This was our first ever trip to Costa Rica. I made sure I prepared by reading reviews, especially on the accommodations. Refugio lodge was spot on as far as my expectations went. Augustin, our host, was incredibly kind, informative, very down to earth and engaged. My son and I felt like Refugio was our home away from home. Same staff you get to know. Pets that just add to the feeling of home. The caffe menu offered delicious options even for my sensitive gut and the coffee was so good that I never even had coffee anywhere else.
My son is 13 and we like to try and see new things. One evening, we got stranded on the wrong side of the ocean inlet. No boat to take us back after sunset and all we had was my phone and $40. I reached out to Augustin and we stayed in constant communication until we were back âhomeâ. He made us feel safe, hopeful and not alone. This is not something he had to do but thatâs just what you get at Refugio. Itâs a family.
If anyone is looking for more of a local experience, not the resort kind that could feel isolated, you need to try Refugio.
Having read previous reviews and having heard all the disclaimers from Augustin himself, the town center night life was not an issue. Even though we were not participating in the night fun, after daily activities, when truly tired, we were able to get the sleep we needed. Itâs a vacation spot after all and everyone needs to be having their kind of fun;)
To us, great service and kind friendly people matter the most.