I just spent over a week at La Cusinga with a crew of fellow Biomimics. We had access to some amazing tropical rain forest trails to do our studies and find some really unique organisms. The setup allowed for us to gather as a group at times and retreat to our cabins at other times. The food was always very good, on time, with plenty for everyone. Constant access to cool water, fresh juice, and coffee was essential and much appreciated. When needed, we had very reliable wifi access to stay in touch with folks back home, which made things really easy. But really, it was about the access to the rain forest, river tidal pools for swimming (incredible), beautiful/basically private beach access (down a jungle trail walk) and incredible views and sounds - and the Yoga studio area was such a nice surprise and very useful. Most importantly, they do this all while respecting their sustainability and eco-lodge principles. Excellent place with great people running it.

La Cusinga is the poster child for a tropical paradise. I spent a week here for a course about nature (Biomimicry) with an international team of 20 people. Every day was an adventure as we spotted birds, monkeys and all sort of wildlife in the beautiful gardens and forests of La Cusinga. The meals are simply delicious and the pretty buildings and facilities are very comfortable and makes you day-dream about one day moving to a place like this. The staff is friendly, kind and helpful in the most legitimate way and according to the highest standards for client service. On top of all these good things, it's amazing how La Cusinga takes so seriously their environmental footprint and to keep their operation Ecologically friendly in the best possible way. Their interest in conservation and protection of their natural surrounds are an example for other lodges.

The last time I went to La Cusinga, I was blown away by the sheer beauty, vistas, and closeness to nature that the property provided, the impeccable service I received by every member of the staff, and the top priority given to remaining true to it's title of "Eco Lodge" being nestled within virgin rainforest, in an area literally inaccessible to anyone other than those staying at the lodge. That was in 2007.

Today, five years later, La Cusinga has only built upon what I had first experienced, doubling-down on their commitment to preserving the natural environment within which they are situated, and quite literally living with the land and ocean. There are now deeply educational experiences, even higher standards of eco-care, and greater efforts to not only educate guests, but effect change in their own lives and the way they perceive the world around them. They've also added regular yoga classes - with a view that, as far as I am concerned, is entirely uneatable.

Rooms are even better than before, and the food continues to be sublime. The staff continues to be unwavering in their level of service and friendliness, and there are even more options for distractions if you want them. The electricity continues to be self-generated via hydro power (supplemented by the grid), water is purified from the rainforest, furnishings and finishes sourced from the lodge grounds using neighborhood talent and labor (which, in turn, creates jobs for the local economy), hot water is solar-heated, and the lodge continues to tirelessly give back to the community.

I will re-iterate, however, if you are looking for a place with air-conditioning (though absolutely NONE is needed), a resort-like pool, and electronic gadgets, this is not the place for you. What you will find here is a tranquil, pristine setting in which to completely disconnect from the world, and spend time with yourself and the environment around you.

Make no mistake, you will leave this place a changed person, with a deep longing to return as soon as you possibly can. You simply cannot go wrong with La Cusinga.

We stayed with our 7 and 11 year old boys for 4 nights. After our 2 weeks in Costa Rica they said La Cusinga was their favorite! We did not eat many meals there because it is a set menu and our kids are picky. The meals we did eat were good. One idea would be to offer plain scrambled eggs for breakfast instead of eggs with meat or veggies scrambled in. They liked the pancakes though!

The beach was fantastic, so beautiful and secluded. Waves were perfect for fun swimming but not scary. Lots of sea life - crabs, live sand dollars, sea urchins. And the birds! We saw toucans every morning as well as lots of other birds right up close. Even saw some macaws fly by squawking! Also monkeys right up close and howling. The cabin was darling. For the price they might consider including shampoo and soap. The best part was the solitude, only sounds of the jungle at night.

The staff was very helpful. We set up a snorkeling and whale watching tour through them and it was good. We saw a whale and her baby. Snorkeling only o.k but for the kids it was plenty. We also did a zipline tour nearby at Hacienda Baru - super fun and not far away.

You will need a car to stay here. We loved it and would go back. Highly recommend.