El Remanso Rainforest Lodge

We spent 3 nights here and really enjoyed the daily guided walks and tours, with groups of 2 to 5 people. The guides were friendly and brilliant at spotting tiny leaf frogs, scorpions, snakes, plus the mammals and birds you hope to see. The hotel has a strong commitment to local ecology, and the rooms, food, and service are all of the very highest level. If you stay a few days, the lunch and dinner menus change, and aren’t repeated two days running, so the choices don’t get boring.

The restaurant is set above the forest on a platform facing the ocean, and the food was delicious, beautifully presented, and Michelin star level. The staff seemed genuinely happy to be part of El Remanso, and their enthusiasm made our stay special. Eli took us along the river and taught us so much about frogs, mammals, birds, and nature. The zip wire session the next day was memorable too. Our room, Chilemate, was magnificent, with sophisticated but simple decor. There were no glass windows, just mesh shutters opening onto a tropical patio garden with an outdoor shower. The open wooden reception and gravel path blended into the rainforest setting. We loved how peaceful and far from anywhere it felt, with a level of privacy and luxury that made this haven a real one off. I very much hope to return. We flew in from San Jose on a light aircraft and were met by a lovely El Remanso driver. The hour-long trip on a rough, unpaved road down to the lodge was an adventure, and the beauty of the place took our breath away.

The guided walks through the jungle were a highlight, with birds, monkeys, and plenty of other wildlife. On the night walk we saw frogs, scorpions, and tarantulas. Meals were included and excellent throughout, with fresh, generous portions and a good range that changed regularly. The villa had a private pool and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. It was beautiful, and the hotel’s approach to nature, with no air conditioning and instead natural airflow and fans, made the stay feel immersive. It could get warm at times, so that’s something to consider. With only a limited number of villas, the setting felt quiet and private, surrounded by wildlife. From Puerto Jiménez airport, everything was organized smoothly. We got cold towels and fresh water for the transfer, then had a scenic 40-minute drive through the jungle. The hotel has open common areas without walls, which gives it a special atmosphere. We were greeted warmly with a refreshing cocktail and an easy check-in. The service was what really set the place apart. The team were thoughtful, attentive, and genuinely kind from beginning to end. Karole deserves a special mention for going above and beyond. It was one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in, an unforgettable mix of nature, comfort, and outstanding service that I’d highly recommend.

We stayed in a suite with a plunge pool. It was spacious, clean, and kept tidy throughout the day. Having coffee delivered for sunrise was a lovely touch, and the rainforest view was amazing. We could sit privately, out of sight of anyone else, watching birds and monkeys for hours. The rooms have no windows, just bug nets. I loved that, though the night sounds took some getting used to. El Remanso arranged a wonderful day trip to Corcovado, but there was so much wildlife on the property that we hardly needed it. The private trails and hanging bridges were great for long hikes without running into anyone. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. This is one of the most amazing places we’ve stayed, and we’ll definitely be back.