El Remanso Lodge

Location: Osa Peninsula
Price: $175-$275 night
Features: Ocean view, yoga, surfing, river, waterfalls

Introduction

El Remanso is a 185 acres private reserve tucked away in the rainforest over an isolated and untamed Pacific Beachin in the surreal-looking Osa Peninsula. The lodge exudes an unpretentious and low-key persona, thus focussing on offering a highly warm, relaxing and personalized experience. Guests can explore a long-winded trail system (to help them encounter the wilderness of a primary rainforest along with its rich wildlife and abundant flora), together with deserted waterfalls, a secluded beach and an pristine lagoon. The dense rainforest canyons within the property are also adventurously peppered with small creeks and tide pools.

Since its inception in 1999, the lodge has been a frontrunner for sustainable practices with its stringent ecological policies and participation in local reforestation plans. For instance, the lodge was a pioneer in providing electricity through a micro-hydro method. These initiatives have won El Remanso the top “Certification For Sustainable Tourism” (CST- level 5) rating in the lodge’s very first certification process.

Activities and Amenities

Nature aficionados can enjoy an assortment of eco-adventure activities at the El Remanso including adrenaline soaring waterfall rappelling, kayaking, tree climbing, bird watching at sunrise, canopy tree platform tours, guided hikes (priced at $35 per person) and lazy lounging on the wooden cabin deck. Excursions offered by neighbouring local guides outside the lodge include leisurely horseback rides through the beach/forest, dolphin watching at Golfo, surfing at the popular Matapalo breaks and hiking day tours at the Corcovado National Park. El Remanso’s Zip Line and Canopy Breakfasts and invigorating yoga sessions are also much sought after by relaxation-wooing vacationers.

The lush natural retreat houses exotic birds, an array of botanical treasures and wildlife (sloths, kinkajous and toucans) in the bosom of hidden valleys and canopy trees. El Remanso’s primary rainforest premises provide patrons the opportunity of spotting rare species of endemic birds, pumas and ocelots on thrilling hiking trails. In short, a great option for people who fancy waking up to the sounds of howling monkeys and screeching parrots.

Accommodation, Service and Pricing

The homey and intimate owner-operated El Remanso Lodge features 13 large and comfortable units ranging from back-to-nature cabins to spacious rooms proving an overall capacity of 30 persons. This is largely responsible for the lodge’s personalized, warm and attentive service.

Classic Cabins are ideal for couples and small families with a capacity of housing 2-4 guests. El Remanso’s Deluxe Cabins are touted to offer the real jungle feel in the hub of rainforest. They are equipped with a deck offering spectacular oceanic views and the La Guinda Deluxe Cabin comes with a unusual bathroom adorned with a mosaic-styled bathtub. Classic Cabins are priced at $ 245 USD for single and $ 185 USD for double occupancy respectively during high season. Deluxe Cabins cost $ 285 USD and $ 215 USD for single and double occupancy respectively.

There are two independent deluxe rooms on the upper level of “Casa Poniente”, a two-storied structure that boasts of a breathtaking ocean backdrop. Every room features an independent entrance along with a private terrace, a nice outdoor hammock and a king size bed. Priced at $ 275 USD for single occupancy and $ 205 USD for double occupancy.

The four Standard Rooms housed in the ground level of “Casa Poniente” are equipped with kingsize/single beds (based on patron needs) and tropical outdoor bathrooms featuring stone wall warm water showers. These rooms have covered terraces and a couple of them offer oceanic views, while the other two face the garden. Oceanic View standard rooms priced at $230 USD and $175 USD for single and double respectively.

Casa Osa is perfect for a small group of family or friends featuring up to 8 guests. There is a sprawling upstairs bedroom housing a queen size bed and a couple of single beds along with an independent bathroom (with a tropical-garden overlooking shower) and enclosed hardwood deck. Downstairs there are a couple of separate bedrooms featuring a queen sized bed and shower equipped bathroom. There are hammocks and a cosy patio lounge for unforgettable family bonding moments at the ground level. Casa Osa priced at $155 USD per person (minimum four people) during high season.