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My wife and I stayed at Encanta La Vida for 4 nights. It was our first trip to Costa Rica and we couldn't have been more pleased with the property, the rooms, the staff, and the food. Our pickup and drop-offs at Puerto Jimenez airport were right on time. We were welcomed with lunch and shown our marvelous room (Brisa's!). There were so many animals right outside: spider monkeys, coatis, agoutis, toucans, macaws...that it felt like we were in our own national park. Each of the 3 meals was amazing and abundant (I had to ask for smaller portions!). The surf 5 minutes away was great and the surfboards available for rent worked just fine. It was nice not having to travel with my own gear. My wife loved the daily yoga classes in the shala near the beach. This hotel has the same attention to detail I've experienced at Namotu Island in Fiji where Encanta's owners work and live part of the year. We highly recommend Encanta La Vida. We will be back for sure.
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Date of stay: April 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Sep 24, 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled that your first trip to Costa Rica and stay at Encanta La Vida exceeded your expectations. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the wildlife, meals, surfing, and yoga classes, and that everything from the airport transfers to your accommodations was seamless. We’re honored to be compared to your experience at Namotu Island, and we can’t wait to welcome you both back soon! Warm regards, The Encanta La Vida Team
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Encanta La Vida isn’t your typical vacation spot... It is literally in the middle of the rainforest, so it is humid! And you will find a variety of 4-, 6-, and 8-legged creatures that will keep you on your toes. But that’s the magic of it all— being immersed in an environment that makes you completely aware of all of your senses, and at the same time tells you to slow down to enjoy it all.
And that is what makes Encanta unique: the potential for true transformation.
The sensory delights are everywhere, starting with the food— delicious, as healthy as you want it to be, and always with a Costa Rican flair. Andreas, Ana, Fabio, the chef, and the entire staff were super helpful and patient with our endless questions. They arranged awesome whale watching tours, fishing expeditions, zip line adventures, and nature hikes (including Andy's famous “psycho tour” where you can rappel down waterfalls and jump from giant trees).
There is so much to do, but my favorite moments were the quieter ones— doing yoga with the incredible Sophia (rubywellnessacademy.com) while curious capuchin monkeys watched from a nearby tree; sitting on our private deck enjoying the sounds of the cicadas and howler monkeys; and discovering giant blue butterflies, cacao pods, and something new every time I walked the path to the beach.
Encanta is run by an incredible family, and it shows. After other trips, whatever sense of calm I have found vanishes almost immediately once I return home. But that hasn't been the case with Encanta. I can't wait to return, but I feel like the best of it is still with me.
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Bring some silicone packets and an airtight bag to keep your electronics dry! There are some...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Dec 14, 2024
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! We're so glad that Encanta La Vida provided you with a truly transformative experience. Being immersed in nature can certainly awaken all the senses, and it’s wonderful to hear that you embraced every moment—from the exciting adventures to the peaceful, quieter ones. We're also delighted that our staff and activities helped make your stay memorable. It means the world to us that you found a lasting sense of calm and connection during your time here. We can’t wait to welcome you back whenever you're ready for more magic! 🌿🌟
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Our family spent two nights here over New Year’s and we loved the Treehouse Nest suite, the twice-daily yoga classes, and the food. We’re vegetarians and the staff went above and beyond and made special holiday meals for us! We really enjoyed hiking to the local waterfall, visiting the beaches and relaxing by the pool. Don’t come here looking for any crazy night life (the bar closed at 8:30 on New Year’s Eve!) but for us it was perfect and the staff were so kind and welcoming. We left feeling totally rejuvenated!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Great place for vegetarians!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Jan 6, 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the Treehouse Nest suite, the yoga classes, and the special meals we prepared for you. It’s great that you had a relaxing time exploring the waterfall, beaches, and pool. We aim to provide a peaceful escape, and we’re thrilled it was the perfect fit for you. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Pura Vida! 🌿
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Encanta La Vida is simply spectacular. The jungle setting is is out of this world beautiful, seeing the wildlife and hearing all of the unique sounds of the rainforest sets the tone for an experience that is pure magic. The staff and service are excellent, not overbearing one bit, and made my trip a special one, as I felt right at home. The food is outstanding, with the head chef whipping up magic daily! I was so impressed by the variety of dishes and meals served, and the flavors were off the charts, especially the dinners! The concierge and staff organized our trips without a glitch, not an easy task with the large group we had, seeing whales, repelling through waterfalls, hiking through the jungle with an informed guide, the list goes on and on. And if you are surfer like me, it truly is a hidden paradise, with waves all over the place, from out front, to up and down the coast, and even boat access spots! There are really good waves here, with light crowds overall, just don't tell anyone! Kudos to the Hennessey family for carrying the torch for this magical place, I can't wait to return with my family, and yes, this location is very kid/family friendly, with the pool, the beaches and all that the jungle provides daily!
Thank You Encanta La Vida, I am forever touched by your magic!
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Here is my tip: Book your trip, you won't regret it!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Sep 24, 2024
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We are thrilled to hear that your experience at Encanta La Vida was nothing short of magical. The beauty of the jungle and its wildlife truly do make for a one-of-a-kind setting, and we're so glad that the unique atmosphere resonated with you. It's wonderful to know that you felt right at home with our staff and that the service was just right for your trip. Our chef and kitchen team will be delighted to hear your high praise for the meals, especially the dinners! We always aim to serve a variety of flavors that reflect the richness of our environment. We’re also happy that your group’s adventures were seamless and memorable, from whale watching to jungle hikes and waterfall rappelling. And as a fellow surfer, we’re excited that you found our surf spots to be a hidden paradise! A special thank you for recognizing the Hennessey family’s efforts in maintaining this special place. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back soon—Encanta La Vida will always be ready to offer more magical experiences! With warm regards, Encanta La Vida Team
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We set out on our journey to Matapalo Beach on a Sunday in the rainy season. The weather was sunny and perfect, but it had been raining before and would continue for days after. We fully expected to be roughing it, packing lunches and emergency equipment. It would be a 45 minute drive down a Rocky country road. We would pass three rivers, two of which we drove through, lots of thick tropical rainforest and countless remote eco lodges before reaching the Encanta La Vida sign just before the beach.
"Turn! Turn! Turn!" I pointed in the direction signaled on the sign towards Brunch. What are the chances we would find such a glorious thing as brunch, in the jungle, in the middle of the rainy season on the Osa Peninsula. Most of the small eating establishments we passed serving tourists in the busy season were closed.
We maneuvered paths of perfectly manicured tropical flora to the parking lot and made our way to the restaurant, delighted to find ourselves to be the only customers, though several parties arrived before we left. Upon exploring, we found a swim up bar pool with seating and service. Was this a dream?
How were we lucky enough to find ourselves sipping colorful fruity drinks at a swim up bar, snacking on fresh hummus, ceviche and organic greens grown in the middle of a jungle paradise? We were truly blessed.
The chef came out of the kitchen to greet us and make sure we were enjoying our meal. The menu was suggestive, more like a tapas menu, catered to individual tastes. Everything was light, the perfect fusion of Central American tastes made with ingredients mostly grown on sight. We are always so appreciative of a professional who takes the time to connect with us.
We asked about the hotel for our next adventure here. Staying on the tip of the peninsula for a more immersive adventure with all inclusive amenities and comfortable lodging sounds divine.
We thanked everyone on our way back down the bumpy road to Matapalo Beach. Brunch was perfect and well timed, but doesn't always happen. Check their website and social media pages for event details or call ahead to schedule a day at the pool next time you visit the Osa Peninsula. The whole experience truly represented the Pura Vida lifestyle.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Encanta for 3 days over Newyear 2021. Our stay at Encanta was okay but not as amazing as it would make you think from the other reviews. Perhaps luck wasn't on our side. First, the chef may have been different from previous months. We didn't find the food so amazing, soup +main+dessert in the evenings were a bit bland and uninspiring.
The staff did their utmost best, you couldn't flaw them. During COVID times it was, and is, difficult to manage the fluctuations of the hospitality sector. But we felt good management from the owner was lacking. For example, for Newyears eve, nothing special - not even a little decoration or effort to mark the new year - was made. Nothing. And you are isolated, there is nowhere else to go, you are bound to their restaurant and the people who stay there as company. We never met the owner though it appeared he was there. For such a small hotel, he should take interest in people staying and taking care of them, at least to mark in some kind of celebratory spirit the entering into a new year.
There were however a few times some external celebratory lunches at the swimming pool which we felt left out of. The music was fairly loud at those times. When you're not invited, it's awkward to set next to it having lunch.
The grounds are fairly close to the beach though there is no ocean view, you can't see the beach from the rooms or anywhere which gave us a bit of a claustrophobic feel as it's surrounded by jungle, which is gorgeous of course, but we did expect a bit more of a beach/ocean perspective.
We visited some other hotels in the vicinity which seemed nicer and the owners definitely more caring towards us as visitors in those strange (covid) times. There are also lots of lovely villas for rent in the area which we would def favour next time around.
Our shower never really had warm water (Top Room Pole House), we could live without it but then it should not be promoted to be available on their website as then you expect it.
Finally, note that the road to get to Encanta is a 45min/1hr pot-hole and river crossing ride and a 4x4 is not an option but a must.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is everything you’d want in a place far from the madding crowd. I love driving, so the terrible road in wasn’t an ordeal (crossing shallow streams in a 4x4 is kinda fun) but it will deter anyone looking for an easy resort-style package vacation. But what you get at Encanta la Vida is Costa Rica in the raw with lots of comfort. The accommodations are super clean and you’re surrounded with a jungle soundtrack of up close howler monkeys, macaws and whirring insects. The meals are communal and conversations provide an opportunity to share travel stories and tips about the best excursions in the area. And speaking of meals, the chef always surprises with flavourful dishes. (My husband’s allergies and food sensitivities were easily accommodated). Cocktails at the chemical-free pool are a luxurious way to wind down a day spent surfing, walking on the beach or hiking in Corcovado. I recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a low key spot to unwind and escape the stresses of modern day life. It’s truly pura vida.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elian Rocha, General Manager at Encanta La Vida
Responded Mar 9, 2020
Hola! Thank you so much for your nice comments and we are super happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us! Hope to see you soon again!! Pura Vida!!
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We wanted to stay for two weeks and ended up staying five weeks, this shows how much we enjoyed the place. Surrounded by nature, stunning wildlife, whilst enjoying the excellent service and amazing food of the friendly and welcoming staff. The rooms are tastily blended into the nature, and you can watch monkeys whilst having breakfast. Beautiful beaches in direct proximity. We absolutely loved it and will visit again. Thanks to all of the Encanta staff for having us!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Encanta la Vida is a magical experience in a magical place. The staff is absolutely outstanding. The food is incredible--5 star. The accommodations are rustic (as you'd expect at an eco-resort that runs exclusively on clean solar power), but charming and very comfortable: cozy beds, great fans, hot water, reliable WIFI. The wildlife is everywhere and a huge part of the Encanta La Vida experience. There are a large variety of incredible tours and activities available through the resort, but the yoga, surfing, fishing, and jungle tours stand out. And the resort is right in the middle of all of it, ideally located for easy access to ocean and rainforest-based adventures. Thank you to the owners, the Hennesey family, and the Encanta La Vida staff for welcoming our large group with open arms and sharing with us the beauty of Osa.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Sep 24, 2024
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience at Encanta La Vida! Our team works hard to provide outstanding service, and we’re glad to hear that their efforts helped make your stay special. The abundant wildlife and various activities are truly key to the Encanta La Vida experience, and we’re glad you were able to enjoy so many of them, especially yoga, surfing, fishing, and jungle tours. Our unique location really does make it easy to access the best of both ocean and rainforest adventures! We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for recognizing the Hennessey family and our entire staff. We were delighted to welcome your group and share the beauty of the Osa Peninsula with you. We hope to see you again soon for more unforgettable experiences!
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This is the most beautiful, non-touristy destination. We stayed in one of their super cool tree top suites that overlooked the jungle and pool area. Our room was huge with two king beds and a shower room that we could cartwheel in! And the FOOD! Meals were organic and so delicious. Also there are endless activities to do from waterfall hikes to whale watching- or just chill by the pool and have their award-winning bartender mix some amazing concoctions. And I can’t forget the yoga classes and massages. Both are BEYOND relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. Most of all the resort team were so kind and accommodating to our group. We appreciated their hospitality. I really can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Don’t over pack. Bring bathing suit, hiking shoes, flip-flops and a few change of tees, shorts,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Encanta La Vida, Guest Services / Front Office at Encanta La Vida
Responded Oct 4, 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to hear that you had such an exceptional experience during your stay. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the Tree Top Suite and all its unique features, from the spacious layout to the jungle views. We're glad the organic meals, yoga, massages, and range of activities made your stay memorable. Our team works hard to ensure every guest feels welcomed and cared for, and it's heartwarming to know our hospitality stood out to you. We can't wait to welcome you back for another relaxing and rejuvenating visit!
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Hello!
Unfortunable in the Matapalo area it is not reccommended to do snorkeling because there are many currents, so could be dangerous, but it is possible to arrange a boat tour departing from Backwash, or Pan Dulce and they can take you to the best spots for snorkel in the Golfo Dulce.
¡Pura Vida!
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica7 contributions4 helpful votes
Hola!
Yes we do have trial around the property and you will see lots of wildlife here, we are located right in the heart of the jungle and just a few minutes away from the beach.
Pura Vida!
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica7 contributions4 helpful votes
Thanks for this question and thanks for your answers, Mlee2surf and Taryana. We do not have ocean view rooms, however as the above replies have highlighted, we are very close to the beach. Our yoga deck does have a stunning view of Pan Dulce bay and is an incredible place to begin your day with a yoga class. Yes do make sure you're intending to come to Cabo Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula, and not Matapalo which is located in Quepos.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica7 contributions4 helpful votes
Hi Bethany! As Taryana mentioned, we are a short walking distance from the ocean and located in the edge of the jungle. That said, you actually can hear the sound of the waves as they break all the way around the tip of the Peninsula, especially in the season when the surf is good! So to answer your question, it's not the same as sleeping right on the beach, but you're very aware of our close location to the ocean. I hope this helps!
There are more places to choose from in the Cabo Matapalo area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
encanta la vida hotel osa peninsula, encanta la vida osa
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasOsa PeninsulaCabo Matapalo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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