Highlights
- Remote rainforest location
- Complete immersion in nature
- Superb luxury accommodation
- Waterfalls, hiking, surfing, kayaking
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Lapa Rios is a particularly remote yet luxurious eco-lodge named after the many macaws that inhabit the area. It’s an award-winning property committed to preserving the surrounding 1,000 acres of pristine rainforest. Tucked away in southern Costa Rica near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, one of the world’s most biologically intense locations, this fabulous retreat is found nestled in a private rainforest reserve, a ten-minute walk from some superb beaches. Combining luxury with complete immersion in nature, a stay here will suit travellers who are not squeamish about being up-close to the abundant wildlife. It is quite simply one of the best wildlife lodges in the country, and there are also some renowned surf spots nearby with waves suitable for beginners, intermediates and pros.
The accommodation comprises 17 luxury bungalows constructed from wood and bamboo which are scattered along a ridge, all with superb open ocean views. Although there is no air conditioning, the bungalows are open-air in design and face the sea, so the breeze helps to keep temperatures cool. Each room has a sizeable deck complete with a private outdoor shower, a hammock and loungers, and two indoor showers to choose from - a cool rain shower and a warmer, standard option. Complimentary toiletries, cotton robes, ceiling fans and canopy nets over the beds are common to all rooms, however note that visitors are encouraged to fully appreciate their natural surroundings and thus there are no modern conveniences such as televisions or radios. Wildlife is often spotted from the bungalows or on the lodge’s pathways. It’s a real delight to enjoy the sounds of the surrounding forest, and it’s not uncommon to wake up to the unique rumbling of the resident howler monkeys.
There’s a broad range of activities on offer, many on an inclusive rate, so do bear this benefit in mind when comparing Lapa Rios to more mid-range properties in the area. Waterfall hikes, night-time walks and birdwatching sessions with one of the lodge’s four exceptional guides are a real treat. Away from the property itself, there’s horseback riding, mangrove kayaking, dolphin spotting and trips to the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s largest national park, known for its exceptionally rich biodiversity. Back at base, there’s a lovely pool and restaurant, and dining by waterfalls or picnics in the wild are also on offer, along with cookery demonstrations. There’s also a lovely spa offering reflexology, massages, facials and yoga.
Families are very welcome, though children must be at least 6 years of age to stay. The lodge offers a children’s menu together with a fabulous selection of family-friendly activities which are not only great fun, but also highly educational. Youngsters can learn about reforestation and help plant small trees, they will spot all manner of wildlife from frogs and iguanas to sloths, monkeys and perhaps even dolphins and whales. They can visit a local school and enjoy surfing in the waves, running about on the beaches and swimming in the lodge’s lovely pool. Parents are reminded that due to the remote and rural nature of the property, children must remain under adult supervision at all times.
It really was absolutely amazing. Faisal was wonderful (our driver for the majority of the trip) – such a lovely person and made everything feel so easy and relaxed. The whole experience was incredibly well put together and completely seamless from start to finish. The Sahara Desert was definitely the highlight for me – truly unforgettable – but honestly every part of the trip was special.
Mandy S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 May 2026
I just wanted to say thank you so much for organising such an amazing holiday.
We absolutely loved it, even though Jessica was ready to give up walking for good ????
Our guide, Mustafa, was great. Really helpful, friendly and informative.
We loved all the accommodation, and especially the first night and the Riad.
All of the staff at every location were so friendly and helpful.
Thanks again for organising such a great trip.
Rebecca H
reviewing Marrakech & Mountains Family Holiday
on 09 April 2026
Thank you yet again for another meticulously organised and executed holiday (our 5th with you). Every aspect worked perfectly.
Please could you pass on our sincere thanks to your agent in Sri Lanka; Lakshita, our driver and guide, absolutely made the trip for us - he was so keen for us to have the best experience possible. He was organised, kind, interested, punctual, the car was always spotless, and he was an excellent driver. His extensive knowledge was really appreciated by us and was exactly what we had hoped for in a guide. I think the highlight for us was our day in Anuradhapura (7 hours of absorbing history and culture), but there was so much to learn and absorb every day. He also made several suggestions for things that he thought we might like that weren't in our itinerary, and then booked them for us. These included an ayurvedic massage after climbing Sigiriya, a cultural show (an hour of touristy fun!), reef snorkelling with turtles (a real highlight for me - I wish we could have stayed all day), a lagoon boat trip and visit to a cinnamon island, a turtle sanctuary visit, and a gemstone factory visit. He also managed to get us a private tour of Lunanguga, which Peter thoroughly enjoyed. We also really enjoyed the tea factory tour.
Our guide for the hike was also really excellent, and he and Lakshita made sure that our day was perfectly tailored to our (my) ability.
All our accommodation was also perfectly selected. Our favourite was the Ceylon tea trails bungalow (just perfect!), but The Villa Bentota came a close second as a perfect way to relax at the end of the trip. Our villa and the grounds at Uga at Ulagalla were also beautiful.
(Our only slightly disappointing day was the whale watching - no whales wanted to be seen on that particular day, plus I was very sea-sick despite taking meds! The tour organisers offered us a repeat day the following day, which we declined! Having said that, being out on the water was still enjoyable, up to a point...).
I'm sure I've missed out something - we basically loved it all and felt that the balance of the itinerary was perfect for us (we used the 'rest' day in Galle to do the snorkelling, lagoon, and turtles)
Thank you very, very much.
fiona g
reviewing Sri Lanka Highlights - Classic
on 27 March 2026