The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
The 12-bungalow, mid-range Shawandha Lodge is an ideal locale for small groups that want to be surrounded by nature without sacrificing tropical vacation staples. The hotel is located in a quiet area about six kilometers away from the lively town center of Puerto Viejo -- where there are shops, restaurants, live music, and bars -- and close to Cahuita National Park. Sprawling out across nearly five acres of jungle along Playa Chiquita, the property boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The sand and surf of uncrowded Playa Chiquita is a five-minute walk away from the hotel. In addition to spacious and elegant bungalows with artistic bathrooms (but without TVs or air-conditioning), Shawandha is well-known for its fine dining at Wandha Restaurant, its garden pool, and the 400-year-old Ceibo tree growing on the premises.
Puerto Viejo's Cabinas Coconut Grove is a budget hostel with seven rooms -- four with a shared bathroom, two with private bathrooms, and one full apartment. Each is barebones with mosquito nets, fans, and quirky artwork that varies from room to room. Coconut Grove is located on the principal road just outside of Puerto Viejo's town center and across the street from the beach. It's easy to get around to several restaurants, shops, and bars in the area on foot and by bike as everything is about five minutes away or less. While there is no breakfast and no pool, guests can expect free Wi-Fi and parking as well a communal kitchen and library in the main lobby area. For the same low prices but a bit more style check rates at Hotel Boutique Indalo.
Puerto Viejo's Cabinas Coconut Grove is a budget hostel with seven rooms -- four with a shared bathroom, two with private bathrooms, and one full apartment. Each is barebones with mosquito nets, fans, and quirky artwork that varies from room to room. Coconut Grove is located on the principal road just outside of Puerto Viejo's town center and across the street from the beach. It's easy to get around to several restaurants, shops, and bars in the area on foot and by bike as everything is about five minutes away or less. While there is no breakfast and no pool, guests can expect free Wi-Fi and parking as well a communal kitchen and library in the main lobby area. For the same low prices but a bit more style check rates at Hotel Boutique Indalo.
An exceptional property, the Tree House Lodge gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature: either lolling on the beach, exploring the jungle habitat, or sleeping in tree-top rooms. The mid-range property takes up 10 acres inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Countless animals skitter through the jungle grounds -- there's even an iguana habitat on site. The eco-lodge has direct access to Punta Uva, a top beach in the area. The five spacious guest houses have full kitchens, backyard decks, and hot tubs, but it's their stunning construction, drawing on nature and folding around trees, that casts a spell. Rooms can get hot, and there's no air-conditioning, so guests will need to cool off with ocean breezes. Travelers determined to book accommodations with a pool could try the Lizard King Hotel Resort.
An exceptional property, the Tree House Lodge gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature: either lolling on the beach, exploring the jungle habitat, or sleeping in tree-top rooms. The mid-range property takes up 10 acres inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Countless animals skitter through the jungle grounds -- there's even an iguana habitat on site. The eco-lodge has direct access to Punta Uva, a top beach in the area. The five spacious guest houses have full kitchens, backyard decks, and hot tubs, but it's their stunning construction, drawing on nature and folding around trees, that casts a spell. Rooms can get hot, and there's no air-conditioning, so guests will need to cool off with ocean breezes. Travelers determined to book accommodations with a pool could try the Lizard King Hotel Resort.
This mid-range home-away-from-home offers just four standalone villas on the edge of Santa Teresa, and manages to be both kid-friendly and romantic. Canadian owners -- Brad and Tara -- have successfully created a relaxed environment that keeps visitors coming back. Breakfasts are served each morning, and then it's time for surfing, hanging by the pool, or perhaps an ATV tour given by Brad himself. Comfortable and clean units have air-conditioning, kitchens, and outdoor space, but luxurious they are not. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but offers free Wi-Fi and a small playground.
This mid-range home-away-from-home offers just four standalone villas on the edge of Santa Teresa, and manages to be both kid-friendly and romantic. Canadian owners -- Brad and Tara -- have successfully created a relaxed environment that keeps visitors coming back. Breakfasts are served each morning, and then it's time for surfing, hanging by the pool, or perhaps an ATV tour given by Brad himself. Comfortable and clean units have air-conditioning, kitchens, and outdoor space, but luxurious they are not. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but offers free Wi-Fi and a small playground.