Costa Rica as a whole offers an amazing diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna. However, the southern Caribbean coast is simply unique! Its wilderness plays with ecological options and adventure activities, and is a perfect place to explore on a Costa Rica trip.
All this, without the overwhelming crowds found in other tourist destinations... After a four hour drive from San José, you will discover the "Pura Vida" of these Caribbean gorgeous beaches bordered by rich jungle. Depending on your mood, you will surf the "Salsa Brava" wave, dream endlessly in your hammock, delight yourself with a grilled lobster or enjoy Puerto Viejo nights with rhythm of Reggae.
Bungalows
Shawandha Lodge, located on the South Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, communicates with an incredible surrounding nature that helps to forget modern stressful life. For example, the hotel prefers to avoid using T.V and air conditioning but offers spacious bungalows nestled in a splendid tropical park. These show off a "neo-primitive" concept with an artistic combination of noble woods, bamboo and palm, as well as unique ceramic designs in each bathroom. Every bungalow has its own individual character and style. The traveler is invited to rest in the terrace hammock while contemplating the impressive vegetation: incredible variety of trees, plants and flowers with so many vibrant colors and aromas, while listening to unique sounds from toucans or sudden howlers from the little "Congo" monkeys.
Shawandha's hosts, Maho Díaz (fashion and interior design at Ibiza) and Nicolas Buffile (ethnological documentary maker and restaurant owner in Cataluña), both French, will make your vacation memorable.
Restaurant
Start with a cocktail under the huge palmed roof of the Rancho that shelters the hotel restaurant. Follow this with a creative dinner that combines tropical flavors with French recipes.
Activities
Guests will enjoy the swimming pool on the property, set in the lush tropical gardens. In addition, the lodge boasts excellent beach access. Relaxing under the coconut trees at the beach, let your eyes flow upon the different blues of the Caribbean Sea.
You can choose to relax on the beach, go for a bicycle ride to Manzanillo or take a boat for dolphin watching.
Take a guided tour through indigenous reserves or explore the Cahuita National Park. Be fascinated by its bio-diversity, such as the fantastic coral reef barrier that protects an amazing variety of fish. Fulfill your dream of horseback riding along deserted beaches, surfing Caribbean waves, or delight in scuba diving or snorkeling in the tranquil and majestic bay of Punta Uva.
There are many more activities: you can kayak on the river and ocean, explore the canopy at the top of the trees, take a quad across the forests of Talamanca or visit butterfly or iguana farms, botanical gardens, the museum of Caribbean culture and the ecological cacao workshop And why not? After an exciting day enjoy an aromatic massage in the privacy of your bungalow's terrace.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.