El Lugar

Set in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, El Lugar is a collection of bespoke lodges within a 1,200-acre private tropical reserve. Before the foundation of El Lugar, the same family had been nurturing the estate as an agricultural farm for over 80 years. The primary mission was to regenerate and preserve El Lugar for future generations.

You can choose between bungalows, villas and casitas. All have handmade entrance doors opening into bright, airy spaces with hardwood beams and locally made floor tiles. Inside, antiques add character. And you’ll have a private balcony or veranda, perfect for a morning coffee or an evening drink overlooking the forest.

The setting feels wonderfully rich in wildlife with more than 130 bird species recorded here alone. In the adjacent Braulio Carrillo National Park, hiking and nature trails wind through rainforest home to more than 500 bird species and 150 animal species, making it one of the most diverse places on earth.

Specialist local guides lead nature walks to explore the surrounding habitat. You can also set out on horseback in the adjoining 500-hectare El Encanto. At the end of the day, take a private transfer from El Lugar through dense foliage to the Río Guácimo for a wild swim.