Reviewed 18 Oct 2011 by Judith Doyle
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved every aspect of this accommdation, including the adventurous ride from San Jose, the lovely property and delicious food. Excursions are fun and the hosts - delightful. I loved walking through the rain forest with my daughter, taking photos, and relaxing with a paperback. We dream of returning soon.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Give yourself lots of time at the accommodation- the longer you spend, the more you will benefit from the natural beauty,
great food and positive feelings.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The lodge is closely connected to the local village, providing jobs and many other benefits. A true ecolodge.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My daughter and I rank this accommodation as our best holiday ever.
Reviewed 13 Jul 2011 by Mary Head
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a totally relaxing, getaway holiday. You really need a 4X4 vehicle to get to the accommodation but Maureen had a driver meet us and we parked at his house and he drove us in. We ate yummy food, swam in the refreshing pool, went for several walks (John is happy to go with you)and just rested and read. We were only there for 4 days and went out once to Manuel Antonio park with 2 other guests. We took a guided tour with Gama and we highly recommend him. I think I would have seen 2 animals without his sightings. John and Maureen are wonderful hosts and if you are looking for this kind of restful holiday this place is perfect.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need a 4X4 if you want to drive up to the Lodge yourself. Try to get there in daylight. Maureen sent a great map and organized Elesier to meet us at the local store to guide us in safely. Don't book here if you are looking for nightlife - but if you enjoy rest, hiking, swimming and conversation with fellow guests and your hosts this is a great spot. We saw a storm, felt the earth move (no pun intended)and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Take hiking boots - they provide bottled water and even did our laundry. You should be a dog lover!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The lodge was staffed by local families, water bottles are refilled, great local food, laundry is hung out to dry, soap and shampoo is in refillable containers, no wrapping on soap, fans (no AC) and they have their own power plant. The other guests went on that hike and said it was really interesting.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - it surprised my husband how much he enjoyed it.
Reviewed 29 Jun 2011 by Claire Bowring
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many great memories; huge, sumptuous meals on the balcony over-looking the forest, a hot hike followed by swimming under a beautiful waterfall, zip-lining through the tree canopy , seeing a live volcano and generally being surrounded by nature in all its glory.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy sun cream before you get there! Pack for days by the pool/beach, treks through rough jungle trails and torrential rain (dependent on season). Be prepared for a lot of utterly delicious food at the lodge- you will need to walk it off or get loose clothes!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All the staff we met were from the local village, they seemed to enjoy working there. Food is locally sourced. The lodge has its own electricity supply from a hydro plant and they purify their own drinking water - no bottled water. The hosts have a keen eye on their impact on the local environment
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic - the hosts were utterly friendly, welcoming and entertaining. They seem to have thought of everything, and nothing was too much trouble. The trip can be as active or relaxing as you want, but whatever you do, you are surrounded by nature, stunning country and friendly people.
Reviewed 15 Feb 2011 by Warren Bradey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This accommodation is a paradise. We woke to see Toucans on our balcony and a sloth in the trees just beyond. Breakfast with the hummingbirds was a daily joy. This is that rare place that combines luxury with responsible eco-tourism. The meals were feasts of fabulously fresh produce direct from local farms and our hosts Maureen and John Paterson were warm, welcoming and great company. The staff were incredible - friendly, professional and an absolute delight.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay longer than you think as there is so much to do. We stayed for 9 days and enjoyed every minute. This accommodation is a perfect base for day trips like snorkelling, zip lining, horse riding (we did all these and had a ball). It's also an easy car ride to the beaches at Dominical and the quirky village there. We also made a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. There's also fishing and hiking tours. We could have stayed longer!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. Apart from the direct benefits of creating employment, the tours we went on were well run and superbly organised by local people and our guides were knowledgeable and insightful. There was a real respect and understanding of the environment. The lodge is an excellent example of what can be achieved as it sits in harmony with it's landscape e.g. it generates hydro power for electricity.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding. If you are visiting Costa Rica do yourself a favour and stay here. It's sublime. This place has to be Costa Rica's best kept secret.
Reviewed 21 Aug 2010 by Judy Hallam
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of the accommodation and the fantastic hospitality offered by Maureen and John. From start to last, the standards were exemplary. Waking up to the sounds of the rain forest and walking in the beautiful grounds of the lodge. Both John and Maureen are very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and the local area. They are happy to arrange trips, which have all been thoroughly researched and meet their high standards. Maureen's cooking is brilliant and the local staff are friendly and helpful.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
There is a first class team of local staff, who have all trained with John and Maureen. They seem incredibly happy to be working at such a wonderful concern. The environmental standards are outstanding and the conversion of what was originally a run down farm into this eco-lodge, is quite staggering.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. We would highly recommend a visit and would love to go back there ourselves.
Reviewed 14 Dec 2010 by Wiesia Sadowski
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location and hospitality. The location was beautiful and relaxing. The hospitality couldn't have been better.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book as much time as possible. You'll need more to really explore the area and relax at the same time.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, absolutely. All the employees of the place we stayed were local, area residents.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was one of the best vacation.
Reviewed 18 Nov 2010 by Elizabeth Camplin
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of plants, birds and animals we saw at the lodge and in the surrounding area. We will never forget the warmth and sincerity of the welcome from our hosts and the atmosphere they create in their lovely eco-lodge home.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure, when visiting in the wet season, that you take waterproof lightweight coats and Wellingtons, or arrange to borrow Wellingtons from Maureen and John. We took leather walking boots that took up a lot of room in our suitcase but did not wear then once because they were inappropriate for the conditions at this time of year!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Most certainly it benefited local people as all the staff who work at the lodge live in nearby villages. When necessary, local tradesmen are also employed, for example, to help maintain the long drive into the property. The lodge is superbly organised to make use of natural water sources for consumption and energy production. Maureen and John make sure they grow as much organic products as they can in their own grounds and also purchase locally produced vegetables and food.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was perfect for the time of year in Costa Rica. The ecolodge was a real 'home from home' and we have never been anywhere else so deserving of this description. Maureen and John are excellent hosts who made us feel like part of the family. We will miss them. The only reason we have not ticked the five stars option is that we think we would have got more out of exploring the local area if we had visited in the dry season. We would also have used the beautiful swimming pool every day!
Read the operator's response here:
We were very lucky to be blessed with such gracious guests as the Camplins. Betty and Jim remained positive and good natured throughout the worst storm Costa Rica has seen in 13 years. With floods and landslides closing most of the major arteries throughout the country, they made the best of what their visit and it was a real pleasure to get to know them while we all kept out of the rain.
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