Baliyana Lodge

We hardly saw or heard other guests around our private cabin until breakfast at the main house. The garden paths were smooth, well irrigated concrete, surrounded by flowers and colorful foliage, with hummingbirds and butterflies around. The gardens were gorgeous, and the infinity pool was a lovely spot to relax and look toward the jungle. The cabins felt bright, clean, and welcoming, with colorful touches in a sleek, modern design. There was a mini fridge, coffee machine with grounds, tea, and an electric kettle, plus an open concept bathroom with a view of nature. Everything looked brand new, though they’ve been there six years, and the property felt romantic and peaceful. Nathalie greeted us when we arrived and showed us around. Breakfast was included with our Airbnb booking and served from 7 to 9. It came with fresh fruit, fried or scrambled eggs, red bean paste, some vegetables, toast and jam in little jars, orange juice, and water. You could choose freshly made pour-over coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. There’s a tip jar, and the meal and service deserve it. The drive was fairly easy, though the last 15 minutes were bumpy and felt shorter than expected. Tamarindo and several other beaches were a short drive away. Costa Rica roads can be rugged, so keep that in mind when planning to drive there. Check-in runs from 3 to 9 pm, so there’s no need to rush. I’ll always treasure the memories we made here and hope to return for years to come.