La Kukula Lodge

If you want a close look at the Costa Rican Wildlife, this lodge is second to none! The lodge is hidden in a mini tropical jungle, 5 min drive from the stunning and highly recommended Punta Uva beach. We had a 2 bedroom lodge to ourself, with pool. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. Our teenage boys loved looking for large golden silk spiders ( non poisonous), monkeys, sloth, frogs, goutis, another many other animals. Be prepared for the unique and very special experience of wildlife morning awakening.

We had the two-bedroom bungalow with private pool which was dreamy and absolutely perfect for a family (myself and two young teens). There was plenty of space, a nice bathroom with shower overlooking the jungle , lovely terrace to lounge on and two comfy bedrooms with the pool nestled on its own private terrace surrounded by jungle. The owners are delightful and passionate about wildlife and the resident sloth entertained us by climbing a tree right in front of us from ground level at breakfast! Breakfast is fab and we also had a delicious evening meal there but there are also some other charming options in the village (try the pizzeria - it’s great and atmospheric!). The beach was by far the best we saw in the area. It’s the perfect Caribbean beach, a very short walk away and safe to swim as protected by a reef (tho it’s not deep! But that makes it less nerve racking for parents watching kids as currents are dangerous around here otherwise ). Loved it and didn’t want to leave!

Excellent experience. Staff extremely friendly and go out of their way to accommodate your every request. Helpful with tours of area and their knowledge of the wild life very interesting. Even took us on a short walk when we arrived to see a”Slouth”. Small menu but a variety and vey tasty. We advised ahead of time and Pepo procured it. The Chef had everything hot and ready. Great hot shower and comfortable rooms. Definitely would visit again.

When we arrived we were greeted with the fact that we had booked through ******* and somehow that wasn’t good. We were given the middle room of three in a unit even though we were staying longer than anyone else as it turned out. There was absolutely no privacy as the rooms are not sound proof. If you want to hear your neighbor taking a crap this is the place for you! On the plus side the couple running the kitchen for breakfast were great. Waking up to the howler monkeys was also pretty good. Pacific coast of Costa Rica is much better.

This place respects nature, understands tropical architecture and offers a unique and homey experience. The owners live there, so it feels like home and they look after everything and everyone like a home. Taking care of the place from the heart is rare to find, yet they do it effortlessly. Everyone who works there is kind and they look happy, grateful to be working there but not overworked, again, something rare in the hotel industry. What struck me the most is the attention to detail; everything is well thought out and adds a personalized touch. From the Ylang Ylang biodegradable shower gel, the natural leaves set, the bottles of water, the interior design, the color of the hammocks, everything is cohesive and has a point of view. The experience is magical and the energy is so strong, being immersed in raw nature,with so many different sounds, so much exuberance in the tropical plants, agoutis roaming around, tiny frogs emerging, butterflies dancing, everything changes from day to day; decay, rebirth, an endless cycle. The complimentary breakfast is the best I’ve had in a long time, it changes everyday and you can choose between two options but always offers a fruit bowl and tropical natural fruit juice, everything is incredibly fresh because of this, and they feature local and seasonal ingredients. Who serves specialty coffee in a complimentary breakfast that comes from a micro lot from one of the best regions that produces costa rican coffee and is offered in a personal thermos so it doesn’t get cold? La Kukula Lodge does. Bonus point: I went there for Easter break. On Easter Sunday they were organizing an easter egg hunt for their children, the guest’s children and the neighbors. I firmly believe in supporting places that share your view of the world, and this is the place I want to stay at: an amazing lodge with attention to detail, run by a family that invites everyone to an easter egg hunt in their premises to celebrate.

Very charming place! Colorful and design inspired by the surrounded nature. The bathroom is a must-see. All very subtile. The breakfast changes every day. There is a comfortable place in the lobby where one can enjoy good cocktails at the end of the afternoon. The hosts finally are discrete and as charming as the place ! We loved this place as a family!