Who it suits
Nature lovers, hikers, riders and couples who’d rather hear howler monkeys than nightlife. The casita suits a family or group of friends, and you can rent the whole lodge for a bigger group.
Plan ahead: the lodge is open from November through March and closes from April 1 to October 31.
Where it is
The lodge is about 2 km uphill from Mary’s restaurant on the road to Cabuya, in the hills above Malpaís. The Malpaís beaches are about a 2 km drive away, and Santa Teresa is roughly 3 km farther. You’ll want a 4x4 for the road up. The reserve borders the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, forming one continuous stretch of forest.
What the rooms are like
There are just four rooms and one casita, so it never feels crowded. Each room has a king bed, a fridge, a ceiling fan and a porch with hammocks looking over the garden and pool. There’s no air conditioning; the hills and the fans keep things comfortable.
Accommodations
- Rooms: a king bed, fridge, ceiling fan and hammock porch, for two or three people.
- Casita: two bedrooms, for four to six people.
- Whole lodge: available for groups of up to 16 adults.
Trails, pool and yoga
Trails wind through the jungle, across streams and up to hilltops, and horseback tours head out into the reserve. Keep an eye out for monkeys, anteaters, kinkajous and parrots.
Back at the lodge, cool off in the pool, practice on the yoga deck, or relax in the open-air rancho lounge. The lodge doesn’t serve meals, not even breakfast, so plan to eat in town or bring supplies.
Star Mountain Jungle Lodge Facilities
Swimming pool, rancho lounge, hiking trails, yoga deck, private parking, horseback riding
Amenities
Private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan, refrigerator, hammocks, wireless internet
Getting here
Malpaís is at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a long way from either international airport, and the last stretch to the lodge is steep. With an Anywhere private transfer, your driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign and brings you here in a modern air-conditioned van. Up to an hour of stops is included, which is handy for a grocery run since the lodge doesn’t serve meals. For the ferry and driving routes, see getting to Malpaís.
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