Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views

Enjoy the outdoor pool at this Ciudad Cortés lodge

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A wooden deck with a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a thatched-roof structure.
A wooden deck with a hammock and a lounge chair, overlooking a lush landscape with palm trees and a view of the horizon.
A beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a view of the ocean.
A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a wooden ceiling, and a view of a balcony.
A lush, green landscape with a thatched-roof structure surrounded by dense vegetation and a mountain backdrop.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Tres Rios, Puntarenas
  • Place, El Pavón Waterfall
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Ciudad Cortés

In Ciudad Cortés .At this Ciudad Cortés lodge, you'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of El Pavón Waterfall and 6 miles (10 km) of Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands. OSA Golf Course is within 6 miles (10 km) and Turtle Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • El Pavón Waterfall - 9 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands - 14 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Turtle Beach - 19 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Ventanas Beach - 21 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 22 min drive - 17.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Citrus - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Soda Ojoche - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Los Gatos Locos - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Tagua - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Exotica - ‬18 min drive

About this property

Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views

Beautiful & very private eco-luxury retreat near South Pacific Coast (4hr drive with 4WD car) from SJO Airport. Our unique & stunning location offers guests panoramic sea views & hangs dramatically over the jungle canopy. Romantic getaway, nature lovers & adrenalin junkies paradise!

WELCOME to Pura Vida Ecolodge, a unique eco-luxury award-winning retreat nestled amongst virgin rain forest just 5 km from the volcanic sands of the Pacific Ocean in Central America's Costa Rica. The ecolodge has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence and Superhost status every year since opening and was designed by award-winning Architect Franco Casalvolone.

We’re also very proud to be one of Costa Rica's first Certified Members for 1% For the Planet, giving 1% of our annual revenue back to environmental nonprofits working on climate issues & conservation projects in the area.

This is the place for guests who want to disconnect, be off-grid and get away from it all. It’s for those of you who have a sense of adventure, are up for trying something new, enjoy bumpy and steep roads in a 4x4 and who, come rain or shine, won’t let the weather stop them from doing what they want. It’s an adrenalin junkie's paradise, perfect for those who want to wake up to the sounds of monkeys, trek through the jungle and jump in a freshwater plunge pool all before breakfast! It’s for the nature lovers among you who will no doubt discover animals of all shapes and sizes throughout their stay both on our lodge’s doorstep and with perhaps, the occasional smaller visitor inside. It’s for travelers who are ready to respect, accept and embrace a different, more laid-back culture, arriving with minds and eyes wide-open to seek romance, beauty, fun and adventure.

This is, as they say, the real Costa Rica. Perched at an altitude of just over 300 meters with over 3 acres of private land, our breezy location boasts stunning panoramic sea views over lush valleys towards the meandering 'Rio Terraba', directly facing the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica's spectacular sunsets and world-famous National Parks—Isla del Caño & Osa Peninsula. The most magical times are early mornings and late afternoons where you can sit back with a fresh coffee or a glass of wine and watch monkeys, pizotes, parrots and toucans visiting the lodge and its surrounding reserve.

Pura Vida Ecolodge is a peaceful sanctuary to experience and embrace the 'Pura Vida' (Pure Life)—a destination for tranquility, adventure and equilibrium. Our private retreat is your chance to relax and truly let go, experiencing a sustainable lifestyle powered by rainwater catchment, solar panels, and a 100% natural mountain water source.

PURA VIDA ECOLODGE FEATURES/HIGHLIGHTS:

Private rental regardless of group size

Infinity-edge spring-water plunge pool with surrounding deck and outdoor rain shower

Expansive forest & ocean views

Cozy lounging areas inside and out with numerous wrap-around teak and pine decks, balconies and yoga platforms

Perfect for honeymooners, small groups, friends or families

Ocean View Suite with King size 'Sleep on Nature' bed (by Coco-Mat), pull-out single bed, private terrace and large windows overlooking the valley, coastline and Isla del Caño. Complete with en-suite bathroom and walk-in rain shower (1st floor)

Jungle View Suite with 'sleep on nature' Queen bed (by Coco-Mat). Views of jungle canopy, private deck and yoga platform. Complete with en-suite bathroom and walk-in rain shower (*located on ground floor, connected via an outdoor staircase)

Contemporary living space with bamboo-crafted sofa (converts into a large bed with Cocomat topper) offering spectacular Pacific views with connecting hanging terrace

Open-plan fully equipped kitchen with 6x gas hob, polished granite countertops, contemporary appliances, blender, nutri-bullet, etc.

Dining Room seating up to 6 guests in an open-plan living space looking out to the Pacific Ocean and jungle canopy

Alfresco Lounge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, featuring a large deck covered by a Bamboo Ranchito and an additional deck with ‘his & hers’ hydrotherapy tubs. Perfect for early morning yoga, outdoor meals, sunsets, and couple’s massages.

Laundry service with use of washer and dryer

Outdoor parking (2x cars)

Yoga deck and outdoor Jungle gym complete with outdoor shower and panoramic views

Pura Vida Ecolodge Nature Reserve - jungle paths leading to yoga decks, streams, waterfalls & natural plunge pools. (*Waterfalls may dry up outside Green Season)

BEDROOM SUITES - Both suites boast elegant polished concrete floors, stucco white-finished walls, teak and bamboo doors, perlato natural stone washbasins, and indoor rain showers with solar-powered hot water and private decks.

LIVING SPACES - The upstairs communal space features a fully equipped American-style open-plan kitchen, dining table for 6, and a stylish lounge surrounded by a wrap-around teak deck. The infinity plunge pool offers a refreshing escape filled with mountain spring water.

THE PURA VIDA PANTRY (Complimentary Self-Catered Breakfast Provisions & Staples)
More than a welcome basket, we provide a fully stocked artisanal pantry to fuel your retreat. Enjoy unlimited organic Costa Rican coffee and ceremonial-grade cacao, alongside "overnight oat" essentials: homemade oat milk, jungle honey, organic bananas & papayas and our signature superfood seed granola mix. For effortless meals, we provide organic tropical fruits, a variety of grains (pasta, rice, beans, lentils, chickpeas), and a chef’s selection of herbs, spices, Himalayan salts and organic coconut oil. A unique highlight of every stay to ensure your Pura Vida experience starts the moment you arrive.

OPTIONAL CULINARY ADD-ONS - LOOKING FOR A FULLY PREPARED MEAL?
While the Pura Vida Pantry gives you everything needed for effortless self-catered mornings, you can also pre-order our optional Welcome Dinners or Custom Breakfasts prepared fresh by our local chef Yorly for $30 per person—featuring organic, plant-powered regional ingredients. Seasonal sample menus are available upon request after booking or can be viewed in your pre-arrival guide.

LOCATION & ACTIVITIES - Just a 10-15 minute drive (depending on season and 4x4 driving skills) from the Costanera Highway, allowing easy access to Manuel Antonio & Corcovado National Parks, stunning beaches (Arco, Tortuga, Ventanas), and Ojochal's fine-dining restaurants. Our concierge can help with boat tours, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddling, surfing, canyoning, canopy lines, and horse riding. Whether honeymooners or a family of 7, you have the entire ecolodge strictly to yourselves.

ECO-TRAVEL - Eco-travel in Costa Rica is your ticket to explore amazing places that care deeply about the environment. A quarter of Costa Rica is protected land, from smoldering volcanoes to dense jungles, producing delicious tropical fruit and some of the finest coffee in the world.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Breakfast available for a fee

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Books
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1"on-site accessible parking spaces 1", on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Private pool

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Chef service
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Meal delivery service
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 9:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

We ask that guests read House Rules and FAQs before arriving at Pura Vida Ecolodge. Both of which can be found in full on our website.
Please arrange your 4x4 car hire (not AWD), travel itinerary and estimated arrival time well in advance
Please do not climb on the verandas/hand rails or table-corners of the hanging decks on the first level of the property

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge Retreat Lifestyle Experience
Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge Retreat Lifestyle Experience

Frequently asked questions

How close is Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views to the airport?

This lodge is 82.6 mi (183-min drive) away from the Drake Bay (DRK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this lodge.

How close is Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views to the beach?

This lodge is 7.2 mi (17-min drive) from Turtle Beach and 8.3 mi (22-min drive) from Tortuga Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views offer free breakfast?

This lodge does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views?

Free parking is not available at this lodge.

Does Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views have a pool?

This lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views have a spa?

This lodge doesn't have a spa, but it does offer massages.

How close is Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views to downtown Ciudad Cortés?

This lodge is 9.4 mi away from Ciudad Cortés.

Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat | Panoramic Jungle and Ocean Views Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 18 reviews

2.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic place to unwind

We stayed for a week at the ecolodge and had a fantastic time. It's thoughtfully designed and has great green credentials. The beds and other furnishings are very comfortable The views are stunning and there are plenty of beaches and activities a short car ride away. I would also recommend the mangrove trip with Gersan which can be arranged from the lodge. I only have positive comments about this fantastic property, well worth a visit
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Paradise !

The house is perfect, it really match with the photo's, wild jungle with toucan is your garden, pacific ocean view... difficult to describe paradise, I recommend this house to anyone ! (4X4 wheel drive mandatory)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pura Vida Ecolodge

Our stay at the Pura Vida Ecolodge was absolutely incredible! The accommodations were wonderful and we loved waking up to the sounds of the jungle every morning. We explored the jungle and spent hours climbing a waterfall upstream, we loved the boat tour with Gerzan to his private beach where we dined on delicious food made by his wife and sipped fresh coconut water, and we explored 4 beaches, each different in their own unique way and each virtually empty, making each one seem like your own private paradise! We would 100% recommend and return to Pura Vida!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Pura Vida

We loved our stay at Pura Vida Ecolodge. Perfect accommodations for our two couples. Excellent pre-visit packages with lots of information about the property and the surrounding area. We hiked the "hundreds of white steps" trail and it turned out to be 614 steps-give or take-each way. Gersan and Illiana were fabulous! The road is a challenge so believe Joe when he says you need 4WD!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pura Vida Ecolodge - Amazing!

My husband and I went to the Ecolodge on our honeymoon, the booking was very last minute, but Joe & Kiki were quickly able to provide us with more information than we would ever need. The house is better than you can imagine, the location is breath taking, and there are endless opportunities for exploring within the area. The house has everything you need, except for some beach towels, and a pen to sign the guest book. I highly recommend taking the tour with Gersan, it's a wonderful experience, and you'll end up on a private beach with no other tourists. If you're lucky you'll see a family of Macaw's. The house is so peaceful, the pool is nice and cool, and the sounds of the jungle are very relaxing. The house is definitely off the beaten path, but well worth the trek.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Pura Vida

This place is amazing. We had such a great time there. The house itself is an architectural gem. Its location is stunning. The view of the mountains, valleys, sky, clouds, and ocean is never failing but ever changing beauty. I couldn't sleep in the morning, partly because sunrise came early, but mostly because I didn't want to miss the view from the bedroom window. Gersan served well as our on-site host. We really appreciated the dinner prepared and served by Gersan and Ilya the day of our arrival. The boat ride with Gersan to his private beach was a real treat, and we were totally blown away when he served us a hot lunch on the beach. The papers that Joe & Kika lovingly prepared are above and beyond anything I have ever seen from an airbnb host and added immeasurably to our experience. This was our first visit to Costa Rica; it will not be our last. I hope to visit Pura Vida Ecolodge again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Deborah T.

Awesome Place

Loved ........Loved the Ecolodge ! Beautiful view, very relaxing ! Close to a lot of activities, and town ! Joe and Kika were great, easy to communicate with and very helpful. All there suggestions were great and the packet which I printed out and brought with us was very helpful !!! Their caretaker Gersan and his family were great too ! I would come back again and even brave the roads !!! You do need a 4x4 !!! We did the boat adventure with Gersan and his brother and I highly recommend it !! Lily his wife made a great lunch !!! The Osa Canopy tour was great too and just down the road . We stayed a week and wish we could of stayed longer ! The place is well protected from bugs, but we did have the occasional visitor and my 18 year old son was in charge of catch and release !!! All in all a great place to recharge !!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Amazing slice of paradise

We quite simply had a wonderful time here. I couldn't agree more with all the other reviews, it's a beautifully thought out house and offers the perfect getaway for anyone wishing to disconnect and relax. Contrary to one comment we enjoyed a beautiful view from the pool, and indeed from the whole house, and had no problems with internet at all. The road was not daunting and was part of the adventure! And well worth the effort in any case. I was lucky enough not to be pestered by any animals, but you are in the middle of a gorgeous forest, so I wouldn't have minded as the setting is just wonderful. Gersan is a great guy! We found it very easy to contact him (we used what's app without a local sim, it worked absolutely fine) and his boat tour was fantastic. Joe was always prompt in his replies and very helpful in the build up to our visit, his 'brochure' which is sent prior to arrival is thorough and very useful. Pura vida!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A paradise on earth

My wife and I stayed in this one-of-a-kind ecolodge for 9 days in February 2016. We rented a 4x4 (which indeed was very helpful) in Uvita Alamo Car Rentals. Joe, the owner, had sent us beforehand detailed information how to get to the house and there waited already Gersan, the local caretaker, and showed us around. What a place! Modern and stylish rooms and interieur, spacious and breezy. From the decks you are almost in the midst of a dense, green jungle (at least very close!) with its vibrant life and all the exotic sounds of nature. What else was remarkable for us: comfortable, large bed, fully equipped kitchen, nice and warm shower and last but by no means least, the cosy little pool. Especially on hot afternoons it was our delight to cool down and look / listen to many birds around. An absolute must is a half day boat tour with Gersan. In his boat he guided us through a tangle of channels, through a maze of mangrove forests, part of the huge Terraba River estuary. It's really difficult to put together a brief description of this fabulous Ecolodge up on the rolling hills of Tres Rios but we have tremendously enjoyed our stay and can recommend Pura Vida Ecolodge thoroughly.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

eco luxury

We stayed at the Puravida Ecolodge for 6 days –sure wish it was longer... it was, by far, the best place we have stayed in Costa Rica. Away from the touristy parts of the country, but not too far. It’s a 3.5 hour drive down from San Jose to the dusty village of Coronado (that is if you don’t stop at Manuel Antonio national park on the way as we did.) In Coronado we met Henry that was extremely nice and helpful threw all our stay. From there it's another 10 minutes up hill to the Puravida – (good thing we rented a 4wd – no other way to get there ). Highly recommended place to stay if you are looking for a remote, quiet, private place to get away – just you and the jungle noises – some time intense noises The jungle villa is ideally planed for two couples, with a grate terrace upstairs, you can seat outside even on a rainy day – watch the sunsets over the pacific or stay in the pool on a hot day. All very clean, nicely, simply "eco-luxury" style. thought has been given to every detail, a kitchen with all you need for cooking your own meals and most important – a shaker – that we used every day. There is also plenty to do around the place: wonderful untouched beaches, surprisingly good restaurants – waterfalls, nature reserves, surfing, diving Definitely a place to come back to!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Misha O.

Beautiful place

The place is stunningly beautiful. All of it: the view, the jungle, and the house that perfectly fits the surroundings. Joe and Kika put a lot of thought and artistic taste to design this place. It is perfectly minimalist in both architectural and consumption sense, while still being very comfortable. Pool and the wooden deck are awesome. It is very secluded and you do feel right in the middle of the jungle sitting in the pool, on the deck or in the living room. Beautifully done! Without exaggeration, it is the most romantic house we ever stayed in. While we certainly spent plenty of time enjoying the place itself, there was not much to do right around the house without driving out to the beach or other destinations. The couple of nature trails are pretty short (back and forth in 20 min). On the second trail you can follow the creek up but that involves scrambling up wet rocks, which we weren't prepared to do with toddlers on our backs :). We would drive to the beach every day. Local beaches were great and we had them all to ourselves half the time. Gersan and Iliana boat tour was a pleasure. The road to the house is fine. Steep at places, but weren't stressed driving up and down with kids every day.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Katina H.

KatTy

Oh my, I don't even know where to begin! It's not the easiest place to get to but that's not negative at all-it's part of the magic! Our first thought was "someone put their heart and and soul into building this place!" It just has that special quality to it. The groundskeeper Gershan is a lovely young man and greeted us upon arrival. He showed us how to navigate the nuances of the home. We loved opening all the doors and letting the sounds of the jungle in. We had planned day excursions but decide we had to stay one full day and just relax and soak in what this property has to offer. Quick note on the amenities and service. The communication from the owners is amazing. I would advise thoroughly reading the welcome packets they send before you get there and again, once you arrive because EVERYTHING you need to know is there. Also, the beds... To die for! I am looking into buying the CocoMats for home. Best nights sleep ever! I would recommend this to anyone who would like to relax, have a romantic getaway, honeymoon... It's perfect for shutting down and taking in the pure life! We hope that return someday for sure!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Costa Rican Garden of Eden

Arriving late in the afternoon sunshine at Pura Vida ecolodge in the sumptuous Costa Rican jungle felt like arriving in the Garden of Eden! The whole experience was magical and unique and was enhanced by Joe and Kika's attention to detail; they've thought of everything to make our stay as comfortable and life-enriching as possible. The villa is spacious, thoughtfully designed and beautiful; natural and harmoniously respectful of the surrounding beauty by minimsing the impact of our stay. We spent many a warm, sunny afternoon on the outdoor teak deck contemplating the beauty of where we were. The trails and walks from the villa down to the waterfalls in the jungle were great fun and I particularly enjoyed working out on the new yoga deck (a new addition apparently) with views over the jungle and on towards the ocean. The infinity pool is so cool! Such stunning views - I can think of very few places in the world where I can relax in a plunge pool with breath-taking views over the rainforest to the sea. Some memorable afternoons were spent there! Finally, I'd really recommend Gersan's boat trip; another entirely new and unique experience for us; beautiful wildlife through the mangroves to Gersan's 'secret' island; coconut's and galla pinto on a deserted beach in a tropical paradise.....and we didn't see another soul!! Thanks Gersan. Unique one in a life time experience - can't recommend it highly enough. Thank you Joe and Kika.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Paradise in Costa Rica - Pura Vida

Pura Vida Ecolodge is one of the most amazing places we have seen in Costa Rica. It's been the highlight of our trip! The lodge is located on a little hill with the most incredible view on the ocean and the jungle. This place is super peacefull, you can enjoy the sunset while listening to the sound of nature. The sound of all the animals of the jungle in the evening is impressive and so relaxing. The house is built amazingly. All the furniture is modern and natural at the same time. Everything fits together so nicely and with style. We really felt safe and at home in the lodge. If you have the room downstairs you can shower in the morning with a view on the little jungle garden, such a great feeling! The pool on the deck is also a nice touch and real refreshing after a long day in the sun and the heat... And the area installed in front of the house on the edge of the clif is perfect to have an aperetivo at the end of the day or just enjoy the view in the morning. The road to the house was a real adventure, and so much fun with a 4x4! We took it every day to go to the beach close by. Only 15 minutes driving to see amazing beaches... Also we went on the Pura Vida Adventure boat tour with Gersan, the local guide and house keeper. Gersan is super nice and friendly! His wife cooks declicious food for the tour. Great experience that we highly recomand to do while staying at Pura Vida Ecolodge. Gersan will bring you on his boat though the Mangroves to this beautifull isolated beach! Just perfect and really worth it! We hope we will be back very soon!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

THE EXPERIENCE IN PURA VIDA ECOLODGE IS DEFINITELY A MUST FOR ALL THE NATURE LOVERS!!!

It was SO GOOD, we extended our trip by 5 days!!! With so much to see and do in Costa Rica, we originally planned to stay at Pura Vida Ecolodge for just a couple of nights, but upon arrival and instantly falling in love with the place, location and the unique lifestyle the retreat offers we decided to make it our 'nest' for the entire week. Highlights for us were the morning nature trails on the edge of the reserve, bathing in the fresh water waterfalls and plunge pools, waking up to the sound of crickets and howler monkeys, watching amazing sunsets and sipping tasty papaya 'batidos' in relax on the lodge's panoramic balconies. The 'rustic' Playa Garca and Mangrove boat tour was a real experience and insight into how the local Ticos live. The adventure getting there through the mangroves and the Rio Terraba was rewarded with a 'delightful' walk on the wide, open and deserted beach with lovely little crabs hiding as soon as we were passing by; sensational seeing how the ocean floods, at high tide with a twist of waves, the strip of land called by locals 'Playa Garca' because of the thousands of birds that visit it every day. Thank you Gersan and Ily ... an amazing day out and a great 'tico' picnic lunch!!! The Isla de Caño trip was also a great excursion as we dived and snorkled and saw loads of turtles, manta rays and even reef shark. It was amusing to take pictures of the dolphins following our boat and to try to catch their best acrobatic performances. Thanks to Kumari at Mystic Dive! Joe & Kika have created something very special at Pura Vida Ecolodge. It has been designed to literally hang over the jungle canopy so you really get the feeling of 'living with nature' and at the same time it has wonderful ocean views. The lodge's plunge pool (by day & night) was special, and being relatively new to 'eco-luxury', we just loved the concept. Loads of stunning and empty beaches nearby (Playa Ballena and Playa Tortuga our favourites) and fresh fish and tropical fruits back at the lodge every day was a winner!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Our Pura Vida Experience

From the beginning booking and preparing for this was easy. Once we had made the booking Joe and Kika were really helpful and provided a complete welcome pack. This covered everything we needed in a simple and clear way (and made us very excited!) In the end we printed out the pack and took it everywhere to help find the beaches and other local places like the local fish shop where we bought some lovely fish. It also covered the practicalities for the lodge, like the safe, and the directions for getting to the lodge that were really helpful, with pictures and distances. Once there, although the pictures are good, it is even better. The views are amazing from the lodge and we never bored of simply sitting on the balcony, drink in hand, watching the weather pass us by, sun go down, and all the nature around us. The lodge itself is open and airy. It is full netted so as long as you keep the doors closed you are quite bug free (relatively as remember you are in the jungle). However, you never feel trapped as it is so simple and open. It is an incredible building with an understated feel of luxury with the two walk in showers, spacious rooms and tall ceilings. We especially loved the sofa where we would have a lovely afternoon snooze under the throws provided. You do need a 4x4 and were pleased Joe flagged this. The final road up to the lodge is a bumpy track but it is fine if you have a 4x4 and after a couple of drives you do not even think about it, night or day. You simply just need to be able to drive sensibly. Locally, the beaches are quite hidden away but secluded and beautiful. The water was really warm. The welcome pack helps and locals were also helpful. Playa Arco was incredible with monkeys and waterfall. That said, you do need to pay $18 to go through the entrance at the hotel, but that includes a walk through their jungle trail, the amazing beach and a piece of cake and juice when you return. We were happy with the money spent! We found a couple of great restaurants but to be honest, often cooked ourselves in the evenings. The kitchen has everything you need which is great including a simple and easy to use bamboo coffee-maker the locals all use. We wanted to get away from the rush of city life and spoil ourselves and this was perfect to do this. If you appreciate what it is and where you are going it is perfect. If you are expecting a 5 star hotel you may still be converted.
Archival

4/10 Poor

Latrika W.

Not for everyone

+ amazing view from the property + nice bath robes + howler monkeys + essential oil diffuser + Gerson is truly everything everyone else says about him - amazing! This is truly the jungle! To stay here you must essentially be willing to stay outside with all the animals in Costa Rica! Why? The house is setup in a way that in order to enjoy the views or anything outside you must have the doors wide open and there are no screens. There were lots of bugs in the house upon arrival. Several different kinds that I couldn't even tell you what kind. When you spend a lot of money and you dream of staying somewhere for months you want to love it! We decided to close all of the doors and sit outside of the house to try and make it work and enjoy. We thought that spraying bug spray would get rid of the bugs... Well, it made them all come out from hiding. It was so bad that you couldn't go from one room to another without looking around everywhere. We booked for 10 days and ended staying 6. What took the cake was spraying on the sixth day. We pulled the bed out from the wall because the night before we had bugs fall on the bed and assumed it was because they were attracted to the lights in the room. We sprayed again and came back to find cockroaches in the bed and finally a spider in the kitchen the size of your hand. We packed up and left. We were willing to go to a resort that charged 800 a night to get out of this place. Cheaper options were sold out. We called the owner, we never asked for our money back but he didn't really care. He essentially told us it was our fault and if it was that bad why did we stay 6 nights. We also waited a few weeks after stay and had to ask for our deposit back before he sent it. Additional negatives - The house was dirty. Not clean to our standards. Someone else's toenails in the living room rug. And I don't care what this man responds and says the walls are filthy! He will try to say it's the wall type, please trust me it isn't. - The infinity pool is in the back of the house and there is no view because it's blocked by trees. - didn't matter to us but would for some, the bedrooms are on different levels, not a place for kids. - the owner has a limit on the Internet. It would work each day for a little while and stop working. At first we thought something was wrong but realized what was really going on after a couple days. - 20 minute uphill on rocky road to house. 2 star for architecture of house and view!