Korrigan Lodge

If interaction with the outside world isn't the primary focus of your vacation, Korrigan Lodge is an ideal getaway locale. The very intimate bed-and-breakfast is tucked away in the high trees and thick foliage of the Gandoca-Manzanillo WIldlife Refuge. Because of the prime spot in uninterrupted forest, at times it can feel like staying in the middle of an open zoo. Spider monkeys jump from tree to tree while a chorus of howler monkeys can always be heard early morning. It's not uncommon to see a sloth slowly making his way through the leaves and to hear many tropical birds calling to each other and fluttering by. Aside from the animal noises, chances are small that neighboring vacationers will cause any disturbance. There are only four small bungalows—all named after the four elements—with a max occupancy of three people, so the atmosphere at Korrigan is always calm and quiet. The most interaction will occur during breakfast hours in the reception rancho, as that is the only public space at Korrigan. The lodge is owned by a French couple, so the fluent languages spoken here are English, Spanish, and French.

Korrigan Lodge is well off the beaten path for those who like the seclusion. It's nestled within the thick foliage of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and a five-minute walk from Punta Uva, one of the area's top white-sand and snorkeling-friendly beaches. A long, gravely road bordered by high trees separates the quiet hotel from the main road. The lack of noise here comes from the fact that all the restaurants, bars, shopping and night life of Puerto Viejo's busy town center are a 15-minute drive away. However, the Parada Jaguar Rescue Center is much closer at just seven minutes away by car. Juan Santamaria International Airport—the main entry point for Puerto Viejo vacationers—is a four-hour drive away.

The four bungalows at Korrigan Lodge—Dour, Avel, Heol, and Koad—take their names after one of the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire, respectively. Each one looks small in size on the outside, with Suita leaf roofs, brightly colored outer walls, and bamboo-gates framing the porch. Hanging right beside each wooden sign that bears the cottage's name are a quirky wind chime, a potted plant, and bamboo blinds. There are also hammocks, stools, benches and tables on the porch, which offers jungle views. Once past the curtained screen door, interior design follows a wooden and earth-toned color scheme. Every bed comes with a rustic, free-form tree branch bed frame, four pillows, a thick blanket, and a mosquito net hovering overhead. Beneath the side tables are the mini-fridges which contain the minibar. As far as storage space, there are no real closets, vanities or dressers, just a few shelving units with a mirror in between them. The miniature bathroom is tucked behind a woven wooden door, and includes a standup hot water shower, above counter sink, and a standard toilet.

Simplicity is a running theme at Korrigan Lodge. There are no bells and whistles to be found at the quaint jungle establishment. There isn't much to see and explore on the grounds besides the open-air rancho reception area, where a full breakfast of fresh fruits, eggs, bacon, bread, yogurt, pastries, juice, tea, and coffee are served daily. In addition, ice, drinkable water, tea, and coffee are available around the clock. Another perk at the bed-and-breakfast is that guests can borrow bikes, snorkeling gear, and beach towels free of charge. Basic freebies like Wi-Fi, parking, and cribs for infants are also included.