My husband and I just returned from an extended trip to Costa Rica that included the Central Highlands and Lowlands, as well as, 6 nights at the Shawandha Lodge on the southern Caribbean coast. This was the nicest of the 5 lodges we stayed in. From the moment we stepped out of our rental car, we felt like we had entered an oasis in the jungle. We were warmly greeted by Maria at the front desk, who answered our many questions throughout the stay. We were placed in bungalow B-14, a larger one towards the back of the property and just loved it! The flora was dense enough around the bungalow that we could hardly see the next one closest, and we loved our privacy.
Our bungalow was clean and neat with a king-size bed, plenty of closet and shelf space, two hideabeds, a desk and chair, and huge bathroom. The latter was designed by a French tile artist, and it was the most beautiful I have ever seen. The shower water heats at the head, so one has to turn the faucet on and then adjust back for warmer water. The decor seemed to blend in with the surroundings harmoniously, and we really liked that.
At 5pm, cocktails can be purchased in the open air sitting area with dinner served beginning at 6:30pm. Out of the 6 nights we stayed, we ate dinner 3 times at the lodge, and found the food to be excellent. I would highly recommend the avocado and hearts of palm salad, as well as the beef tenderloin dishes. Our Spanish waitress did an outstanding job serving--we just loved her! She was the best of anyone who waited on us during our entire trip.
Breakfast, which is included in the lodging fee, is ample beginning with an entire plate of fruit (passion, papaya, mango, banana, and pineapple) per person. The second course consists of homebaked toast with homemade orange and raspberry marmalades--yummy! The third course consists of 2 eggs; your choice of fried or scrambled. Coffee or tea was also provided. One couldn't ask for a better way to start the day sightseeing or going to the beach.
Playa Chiquita is a short walk from the lodge, and even during the Holy Week merrymaking, we found this beach to be beautiful and private. Other beaches we enjoyed were Punta Uva and the beach at Manzanillo about 5 km from the lodge. These beaches were far more crowded with tents, campfires, and vehicles wall to wall during the Holy Week weekend; however, once the locals returned from vacation, they were fairly deserted once again. You can walk for kilometers barefoot along the beach with palm trees from the jungle aligning it and not worry about cutting your feet on jagged lava rock or broken glass. Not to be missed are the many wonderful sea birds (brown pelicans, sandpipers, etc.).
If you appreciate fine dining, a must is La Pecora Nera, an Italian restaurant on the road to Puerto Viejo. It is considered to be the best restaurant east of San Jose, and I thought it was the best Italian food I'd ever tasted. The arugula and green bean salad was excellent, and the gnocchi w/lobster melted in my mouth. Everything is homemade from the breads to the pasta to the desserts. We loved it so much that we returned a second night. Reservations are highly recommended. The young Italian chef also operates a smaller Italian cafe at the front of the property; however, we didn't get a chance to taste its menu. It was not as expensive as its sister restaurant and appeared to be more casual.
If you are a birder, there are plenty of creatures that can be seen from the Shawandha Lodge property, including parrots, toucans, tawny-crested tanagers, hummingbirds, etc. I took binoculars with me when we dined for breakfast in the open air dining room, and had an opportunity to see many species from that vantage point. The next time we stay there, I will definitely book a guided birding hike. Other animals we saw on the property were an armadillo, howler monkeys, sloth with baby, and an agouti.
Though we tried to arrange a snorkeling outing on the Chahuita National Park reef, it had stormed and stirred up the water, so our guide said the snorkeling would not be good. Other snorkelers we saw and spoke to, were able to see plenty of fish off the beach from the tower at Manzanillo. Equipment can be rented within walking distance at Aquamor. Sea kayaking is also available.
Madam, at Shawandha Lodge, made her presence known throughout our stay here, and she made certain no details were overlooked. Everything that we saw was very clean and neat, very professional, and absolutely stunning! She has impeccable taste. The entire staff was attentive and provided great service.
We will definitely return!
