This review is way overdue! However, Luna Azul was such a special place to us, that we just cannot skip a review! We stayed with Rolf and Andreas in their wonderful establishment in March 2012. Words can hardly express what a splendid experience we had at Luna Azul! Initially we wondered why those 2 crazy Swiss have picked a place out of nowhere (the trip there itself on a 4X4 was quite an experience already), but from the moment we entered their property, our confidence was fully restored.

Our cabana was big with a fantastic huge terrace and a jungle view. Iguanas and Howler Monkeys were always nearby and we loved these extraordinary neighbors! The bed was comfortable and just the right firmness, both of us slept like babies every night. So many others have already commented the open-air bathroom, and we also gave it 2 thumbs up. Lots of space for storage and unpacking was a breeze.

Rolf and Andreas had a team of friendly and competent staff, who made sure the premises were always tip-top. The cabanas were smartly scattered around the well-maintained garden, and it was a lovely short walk from the Reception Area (where the lounge, restaurant and pool were). The restaurant itself was legendary. The ambiance was perfect, food was delicious and the menu changed every night with at least 4 or 5 different main dishes. We ate there so many times and were never disappointed. Rolf was also a brilliant manager, as he would come around the table each morning to make sure your activities were taken care of (if needed). For example, we went swimming with the turtles and one of us had a massage on our private terrace. The lounge area was so relaxing, one could either read or check emails, or just enjoy the gorgeous sunset with a cocktail in hand.

We didn't go there for the Arribada, but still had a memorable time at Luna Azul. We were very pleased from Check-in to Check-out and were a little sad to leave. We enjoyed meeting everyone at the hotel, including their dog "Mono" (now there is a "Fino" read from the others). When traveling far from home, we often worry about how well we would be treated in a strange and unfamiliar place. We were so glad that Rolf and Andreas have built this little paradise to take care worrisome travelers like us. We really felt at home!

We had such a great time on our last stay at Luna Azul that we went back for an all-too-brief visit just before Christmas. Even though the booking engines like Orbitz showed them as full, I emailed Rolf and they were able to fit us in for two nights.One tip: email Rolf directly to book rooms. He will respond immediately or very shortly, and will answer any questions you have and help with special arrangements. The stay was as wonderful as before. The room (bungalow, really) was beautiful with the same view over the forest to the Pacific. The food was, if anything, even better than last time. The first night, I had a terrific shrimp in red curry sauce and my wife had local fish (pargo) in a lemon grass sauce. The next night we switched - I had the pargo in a herb butter sauce that was absolutely delicious, while Gladys had jumbo shrimp "Luna Azul" which she loved. Moving then to the terrace for creme brulee along with a special Swiss apple schnapps, accompanied by the distant sounds of the surf....get the picture? Perfection.

For many years, seeing an Arribada has been on my bucket list. I could never quite get the timing right. Rolf has been so very helpful and patiently responded to my many notes and emails. By chance, there was an extra arribada during a full moon and I was able to make the drive to Ostional to see the turtles. After seeing the turtles, we went to Luna Azul and had a wonderful meal. The food was delicious and the selection was excellent! The selection of wines was very good. The gardens and ambiance was wonderful. Rolf recognized me as soon as I walked in and was such a welcoming host. I got a personalized tour of the gardens as well. They made us feel at home. We went back down to the beach to see the peak arrival time between 8-9pm before driving back to Playa Junquillal. I can't wait to see a really large Arribada and have dinner at Luna Azul again.

We live in Costa Rica and wanted to stay a day in Ostional to see the turtles. Are we ever happy that we opted for Luna Azul! Rolf was very well informed about the arribadas the last few months and his info helped us see baby turtles getting to see in the afternoon and that same evening see the big ones lay eggs!

On his advice we went back very early the next morning for a breath taking experience in hundreds of turtles nesting and lots of newly hedged babies try to get to sea. Great photo opportunity!

We appreciated the well appointed rooms ( for example no need to crawl under a desk to plug in a phone or camera, a lovely outdoors shower), the tasty food and the very attentive and hospitable attitude of our hosts. We also loved their dog Fino.