest is a nature-lover's paradise - home to rare and unusual species of flora and fauna, it is the only place in the country to spot squirrel, spider, white face capuchin and howler monkeys.

Lapa Rios was designed to stand in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and cabins line three ridges and are connected by paths and steps. The main lodge and the Brisa Azul restaurant soar 50 feet above the sea and, like the 16 private cabins, are built of locally harvested materials and have intricately woven palm-thatched roofs. All the cabins are open plan, to ensure stunning ocean and jungle views, and are furnished with comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture. Huge private decks aid relaxation amidst pristine nature.

We loved the lodge's upper deck. At the top of a three-story circular stairway, it is the place to go for the best forest canopy and ocean views.