Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve

Our stay (in April) at the lodge totally exceeded our expectations. Fantastic views, ambiance, and excellent service from the staff. Our living space was very clean and had a great view. Keep in mind the location is in a rural location with plenty of wildlife, there are bugs and small lizards (which we expected and welcomed with curiosity 😄) All of the staff were very welcoming and friendly. In particular, Alan was incredibly accommodating and knowledgeable about the history, culture, and natural environment; he told us he grew up in the area. The bird tour we took with Alan as our guide was beyond amazing and top notch. Can't wait to come back.

We had a wonderful experience at Santa Juana Lodge. The grounds were beautiful and included 2 private secluded waterfalls. The casitas are well furnished with comfortable mattresses and great water pressure in the large shower. Every meal was delicious and the staff were nice and attentive, especially Alan who treats everyone like family and a special guest at the same time. We also enjoyed the ATV, horseback riding, and zipping tours that we booked through the lodge. We hope to return again in the future!

A bit like paradise I guess… Fantastic, pure nature far away from the „noise and hectic“. If I would be a writer I would write a book here at this place. Large bungalows furnished with heart and mind (very clean too!). The food prepared by mama was delicious. But the cherry on the cake is the passion and love the family of Alan brings across in every interaction. Book a tour with Alan to the jungle! We have seen a lot and learned so much about animals in Costa Rica. Overall, an experience we will bring home and which will last. Pura vida!

We had spent the prior day and night luxuriating at the 5 Star Parador in Quepos, and coming to the Santa Juana Lodge was like arriving at a different world. Santa Juana's setting is amazingly beautiful, high on a mountain with majestic views, and a very relaxed atmosphere. We chose to drive from Quepos, and probably would opt for using the shuttle service if we were to come back - the road is long, hilly and the surface is rough and stony (A 2 person crew was leveling the road, working their way down from the top. It's going to take them a while.) Our casita was rustic but charming. The only issue we had was that we were not able to light the stove and the property manager wasn't able to offer much help. We had wanted to cook here just for the casita experience, but the food served at the main building was just fine (there was not a vegetarian protein available, however.). Dinner for two, with wine was $50 American. Quite reasonable. Breakfast was memorable, with great coffee, and we watched a toucan having its breakfast about 8 feet from our table. The ride down the mountain was another adventure, and as we turned onto the main highway we realized that we had a flat tire. The stony road did us in. When we pulled off the highway to assess the damage, there was a crew from the national electric company there and they very kindly changed the tire for us. Pura Vida!!!

Such an amazing stay here in Costa Rica! Highly recommend. Supports the local community, Andres and Alan are amazing hosts, Julia is a wonderful chef cooking up, delicious breakfast and dinners, expansive beautiful views of the rainforest, away from the crowds of Quepos, access to multiple stunning waterfalls, which we had all to ourselves. They have a lovely program of having guests plant a tree upon departure, which has supported thousands of trees locally. Definitely will be back.