This was an amazing experience. Directly on the gorgeous turtle nesting beach right in the national park this beautiful lodge is owned by a storied local family, one of the first to settle the area. Their dad was a jaguar hunter but when they learned how important the area was environmentally their mom (Miss Junie) started her lodge and they all became instrumental in the creation of the national park.
Noly, who as a young lady organized locals to patrol the beach, protecting nesting turtles from poachers, took me on the turtle tour, which was absolutely life changing. Her brother gives canal tours through the rainforest and we saw sloths, a whole group of monkeys (both carrying babies!) lizards and tons of beautiful birds.
The lodge is made of beautiful mahogany, has lovely tile pool and air conditioning in some of the rooms. It is situated right next to the little town and has an amazing Costa Rican/Caribbean restaurant (and free breakfast.) Miss Junies seafood special was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
This lodge is peaceful, incredibly beautiful close to everything and allows you to get to know a local family as well as the history and wildlife in the region. I’m not sure why one would stay anywhere else.
