Heliconias Nature Lodge

The rows of freestanding bungalows and common buildings surrounding the large organic garden create a village-like atmosphere. The rustic wooden exterior of every structure -- from the cabins to the reception area to the open-air restaurant -- is reminiscent of a day camp. The vibe is relaxed and quiet with the restaurant (and its occasional nightly music sets) providing the only noteworthy social scene. By day, there’s little going on throughout the property, even around the hotel’s small plunge pool. The property caters to a wide range of guests, from nature-loving couples seeking a romantic, treehouse getaway to adventurous families needing a place to bed down after exploring the nearby volcano park.

The hotel is situated well off Route 702 — the road that connects to La Fortuna (25 minutes north) and Arenal Volcano National Park (1 hour north). Although the road is a main thoroughfare, it’s quiet and only lightly trafficked. The entire property feels far deeper in the rain forest than it actually is. Aside from a handful of small mom-and-pop restaurants, there’s little within walking distance. The hotel can facilitate airport transportation to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International (three hours north) or Juan Santamaria International (two hours south). However, many guests will need a rental car to explore the area, as relying on taxis, shuttles, and public transport can prove expensive and inconvenient in this part of the country.

Every room is awash in locally sourced mahogany and teak on the floors, ceilings, walls, and furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every space feels bright, open, and airy. The decor is distinctly modern cabin chic with an attention to detail that provides a whiff of sophistication. Rooms differ mainly in size. All are spacious and include private balconies. However, the Treehouse and Glass Bungalow categories upgrade to three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows with lovely, panoramic rainforest views. The list of modern amenities in every category is solid -- particularly for a rustic, three-pearl property -- including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and fast, free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges and coffeemakers are also provided. Bathrooms in most categories are spacious with large, walk-in shower stalls and generic, pump-style amenities. The bathroom decor is a mix of rustic and contemporary in a way that doesn’t feel cohesive with the pared-down look of each room.

There are only a few features at this cabin-style property. While the outdoor pool is small and simple, it’s a nice touch that adds a whiff of resort feel to the property. The landscaping surrounding the pool is awkwardly laid out, however, making it difficult to setup lounge chairs near the water. The hotel’s sole restaurant, Restaurante Heliconias, is situated in a tall, open-air space that’s surprisingly large given the hotel’s capacity. Some of the restaurant's ingredients come from the on-site organic garden. A hot, made-to-order breakfast is served free daily with Western and traditional Costa Rican options. Lunch and dinner are offered a la carte with a similarly mixed menu, plus there's a full bar and a decent wine list. Staff is known to pass out free shots of guaro, a homemade liquor. After dark, live music is available on select nights of the week. Ample free parking is provided in several dirt lots around the property. Wi-Fi is free in all common areas, and we found the service to be mostly reliable.