Beautiful setting with access to "private" public beach with no people. Friendly helpful well trained staff. Best food we had in Uvita. Neat private rooms/buildings with views, private trails with howler monkeys, treetop views of birds.
We stayed at La Cusinga for four nights and absolutely loved it. We were in Colibri 1, which is an absolutely massive room tucked right at the entrance to the property. The room is gorgeous, done in wood and stone to look very natural, with its own private porch looking out over the jungle to the sea. We were initially worried that we would hear lots of coming and going but we never heard anything other than rain and the jungle sounds, including howler monkeys! The beds are comfortable, with plenty of pillows. There's a ceiling fan as well as a floor flan to stay cool. We loved: *The poza: it's easy to get in and out of this gorgeous little pool and we had so much fun trying to swim through the current to the falls itself. We swam here two mornings (before rain made it too heavy) -- heaven! *The pool: really beautiful and the part shade is appreciated, as are the outdoor showers *The staff: everyone was friendly and helpful -- especially Ángela at the front desk and Orlando in the restaurant. *The food: consisently good and always beautifully presented *The beach: Don't miss this!! It's about a 20-25 minute hike (steep in several places), but it is so worth it. Obviously conditions can change so be aware when you go.. But, when we went, the waves were big enough to be fun but not so large that they were scary. There's a cave to explore, and two pretty little waterfalls at the jungle line to rinse off in. We saw lizards, scarlet macaws, endless crabs, toucans and armadillos. It really did feel like a lost paradise as we were the only people there until another family arrived as we were leaving. It was incredible. On the property, we saw many birds, whales while we were eating breakfast, and a whole group of Capuchin monkeys which we were lucky enough to see right over our heads on the rope line near the pool. Our young teen particulary loved the big lizard 'Marty' who wanders around sometimes outside the restaurant and all the little lizards that climb the walls around the lookout. One thing to be aware of is that the hotel is several miles outside Uvita -- if you don't have a car of your own, it's a 10$ taxi ride each way. We had such an amazing stay!…
Great private location with sensational sunset views and great beach access. Excellent premium restaurant with some of the best food we had in Costa Rica - although not cheap. This changed perhaps five years ago so the older critical reviews are now out of date. Very friendly, helpful and well trained staff. We missed the induction so never got to the jungle pool, but the main swimming pool was beautiful, secluded, very clean and almost better for not having a sea view. We stayed in the dormitory rooms above reception (Tucan) which had probably the best sunset views of the property. No hot water initially but the staff fixed this. Good security, cameras etc. Quite a few student groups passed through - but this was fine. The 10-15 minute hike down the well marked wide trail to the beach with the cave is well worth it - beautiful, large and secluded.…
We went for lunch and had a delicious lunch with an even better view and then hiked a couple of trails. The swimming hole was so refreshing and the walk to the most beautiful beach was challenging but worth it! Thank you for your great service!!!
We went to try the spa and the restaurant... The experience was terrible. Food was tasteless. The ceviche was watery and lacked lemon. The chicken wrap was too simple and lacked taste. The chips were soft and old... Did not taste fresh at all. Service was horrible. The waiter missed one of the orders... The only good thing was a chilly Imperial. In summary a complete waste. Cannot recommend this place at all for food. The spa well... We couldn't try it... The therapist was not in site and it'd take a while to arrive. Better find another place before visiting this place.
I spent more than a week at the Lodge. I had a bungalow with ocean view. The few was amazing! The property has a lots of walking trails including one to a beach of the Ballena National Park. The beach with the caves is beautiful. I was there completely alone. That was great! You can see lots of animals in their natural habitat at the property. I saw howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, coatis, lot‘s of beautiful birds (including toucans and parrots). It was wonderful! Staff is also very helpful! The only disadvantage of the bungalow is that they are not soundproofed, you can hear every word of your neighbor. Guest should be made aware of this and should adapt their behavior to guarantee everyone a good rest at the lodge.
La Cusinga Lodge is a great choice if you are looking for a home base in the Uvita area. We happened upon it on our last trip to Costa Rica through eating at Aracari Restaurant. We ate breakfast at Aracari during our stay and the service and food were exceptional. Roy and Michael, two of the waiters, shared great conversation with us. Our stay at La Cusinga exceeded my expectations. Hazel, the receptionist, was available when we needed her. She helped acclimate us on our first night in Costa Rica. The property includes walking trails, a pool, a beach, and even an area with a posa, or waterfall, where you can take a dip in a natural pool. There was no air conditioning in La Paloma, the room where we stayed. The lodge has running water and there was a fan in our room. The view of the forest and ocean outside of the room and our little yard with a reclined chair was my favorite part. I had an outstanding aromatherapy massage by Marcella at the yoga studio, which I would recommend at anyone looking for an extra treat. I would love to return to La Cusinga in the future. The place started felt like a second home during our trip. Thanks to all of the staff there. Keep on doing what you are doing!…
The Cusinga Lodge is an amazing place to spend a few days. Great hiking trails, meticulously maintained property with breathtaking views. Clean swimming pool with a shade surrounded by lush forest. Great food and carrying personnel. Totally recommend
La Cusinga is one of those special, magical places in Costa Rica that seems to get better and better with age. The views are spectacular, the hiking trails are amazing, and every part of the property feels special and private. They have added a beautifully designed pool right in the middle of the jungle and it fits right in. My wife and I enjoyed several mornings and afternoons there. But we also enjoyed the privacy and the magic of the fresh water poza (pool) a short hike away from the man-made pool. It sits at the bottom of a small catarata (waterfall) and is surrounded and shaded by the jungle. When we were there we felt as if we were the only people on the planet. Our cabin was cozy, the sheets were excellent, and the sound of the howlers early in the morning was a familiar wake-up call. The WiFi in the cabin was a good strong signal as well. The breakfasts were unformly excellent with ripe fresh fruit, fresh fruit juice and a choice of omelet, Gallo pinto, or pancakes. I'm not a huge fan of Gallo pinto, but the presentation here is special and the flavors work together better than most. I had ceviche for lunch twice and it was exemplary. Dinner was very good and the menu quite broad. We had a fantastic romantic getaway and would recommend La Cusinga to anyone who wants to experience the real Costa Rica.…
I had the chance to stumble upon this amazing hotel property that gives access to the unique and exclusive Arco beach, as well as to natural pools within the river in the forest. There are hiking trails through the forest all around and accessible from Cusinga hotel, and accesses to more beaches too.... I also ate in the restaurant of the hotel, the Aracari, and had a wonderful time and meal. I first had a cocktail on the hotel deck - taking in the view. Then an excellent veggie meal with yet again more breathtaking views. I can only recommend you to visit this place and please give a scratch to the unlikely resident Pepe the cat - he is one adorable fur ball.
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