As this is probably our last "family vacation", we really wanted someplace that our 2 daughters (ages 16 and 22) would find "adventurous", as they love adventures! We were not disappointed. We just returned from Cashew Hill Jungle Cottages 2 weeks ago and we'd go back in a heartbeat! Erich and Wendy Strebe are wonderful hosts. We felt so comfortable and at home at their lodge. Erich and their son, Elliott, took my husband and I and our 2 daughters on a waterfall tour that was just fantastic. We swam in the waterfalls and Elliott even showed us a poison dart frog. My daughters loved every moment (so did my husband and I!). The location of Cashew Hill is great. We could walk to everything - restaurants, beaches, shopping. Their next door neighbor, Raoul, had horses for riding. My daughters went riding with him on the beach and in the jungle. We all did the canopy tour - I'm afraid of heights and I did it and had a great time! We rented bicycles and biked to Punta Uva where we snorkeled in pristine waters on a lovely, uncrowded beach. There is so much to do here! We stayed in Playa Negra cottage. It was perfect for us - we loved the open air veranda, hammocks, and full kitchen (2 separate baths also were wonderful!). Erich and Wendy took us to the best real, authentic Italian restaurant I've ever been to. We never had a bad meal during our stay. Cashew Hill recycles, composts, uses solar energy to heat the water, has a filtration water system so you always have good water, and so important - they pay their employees a living wage with benefits while still providing affordable lodging to travelers. The grounds have beautiful gardens that are well kept. We ate fresh star fruit from trees on the grounds as Erich identified the fruit (and spice) trees for us. My whole family had a wonderful experience at Cashew Hill in Puerto Viejo. Thanks, Wendy & Erich!

My girlfriend and I just spent a week at the Kinkajou Cottage at Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge, it was a fantastic one-of-a-kind trip! Erich and Wendy were a huge help in finding the best restaurants in town and with scheduling activities around Puerto Viejo. Thanks again for recommending Cafe Viejo for a birthday dinner for Tina, it was delicious! There is amazing variety in each of the cottages that Cashew Hill has to offer, you can tell they really put their heart and soul into the property. As one of the previous review mentioned, I too am going to miss their three great dogs, Ozzie, Elvis, and Marley, they added some extra charm to the stay. I already miss the sounds of the jungle in the morning, pura vida!

I recently experienced the great pleasure of celebrating my 40th birthday at Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge. This was my first visit to Puerto Viejo and Costa Rica. It will most definately not be the last.

Wendy and Erich Strebe were the most gracious hosts and practically embraced us as members of their family. We enjoyed the most delightful french toast and fresh mango for breakfast at their family table. They were very helpful with organizing activities for us and introducing us to our unique and beautiful surroundings. My boyfriend and I even enjoyed an impromtu trip to Panama upon their recommendation. The waterfall tour and trip to Panama with Erich was by far my favorite adventure.

We stayed in the Kinkajou Cottage which genuinely felt like a home away from home for us. I was amazed at the progress they've made in such a short period of time. This bit of heaven on earth feels like it's been there much longer and seemed much more established to me. A great deal of thought, love and attention has been put into each cottage. I was pleased to learn that local artists and craftspeople have contributed to their creation.

It has only been a few days since my return to Denver and I have emailed all my friends that they must stay at Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge. This is a place that I want everyone I care about to experience. I hope to celebrate every birthday there!

Because of Erich and Wendy and Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge, Pura Vida are no longer simply two words to me but something very beautiful that I will carry in my heart always.

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a week in September and had a great time. Construction had started on the opposite side of the property so the only things we heard in the night was the odd animal. Eric and Wendy were super helpful in giving us tips on where to eat, where to go in Panama and we fell in love with their 3 dogs. Sorry to hear about the bad experience in January because we had such a good experience there. Hopefully the construction will be done soon and all will be back to normal because it really is a wonderful way to see Costa Rica.
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