• Address: 20 km/12 mi south of Puerto Jiménez
• Mailing: Apdo. 100-8203, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
• Phone: 2735-5130
• Fax: 2735-5179
• www.laparios.com
• Price range: $$$$
• Location:Cabo Matapalo

Fodor's Review:

The most spectacular eco-resort in Costa Rica, Lapa Ríos has won numerous awards for its mix of conservation and comfort at the edge of civilization. After catching your breath when you see the view from the high, breezy jungle ridge rife with wildlife, your next sharp intake may be when you see the bill. But in this case the price is not inflated. Spacious, airy cabins built of gleaming hardwoods have four-poster queen beds, stylish bathrooms, and showers with one screened wall open to nature. Private teak-decked garden terraces allow you to view passing monkeys and toucans from a lounge chair. There's an infinity pool, a spa, and a yoga deck. Inspired meals, served under a soaring thatch roof, include lots of seafood, exotic local fruits and vegetables, and mouthwatering desserts. You can eat whenever—and as much as—you want. Resident naturalist guides lead tours through pristine wilderness and to nearby beaches on foot or on horseback. Along with the high cost of transporting and providing all these luxuries in a remote location, it's the exceptional service that justifies the high price tag, which includes transfers from Puerto Jiménez in new 4WD vehicles. Don't miss their free sustainability tour called Twigs, Pigs, and Garbage, which highlights the resort's ingenious eco-friendly infrastructure, including pigs' contribution to energy fuels. If you don't like to climb stairs, request a cabin close to the main lodge. Pros: excellent, professional service; Tico-flavor atmosphere with local employees; delicious typical and international dishes. Cons: steep price, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; some steps to climb to farther cabins; steep trail to beach, but there is a shuttle service.

• Hotel Details: 16 cabinas
• In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV.
• In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, spa, laundry service, beachfront.
• Rate includes: All-inclusive
• Credit Cards: AE, MC, V

Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by Millay_W from Los Angeles, California on 12/18/09

This place is absolutely beautiful! I sent my brother and his wife here for a vacation and they absolutely LOVED it. Great food and an amazing staff. I would recommend this place to anyone!

Reviewed by jhusser from Alexandria, Louisiana on 12/28/06

My husband and I stayed here on our honeymoon, and it was truly amazing. At every turn there was something new and beautiful to see. The monkeys, scarlet macaws, and other wildlife are everywhere! The trails are difficult, but fun and interesting, and the food is excellent. The best part about Lapa Rios is the staff. They make a point to know who you are and make sure you don't need anything. I hope to go back here again!

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details:
Room: 5.0
Atmosphere: 5.0
Service: 5.0
Value: 5.0