Note – This lodge is no longer open.
With its self-described “rustic-exotic” design, Camarona Caribbean Lodge is a place where guests won’t have to worry about anything and are able to disconnect and relax completely. Its guestrooms are designed and organized to offer people the chance to get back in touch with nature. There are no newspapers, no TVs and no telephone, all with the purpose of disconnection and peace of mind.
The rooms are located in two separate wooden buildings, both consisting of two floors. Every room has its own bathroom and private terrace or balcony (depending on which floor it is located on) with chairs, a table and often even hammocks. All rooms looks out over the tranquil Caribbean Sea.
A third wooden building comprises the lodge’s reception, management office, a self-service kitchen, a bar and an 80-seat restaurant. This wonderful communal building boasts a typical Caribbean design and atmosphere and is fully open on all sides for maximum ventilation.
Camarona Caribbean Lodge in Costa Ricahas been awarded the Certficate for Sustainable Tourism, or CST, because of its continued striving toward durability and conservation. Its location within the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge definitely adds to the lodge’s attraction as an eco-accommodation, but it is mostly its dedication to environment-friendly practices that sets it apart. Its philosophy is that the lodge is responsible for the flora and fauna that lives on and around the grounds. There is no pool—the warm Caribbean Sea is mere steps away—and only half of the guestrooms have air-conditioning, which has to be switched off when guests leave the room. Energy-saving lightbulbs are used, while materials are reused or recycled whenever possible.
Activities at the lodge and in the area are plentiful and varied, offering something for everyone. Unsurprisingly, snorkeling and scuba diving are hugely popular things to do. Additionally, guests can go hiking in Tortuguero National Park, horseback riding along the beach, cycling, surfing and boating. For a culture fix, visitors should definitely take the time to visit the local Kekoldi Indian village.
