We ended up staying at Aguila de Osa because another place we had tried to book was full. We were so lucky. I felt like we had arrived in Peter Pan's Neverland when we arrived on our boat. The journey there had been exciting, especially when we slowly floated our way through the mangrove swamps - It was all very Tarzan like.
The rooms were rustic and clean but perfect for where we were. The views were amazing and food perfect - they had no problems dealing with our special diet - no meat and no seafood and the communal dining meant that we got to know everyone staying there and enjoyed swapping stories and holiday experiences.
I have added it as one of my top ten destinations, and I have travelled quite a lot, so that is really saying something as I am quite hard to please.
The only thing I would point out is that this place would not be suitable for someone who does not walk well as our room was a fair climb up some rather steep steps.

I've visited Costa Rica often, and every time I stay at Aguila de Osa. This year I brought my boyfriend to show him how amazing it is. The hotel is breathtakingly beautiful. We took the Junior Suite, which is gorgeous with a private balcony and a great view. I had just had knee surgery so I couldn't do many of the tours that I normally do, but my boyfriend did the Canopy tour and had a blast, and went to the Sirena entrance of the National Park and saw pretty much every animal you can see. We went fishing and caught a big Mahi Mahi, which they cooked for dinner. The food, by the way, is amazing. The manager, Olman, was so accomodating and helpful. It was a perfect trip, and I just can't wait to get back there next year!

The Aguila de Osa Inn, Drake Bay, Costa Rica
March 3, 2008
Reviewer: Sharon, Newport Beach, Ca.
The Inn is an expression of love that blends with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. It sits next to the Corcovado National Park. This park is one of the most protected environments in Costa Rica. My first impresson when I landed in Drake Bay was "what did I get into?"
The road to the drop off area was filled with pond size potholes and we had to cross two rivers. We were then picked up by the Inn's boat and taken to a lovely landing that gave you the sense you were in the middle of nowhere. Above the landing was the Inn. We were greeted by a friendly staff and the owner, Brad. This Inn was definitely Brad's labor of love. The gleaming wood floors and hand crafted doors where examples of the special care this Inn was given. All 14 rooms had panaramic views of Drake Bay and the surrounding botanical garden. Every morning I woke up to the singing of birds and a pot of coffee outside my door. I sat on the deck reading and meditating till 7:30 when breakfast was served. The food was outstanding. All three meals were made of fresh ingredients and in the evenings the catch of day came from the fishing skills of the guests. If you are a nature lover and like to hike, dive and fish; this is the place for you. Drake Bay is on the southern Pacific side of Costa Rica. It is still untouched by the big developers. Serenity still exists here.

My husband and I travel to Aguila de Osa every year and stay longer than most -- usually ten days. People ask us, "But why do you go to the same place every year?" Our answer is, "When you've found paradise, why go further?"

Let me tell you some of the reasons we love it there.

1. The lodge and surrounding area is just a beautiful step back in time. One year we were told by another well-traveled guest, that "this is the way Hawaii was in the '50s, so enjoy it now!"

2. Everyone cares. From being met at the dock the day we arrive, to getting a send off from the very same dock, is what it's all about. The staff immediately gets to know your name and never forgets it. They are there to serve, but not to butt in. Perfect balance.

3. When snorkeling at Canu Island, while my husband was diving, I saw what I thought were some GI Joe dolls on the bottom. The thought went through my head that some poor child had lost their toys. Imagine my surprise when I noticed those action figures were moving! What I was seeing were the divers way down there! That's how clear the water was that day. I have also experienced the cloudy water after a rain, but it soon clears.

4. The horseback ride across the beach, up through town and back into the hills and through a stream bed. At some point the horses are tied, and a final short hike opens into the most beautiful waterfall, where we swim every year in the refreshing water.

5. San Josecito Beach is the most gorgeous and isolated beach. I hate to even write about it, cause I want it all to myself. Every year my beach dog is STILL there - a cute little mutt that I've named Pedro. He will accept food from you, but will never grab it like my dogs at home do. If you do go to the beach, will you please give him some fresh water?

6. Coffee on the veranda outside our room every morning, so that we can wake up at about the time the birds start to sing, and have our morning jolt, too. This is usually when we see the big lizard climbing the tree, or hear the red macaws in the tree in front of our porch. The holler monkeys can make a racket, too.

7. I could go on forever, but my final is for the owner Bradd Johnson. This place is his passion. Every year I can't wait to get there to see what little (or big) thing Bradd has added or changed. He never lets the place get stagnant, always thinking about what he could do to make it better.

I supposed Aguila de Osa is not for everyone. If you want concrete, high-rise and no adventure, then don't go there. If you want an elevator to your room instead of a climb up several flights of steps, then don't entertain the thought. If you want to be alone, instead of meeting some of the most interesting people who are also guests, then go somewhere else. If you can't entertain yourself for a couple minutes, then go to Club Med. But if you're up for adventure, love meeting people and like to hear the birds in the morning instead of the hum of your air conditioner, then Aguila de Osa is the place for you. We'll be back next year - it will be year 11! Maybe we'll see you there.