Pura Vida Ecolodge is an award-winning, private eco-luxury retreat. Located 4 hours from SJO on the South Pacific Coast. Dramatically hanging over the jungle canopy with panoramic sea views, our "re-wilding" sanctuary is perfect for romantic getaways, intimate family adventures and nature & adrenalin seekers alike.
We’re Costa Rica's first Certified Ecolodge Member for 1% For the Planet, working with local environmental nonprofits on conservation projects for both our people and our planet.
The space
Designed for those looking to disconnect and go off-grid, the lodge requires a sense of adventure and a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the steep terrain and a genuine desire to step out their comfort zone and reconnect with nature.
The Vibe: Adventure meets luxury. Perfect for nature lovers who don't mind steep roads (4x4 essential) and waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys.
The Design: Balinese-inspired bamboo architecture and polished concrete & local wood finishes create a cool, airy, and organic atmosphere.
The Ethics: We are proud members of 1% For the Planet, donating a portion of revenue to local conservation projects as we blend award-winning design with genuine sustainability. Re-wild your soul in this organic jungle nest.
The Amenities: Ocean & Jungle Suites (sleeps up to 6). Infinity plunge pool, ‘his & hers’ hydrotherapy tubs, yoga platforms & jungle gym, nature trails, private waterfall (in green season), pura vida pantry and an alfresco sunset lounge with views of Caño Island.
PURA VIDA ECOLODGE FEATURES/HIGHLIGHTS:
- Private rental regardless of group size
- Infinity-edge plunge pool (with cool fresh spring water) with surrounding deck and outdoor rain shower
- Expansive forest & ocean views
- Cozy lounging areas inside and out with numerous wrap-around teak and pine decks, balconies and yoga platforms.
- Plethora of comfy cushions, sun-loungers, rugs and sofas.
- Perfect for honeymooners, small groups, friends or families.
- Ocean View Suite with King size 'Sleep on Nature' bed (by Coco-Mat), pull-out single bed, private terrace and large windows overlooking the valley, coastline and Isla de Caño. Complete with en-suite bathroom and walk-in rain shower (on first floor)
- Jungle View Suite with 'sleep on nature' Queen bed (by Coco-Mat). Views of jungle canopy, private deck and yoga platform, Complete with en-suite bathroom and walk-in rain shower. *Please note the Jungle Suite is located on ground floor connected with the upper level via an outdoor staircase
- Contemporary living space with bamboo-crafted sofa (converts into large sofa bed with Cocomat topper) again offering spectacular Pacific Ocean views with connecting hanging terrace.
- Stylish 'open-plan' fully equipped kitchen with 6x gas hob (no oven), polished granite counter tops, contemporary appliances, blender, nutri-bullet etc.
- Dining Room seats up to 6 guests in a comfortable open-plan living space (located on the first floor) looking out onto the Pacific Ocean (to the west) and the Jungle Canopy (to the north)
- The Alfresco Lounge located right infront of the lodge overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is comprised of a large deck, partially covered by a Bamboo Ranchito as well as an additional deck with ‘his & hers’ hydrotherapy tubs. This additional space is perfect for early morning yoga, outdoor meals, sunsets & The Private Chef Experience, healing ceremonies & boutique events, couple’s massages & treatments. There is seating for 6, comfy floor cushions, hammocks strung up under the rancho and the views are incredible.
- Laundry service with use of washer and dryer. (In bodega on ground floor)
- Outdoor parking (2x cars)
- Yoga deck and outdoor ‘calisthenics & body weights' jungle gym complete with outdoor shower and great panoramic views.
- Pura Vida Ecolodge Nature Reserve - jungle paths leading to yoga decks, streams, waterfalls & natural plunge pools perfect for bathing and relaxing or even adventure & adrenalin! Please note that the waterfalls right by the property often dry up outside of Green Season.
BEDROOM SUITES - Both suites boast elegant polished concrete floors, stucco and white-wash finished walls, teak and bamboo doors and fittings, bamboo ceilings, perlato natural stone wash basins and walk-in (indoor) rain showers with beautiful 'pizarra' finishes (with solar powered hot water and backup boiler system). They also both have private balconies/decks. Upstairs is the Ocean View Suite (with King or twin setup plus pull-out single bed available - depending on your group dynamic) while the Jungle Suite (Queen setup) hangs over the jungle canopy itself on the ground floor.
LIVING SPACES - The lodge's contemporary communal living space is located upstairs and offers guests a fully equipped 'American-style' open-plan kitchen, dining table (space for 6) as well as a comfortable and stylish lounge area. The whole of the upper level of our Ecolodge is surrounded by a ‘wrap-around' teak deck, hanging dramatically over the jungle canopy - perfect for yoga, sunbathing or enjoying the fantastic panoramic views on offer. There is of course, also the infinity plunge pool, the perfect escape when the sun gets too much as it's filled to the brim with fresh cool water straight from a natural spring in the mountain.
YOGA & GYM - We have recently extended the deck around the plunge pool with a new outdoor rain shower as well. You'll also love our large yoga deck, exercise and body weights area (with pull up & dip bars etc) again complete with another outdoor rain shower and a 'chill out area', all hanging dramatically on the edge of our nature reserve - so you can enjoy the lodge's valley, ocean and sunset views whether working out or just relaxing.
LOCATION & ACTIVITIES - At the same time as being near local beaches, restaurants and other tourist attractions, Pura Vida Ecolodge's location is both remote and private and the retreat itself will provide you with all sorts of adventures and experiences. We have our own nature trails, waterfalls & natural plunge pools both near the ecolodge & on the edge of the Pura Vida Ecolodge Reserve - the easiest trail starts right by the ecolodge, with more challenging treks on the edge of the reserve just a short up-hill walk (300m) from the lodge. Your adventure can be as extreme or relaxing as you choose with a plethora of natural swimming pools, waterfalls and rock faces to explore! Whether you are honeymooners, a group of friends or a large family of 7, you will have the entire ecolodge just to yourselves. We have also planted lots of trees, so please be our guests and pick any of the fruits they are all obviously 100% organic! If you venture off any of the paths, take your boots and maybe a hiking pole.
We are just a 15 minute drive (depending on season, road conditions and of course your 4x4 driving skills) from the Costa Nera Highway allowing guests to easily explore the area with day trips to two of Costa Rica's most popular national parks (Manuel Antonio & Corcovado), stunning beaches (Playa Arco, Tortuga y Ventanas are our three favourites) and our concierge service can help with tours and boat trips, trekking options, scuba diving & snorkelling trips, kayaking, stand up paddling, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, canopy lines and horse riding etc. The nearby village of Ojochal (just 5 minutes up the Costa Nera) is one of a few local villages hosting a whole load of fine dining and fusion restaurants or if you'd prefer to relax 'at home' we can arrange a professional chef and his team to prepare gourmet meals with local organic ingredients for guests to enjoy in the comfort of the lodge, food parcels and additional fruit baskets can also be delivered direct to the Jungle Villa.
ECO-TRAVEL - Eco-travel in Costa Rica is your ticket to explore a plethora of amazing places that care just as much about the environment as they do about their guests. It's a country where organic is as important as stylish, and the government is making huge efforts to make Costa Rica one of the first carbon-neutral countries in the world.
‘Pura vida' is Costa Rica's national motto, and for good reason. It's a real paradise: Our guests can enjoy the 'pure life' in some of the world's most bio-diverse jungles, rain forests and coastlines. The country's book-ended by beaches on its Pacific and Caribbean sides (hence the laid-back surfer ethos that characterizes coastal life) and inland, nature holds way: a full quarter of Costa Rica is protected land, from the smouldering volcanoes to dense jungles. In the highlands, farms and plantations produce delicious tropical fruit – as well as some of the finest coffee ever to grace your espresso
PURA VIDA ECOLODGE FAQs:
WILL I NEED A 4x4 CAR? Yes, our retreat is situated 5km from the coast and the village of Coronado on a well maintained gravel road into the coastal mountains. A 4WD (four-wheel-drive) car is 100% necessary. Please note that an AWD (all wheel Drive) is NOT a 4x4. There is a small convenience store at the Coronado junction, where you can get some of your groceries and supplies. For supermarkets, restaurants/bars, beaches, bigger stores, etc. you would require transportation to the local towns of Ojochal (5 mins), Uvita (15 mins) up the Costa Nera Highway. Several taxi services are available but you cannot beat the independence of having your own 4WD. Driving time from San Jose is normally around 4 hours but please note driving times & conditions can vary and be quite unpredictable in Costa Rica so best to allow up to 5 hours (especially if you are planning on stopping for refreshments and/or grocery shopping etc). Full details & directions in welcome pack TIP: Bring coins and change from the US or change colones for the highway tolls!
WHO SHOULD I RENT OUR 4WD/4X4 CAR WITH? We have been working with Vamos Rent-a-Car since we opened. They speak English and they have various offices around the country (Near San Jose Airport and Dominical amongst others). They will meet you off your flight or even at your hotel if you spend the first night near the airport and plan on setting off early in the morning. Be sure to mention us and Pura Vida Ecolodge to get the best prices & treatment. You should allow around an hour for vehicle collection and paperwork. Suggested cars include: Toyota Rav4 4x4, Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, Mitsubishi Montero 4x4, Toyota Prado 4x4 or even a pick-up
HOW DOES CHECKIN WORK?
We arrange for our housekeeper to meet guests at the Minisuper & Licorera Guacimo (at entrance to Coronado village). From there he will guide you up in convoy the last 5KMs up to Pura Vida Ecolodge and show you around the retreat. Please try to arrive between 230pm to 530pm and please don’t arrive the first night after dark (6pm). If you arrive late at San Jose or Liberia airport we strongly advise you to spend a night at a nearby hotel. Please be advised that early check-ins and late check-outs are subject to availability – and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking.
DO YOU LIVE CLOSE BY IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
No, we live in Italy around 9796 km away - which has a time zone that is 7-8 hours ahead of Costa Rica. We have a very good housekeeper called Juan Carlos - who will assist you during your stay. He lives only 5 km from Pura Vida Ecolodge right opposite the Minisuper y Licorera Guacimo (where you'll meet for checkin).
IS THERE SOMEONE IN COSTA RICA WHO CAN ASSIST ME WHILE I AM THERE?
Yes, once you book Pura Vida Ecolodge, you will be sent the welcome pack which includes all the details of our housekeeper, who together with myself and Kika, will double up as your 'concierge service' leading up to and throughout your stay. Though our housekeeper is Spanish speaking only, he's very knowledgeable on the area and will be there at checkin & checkout and can help you throughout your stay with anything you might need. I'm sorry we cannot be there but you'll be in very good hands, Juan Carlos is practically family.
ARE THERE BEACHES NEARBY THAT ARE EASY TO GET TO? Yes, in fact you are really quite spoilt for choice. Playa Tortuga is the nearest and possibly one of our favourites. Once down at the Costa Nera, it is just a 5 minute drive up the coast with the entrance just before Ojochal. A short drive further up the coast takes you to Playa Piñuelas, Playa Ventanas and then the stunning national park of Marina Ballena and Uvita. Full directions (including which beaches are best for swimming and surfing etc is included in your welcome pack).
HOW EASY IS IT TO FIND PURA VIDA ECOLODGE? Upon confirming your reservation, we send all our guests a welcome pack with very clear directions including photos of landmarks along the way. There is also Part 2 of the welcome pack that is sent out 2-3 weeks before arrival and is updated monthly as we aim to give all our guests as up-to-date info and recommendations as possible
ARE THERE RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING NEARBY?
Ojochal is the nearest town with a really good selection of fine & casual dining. You can find Fusion, Italian, Asian, Typical Costa Rican, even a deli/bakery and a handful of great fruit smoothie and ceviche places. Further up the coast there is Uvita, again with a good balance of International and 'local' options. We include a full list of recommendations (both restaurants & bars) in the welcome pack. For shopping, you may wish to visit the bustling tourist town of Manuel Antonio (50-60 minutes drive north) which has souvenir, jewellery, and art/craft shops and many lively restaurants (we recommend a trip to Manuel Antonio, anyway, for the national park, which a lot of our guests do either on the way down or on the way back up to San Jose.
ARE THERE EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES CLOSE BY? Yes, yes, yes! Again, you can find more details on the Pura Vida Ecolodge web site, but there are spectacular waterfalls, nature trails and plunge pools right in the reserve itself. The surrounding area offers world class scuba diving, snorkelling, zip-lining, boat tours, mangrove tours, hiking, stand-up paddling, horseback tours, canyoning, as well as being located between the country's best national parks (Corcovado & Manuel Antonio) and a 20 minute drive from Marina Ballena National Park. There are dozens of picturesque, quiet beaches all the way up and down the Southern Pacific coast, with enough activities and adventures on offer to do something completely different every day! We can also recommend great day trips to the Osa Peninsula, Sierpe and Nuayaca Falls amongst others and an overnight option to Mt Chirripo is incredible if you have the time. For surfers, Playa Dominical has a famous left and right beach surf break, and waves 95% of the year. Closer to the lodge, Playa Tortuga and Ventanas often have good waves more for beginners or if you're after an almost private beach and wildlife experience, you can have breakfast or lunch at La Cusinga and then explore the different monkey colonies. if you're lucky you might spot some Red Scarlet Macaws and guests also regularly see lots of toucans and different types of parrots. The 10-min walk through the jungle down to Playa Arco is well worth the trek!
IS IT A QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD? Yes, Pura Vida Ecolodge is the best of both worlds. While being a completely private retreat and reserve (both the house, pool and the surrounding nature trails) with it's orientation meaning that the property literally hangs over the jungle canopy on one side and directly faces the Pacific coast on the other, you will have a handful of neighbours nearby in the slowly growing community if you wanted a friendly chat or even some more tips on the area.
IS THERE A GROCERY STORE NEARBY? There is a good little 'pulperia' (small local store) on the crossroads at Coronado (around 5km away) that will most likely have most things you would need. There is also a great fish/seafood place just 1 km from the Coronado junction. For larger shopping, there are two big supermarkets ( as well as a really good Pharmacy) in Uvita, about 15 minutes up the coast
DOES THE ECOLODGE HAVE INTERNET AND CAN I PURCHASE A LOCAL CELL NUMBER? Yes, Pura Vida Ecolodge is equipped with Starlink internet connection, which considering our remote location, is generally pretty good. Please note it may be slower than perhaps you're used to 'back home'. Additionally guests (with unblocked smart phones) can purchase a sim card for around $5 with KOLBI or CLARO by the luggage claim in San Jose airport that will also give you reasonable 3G throughout Costa Rica, you just need a passport. While cellphone signals have greatly improved in the country in recent years, there are some spots around Coronado that don't have reception but there is consistently good signal in and around Pura Vida Ecolodge.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE? A more detailed description of Costa Rica's seasons can be found on the Pura Vida Ecolodge web site, but in general you can expect about 85+ degrees at the beach year round. The only difference in climate year round is that May-November is the "green," or rainy season, and December through March/April is the dry season. The temperature up at the Ecolodge is always a few degrees cooler because it is around 1000ft. elevation, and you get great mountain breezes. Likewise, because of its proximity to the equator, the sunrise is around 5-5.30am with the sunsetting at 5.30-6pm. The ‘Green season's' rains are quite welcoming, it's always hot and the partial clouds and afternoon rains are soothing. Typically the rains start on the mountains between 2-4pm, maybe a little later by beach. For us, the best times of the day are between 5-7am. The congo monkeys will wake you up, and it's the most glorious part of the day and besides you'll most likely be asleep by 8/9pm! It's amazing how quickly you'll adjustment!
DOES THE LODGE HAVE AC?
In short no. But both bedroom suites have excellent ceiling fans (with 5-speed settings). Please note there are ceiling fans in the living room and kitchen area as well and the Ecolodge has been designed with your comfort in mind, with large-open plan living spaces, surrounded by sliding doors leading out onto the wrap around decks which mean there are lovely fresh sea-breezes throughout.
WILL I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME? You need not bring any household items as all bedding, tableware, towels (for both inside and pool area), cookware etc are all provided. We also provide a wonderful fruit basket and some other local delicacies in the Pura Vida Pantry on arrival. Please bring beach towels and your personal items, and of course a sense of 'Pura Vida' adventure!
IS PURA VIDA ECOLODGE A PRIVATE LOCATION? Yes, not only is the location incredibly private but regardless of your group size, you will have the entire retreat (house and surrounding reserve) just to yourselves. A lot of our guests are honeymooners and couples, as well as groups of friends and entire families. Either way, whether you are 2 people or a group of 6 with kids, you will have the entire property to yourself.
IS COSTA RICA SAFE? In general Costa Rica is very safe, however petty crimes do happen especially by the beaches or touristy areas. Do not bring any valuables to Costa Rica with you and especially do not bring them with you to the beach. TIP: Leave the glove department open to indicate it's empty.
Guest access
You will have access to the entire property, whether you are a honeymoon couple, a group of old friends or a whole family. In other words, you can stay in the Ocean View Suite or Jungle Suite (or both) as well as enjoying all the other spaces and facilities around the jungle retreat and surrounding nature reserve.
Pura Vida Ecolodge
All for you, just for you....
Other things to note
Please take a moment to read through all our FAQs, House Rules and flick through all our photos and their accompanying notes as they explain the space really well, but the best way to really find out what Pura Vida Ecolodge is all about and if it's right for you and your group is to read our reviews and see what our guests really thought of our retreat and the lifestyle & experience it provides.
Peace, plants & pura vida
Joe & Kika
