Lapa Rios Lodge

Brilliant. Don’t have enough words on how amazing this hotel is. From the first experience at their office the jemeniez with a fresh coconut or options of drinks to the welcome at the hotel with a cooling drink and towels. It is right in the centre of 1000 acres of forest and also overlooking the ocean with access to the beach. We have travelled around Costa Rica from the central valley to Caribbean side and round. This was our 5th stop. It beats all others. You can see so much wildlife right here on the doorstep. From our room, we were lucky to see macaws, eagles, hummingbirds, toucans , coati and Aguti to name a few from fairly close distance. We also saw sloths and anteater. They offer guided trails which are very good. There is also a self guided trail which leads to an amazing waterfall where you can swim. There are no facilities on the beach but if you want to spend time there then they will take you there and back in the car and set up beds and a packed picnic in coolers. It’s amazing. The food is also excellent. They have a plant based menu in addition to normal menu. They are very obliging in trying to accommodate any requests you may have. I like the fact that they listened and were flexible. It makes the stay enjoyable. In spite of having coffee making facilities in the rooms, they will deliver hot coffee and milk to your room at 6am. There is also coffee, cookies, yogurt and granola in reception for early risers at 5.45am. At 3pm, after lunch hours, again there in coffee in the reception which you can help yourself to. The only downside was that our room was nearly at the end and there are 100 steps which take about 10 minutes to walk to the lobby and restaurant. The first 60 steps were a chore due to the hot and humid weather. If you request, they will pick you up from near your room in their 4x4 car. The walk is on a raised platform so it feels you are walking right in the middle of the forest. I could keep on writing about it. Definitely top of my list of hotels I have been to anywhere in the world( and have travelled quite a bit!) Just Go

Stunning lodge in a private reserve on the Osa Pennisula. Each cabin is seclude and private with beautiful views of the ocean and/or forest. The main lodge and pool is beautiful, with abundant wildlife around. The guides are all excellent with a variety of activities. Highly recommend.

I’ve been eying this resort for years, and finally got to experience it in all its wonder! From the welcome at the office in town (yummy coconut drink!) to check-in, we’d already fallen in love. The other places we stayed in CR were lovely, but NOW we felt like we were in the rainforest. Like really IN the rainforest! All the staff … the drivers, naturalists, waitrons and bartenders are so friendly and kind and eager to share their obvious love of this area. Our room and its view, took our breath away. Love the outdoor shower. And the walkways that connect everything are magical and where I spotted my first (Spider) monkey. By the end of our stay, I’d seen all four types (my main goal of this trip!) We found the food very good and felt there were plenty of choices (we were there for a week and didn’t get to try everything we wanted to) Taking the safari bus down to the beach became an afternoon habit, followed by a dip in the pool. Taking surfing lessons was a bucket list for my husband. It was hard but fun (I got up!) I could go on and on but will just say, GO! It’s well worth the money and a magical place.

Some places don’t just meet expectations — they quietly, elegantly redefine them. Lapa Rios Lodge is one of those rare properties. Perched within a private rainforest reserve on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios feels less like a hotel and more like a privileged invitation into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. From the moment you arrive, you realize you are not simply checking in — you are being welcomed into a living sanctuary where scarlet macaws glide overhead, howler monkeys announce the morning, and the ocean and jungle exist in perfect harmony. The accommodations strike an exquisite balance between refined luxury and deep respect for nature. Open-air bungalows capture sea breezes and birdsong, with handcrafted wood details, pristine linens, air cooled bed, and sweeping views that make even the most seasoned global traveler pause in awe. This is eco-luxury done right: thoughtful, elegant, and immersive, yet not showy. What truly elevates Lapa Rios, however, is its people — and in particular, Nikole, who embodies everything the Boena brand stands for. Nikole’s service was not only attentive and seamless, but deeply personal. She has an intuitive understanding of what luxury travelers value: anticipation rather than reaction, warmth without intrusion, and excellence without pretense. Whether arranging bespoke experiences, ensuring every detail was flawless, or simply offering thoughtful guidance about the reserve, Nikole made us feel genuinely cared for, not just accommodated. She is an extraordinary ambassador for Boena’s commitment to sustainable, soulful hospitality. Dining at Lapa Rios is equally exceptional — fresh, beautifully prepared cuisine that reflects both Costa Rica’s vibrant flavors and the property’s dedication to sustainability. Each meal feels curated, not catered. Thanks to Karolina and others for their incredible, personal service! What makes Lapa Rios unforgettable is that it doesn’t try to impress you — it simply is impressive. It offers something increasingly rare in the world of luxury travel: authenticity, environmental stewardship, and emotional connection, all delivered with five-star grace. This is not just one of Costa Rica’s finest lodges — it is one of the most meaningful luxury travel experiences anywhere in the world. And thanks to Nikole and the Boena team, it is a place you leave already dreaming of returning.

Amazing stay at this wonderful lodge . Cannot rate it too highly. The people , the space , the wonderful walks and many more. I now wish that we had booked to stay in more of their lodges . They have the perfect model. We had planned to do outside tours during our stay but the the walks kept us busy and fully engaged . The guides are so knowledgable and passionate about the environment . People define the quality of vacation around the staff - at all levels they were excellent . Friendly but not too overbearing allowing us to really enjoy all amenities that were available . Cannot recommend it too highly - we will be back .

Being at the heart of the Lapa Rios private reserve of over 1000 acres was an amazing experience. The guided walks are really informative and fantastic for appreciating the landscape and the wildlife all around. From the efficient welcome at the local airport, to guides, hotel and restaurant staff - everyone is warm and enthusiastic about this location and ensuring you have the very best experience. We had a very spacious room with fabulous views towards the Pacific and a terrace to watch monkeys and parrots nearby. Excellent and healthy choice of food - the best we experienced on our trip. We stayed for three nights but could have stayed for longer as there are so many wildlife walks you can do across this enormous reserve, including to the ocean bays.

We had a special memorable and wonderful visit not only due to the excellent accommodations ( we were in Matapalo suite 1) ,the very good locally sourced food and the view and wildlife. The most special part was the staff. My wife twisted her knee while climbing into a vehicle. They were able to find a pair of crutches for her to use in a very short time. In addition, they all were so very personable, friendly and helpful. We have traveled a great deal and know that this staff was some of the very best we have ever encountered. Your trip will there will be enjoyable if you like to take walks, see a variety of wildlife, eat outstanding food and enjoy interacting with the staff.

Location, atmosphere, service, food, and all of the lodge excursions were extraordinary.

If you are even vaguely considering booking a stay at Lapa Rios, book it now and never look back! I read the great reviews and saw the beautiful pictures before going, and yet, nothing prepared me for the splendour of Lapa Rios. We’re here now, in July, during the shoulder season, and it is a lush paradise. There is an abundance of wildlife right on the resort that is magnificent. The resort itself has exceeded all of my expectations. We are staying in the large Lapa villa and it is luxurious. The resort is small and feels beyond exclusive. The food is incredible (and they’ve been stellar at accommodating my various dietary restrictions), as is the service. Overall, it is the vacation of a lifetime!