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Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience

4.0 star property

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Property grounds
Exterior
Beach towels
Outdoor pool
In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2153 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

Map
1 km norte del porton de Costa Azul, Pura Vida Ecolodge, Tres Rios, Puntarenas
  • El Pavón Waterfall
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Ventanas Beach
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Playa Tortuga
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Drake Bay (DRK)
    ‪156 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Ciudad Cortés

In Ciudad Cortés .At this Ciudad Cortés villa, you'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of El Pavón Waterfall and 6 miles (10 km) of Playa Garza. Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands is within 6 miles (10 km) and Tortuga Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • El Pavón Waterfall - 6 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Ventanas Beach - 21 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • Playa Tortuga - 23 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • Tortuga Beach - 23 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 32 min drive - 18.2 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Citrus - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Real La Costa - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante La Fiesta del Mar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Mirador Los Manglares. - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience

Beautiful & very private eco-luxury retreat near South Pacific Coast (4hr drive with 4WD car) from SJO Airport. Our unique & stunning location offers guests panoramic sea views & hangs dramatically over the jungle canopy. Romantic getaway, nature lovers & adrenalin junkies paradise!

WELCOME to Pura Vida Ecolodge, a unique eco-luxury award-winning retreat nestled amongst virgin rain forest just 5 km from the volcanic sands of the Pacific Ocean in Central America's Costa Rica. The ecolodge been awarded with a Certificate of Excellence and Superhost status every year since opening and was designed by award winning Architect Franco Casalvolone.

We’re also very proud to be one of Costa Rica's first Certified Members for 1% For the Planet as we give 1% of our annual revenue back to environmental nonprofits working on climate issues & conservation projects in the area.

This is the place for guests who want to disconnect, be off-grid and get away from it all. It’s for those of you who have a sense of adventure, are up for trying something new, enjoy bumpy and steep roads in a 4x4 and who, come rain or shine, won’t let the weather stop them from doing what they want. It’s an adrenalin junkies paradise, perfect for those who want to wake up to the sounds of monkeys, trek through the jungle and jump in a freshwater plunge pool all before breakfast! It’s for the nature lovers among you who will no doubt discover animals of all shapes and sizes throughout their stay both on our lodge’s doorstep and with perhaps, the occasional smaller visitor inside. It’s for new age travellers who are ready to respect, accept and embrace a different and more laid back culture than perhaps they’re used to ‘back home’. It’s for those of you that are happy with less and don't constantly strive for more more more, as we’ve tried to incorporate the ‘pure life’ lifestyle that Costa Rica’s Zona Sur offers in abundance into the design of our lodge, so it’s the perfect getaway for those who are ready to arrive with their minds and eyes wide-open, for guests that seek romance, beauty, fun and adventure.

This is, as they say, the real Costa Rica as our beautiful and breezy location, at an altitude of just over 300 meters and with over 3 acres of private land, boasts stunning panoramic sea views over the lush valleys towards the meandering 'Rio Terraba' and directly faces the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica's spectacular sunsets and the world famous National Parks - Isla del Caño & Osa Peninsula. The most magical times are the early mornings and late afternoons where you can sit back with a freshly made juice or a glass of wine and be a spectator of nature with monkeys, pizotes, parrots and toucans all frequently visiting the lodge and it's surrounding reserve.

Pura Vida Ecolodge is a peaceful sanctuary to experience and embrace the 'Pura Vida' (Pure Life). A destination where guests can enjoy not only a memorable holiday, but tranquility, adventure and equilibrium in a utopia second to none. Our private retreat is your chance to relax and truly let go, to welcome an organic, integral experience for contemplation, rejuvenation and nurturing among friends, family and loved ones. A place where it's entirely possible to travel in style without feeling guilty - Experiencing a sustainable lifestyle as our ecolodge is set up with rain water catchment, solar panels and a 100% natural water source right from the mountains.

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.

- 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.

- Open-plan fully equipped kitchen with 6x gas hob, 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)

- Alfresco Lounge located right in front 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.

- Outdoor parking (2x cars)

- Yoga deck and outdoor 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.

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 10-15 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 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

Property manager

Joe Lasky

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Garden
  • Grey water recycling system
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Living plant wall
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 2,153 square feet
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 9:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Property is also known as

Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge Retreat Lifestyle Experience
Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge Retreat Lifestyle Experience

Frequently asked questions

How close is Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience to the airport?

This villa is 82.6 mi (183-min drive) away from the Drake Bay (DRK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this villa.

How close is Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience to the beach?

This villa is 5.1 mi (14-min drive) from Playa Garza and 8.3 mi (22-min drive) from Tortuga Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience offer free breakfast?

This villa does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience?

No, there is no casino at this villa.

What time is check-in at Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience?

Free parking is not available at this villa.

Does Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience have a pool?

This villa features an outdoor pool.

Does Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience have a spa?

This villa doesn't have a spa, but it does offer massages.

How close is Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience to downtown Ciudad Cortés?

This villa is 9.4 mi away from Ciudad Cortés.

Award Winning Pura Vida Ecolodge - A Retreat, A Lifestyle & An Experience Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Pura Vida

We loved our stay at Pura Vida Ecolodge. Perfect accommodations for our two couples. Excellent pre-visit packages with lots of information about the property and the surrounding area. We hiked the "hundreds of white steps" trail and it turned out to be 614 steps-give or take-each way. Gersan and Illiana were fabulous! The road is a challenge so believe Joe when he says you need 4WD!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Pura Vida

This place is amazing. We had such a great time there. The house itself is an architectural gem. Its location is stunning. The view of the mountains, valleys, sky, clouds, and ocean is never failing but ever changing beauty. I couldn't sleep in the morning, partly because sunrise came early, but mostly because I didn't want to miss the view from the bedroom window. Gersan served well as our on-site host. We really appreciated the dinner prepared and served by Gersan and Ilya the day of our arrival. The boat ride with Gersan to his private beach was a real treat, and we were totally blown away when he served us a hot lunch on the beach. The papers that Joe & Kika lovingly prepared are above and beyond anything I have ever seen from an airbnb host and added immeasurably to our experience. This was our first visit to Costa Rica; it will not be our last. I hope to visit Pura Vida Ecolodge again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Fantastic place to unwind

We stayed for a week at the ecolodge and had a fantastic time. It's thoughtfully designed and has great green credentials. The beds and other furnishings are very comfortable The views are stunning and there are plenty of beaches and activities a short car ride away. I would also recommend the mangrove trip with Gersan which can be arranged from the lodge. I only have positive comments about this fantastic property, well worth a visit

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Our Pura Vida Experience

From the beginning booking and preparing for this was easy. Once we had made the booking Joe and Kika were really helpful and provided a complete welcome pack. This covered everything we needed in a simple and clear way (and made us very excited!) In the end we printed out the pack and took it everywhere to help find the beaches and other local places like the local fish shop where we bought some lovely fish. It also covered the practicalities for the lodge, like the safe, and the directions for getting to the lodge that were really helpful, with pictures and distances. Once there, although the pictures are good, it is even better. The views are amazing from the lodge and we never bored of simply sitting on the balcony, drink in hand, watching the weather pass us by, sun go down, and all the nature around us. The lodge itself is open and airy. It is full netted so as long as you keep the doors closed you are quite bug free (relatively as remember you are in the jungle). However, you never feel trapped as it is so simple and open. It is an incredible building with an understated feel of luxury with the two walk in showers, spacious rooms and tall ceilings. We especially loved the sofa where we would have a lovely afternoon snooze under the throws provided. You do need a 4x4 and were pleased Joe flagged this. The final road up to the lodge is a bumpy track but it is fine if you have a 4x4 and after a couple of drives you do not even think about it, night or day. You simply just need to be able to drive sensibly. Locally, the beaches are quite hidden away but secluded and beautiful. The water was really warm. The welcome pack helps and locals were also helpful. Playa Arco was incredible with monkeys and waterfall. That said, you do need to pay $18 to go through the entrance at the hotel, but that includes a walk through their jungle trail, the amazing beach and a piece of cake and juice when you return. We were happy with the money spent! We found a couple of great restaurants but to be honest, often cooked ourselves in the evenings. The kitchen has everything you need which is great including a simple and easy to use bamboo coffee-maker the locals all use. We wanted to get away from the rush of city life and spoil ourselves and this was perfect to do this. If you appreciate what it is and where you are going it is perfect. If you are expecting a 5 star hotel you may still be converted.