La Carolina Lodge: Finding Paradise and Healing at Costa Rica's Best Eco-Lodge and Hidden Gem

Soaking in the jungle views in our private hot tub at La Carolina Lodge.

Our Costa Rican honeymoon took an unexpected turn. After a magical wedding in Playa Grande, Alex and I were ready for two weeks of surfing bliss. But the ocean had other plans, gifting me with a gnarly ear infection in Nosara. Suddenly, our surf itinerary was out the window, and we were scrambling for a new plan, especially during the busy Christmas season.

My sad medley of meds.

With a doctor's order to stay grounded (not the worst thing in the world to be stuck in Costa Rica!), I craved a place to heal, preferably inland and nestled in the jungle. My amazing wedding planner suggested La Carolina Lodge. After a quick online search, we were booked. Little did we know, this spontaneous decision would lead us to one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and solidify La Carolina Lodge as the best eco-lodge in Costa Rica in our book.

Walking down the path to our cabin.

About La Carolina Lodge: A Sustainable Sanctuary

La Carolina Lodge, nestled deep within the lush rainforest, is a world away from the tourist traps, yet surprisingly accessible—just a 1.5-hour drive from Liberia airport. It's an immersive experience in nature, a place where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with the simple joys of life. More than just a place to stay, La Carolina is an immersion into a sustainable lifestyle, embodying the “Pura Vida” philosophy. This commitment to sustainability is evident in their practices, from regenerative agriculture to their overall respect for the ecosystem.

Green with envy at this greenhouse

Every morning, Alejandro, the ranch manager and tour guide, offers engaging farm tours. You'll have the chance to milk cows, visit the playful pigs and free-range chickens, admire the majestic horses, and witness the diverse agriculture thriving on their land. La Carolina’s dedication to regenerative agriculture not only provides fresh, delicious food but also contributes to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Bounty of food harvested from their land

Speaking of food, every meal was a testament to their farm-to-table philosophy: organic, fresh, and utterly delicious. Tropical fruits, meat from their farm (this part was a bit sad after spending time with the animals just that morning but such is the circle of life), and traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, were all prepared with love. Meals are served in the communal building, where guests and staff share the same menu, creating a warm and family-like atmosphere. This shared dining experience is a fantastic way to connect with fellow travelers and learn their stories.

One of the amazing chefs working her magic

Open concept kitchen

One of the many delicious meals we enjoyed there

Enjoying a wine before dinner in front of one of the fireplaces at the main lodge

Activities offered at La Carolina Lodge

Outside of the daily farm tours and meals, La Carolina offers a variety of activities included with your stay. You'll find a tranquil yoga area and guided horseback riding tours led by Alejandro. Everything felt spontaneous and natural—no reservations needed! Explore the beautiful, extensive hiking trails that wind through the lush jungle and along the river.

Exploring the tranquil scenery on the hiking trail. You really feel like you're a world away.

Stairs leading down to the main lodge communal hot tub and a safe swimming hole in the river.

Facing off a bunch of cows standing in the hiking path - I won.

Horseback riding with Alex.

Alex doing his best Viggo Mortensen impression.

La Carolina Lodge is a true digital detox; while there's a small Wi-Fi area, expect limited cell phone reception, encouraging you to fully immerse yourself in nature. Wildlife is abundant, with colorful birds, including toucans, flocking to the fruit platters.

Spot the toucan.

The lush nature of La Carolina Lodge.

The coolest leaf bug.

For those seeking other experiences, La Carolina Lodge also offers massages, yoga classes, and and arranges tours to nearby cacao farms, where you can learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, connecting with local artisans and traditions.

The New River Cabin: A Romantic Rainforest Retreat

We were incredibly fortunate to book the New River Cabin, the only available option for our dates. This is La Carolina Lodge's newest cabin, and in my opinion, also the best located. This cabin is ideal for romantic getaways or family privacy, comfortably accommodating 2-4 guests.

We spent our days unwinding by the porch fireplace, soaking in our private wood-burning hot tub, lounging around in the hammock, and reading in the rocking chairs, all while enjoying stunning river and jungle views and the soothing sounds of nature. On our last night, we unfortunately had to move to another cabin, which felt significantly more rustic compared to the New River Cabin. While the other accommodations offer their own unique charm, I would highly recommend booking the New River Cabin over the others.

Can you think of a better place to read a book?

Hot tub was heated with metal coils and fueled by wood. The tub was drained and cleaned every morning by the staff and refilled with wood so it was ready by the time we woke up. We controlled the temperature of the water by pouring in some cold water from the river.

The patio set up of our dreams.

Video tour of the New River Cabin.

For me, La Carolina was a sanctuary, a place where I could heal and rejuvenate. The peace and tranquility of the jungle, the warmth of the staff, and the simple beauty of the surroundings were incredibly restorative. Our unplanned detour to La Carolina Lodge turned out to be the highlight of our Costa Rican adventure. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you stumble upon. If you're seeking an authentic, eco-friendly escape in Costa Rica, look no further than La Carolina Lodge. You won't just find a place to stay; you'll find a piece of paradise.

The best way to wind down.