Because I know some people are curious, and I don't think we've completely talked about it yet on here, I'm just going to show off the awesome place I found for our honeymoon!

It's called Lapa Rios. “Lapa” is the Costa Rican name for the Scarlet Macaw, a magnificent bird that can be found in the Lapa Rios property. "Rio" is Spanish for "River". When the owners first visited this location, they noticed a large number of Macaws flying overhead, much like a river. Hence; River of Macaws or "Lapa Rios". Cool, eh?

Lapa Rios is 12 miles South of Puerto Jimenez at Playa Carbonera, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, Central America.

So what was it that struck me about this place above all others? Lapa Rios is an "Ecolodge!" Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or an eco resort near the beach. Lapa Rios is a model Ecotourism project, demonstrating that No matter how you cut it a rain forest left standing is worth more. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. The ecolodge employs only local community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification.

Another cool thing I loved about this resort, other than the fact that it is completely self-sustaining, is that while you're there you can actually learn about and participate in Sustainability tours and activities. There are tours showing you how to maximize every day resources and how to minimize your carbon footprint... all while strolling through a pristine rainforest, walking along white sand beaches, and relaxing in a stunningly beautiful resort!

Some of the neat features that sold me on this place are that the bungalows you stay in only have enough electricity (generator-powered) to give you light at night. The water is all heated by solar power, and there are no walls or windows on the bungalows therefore no need for air conditioners!

No walls! What about bugs in this scary rainforest?!" No problem! Not only are there very few 'pests' because of the terrain of the peninsula (no standing water means no mosquitos, no mosquitos means no predatory insects which EAT mosquitos!), but as an added safeguard, each of the beds is equipped with a very pretty (and very practical!) mosquito netting enclosure!

What is also great about this place is that there is just so much to do! And so little to worry about! Because this resort is self-sustaining, and the focus is on preserving the natural world in and around the resort, there are no phones, no internet, and obviously no cable. The only noise you get to hear are the howler monkeys up in the trees, and the jungle that wakes up at night to treat you to a particularly unique symphony of sound! Just when you think this place has got it all, they toss in complimentary dinner for two in the jungle or by the waterfall, a tree planting to celebrate your recent union (for honeymooners),

two guided tours through the jungle, a boat ride to a nearby island where you can help set up remote cameras to capture images of the wildlife, or for the REALLY adventurous, you can stay overnight in the jungle up in a hide in the trees (don't worry mom, that won't be us haha!).

Now that I've bored you all to pieces about all the deeeetaaaaiiiiiils, on to the photo gallery!!

For your viewing pleasure, here's a bunch of pictures of the resort and surrounding terrain!

(Above) A view from the deck of one of the bungalows. (Below) Another view from inside one of the bungalows.

(Below) Another scenic spot from the deck of one of the bungalows.

(Below) Here is what the paths look like leading from place to place at the resort- so Swiss Family Robinson, eh?!

(Below) Where I'll probably be spending all my time :)

(Below) The view from inside the restaraunt at the resort.

(Below) This is what the bathroom looks like in the bungalows. The angle is a little awkward, but to the left is where the showers are (it's actually one shower, with two heads). You'll notice there's no wall next to the showers except for the thick jungle plants. How cool!

(Below) Here's the reception area of the resort. Just a little roof and some chairs. How awesome!


If you have any interest in going to Lapa Rios, or even just checking it out, this is a link to their website (it's a great site with LOADS of information!)

P.S. the prices are INCREDIBLE!!!