Hotel Lagarta Lodge

Hotel Lagarta Lodge Review

A birders' and nature lovers' Valhalla, this magnificent property on a promontory has amazing views of the forest, river, and coast north of Nosara from both its comfortable rooms and terrace restaurant. The private Nosara Biological Reserve is directly below the lodge, and a 10-minute walk down a steep path takes you through a monkey-filled forest to beautiful Playa Pelada and surfing waves. The original rooms are simple and cozy but comfortable, with balconies and terraces perfect for admiring the sweeping vista. Six newer elegant rooms in a two-story building, up a sloping ramp from the tree-shaded pool, are brighter and more spacious, with contemporary granite-and-tile bathrooms, fridges and hair dryers, and sliding-glass doors leading out to large balconies. The small but lovely pool area is shaded by mature trees. The Swiss managers Regina and Amadeo Amacker are attentive and friendly, and oversee the eagle's-nest lobby restaurant ($-$$, reservations essential), which features a Swiss-inspired menu that is strong on fresh fish and seafood, such as skewered prawns with bacon, and poached fish with a lemon sauce. There is also a romantic cocktails-and-canapés Sunset Bar that you must visit even if you stay elsewhere. Some Sundays there is marimba music or folk dancing. The breakfast buffet ($8 plus tax) is delicious, with fresh breads and homemade jams and espresso. Both the garden and reserve are maintained without any chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, or the use of electric machinery, earning the lodge a high sustainability rating of four leaves.