Lapa Rios Lodge
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
Vibe
A stilted canopy retreat perched high on an Osa Peninsula ridge, where toucans and howler monkeys outnumber the guests.
“Rainforest canopy outpost”
All-inclusive eco-retreat living with full-board open-air dining, coastal excursions, and a freshwater swimming pool overlooking Golfo Dulce.
Guided rainforest treks, waterfall hikes, and wildlife tracking across a thousand-acre private tropical lowland reserve.
Stilted bungalows with high-peaked thatched roofs, bamboo screening, expansive hardwood decks, and private open-air showers.
In a private 1,000-acre rainforest reserve on the Osa Peninsula, above Golfo Dulce.
“Despite these austere measures, the accommodations are far from Spartan — bungalow walls open to the breeze, obviating the need for air conditioning.”
Rooms
Thatched-roof bungalows feature mesh-screen walls open to ocean breezes, broad hardwood sun decks, and private open-air rainfall showers.
“At the lodge, which is tucked into the forest along a ridge above Drake Bay, we were guided by the staff to key vista points.”
Wellness
An open-air pavilion at Shó Quibí Spa hosts botanical treatments using organic Costa Rican ingredients, steps from the canopy-view freshwater pool.
“Set on a hilltop in a private rain forest reserve, the lodge is completely secluded, with views of the ocean and forest…”
Backstory
Former Peace Corps volunteers John and Karen Lewis opened the lodge in 1993, establishing a permanent conservation easement over the thousand-acre reserve.
Eat & drink
Guapira Restaurant serves locally sourced Costa Rican meals and fresh catch under an open-air thatch pavilion overlooking Golfo Dulce.
The neighborhood
Dense lowland rainforest surrounds the ridge, dropping to secluded beaches and wildlife trails bordering the edge of Corcovado National Park.
More like this
Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
“Rainforest sportfishing cove”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.