La Paloma Lodge

Every meal at La Paloma was delicious, and we enjoyed sharing dinners with the other guests, including a Canadian couple we really liked. The Cano Island snorkeling trip was great too. Randall took care of everything from the pickup after breakfast to several excellent snorkel spots with lots of turtles, then a delicious grilled lunch on a beautiful beach near La Paloma. My wife and I spent several wonderful days here. Renee and the rest of the staff were welcoming, kind, and seemed to know what we needed without making a fuss. Our rancho had a comfortable upstairs king bed, nighttime AC, and amazing sunsets from the back deck. One evening, monkeys swung through the trees, jumped onto our roof, and peeked into the bathroom. It's a bit of an adventure getting to and from the lodge, but that setting is part of what made it a five-star experience for us. Calling it a three-star hotel based on Google's ratings feels way off. This was our first visit to Costa Rica, and we were impressed by how happy, friendly, and welcoming people were. We only wish we'd stayed longer and had time for the Corcovado hike. We'll definitely return and hope to stay longer next time.

My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and like active trips. This lodge gave us plenty to do, mostly walks on fairly flat ground and boat trips with groups of 8 to 12. We had a wonderful time. We spent the night in San Jose before heading to the lodge. The ride we booked to our hotel turned out to be nearly six hours in the back of a pickup truck. For getting to the lodge, I'd suggest flying in a small plane instead of driving. If you do drive, I'd rent a car and go yourself. The 12-seat flight takes about 45 minutes.

The boat trip through the mangroves along the Rio Sierpe was my favorite outing. The guides grew up in the Osa and shared the story of their home so well. There are lots of other options too, including night walks, snorkeling, a guided Corcovado National Park hike, kayaking, horseback riding, the pool, and Cocalito Beach within walking distance. I skipped the night hikes and snorkeling, though other guests told me they were amazing. Ana gave us an unbelievable massage, total relaxation. La Paloma Lodge was unlike anywhere I've stayed, with a boutique feel in a remote setting. In May, there were only nine guests at a time, including me and my two companions, aged 30, 70, and 80. Our room was spotless, spacious, and comfortable, with great AC, indoor and outdoor places to sit, a porch hammock, toiletries in the shower, and drinking water and glasses. Our rancho faced west over the Pacific, so we got spectacular sunsets every evening. The food at every meal was incredible, and the kitchen happily accommodated allergies and preferences when asked. Family-style dinner with the other guests was optional, and we made good friends; some of us have stayed in touch since going home. After lunch, I loved lingering with an iced coffee on the shaded deck, watching the nature around us. Monkeys often jumped from the roof to a tree, and Scarlet Macaws flew overhead. The whole staff made the lodge feel like home. Leaving felt like saying goodbye to old friends and a magical place. It's hard to explain what La Paloma is like, you have to experience it. I can't wait to return and would recommend it to anyone visiting Costa Rica.

The staff were the best part of our stay, so welcoming and accommodating. The pool sunsets and food tied for second. On a Corcovado day trip, I finally saw tapirs and my first anteater, despite many earlier trips in Latin America where I hoped to spot them. We also saw a tapir just five feet from our cabin at La Paloma. A staff member thought to come get us, so we got to see it. I had an awesome day diving at Cano Island too. On one dive I saw more manta rays than during ten days on a Galapagos liveaboard, along with lots of reef sharks and sea turtles. I'd absolutely recommend La Paloma to a friend.