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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.6 | 108 reviews
TrustScore 4.6 of 5
Based on 108 reviews on
1 day ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.
Brian
2 days ago
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.
Happy Camper
2 days ago
Jason has been wonderful. He is full of information and was very willing to listen to what was of interest to us.
Lee
4 days ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
4 days ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.