Most wonderful experience
Our second time here. The most amazing and caring staff have ever met. Awesome! Our Casita overlooks lagoon with its own mini pool. The common infinity pool is refreshing with a stunning view. Did the sea turtle release and later that night went on guided sea turtle tour. Saw a female dig a next and lay her eggs. What a great experience. Hike onto Corcavado park with ant eaters, aguites, lots of birds and fauna. Would recommend to anyone
Reviewed December, 2023
A incredible secluded getaway
My partner and I were here in November to celebrate our 40th birthdays. I can’t say enough good things! There isn’t a thing I would have changed. We were almost the only ones there! The staff were incredibly friendly, the food was delicious (we ate every bite) and it’s a can’t beat location with a gorgeous view. We saw 4 turtles nesting on the beach. Book your stay today.
Reviewed November, 2023
One of my most memorable places ever stayed in
Laguana Vista had the most amazing views of anywhere I have stayed at. My husband and I felt like we were on a movie set since all was so beautiful. All the villas are private with a large bedroom and a glass wall which looks over your terrace, the lagoon and then the ocean. The Bathroom is amazing--Open air shower and raised bathtub big enough for two. There are beautiful walking paths to get to your villas and a large shared, open air gathering area for having a drink, reading and eating. Every morning we would wake up to the sound of all the birds. The Scarlet Macaws (literally one day we counted 18 in a tree right off our terrace) we so fun to watch. The meals were all great. Starting with a large plate of fruit every morning, we had breads, eggs, rice and beans, pancakes and/ or omelets. Each meal had more than enough food. We also loved the staff. Helpful and super nice. It was truly one of our most memorable places I have ever been.
Reviewed May 2023
Unforgettable experience
My research was not good and I did not realize how long the unpaved road to this fantastic place was. Once we got there, it was a very special experience. Arranging transportation would have been better for us than driving ourselves back and forth from Puerto Jimenez.
Greg Jonathon and the cook were very kind and attentive. We enjoyed the pool, our beautiful room, the wildlife, the amazing views and an unforgettable trek to Sirena overnight thanks to Carolina through Osaaventura.
Reviewed April 2023
A Poet's Retreat
Reviewed August, 2022
Laguna Vista Villas trounces all other hotels in the Osa Peninsula, even the priciest ones, in the two most important attributes of a hotel: the view and the quality of the room. At Laguna Vista Villas, both are extraordinary.
Laguna Vista means “the view of the lagoon”. The lodge is built on a tall tongue of land that juts into a lagoon. From the air it looks like a giant epiglottis. The cabins face a view of the lagoon, followed by a narrow strip of beach, the Pacific’s shore, the open ocean, the horizon, and then the sky.
A cabin here is more like mini-villa than a cabin, hence the last part of the hotel's name. Spacious, with a Mediterranean design, the villa opens into a big bedroom with a king-size bed. Floor to ceiling glass doors lead to a deck with a dipping pool in its center and the view beyond. Next to the bedroom is a huge bathroom with another pool. The ocean is just far enough away so that its roar is gentle and soothing. The ceiling fan is quiet and good, and the bed, luxuriously comfortable.
The lodge has a big infinity line pool overlooking the villas. The pool is shaped like a map of the hotel and its surrounding lagoon. Its water was clean and of a pleasant temperature.
The lodge’s lobby and dining area has a rustic elegance, accompanied, as everything at LVV, by the view. The three meals tasted of good home cooking. The breakfast included lots of papaya, pineapple, and mango and the eggs were done to order. Although their English is limited, the staff is warm, friendly, and professional.
Laguna Vista Villas works as a romantic getaway or a poet’s retreat. Take your pick.
Extraordinary gem - not perfect but what is?
Reviewed in July 2022
If you ever wondered what a billionaire's hideway should look like, spend a night at Laguna Vista Villas. Undisputably one of the top hotel locations worldwide, with staggering west-facing Pacific views and bright green lagoons on three sides. Looking right you see the first section of the Corcovado hiking trail to Serena - and this hotel is the absolutely ideal start/finish point. The design is inspired, with each large villa (we took four, perhaps there are eight in total) secluded but each with jaw-dropping views, terrace and some with plunge pools. The infinity pool, right at the top, has a stunning panorama. The bar and dining area is again fantastically well designed, stepping down towards the views.
All this at under $1,000 per night seems a fantastic bargain, but the price point at around $300 is about right as the (largely absentee) owner has decided to keep things fairly basic - which was fine with us. Everything was clean and secure. The set menu (well actually just one course!) is Costa Rican standard - large and tasty - quite acceptable as part of a package deal but a little steep if you just dropped in for on $25 lunch. Drinks were fine - a margherita on one of the world's greatest sunset terraces a total snip at $8. Best of all, because the property doesn't seem to be marketed you may well be the only guests!
Staff had limited English but were friendly and tried to sort things out. And yes there will be problems with plumbing, electricity, insects, shortage of mosquito nets (needed so you should insist). Everything is a touch run down - nothing a week of proper maintenance wouldn't sort out. But to me that added to the charm. It is one person's dream and to build this 90 minutes from anywhere is phenomenal. The lagoon is reachable by a under maintained path, but the "boat station" is straight out of Conrad - a decaying pleasure boat and some veteran kayaks garnished with cobwebs. $40 seemed a little too much for these although the owner assured by email they are entirely crocodile proof - and I am sure he is right. If we return to Costa Rica this would be our no 1 hotel to re-visit. Unfortunately by that time some boutique hotel company will likely have snapped it up and you will be welcomed by somebody with an embroidered jacket saying PuraVida. If you like that kind of thing LagunaVistas probably isn't for you.
Paradise and Monkeys!
Reviewed in May 2022
I had an exceptional stay at LagunaVista Villas with 3 of my friends. Our rooms were so cool! I especially loved the showers! The pool was incredible as well as the staff. The staff was so attentive to our needs and the meals were HUGE and tasty! During our stay, we went on a tour of the rainforest. Our guide was unbelievable and spotted so many animals and told us all about their species. I believe his name is Eddie and he works with these villas. I highly recommend LagunaVista Villas.
Fantastic location, a really special place
Reviewed in March 2022
This is a very special place. The views over the lagoon and to the ocean are absolutely jaw-dropping and must be the best in Costa Rica, and probably much further afield. Its very remote location makes it a very tranquil place, with easy access to the Corcovado National Park. The Costa Rican staff are very welcoming, helpful and create a nice relaxed atmosphere. The food (full board is the only practical way to stay here) is basic but good and plentiful. The lodges are well laid out to take advantage of the view with a private terrace and plunge pool (in some) making it a perfect place to relax and watch the scarlet macaws, parrots, vultures, frigate birds and much more.
So why only 4 stars? Well, it’s because of a few little issues we experienced and which have also been touched on by other reviews. A place built into the jungle a 1 hour drive and 20km from the nearest small town, with no mains electric is going to present some challenges to maintain it. Power cuts and the consequent patchy internet access are all part of the adventure, but no hot water in one of our two lodges for half the time we were there, despite reporting it, is not really acceptable at this price point. Also the infinity pool needs a bit of TLC to replace tiles, needs more furniture to make it a welcoming place to sit and the water temp was way too hot. All in all it seemed that LagunaVista is lacking an ‘owners touch’ to set and maintain high standards and attend to the detail. Communication is another issue. I mentioned that the Costa Rican staff were excellent, however they speak little or no English - we had a Spanish speaker in our party so it wasn’t a problem for us and it really showed the staff in a good light. Most of the guests when we were there though did not speak Spanish and that is probably typical. There were three English-speaking staff (or possibly volunteers) who explained their role to be to act basically as translators for the guests, the problem was that they obviously felt a bit awkward in the role, didn’t have any management responsibility, didn’t seem to speak much Spanish themselves and there wasn’t a great rapport evident with the Costa Ricans. Lastly, once dinner was over, the fantastic bar/restaurant area was cleared and lights out by 8.30pm, whereas offering cocktails and drinks a bit later in the evening would probably have been popular.
In summary, anyone thinking of going should go and not be put off by the above, we would certainly stay there again. But a great place could with a few tweaks be even better.
"Great attentive hotel with gorgeous views"
Reviewed August, 2021
We were there for the first week of August and had an amazing time. The place is beautiful and the views are just stunning. Ashley was our host while there and he was amazing. We were told the chef was new and the food was unbelievably fantastic. We ate well, very well! The entire staff was wonderful to us. This was our first time to Osa I'm glad we picked Carate and this hotel. We saw Tula baby many animals and the area is so wild and beautiful.
"Beautiful, hidden gem!"
Reviewed April, 2021
LagunaVista Villas is a beautiful,' rustic' gem in the middle of the wilderness- beautiful views from the private units, each with a terrace (ours had plunge pools that to our amusements were frequented every morning by Jesus Christ Lizards!) open (yet very private) bathrooms (no A/C, which is to be expected in this location). The view is over the ocean as well as the beautiful lagoon, lots of wildlife to observe- birds, monkeys, caimans etc excellent place to unwind and enjoy nature. Paradise for bird watchers and photographers. Service is wonderful, staff is very professional and caring, food is excellent! Thanks for a great stay!
"Fantastic"
Reviewed in November 2020
I stated here over Thanksgiving with husband and 18-month-old daughter, and we had a wonderful time. The staff were all friendly and ensured our stay was flawless. They were incredibly accommodating with my young daughter, and the chef even prepared special meals for her because her mealtimes were outside of the normal schedule. The views are priceless, and it was so relaxing to hang out at the pool, have drinks/dinner in the dining area, and to just swing in the hammock reading a book. We would definitely go back!
"Pure relaxation"
Reviewed in February, 2020
We are enjoying our stay here. The food is good: breakfast made to order or a tiny fruit/yogurt/milk bar with amazing granola. Lunch and dinner are up to the chef's daily imagination but always good. Our villa is clean and airy. The little individual plunge pool hits the spot after a long hike. The staff is friendly and attentive but low-key. The other guests are international and if you wish to chat you can always find somebody interesting to talk to. You can see vultures, hawks, macaws and monkeys from the deck - and a variety of wildlife further out. Greg, the proprietor, is fun to talk to and very helpful.
Recommendation: Bring SPF50+ sunscreen and reapply, reapply, reapply. We went to the beach on our first day. Our sunscreen was washed off quickly, we've been burned ever since.
Another recommendation: Do the guided walk through Corcovado. The guides are personable and knowledgeable. Bring some cash for a tip for the guide, and for the coconut vendor at the entrance to the park.
Manage your expectations: this a lodge in the tropics. There is no AC, and there are plenty of insects. There is some wifi at the main building, but it is slow. The personnel do not necessarily speak English.
A birder's and photographer's dream
Reviewed in January 2020
It's a birder's and photographer's dream. If you're looking for a nature-oriented experience in the Costa Rican rainforest, you will love staying at the LagunaVista Villas. Greg (the owner) built this off-the-grid establishment very close to the world-famous Corcovado Park. You can actually enjoy many of the wildlife experiences that the Park has to offer right from the comfort of his property. Seated at the dining deck we saw 3 species of monkeys (and the 4th species was seen just a few hundred feet away), Scarlet Macaws, Yellow throated Toucans, and dozens more. Lots of shorebirds can be seen when you kayak the lagoon and walk the beach. Over the last couple of decades, he has planted numerous native trees and plants that are attractive to the mammals and birds. The property is located on a high point overlooking the forest, lagoon, and ocean, giving you an "above the canopy" view. Greg notified us when the local Turtle Conservancy agency had newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles to be released. So adorable! The Villas are very private, comfortable, and have expansive views. 3 meals a day are well prepared by his thoughtful staff and they did a great job for the vegetarian in our group. It was fun meeting other travelers from around the world and Greg was a great host making sure everyone was comfortable and all our needs were met. Exceeded our expectations!
A word: This place is solar powered, rustic in some regards, and eco-friendly in all the right ways. However, the amazing setting, various habitats and wonderful staff vastly outweighs any amenities that are not like a luxury "Hilton like" hotel experience. If a Hilton is what you are looking for this might not be the best choice for you.
"Simple Paradise"
Reviewed in January 2020
2 nights here - would have been happy to have stayed more! Laguna Vista certainly has an end of the world feel being close to where the road actually ends, the setting is simply amazing overlooking the lagoon, ocean and the forest, all full of birds and monkeys. Sitting on the terrace waiting for the macaws to fly by was amazing!
The rooms are simple but comfy and the outdoor bathrooms are really fun, we had a beautiful deck with a pool and lots of hammocks, the pool is one of the best I have been in and certainly the best views.
The service and food was all perfect and the farm style dining with lots of lovey fellow travellers from around the world all hosted by Greg gave the hotel a very personal feel.
As other reviewers have said, Laguna Vistas is not a 5 star luxury resort - just a very special unique and truly beautiful place to stay - fantastic!
"Beautiful location...
Reviewed in January 2020
After a 1.5-hour drive on a gravel road we arrived at Laguna Vista villas for a 4-night stay. We were warmly welcomed by Greg the owner, and shown to our lodge. As other reviews have mentioned, this is not a branded luxury lodge, however the room was clean, with a comfortable bed, beautiful views and a great deck with a cool plunge pool. I was slightly apprehensive about the 'outdoor' bathroom, but had no issues with any creepy crawlies in the night!
We were woken every morning with a beautiful view and the sound of monkeys in the tree next to our lodge.
Greg helped to organise a tour into the Corcovado National Park, we saw many animals, but saw just as many on the hotel grounds!
We watched the sun set in the bar most nights, watching the different monkeys fighting over the fruit in one of the trees. We even fed one of the white-faced monkeys a banana!
We met some great people, Greg made us feel like part of the family, although he did start to run out of jokes by the end of our stay!!
The food prepared by Santos was excellent - especially bearing in mind that the lodge is literally in the middle of nowhere. There is no supermarket around the corner! These lodges run on solar power and have water from a mountain stream. There is no mains electricity or water and no paved roads with bridges, so if you are looking for a 5* luxury hotel with air con you should probably go elsewhere. If you are looking for nature, relaxation, great company and don't mind an adventure to get there, this place is for you! We had a great time, thanks to Greg and his team.
"Beautiful remote resort in the heart of Corcavado"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed June, 2019
Our family stayed at LagunaVista for 3 nights. The staff was fantastic and very accommodating. We enjoyed seeing all sorts of wildlife at the resort including Macaws, and white-faced Capuchin monkeys. We couldn't have been more happy with the beautiful accommodations and views. Our room included a fantastic view over the lagoon and beach with our own private personal outdoor pool/tub. The room had an open design, so you could hear the jungle around you at night, it was a great experience! A note of caution, the drive to the resort was quite an adventure as it is in general to get to the Corcavado National Park, take your time and drive slow to ensure you don't get a blow out on the rough roads. You don't want to miss this area as it holds approximately 25% of Costa Rica's entire wildlife.
"Amazing and unique resort"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed March, 2019
If you're looking for a unique resort where you can stay in a remote natural area, this is your place! The grounds are gorgeous; the 8 villas are private with your own plunge pool and outdoor shower and hammock; the food is fabulous; and you may be lucky enough to make friends with local macaws, vultures, monkeys or the resort pups. The view includes the rainforest, a lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean on a beach with no one for miles. Greg, the owner, is funny, friendly, and helpful. We miss this place already and we'd recommend it for anyone who loves nature and relaxation.
8 Day Family Stay
"Amazing and unique resort"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed March, 2019
We stayed in the Morpho room with 2 king beds and 1 twin bed with our 3 children ages 12, 12, and 8. We enjoyed everything about our stay! Greg and Laura were great as well as Santos the chef and all other staff! The food was delicious for every meal, and there were no complaints from the kids. We were surrounded by wildlife and beautiful views the whole time, and could not have had a better vacation! We loved the Scarlet Macaws flying by all day, horse back riding, kayaking on the lagoon. Driving the road to Puerto Jimenez and walking to Carate and seeing all of the wildlife was amazing. Also make sure to spend a day on Golfo Dulce it is absolutely beautiful! Thank you LagunaVista for a beautiful introduction to Costa Rica! Pura Vida!
"A perfect place to watch the world and the wildlife go by"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed in March, 2019
Remote and peaceful. That means some luxuries are missing, but not necessarily missed! The road in is unpaved and a little bumpy, but not uncomfortably so. No air-con in the cabinas (no mains electrical supply the the property, all electricity is generated by solar power to battery storage) so leave the cabina doors open, keep the screen doors closed, use the ceiling fan if you must, but enjoy, really enjoy, the sound of surf, macaws, cicadas, geckos and monkeys etc. No TV, but who needs it anyway? Internet is available, but you won't have booked to stay here if that is a priority for you. So, sit in your cabina plunge pool (or the infinity pool) and watch the sea, hummingbirds, frigate birds, vultures (they are amazing to watch in flight), lizards and other wildlife. Enjoy a beer/wine/cocktail on the deck/veranda, and if you're lucky have the capuchins visit. You will also get to see some amazing sunsets from here. Breakfast, lunch and supper can all be provided by Santos, the Chef. Be sure to try his nachos and salsa with your pre-dinner drinks. The food is good, very good (at least to my taste), but do not expect 3 Michelin Stars. This is not that kind of place. Take a kayak and paddle round the lagoon to see the wildlife, then paddle to the beach (take a bag with you to pick up the plastic, the curse of every beach on the planet). If you don't have a vehicle, or don't want to drive, book your trips through Laguna Vista. Enjoy the experience of showering in a bathroom without doors and windows, it is a liberating experience if you're a little inhibited (don't worry, only the wildlife can see you). So, if you can live without air-con and TV, and you want to be close to the natural world, go and stay at Laguna Vista Villas. I hope that my wife and I get a chance to go back one day soon.
"Excellent magical place in Corcovado"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed January, 2019
We stayed a Lagunavista villas at the end of an overnight hike in the Corcovado national park and it was truly amazing! The setting is fabulous, overlooking the laguna, the ocean and the tropical jungle. The villas have all nice views, with an open bathroom, a private deck with its own springwater pool where you can cool down after a walk in the gardens around. The infinity pool is really great to swim in at dawn or watch the sunset from! We had the most wonderful meals, healthy and delicious! The staff was helpful and smiling and Greg, the owner, a perfect host, looking after the guests as if they were all old friends visiting! Many birds nesting around including beautiful scarlet macaws! Thanks a lot for this wonderful stay!
Our EIGHTH visit! Still completely Picture Perfect!
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed in January, 2019
We just returned from our 8th visit in 7 years to Laguna Vista Villas, and it remains perhaps the MOST spectacularly beautiful, amazing spot on earth! The views, the wildlife, the infinity pool, fishing, the hiking trails on the property, the kayaking, the ocean, the food, the staff, etc., etc., are simply indescribable. The rustic nature of the 8 individual and private cottages only ADDS to the multiple charms of the resort. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is beyond wonderful to get away from the TV set, the crazy news, daily stresses, etc., and lose yourself to total beauty and tranquility. The wifi however, (if you must), is strong and quick in all the common areas. Laguna Vista Villas attracts such interesting and nature-oriented people, and each time we are there we leave with some lovely new friends. People that prefer a large, "fancy" , completely impersonal hotel complex with AC, television, phones in the rooms, and umbrellas in the drinks, would probably be far better served in another type of setting. If you however, love magnificent nature, peaceful serenity, spectacular views, a delightful staff, a vast majority of charming guests that are there for the same reason, this place is truly perfection!
"Most amazing location for a wildlife surrounded vacation"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed in January, 2019
We stayed at the Laguna Vista Villas for a week at Christmas 2018. What an amazing spot, you do not even need to go anywhere else to see wildlife. We had toucans, macaws, monkeys, crocs right there in the lagoon. If you want to experience Costa Rica for real, this is the place. We are a family of four with my son that has special needs and we had a blast. Greg and his team (Valeria, Freddy etc...) took excellent care of us all week. The food is great and the villas are super. The view of the lagoon and the ocean is breath taking. The exterior shower reminded us of Africa and we had less bugs then back home.
"Paradise"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed January, 2019
Our family had an incredible stay here. Everything is even more beautiful than what you see on the website. Photos can't capture the stunning views and beauty of this place. Our villa "Caracol" was perfect, large comfortable beds, super private, sweeping views of the laguna and Pacific Ocean. Screened doors to deck and overhead fan kept us cool at night. Our villa had the best bathrooms ever, open on one side to nature, taking a shower while Scarlet Macaws fly by at eye level, and still incredibly private, nothing between you and the Pacific Ocean except the trees and the birds. Every morning our alarm clock was Green Parrots and Scarlet Macaws in our trees beside our deck. Watched the beautiful pink sunrises from our villa deck and sunsets from the dining deck before dinner. Meals were delicious and plentiful. They have a very good chef! Greg was a perfect host, helped us arrange tours and taxi from Puerto Jimenez and back when it was time for us to leave and took care of all our needs. We took a night tour with the excellent hotel guides and saw lots of crocodiles, fish eating bats, and best of all, a green sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach. Also took an awesome day hike into Corcovado, which Greg arranged for us. They picked us up right at Laguna Vista Villas which is great because you are so much closer to La Leona entrance to Corcovado then from Puerto Jimenez, so you can start the hike well-rested. We also enjoyed just walking down the little road. The beach is a short pleasant walk away (or you can take a kayak across the lagoon, but we walked instead) and saw many spider monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchins in the trees over our heads. After the first beach access, Carate is just a little further, maybe 5 minutes walk down the road. There are hammocks on the beach there, and restaurant you can get food or drinks. There is also a really cool little school to see on the way to Carate, all made out of bamboo. The pool at Laguna Vista is super nice and refreshing, surrounding by lush vegetation which provided shade to the pool. We spent a lot of time swimming and lounging. We also had a private plunge pool on our deck that somehow remained deliciously cool. The whole place has a very peaceful, laid back, private feeling. Dinner is a social time, where we ejoyed chatting with other people staying there on the beautiful dining deck with bar, and views you never tire of. Also hung out there a lot to just relax and play cards, drink Imperials, and enjoy the wildlife. One evening a capuchin came and sat on the deck a few feet away from us, also toucans perching in nearby trees, pelicans and lots of frigate birds. We were there in mid December and were surprised at how few bugs there were. Maybe because it's higher up. We had come armed with mosquito spray and did not use it much. We never saw any mosquitos, we had a few no-see-umms in the evening, but not bad. We stayed five nights. It was very hard to leave. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Pure Vida!
Unbelievable views, beautiful villa, great location for Park
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed in December 2018
Greg has built a very special place here over the last 20 years. Perched over a gorgeous lagoon with a small spit of land separating it from the ocean, Laguna Villa Vistas is absolutely lovely. Valeria took care of us very well, providing packed lunches for our hike of the Park and even baked a chocolate cake for our twins' birthday. There were a lot of romantic couples while we were there but our kids cavorted in the pool and the couples didn't seem to be too bothered by them. This property is not inexpensive but it delivers.
"Most beautiful place that we have ever stayed."
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed July, 2018
In Early June my wife and I traveled to the Southern end of the Osa Peninsula and stayed 3 nights at Laguna Vista Villas. Just getting there was an adventure. We flew in a small single prop Sansa Air plane from San Jose to Puerto Jimeniz and then took a 4 wheel drive taxi across the Peninsula to Carate Beach. We saw Toucans, Macaws, Capuchin and Spider monkeys and crossed multiple rivers on the way. When we arrived we were stunned by the beauty of Laguna Vista. Perched high above the ocean and lagoon, surrounded by lush tropical gardens it was one of the most beautiful places that we have ever stayed and we have traveled independently for many years. We stayed in Amapola Villa. It had a deck with a soaking pool that overlooked the lagoon, Carate Beach and the Pacific ocean. The bath and shower were open to the view and the lush vegetation yet were totally private. The rooms were clean and well maintained and featured hardwood trim. We awoke each morning to the bird calls of Scarlet Macaws.
We were greeted by the owners, Greg and Kieko who treated us like we were family. Each evening we joined Greg, Kieko and other guests for dinner and conversation. The food was wonderful but the the conversation even more so. There was a range of very interesting people from many parts of the world. If you preferred a quiet meal with just the two of you there were small tables available, all with a fabulous view.
Greg and Kieko connected us with a local guide, Gary Gomez, to take us into Corcovado National Park. Gary grew up in Puerto Jimeniz and clearly loves the birds, animals and natural beauty of the area. It was an all day trip. Gary has an encyclopedic knowledge of the plants, birds, animals and insects in the Corcovado. We highly recommend Gary if you travel to the Osa Peninsula. Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking.
We are already talking about a return trip. It was a privilege to stay in this incredible place.
"Heaven on Earth"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed July, 2018
This was truly an amazing experience! The hotel is located in a very unique spot above the lagoon in Carate. Getting there is an adventure in itself as this is a very remote area of Costa Rica, which makes it even more special. The views over the lagoon and the Pacific, both from the room and the common areas, are second to none and each room (cabina) is very private, meaning that bathrooms with no walls make sense! LagunaVista is also pretty unique in terms of wildlife on and near the property. Several types of monkey were often playing in the mango trees overlooking the pool and the cabina patio, and we saw scarlet macaws, many other birds, butterflies, frogs and of course crocodiles and caymans in the lagoon as well as a sea turtle and tapir on the nearby beach. The owners, Greg and Keiko, are the most wonderful hosts and made us feel really welcome. Their story about how they built the lodge up from scratch is worth listening to. They were also able to recommend activities and we went trekking in the Corcovado national part, horseriding on the beach and kayaking in the lagoon, all of which are recommended. We travelled as a family with teenagers and everyone had a great time. I highly recommend LagunaVista to anyone who is interested in wildlife and nature and who wants a comfortable alternative in beautiful Carate.
Corcovado experience
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed June, 2018
No WiFi, no AC, crocs in the lagoon, mosquitos in the air, monkeys in the trees, and a Men's Room mango tree that makes it a must visit from anywhere on the planet. one night,- no power at all due to rain. Bugs, snakes and outdoor toilets. Friendly staff, amazing location on the planet. Would we do it again?
Oh yeah.
Secluded location, private villas with spectacular views
We had a great stay at Lagua Vista Villas.
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed May, 2018
The staff were exceptionally gracious and helpful. The lodge and villas were beautiful- a spectacular view across the lagoon and out to the sea.
We went on a day trek in Corcovado with a local guide arranged by the lodge. An unbelievable national park, and the guides were super knowledgeable about flora and fauna in the park. I would highly recommend this day trip.
Food at the lodge was great, and plenty of it! Excellent beer, wine and adult beverage options.
The rooms were gorgeous. We had a small dipping pool and hammock overlooking the lagoon, and the scarlet macaws and parrots would fly over and even stop in the trees on the property. The bed was comfortable and we loved the open air bathroom! The way the villas are built you feel very private and like you are in your own little world.The infinity pool was gorgeous and had an amazing sunset view. There was wifi available in the dining area.
We were able to walk around the area and do some great birding just out the door. Walking on the beach was pretty spectacular as well! Definitely not a "swimming" beach, but the pool makes up for it. If you are adventurous, be sure to ask directions to the local waterfall, a nice day hike.
We will definitely be back here!
Magnificent Laguna Vista Villas
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed April, 2018
My wife and I find this place so magical that we just returned from our seventh visit in six years. It's charm seems to increase with each visit. While absolutely perfect for a couple, LVV would be appreciated by anyone who enjoys being in an eco-lodge surrounded by indescribable natural beauty. The owners and the staff are committed to maintaining and preserving the remarkable environment.
The wildlife continues to be abundant. Our daily routine of kayaking on the lagoon, which included incredible wildlife, fishing, photography, crabbing, etc., never disappoints. Docking the kayaks on the ocean side of the lagoon gave us opportunities to see numerous sea birds in flight, surf-fish, body surf, take long leisurely walks on the pristine, secluded beach, and if lucky, see newly hatched sea turtles babies headed toward the ocean.
The staff continues to be welcoming and eager to please. Santos, the very talented chef, provides abundant, delicious meals made with fresh ingredients, many from the on-sight, organic garden. Dining on the beautiful deck provides not only a spectacular panoramic view, but the opportunity to see a variety of animals in their natural environment.
Our afternoons are usually spent sipping freshly squeezed margaritas in the infinity pool while staring out at the crystal blue Pacific. We've seen whales and dolphins swimming through the waves. Then we head to the private plunge pool on our deck to enjoy the view of the lagoon, the ocean, and the always present variety of animals.
We are already eagerly anticipating our next adventure to LVV. It is simply not possible to get enough of this spectacular place!
"Our SEVENTH visit in the past SIX years!"
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed May, 2018
There is very little I haven't already said about the magic of Laguna Vista Villas in my previous Trip Advisor posts, as we just returned from our 7th visit there in the last 6 years! Each time has been an incredible experience from start to finish, and we already are looking forward to our next stay.
Sitting on top of a hill, Laguna Vista Villas combines unbelievable natural beauty with enough on-site activities (hiking, kayaking, body-surfing, swimming, fishing, sipping freshly squeezed margaritas, etc.) to keep one busy from sun-up to sun-down. You can also choose to do nothing at all but lounge away the day at the spectacular infinity pool over-looking the lagoon and the Pacific. Several of the cottages have their own plunge pools. There is nothing quite like observing a playful troop of monkeys or fascinating scarlet macaws while enjoying a cooling plunge from the privacy of your cottage's deck.
The food is always fresh and utterly delicious, and the beauty of the sunsets is difficult to wrap your head around. The staff could not be more accommodating and go out of their way to make your stay perfection. If you are looking for an action-packed vacation, or a relaxing, "do nothing but vegetate in paradise" type of trip, it does not get better than Laguna Vista Villas. In the past 6 months, we've been incredibly lucky enough to visit Ireland, Zimbabwe, Galapagos, and Laguna Vista Villas twice, and though all are places dreams are made of, for me nothing compares to the remarkable beauty and ambience of LVV!
You MUST Stay Here. Its WOMDERFUL
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed April, 2018
We stayed at Laguna Vista Villas for three nights at the beginning of March. LVV is an eco lodge- its almost at the end of the road, some 45 kms from Puerto Jiménez on an easy to drive unpaved road, and being dry season, no issues with crossing rivers reduced to streams. But you still need a 4 X 4.
Owner Greg promised, and Manager Rob delivered "the best villa"- named Kinkajou. It has a spacious bedroom and large open-air bathroom. But its best attribute is its large private terrace with plunge pool. Each morning, we had the best views of the lagoon, beach and ocean through our glass patio doors and across the terrace. Two mornings we had troops of squirrel monkeys, one afternoon spider monkeys just a few feet off the terrace in the trees. All day long birds of all types flew by- I can only identify macaws, parrots and vultures but so many more. We enjoyed sitting on our terrace vs the luxury pool.
The meals were very good. Breakfasts were juice, fresh fruit, yoghurt and eggs any way you wanted them. Lunch was simple rice, salad and chicken one day and a huge ham and cheese sandwich for our Corcovado hike. Dinner on Day 1 was soup, chicken and vegetables, Day 2 salad, fish and vegetable and Day 3, soup, beef tenderloin and vegetables. Plus, always desert at dinner. There is no choice or menu for lunch or dinner, but Rob did ask if we had any dietary issues, so the chef could cater to each guest if requested.
And an extra word on Rob- manager, bartender, waiter, front desk, concierge. Superb. Rob made our stay extra special
Just what we needed!
5 of 5 stars. Reviewed March, 2018
My husband Jim and I had the great fortune to spend 5 wonderfully relaxing nights at this unique and very special property. I have to admit, when we first arrived I was skeptical about so many nights at such a quiet and out of the way location...but after the first night I knew this was exactly what we needed! Such a paradise with comfortable accommodations. The personal plunge pool was awesome! Falling asleep each night to the sounds of the waves and waking each morning to the sounds of the snarky macaws...what a life! The food was so delicious, the pool area amazing. We relaxed but also took advantage of the great activities in the area - hiking Corcovado, kayaking the lagoon and snorkeling the in the Golfito Dulce. I cannot wait to return! If you are heading to OSA Peninsula, we highly recommend this incredible gem! Many thanks to Rob, who was so helpful and accommodating!
