Set in a private nature reserve spread over 900 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean.
However, Lapa Rios is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or an eco resort near the beach. Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project, demonstrating owners John and Karen Lewis’ belief that no matter how you cut it, a rain forest left standing is worth more. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. It has been recognised and recommended by the Rainforest Alliance, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, Forbes, National Geographic Traveler and Trip Advisor.
By staying at Lapa Rios, guests support the conservation of the rainforest and provide direct employment and income to more than 45 families in the area. The ecolodge employs only community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification (CST).
Sixteen spacious suiita-thatch bungalows hidden within the rain forest were hand built to provide eco-luxury accommodations that celebrate relaxation, nature and the local culture. Private, large decks have outdoor showers, and huge hammocks allow guests to enjoy the astounding views and rainforest activity that surrounds them. Newly remodelled bathrooms invite guests on a sensory journey, featuring a dual showering experience. On one side, a stone-laid floor massages your feet as you shower under soft, rain-like cool water, providing the unique sensation of showering in your own private waterfall.
The main lodge and the Brisa Azul restaurant soar 350 feet above the sea and, like the private bungalows, are built of locally harvested materials and have an intricately woven palm thatched roof. Lapa Rios also offers a variety of multi-faceted explorations and activities so that guests experience the sense of place, hands on. Guided tours offer opportunities to hike up and down through virgin rain forest to pristine waterfalls, splash back along the Carbonera River, share the cool early morning air with the 319 bird species that inhabit the reserve, and surf and kayak among a rainbow of tropical fish. The team at Lapa Rios provides personalised service and expert advice on activities and local culture. Guests are also encouraged to relax by the large outdoor pool and allow the magic and beauty of this tropical rainforest to embrace them.
Lapa Rios is 12 miles South of Puerto Jimenez at Playa Carbonera and the best way to reach it is via domestic airline into Puerto Jimenez.
For more information visit http://www.laparios.com/
