5-Star Adventures in the Rainforest

Located in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rainforests, luxury eco-retreat Origins Lodge promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a luxurious stay.

✎ written by Barbara Burke

Rain fell softly, gently blessing the Earth and the evening air was pleasantly humid as we hiked toward the lagoon, our galoshes sloshing on the ground.

“R-rrrr-ibit! R-rrr-ibt!” beckoned the elusive red-eyed tree frogs, strawberry poison dart frogs, swamp tree frogs and armies of other frog species, their glorious crescendo celebrating the beauty of our spectacular surroundings.

It was my first day exploring the rainforests of Provincia de Alajuela, a virgin ecosystem sandwiched between two volcanoes in the lush high valleys of Costa Rica. Already I was completely mesmerized.

Suddenly, an ear-splitting sound echoed through the forest, almost like a howl, but more goofy than menacing. The sound prompted my guide, Porfirio Eduardo Campos García, to break out in smiles.

“There’s a Howler monkey up there,” he said excitedly, pointing up towards the canopy. I looked up to see a small, ginger-bearded monkey with beautiful black eyes. “That’s the world’s loudest monkey.”

As if on cue, the adorable little Howler began emitting its howl once more. With a giggle, Eduardo began howling right back, emitting a perfect impersonation of the monkey. Incredibly, the little Howler responded right back, with another howl.

I sat there in amazement, watching two species banter a bit.

It was one of countless unforgettable experiences I would have in Costa Rica that week. I was staying at Origins Lodge, a premier eco-luxury retreat nestled on 111 acres of the country’s pristine high valley jungles. The celebrated retreat is the perfect venue to interact with thousands of rain forest species of animals and flora, indulge in exhilarating excursions, luxuriate in a lovely spa, practice yoga, meditate and enjoy personally curated cuisine par excellence.

What to Do

Perhaps the best part of Origins Lodge is its incredible location. This is a place like no other, a breathtakingly beautiful rain forest that hosts one-third of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Origins offers guests a plethora of ways to interact with its environs. Many guests begin each day by enjoying Koora Yoga on a large platformed deck affording an amazing view. Then, one can choose from a variety of meditations, sound healings, and spa services. Try the chocolate coconut wrap - it’s phenomenal!

For those seeking outdoor adventures, opportunities abound. Hiking to the waterfall at the edge of the property, one is greeted by a myriad of wildlife. This is a tropical bird watcher’s heaven. This is also reptile heaven - many species of turtles and anoles reside in the habitat.

Hiking is just one of the ways Origins allows you to experience and learn about the land around you. The retreat’s gracious and warm staff can set up a range of excursions in the area, from sugarcane and wine tours to horseback riding, white water rafting and ziplining.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL On a tour through the virgin rainforests surrounding Origins Lodge, you’ll observe rare kinfs of monkeys, amphibians and birds living in their natural habitat.

One of our favorite trips was touring the Tree Chocolate Farm, a grove of cacao trees hovering above volcanic-filled soil that provides local plants and flowers with their high mineral content and, many Costa Ricans believe, with medicinal powers.

Where to Stay

Origins’ luxury accommodations pay tribute to the nature surrounding it. The retreat comprises six, one-bedroom circular luxury lodges and one three-bedroom Villa Vertigo, each offering private plunge pools and outdoor fireplaces.

The villas are architecturally unique, designed by creative directors Hugues

Blanchere and Patrick Rey, local Costa Rican design professionals who keep environmental stewardship as their creative compass and describe their approach as true bioclimatic luxury design. The architectural style derives from the different strata of the forest using trunks, branches and trees.

What to Eat

Another of Origins’ stellar amenities is its on-site restaurant, El Salto. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Jean Luc L’Hourre, who holds the prestigious title Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), El Salto’s culinary team brilliantly integrates traditional cuisine with modern twists.

The living room is gorgeous, with a massive wood-heated stove, coconut fiber lights and furniture from Costa Rican designers. Daily specials include freshly caught fish or lamb rib, mashed cauliflower, roasted, fresh red onions in a red wine reduction.

After dinner, make sure to grab a drink made with locally-grown produce at Skyview Bar. Cocktail in hand, head over the negative edge pool after dinner, and watch as the sunsets’ colors dance gently amidst the clouds.

The frogs and other native species fill the air with joyful vocalizing at night, accompanying guests to their bungalows. Even there, adventure might await; the sloths have been known to nap on the balcony sofas.