I had the opportunity to visit the Osa Peninsula this weekend and stay at the eco-friendly Bosque del Cabo hotel. It was by far my favorite Costa Rica hotel that I have experienced. It is located about 40 minute drive south of Puerto Jimenez (the road is bad, but that wasn’t too big of a surprise) next to Lapa Rios. The property is huge and located upon a bluff that overlooks the cape (cbo) of Golfo Dulce and the Pacific Ocean.

They have about 10 trails on the property, 3 of which take you down to the surrounding beaches (the closest of which is a 20 minute hike with lots of steps and not handicapped friendly). The place is loaded with biological wildlife (I saw all four types of monkeys, toucans, and macaws. Somebody even reported a jaguar sighting). They will definitely arrange trips into the Corcovado National Park, but insist that you can see just as many animals in and around the hotel – something that I whole-heartedly agree with. They have a canopy, waterfall rappelling, surf classes, guided hikes, suspension bridge, etc. right on the property.

The rooms are nice with outside showers that provide just enough cover so you don’t feel like Adam and Eve frolicking naked in the wilderness, but not so much that you can’t see the rainforest, monkeys in the trees, or the views of the pacific. The beds have mosquito nets, but I was shocked to find that the bugs weren’t really a problem. The doors to the room are big and wide and meant to be left open – even while you sleep – you seem so secluded and the staff is so respectful that you don’t feel vulnerable at all. The pool is small, but sufficient (the place itself is fairly small) with a very nice wooden deck to lay out on.

The staff is great and creates an incredibly relaxed atmosphere – yet still very nice, classy and accommodating. You get luxury, but “Costa Rican eco-luxury” – nothing pretentious or stuffy. They are a nature lodge so all the stuff they do is very eco-friendly (i.e. they have their own hydroelectric system and solar power and yadda yadda yadda).

They serve incredible meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and will provide a box lunch if you know you will be out hiking. They often serve the meals family style, but will arrange for private tables as well.

The rainforest combined with the beach combined with the simple luxury of the hotel makes this place FANTASTIC. There is so much to do at the place I would suggest a minimum of 3 nights or you might feel like you didn’t have enough time to really experience everything.

Review by: Patrick Cunningham

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Filed under: Hotel & Restaurant Reviews on July 31st, 2007