Almonds and Corals

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Introduction

Neatly camouflaged by a dark and dense jungle, Almonds and Corals is a beachfront jungle lodge housed in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The three-in-one (a luxurious Caribbean resort, a safari camp and an eco-friendly boutique hotel) unique destinations offering property is dedicated to achieving a harmony between a privileged getaway and an environmentally sustainable accommodation option. Almonds and Corals is ideal for patrons looking to savor a back-to-nature experience, without letting go of the concept vacationing in luxury (think luxurious camping in the Caribbean). The not-so-rustic camping property features tents on the stilts of elevated wooden platforms (carefully joined by boardwalks). Throw in a sandy beach, a restaurant crowning the tip of the jungle entrance (serving delectable meals), a bar and a relaxing Jacuzzi in the hub of the rainforest and you’ve got a heady concoction of a “luxurious rustic camping” destination. A typical day at the Almonds and Corals starts with wake-up calls from howler monkeys and chattering parrots and ends with a fine meal at the jungle encrusted, ocean front restaurant.

Amenities and Activities

Apart from an open-air beachfront restaurant and a well-stocked bar (that is the hub of pre and post-dinner wildlife story exchanges), Almonds and Corals features a well-appointed Ocean and Jungle Spa Pavillion, which offers a complete range of holistic treatments/services (including aromatic massages, reflexology and cooling massages) using indigenous oils and other natural elements.

Guests can indulge in a plethora of activities in the areas surrounding the chic resort. A tour to the Cahuita and Puerto Vargas National Park is a popular option for snorkeling enthusiasts. Similarly guests can also enjoy a guided walk through a seemingly secret passage that leads to a forest, beautifully serenaded by the sounds of singing toucans. The famed poison frogs of the region can also be spotted at the core of this dense tropical forest. Other interesting and offbeat activities include dolphin spotting tours at Punta Mona, kayaking at Manzanillo and the quirky sounding “Crazy Monkey Canopy Ride” (where guests get to watch the forest from tree tops with the help of a canopy cable system). Another popular activity for guests at Almonds and Corals is a true-blue ‘authentic experience savoring’ bike ride through a Caribbean fishing village, where you get to hobnob with locals and savor the unique native character of the region.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Almonds and Corals comprises 24 ‘safari pavilion’ like luxury tents that are elevated off the ground and are linked by wooden walkways (which are scintillating lit up at night to emphasize the safari camp look) that take guests to the forest, restaurant and adjoining beach. Each luxury tent features a palm roof and is comfortably equipped with elements of ‘rustic luxury’, designed to combine convenience with an ‘in harmony with nature’ ambiance. Each suite opens up straight to the jungle through a wooden paneled door. In addition to this, every suite is created like a private balcony, where guests can relax on hammocks and relish views of the surrounding tropical forest.

Pricing

The rates for the Suite with Jacuzzi are $235 USD and $ 300 USD for single and double occupancy respectively. Every additional adult is charged at $ 65 USD. The rates for the Master Suite are $ 315 USD and $ 400 USD for single and double occupancy respectively.

Almonds and Corals also offers some special package deals. The 3 nights/ 4 days Honeymoon package for occupancy in the Suite with Jacuzzi is priced at $540 USD per person. Similarly the regular 2 nights/ 3 nights package (for a stay at the Suite with Jacuzzi) costs $ 400 per person on a double occupancy arrangement. Regular packages include round trip transportation from San Jose to the lodge along with a 2 (or 3 depending on the package chosen) night stay, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners.