Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

I had a great stay at Savegre and will definitely return. The staff were friendly and helpful, and knew me by name within a day. There were birds to see in the lodge gardens and along the paved river road. I found the walk up to the yellow trail easy, with plenty of birds along the way. From the parking area I walked part of both the green and yellow trails, which were well maintained and excellent for birding. The front desk staff said the yellow trail takes 3 hours. Walking slowly to look at birds and monkeys, I got about halfway in that time. It's a long trail with lots to see. If you can't walk the road, they'll drive you to the parking area, but you need to reserve a shuttle in advance. My master suite was beautiful, comfortable, and very clean, with a private glassed-in sitting area behind the room overlooking a small forested area. The food was fantastic, especially the chicken with gooseberry honey sauce and the fig and "cheese ice cream" dessert. They also make a great negroni.

The drive to Savegre Hotel was beautiful, climbing up the mountain to the road and then descending to the hotel through the clouds. Our room was spacious with a big modern bathroom, and a garden full of flowers and hummingbirds just outside. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and pretty. We took the 5:15 a.m. resplendent quetzal tour the next morning. Our guide was fantastic, and we did see a resplendent quetzal, described as one of the planet's most beautiful birds. We arranged a birding tour in the area with the same guide that afternoon. Truly amazing, best bird guide ever! There are plenty of amenities if you want a spa day. Breakfast was good, though dinner was pretty mediocre. That didn't take away from how fantastic it is to stay in this beautiful part of Costa Rica.

Joana made both birding outings memorable. On my private quetzal tour she was quick to spot birds and had great things to share, and the later tour was just as rewarding. She even suggested a trail I could explore by myself. My only issue was the restaurant's communication about my food restrictions. I had told the front desk and the hostess confirmed, but on day one the servers offered no menu alternatives and there was very little I could eat. The next day a server finally suggested some options. After that, everything went smoothly. The ecolodge itself is a pioneering place set in a beautiful bird garden and private reserve. It felt like paradise.

We came mainly hoping to see the Resplendent Quetzal, and the knowledgeable local guides helped us find several. Birdwatching is excellent right on the grounds, which sit tucked into a lush valley. The gardens are carefully maintained, the staff are very friendly, and we enjoyed the food. A real paradise for nature fans and birders. Photos can be bought in the Gallery section on my website.