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If eco-lodge makes you think "rustic," read on about a high-end place that offers unique accommodations, gourmet meals, attentive staff and spa treatments on the remote Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica.

Lapa Rios, loosely translated as "River of Scarlet Macaws," is a luxury eco-resort situated in a private 1,000-acre nature reserve.  Located in the southern part of Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula (one of the most biologically intense places on the planet), Lapa Rios protects this land by offering cultural and environmental experiences to its guests from all over the world.  

The resort's office in Puerto Jimenez is where we began our adventure as we boarded one of the lodge's 4x4 safari trucks for a 12-mile (45-minute-long) ride to the jungle property.  As soon as we arrived, we settled down for lunch on a terrace high above Matapalo Point, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce, and I knew I was going to like this place.  From trees directly above our table we were greeted by a group of vibrant scarlet macaw. Watching them from such close vantage was a real thrill, and the first of many awesome sights.  The lunch of fresh local fish and salad was very tasty, too.

Sleeping in a Model Eco-Tourism Lodge

When I was shown to my room, my key was presented to me with a wind-up, battery-operated flashlight, which would prove invaluable for getting around the property after dark.  While Lapa Rios does have electricity, it is limited, and provided by a generator that supplies power to the accommodations and the main lodge.  The resort is a model ecotourism project and a pioneer in sustainable tourism, committed to environmentally sound practices and employing only people from the local community. 

My bungalow, one of 16, was also situated high above the sea with an awesome view, and I felt as if I was in a tree house.   It was completely private - I could not see anyone, nor could anyone see me.  The structure's roofs are created from thatched suiita palms, the floors are wood, and the walls are almost all screened windows, with suiita shades to raise and lower.  

I stepped outside onto the balcony which was furnished with lounge chairs, a hammock and an outdoor shower, and listened to the only sounds I heard, those of the birds cawing as they passed in front of me.  I lay down and dozed for a few minutes.  Upon waking to an odd sound, I looked up to see several monkeys flying amongst the tree branches, directly overhead.  I was a bit shocked as a few stared straight at me, as if they were considering a landing!  Soon, however, they were distracted, ate some berries from the tree, and off they swung.   After some time thinking about how lucky I was to be there, I headed inside to explore. 

The room was spacious, with two double beds covered by mosquito netting (which I was told was not really necessary), a desk, shelving, a ceiling fan, several comfortable chairs, and a bathroom with two sinks and a walk-in rain shower.  Very comfortable and very cool.