Rainforest canopy outpost
A stilted canopy retreat perched high on an Osa Peninsula ridge, where toucans and howler monkeys outnumber the guests.
“Set on a hilltop in a private rain forest reserve, the lodge is completely secluded, with views of the ocean and forest…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
All-inclusive eco-retreat living with full-board open-air dining, coastal excursions, and a freshwater swimming pool overlooking Golfo Dulce.
Remarkable
Guided rainforest treks, waterfall hikes, and wildlife tracking across a thousand-acre private tropical lowland reserve.
Notable
Stilted bungalows with high-peaked thatched roofs, bamboo screening, expansive hardwood decks, and private open-air showers.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Despite these austere measures, the accommodations are far from Spartan — bungalow walls open to the breeze, obviating the need for air conditioning.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Dense lowland rainforest surrounds the ridge, dropping to secluded beaches and wildlife trails bordering the edge of Corcovado National Park.
The rooms
Thatched-roof bungalows feature mesh-screen walls open to ocean breezes, broad hardwood sun decks, and private open-air rainfall showers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A chemical-free freshwater pool curves across a timber deck overlooking the rainforest canopy and Golfo Dulce.
The spa
Set in an open-air timber pavilion, Shó Quibí Spa uses organic Costa Rican botanicals for massages and scrubs.
Guapira Restaurant & Bar
The open-air dining pavilion serves locally sourced Costa Rican dishes and fresh catch beneath a soaring thatched roof.
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.
At the table
Wooden stools line the open-air bar under an elaborate thatched roof, surrounded by lounge chairs for evening drinks.
How it began
Former Peace Corps volunteers John and Karen Lewis opened the lodge in 1993, establishing a permanent conservation easement over the thousand-acre reserve.
Good to know
Stay here
Lapa Rios Lodge
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Puerto Jimenez
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.