Baliyana lodge — Hotel in Tamarindo

Wow, wow, wow! This was actually my very-first-ever trip to Costa Rica... and it will be remembered until my dying days! Here's what you can expect... 1) you will think you are going the wrong way as you wander uphill along the bumpy, muddy, curving road, 2) just before you arrive, you will be certain that you are lost and should turn around, 3) you will fear that you are too far from civilization and are at risk, and then 4) you will pull into the driveway of a perfectly manicured oasis! It truly is magical! You will laugh at yourself for worrying. And then you will realize that the sketchy drive into the mountains was required to obtain the beauty in front of you. Here's what you will find... 1) wife / husband owners who live on-site 2) their residence and a quaint front-porch al fresco dining spot for breakfast, 3) an infinity pool that feels like you are living in a Hollywood movie... set aside from the other structures, and facing a rainforest vista just like in the pictures, 4) three delightful and comfortable bungalows just like in the pictures, 5) painstakingly maintained grounds, expansive and lush with a canopy of towering trees, tropical plants, flowers, and neatly organized ground-cover, and 6) abundant wildlife; parrots, howler monkeys, etc. When I was there, I happened to be the only guest... and I could have stayed there forever! I was seated in the lap of tropical luxury!!! A few helpful notes: 1) plan to arrive before sunset and you will need an SUV / truck to reach this location -- a 4-wheel drive is probably necessary if you visit in the rainy season, 2) the WiFi is fast (which is counterintuitive given the remote location, 3) you are 40 minutes from a "real" grocery store in Tamarindo, but only 15 minutes from a sundries store in Pinilla, 4) the owners are splendid, wonderful, kind souls, but be prepared to have a translator option (maybe an app?) to communicate (their native language is French), and 5) make sure to have WhatsApp installed before your trip since that is the easiest way to communicate with the owners. Friends, you will not be disappointed. If you envision a quiet, private retreat, an escape from this hectic world, a sabbatical from the agony of modern life's pace, this property is a slice of heaven on Earth. Book it! Go! Be transported to this "Secluded Oasis" in the mountaintop canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest!!! ENJOY...

My husband and I stayed for 2 nights in this tropical paradise. The only complaint we have is 2 nights was not long enough- we wished we had booked longer!||Our hosts, Yannick and Nathalie were absolutely wonderful! They are such kind, courteous and accommodating people and made our stay even better. They were so informative too amd helped us with local destinations and advised us on not only the best places to visit, but also the best ways to get there, whilst also sending us links via Google maps.||What they have done to their property is beyond stunning. As you walk through the garden, you are filled with a sense of peace and harmony. The beautiful pool is perfectly located, giving you views of the jungle for miles. The plants and trees attract a wide range of wildlife and I've never seen so many butterflies! I felt an inner sense of peace that I've never felt whilst relaxing with nothing but the sounds of nature around me.||The lodges are equally as beautiful. It is clear that they have been designed with love and care. The bed was extremely comfortable, the shower was just right, and the water is ready to drink from the tap. Tea and coffee is supplied as are showering towels and extra towels for the pool. It was also immaculately clean. |Sitting in the porch at night was phenomenal. We heard howler monkeys! Do take mosquito repellent though as you are in the jungle and you will get bitten. This is no reflection on the accommodation though- you are in the jungle so expect it!||Breakfast was also lovely. Tea and coffee served with ice cold water and fruit juice. Fresh fruit followed by eggs made the way you like them and toast with a selection of jams. All of this is consumed whilst looking out at the breathtaking view.||The roads to get to this idyllic haven are rugged. It is a very bumpy ride but again, it is in the jungle so expect it. I would happily drive these roads over and over again though if it means staying at Baliyana Lodge. ||Thank you so much Yannick and Nathalie. You made this part of our honeymoon perfect and we will always cherish...

The drive was fairly easy, the last 15 minutes is bumpy yet shorter than you’d think. Very close drive to Tamarindo and many other beaches. A lot of the roads in Costa Rica are very rugged keep that in mind when planning to drive in Costa Rica in general. Check in starts at 3pm going to 9pm so no rushing. Upon arrival we were greeted by the wonderful Nathalie, ready to show us around. What a romantic and peaceful property. Everything is modern yet natural and looks brand new even though they have been there for 6 years. The gardens are gorgeous full of flowers and colourful foliage, well irrigated smooth concrete paths, along with hummingbirds and lots of butterflies. The infinity pool is perfect for lounging and enjoying the jungle views. The cabins are very clean bright and welcoming with pops of colours in the design yet sleek modern style. A mini fridge is provided with coffee machine coffee grinds and tea with an electric kettle, An open concept bathroom with a nice view of nature. There is a lot of privacy for each lodge, we didn’t see or hear any other visitors until we made it to breakfast at the main house. Breakfast was included with our Airbnb booking, served from 7-9 consisting of; fresh fruit,eggs (choice of fried or scrambled), red bean paste, some veggies, a few slices of toast with a selection of jams in cute little jars, orange juice, water, choice of freshly made; pour over coffee, tea or hot chocolate. There is a tip jar at the breakfast area and the amazing service and meal deserves it. I will forever hold the memories created here in my heart and wish to visit this place again in the future for many...