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El Remanso

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Eco-friendly rainforest lodge
- Great midrange option
- Water and land-based adventure activities
- Plenty of accommodation options

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Overview

El Remanso is a sustainable and eco-friendly, midrange lodge set within one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests very near the tip of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula on the southwestern side, near the Pacific coast. Since opening its doors nearly 20 years ago, this characterful property has been something of a local pioneer for conservation and environmentally friendly practices, taking part in a reforestation program, providing its own electricity, and making sure it minimises it’s impact on the environment however it can. The lodge is set in remote, pristine rainforest facing the Pacific, far away from any tourist hotspots. We highly recommend this friendly, relaxed and peaceful property which provides full immersion in nature and a genuine feast for the senses.

There are several different accommodation options to choose from, including Standard Rooms, Classic Bungalows and Deluxe Villas that come with their own plunge pool. Though the rooms vary in size and configuration, they all offer plenty of space and have views of either the Pacific Ocean or the lodge’s lush, well maintained gardens. Those with garden views even have their own private outdoor shower. Amenities common to all rooms include a ceiling fan, a hammock and either a balcony or a terrace. The accommodation options are broad and flexible enough to suit a range of visitors, from couples to large groups or families.

The lodge is set within its own private reserve and has a total of six hiking trails to explore, offering fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, with sightings of monkeys, parrots, sloths and even eagles quite possible. Close by is a long, beautiful beach that’s nearly always deserted thanks to the hotel’s rather remote, out-of-the-way location. Back at base, there’s a pool surrounded by wooden decking with plenty of loungers and a nearby bar serving light snacks, colourful cocktails and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. Main meals are all served a la carte at the open-air restaurant which is set in a pretty bamboo-structured building. Menus feature a range of international and national dishes, all of which are expertly prepared and use fresh ingredients sourced locally.

The many activities on offer include leisurely birdwatching walks, dolphin watching trips and horseback rides. For the more energetic and adventurous, there’s waterfall rappelling, surfing and tree canopy tours. Three guided hikes per day are also offered; two of these take place during daylight hours and last about three-and-a-half hours, plus there’s a two-hour night-time option that showcases some of the rainforest’s many nocturnal species.

The lodge welcomes children of all ages and offers reduced rates for under 12s. While there is no designated ‘children’s programme’, children will no doubt enjoy splashing about in the pool and there’s plenty for all age groups to enjoy in the surrounding area. Given the lodge’s remote, rainforest location, parents are reminded that children should remain under adult supervision all the time.

Suggested Itineraries for El Remanso

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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