We found La Enseñada Lodge pretty much by accident. We were looking for a nice place to spend a night between Alajuela and the Volcan Tenorio area. It is actually a working farm with a small nature reserve next to it. We didn't have enough time to go the reserve but it would have been interesting to see it. We would have had it pretty much to ourselves as there was only a group of about 12 people staying there apart from us. They have individual bungalows which are no-frills but very clean and with hot showers. The howler monkeys walked around the area in the morning and we never got so close to them anymore during our stay in Costa Rica. We also saw some Ctenosaurs and lots of beautiful birds. The lodge has a small swimming pool and a beautiful view over the sea across to the Nicoya peninsula. The food is quite good with rice, fish, meat, salad an afters. I would call it good, solid, homemade cooking, nothing fancy. We could stroll around the property which gave us the impression of a very relaxed and laid-back place. It is possible to go horseback riding and they also offer boat tours in the Nicoya bay. Because we were only there for a night we didn't go on either. If we needed a bed again in that area we would certainly go back there and try to stay a few more nights to fully appreciate the place.

Wonderfully relaxing spot on a working farm. Very laid back with the family owners joining the guests at meal times.
Room was detached and roomy, albeit a smallish, but perfectly adequate bathroom.
There appeared to be only a few detached rooms, others must be half the size as the buildings are similarly sized, so be careful. (Think rooms 2, 3 & 4, only)
There were no real guides, so anything you see, you need to use guidebooks to find out what they are. Having said that there is a surprising amount to see, just wandering around the ranch. Walks are suggested, altho' the map is a little basic!
No real vegetarian (" well leave the meat" kind of attitude) - luckily there was a lot of vegetables. Typical Costa Rican fare.
It's a chill out place, miles from anywhere.
There's a swimming pool set in lovely grounds.
Boat trips offered to the mangroves in the gulf where there's a lot of bird life. Our boatman didn't speak English, but pointed out interesting birds and frogs. (Take photos and identify later!).
Horse riding and tractor rides offered too.

Situated with a stunning view of the Gulf of Nicoya. Small, modest rooms. Clean. Typical CR food. Pool. And, amazing outdoor massage room with the breezes gently passing through.

Stayed here for 2 nights on our tour of Costa Rica. This is a very nice and extensive working ranch where one is made to feel very welcome and at ease. Accommodation was basic but spacious, comfortable and clean. Very good food. The highlight was a boat tour of the mangrove swamps of the river delta where we saw lots of magnificent and colourful birds. The horseride round the ranch was also very enjoyable. Spectacular sunsets over the gulf of Nicoya. Howler monkeys just walk right by you and colourful Magpie Jays frequent the restaurant at breakfast.