Mar y Selva

Mar y Selva is a beautiful and unassuming nature retreat, overlooking the Ballena Marine National Park and in the vicinity of the famous Corcovado National Park, the Cano Island Botanical Reserve, the Sierpe mangroves, Utiva beaches and the Terraba rivers. Due to its strategic location in the middle of a rich topographical landscape and incredible biodiversity, this lodge is as much preferred by nature enthusiasts as by birding groups, students and nature photographers. Since the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet, there are a staggering range of activities that can be enjoyed by visitors in Mar y Selva’s surroundings. Hidden under Costa Rica’s beautiful canopy in the back drop of the South Pacific Ocean, this quaint eco lodge summarizes the true natural essence of the country with its minimalist approach and sustainable practices. Tourists can partake of a variety of natural experiences here from viewing the splendid annual arrival of whales from July to October to going on a mountain bike ride to explore the more rugged features of the area’s topographical make-up.

Activities and Amenities

Mar y Selva is a hot spot for naturalist and adventure centric activities. It is a playground for enthusiasts seeking to get up, close and personal with the ecologically rich South Pacific landscape. Guests can enjoy a heady range of nature/adventure pursuits such as thrilling forest canopy tours (enjoy aerial views of the forest through tree top canopies), hiking along the forest paths and rough mountain trails, scuba diving (for all proficiency levels), surfing, competitive sports fishing, horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, guided tours of the labyrinth rainforest trails, an exploratory tour of the area’s mysterious mangroves, a waterfall tour and a tour of the region’s popular national parks (Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Ballena Marine). Other popular recreational activities in the area include a whale and dolphin watching tour, a bird watching tour, eco tourism activities, whitewater rafting, ultra light flying and participating in the swimming camp. Mar y Selva can also make arrangements to accommodate groups who are looking to get trained in adventure races, mountain biking, swimming camps, triathlons and yoga camps.

Mar y Selva’s in-house amenities include a small souvenir shop, a vast open dining area, a meeting room with a big television screen, a balcony featuring captivating vistas of the lodge’s lush surroundings, a 25 meter swimming pool and an open space for relaxation.

Accommodations

Accommodation at this charming nature retreat is available in the form of ten smoke free bungalows that are spacious, well-appointed, airy and neatly maintained. They are elegantly furnished and sport a minimalist appearance, while being comfortable and luxurious all the same. Each bungalow comes with a ceiling fan, an air conditioner, satellite television, mini fridge, hair dryer, in-room personal safe, wireless internet, a private bathroom (with abundant hot water) and daily maid service. Every bungalow at the Mar y Selva has a private balcony/deck, equipped with a couple of chairs and a coffee table, while being spectacularly enveloped by fruit trees and a secondary jungle.

Each bungalow can house up to 4 people. There are six private bungalows (a majority of them with queen sized beds and Futon and one with a king sized bed and Futon. In addition to this, there are two pairs of bungalows (four bungalows) that share a door and can be converted into a larger unit for small groups and families.

Rates

The high season (16 December to 15 April) rate for a regular bungalow is $ 125 USD, while the low season (16 April to 15 December) rate for the same is $ 95 USD. The bungalow with king bed is charged at $ 135 USD during high season (for 1-2 persons) and $ 105 USD during low season (for 1-2 persons).

Location: Playa Ballena
Price: $95-$125/night
Features: guided tours, bird watching, beach nearby, waterfalls
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