My Trip to El Remanso Wildlife Lodge

Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Southwest Pacific side lies the Osa Peninsula, one of the country’s most wild and remote spots and, moreover, one of the most bio diverse rainforests in the world. Perched right on the end of the peninsula, nestled in the trees, is the natural haven that is El Remanso.

A family run business with a strong environmental background; El Remanso has been created with the conservation of the surrounding area at the forefront of everything they do. All of the buildings and villas at the lodge are constructed from naturally fallen timber, and it is entirely run on hydroelectricity and solar panels. With 185 acres of private land El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge is part of the Osa Peninsula National Refuge, and you will feel truly immersed in nature throughout your stay here. We became familiar with the monkeys swinging from the trees around us at breakfast, and daily sightings of the resident love -birds (the scarlet macaws) perched in the trees next to the pool, or of the sloths nestled in the surrounding forest became magical parts of our daily routine.

Waking up to the sounds of the jungle and the sun pouring through the curtainless windows each morning was pure joy, and as if by magic flasks of tea, coffee or hot chocolate would be waiting for us outside our front door. Our room had a view of the sea, its own dipping pool and a tree laden with fruit. We discovered that spider monkeys (one of three monkeys in this area of Costa Rica - the most in the whole country) would visit daily to feast on the abundant fruits on the tree, and Lily and I delighted in this ritual unfolding before us each day.

The beauty of El Remanso was in how much it helped me slow down and rediscover my love of nature. I felt reconnected to my inner five year old who believed and played with fairies and magical creatures. I’m still thrilled by fruit (other than apples) growing on trees, let alone animals (other than squirrels) hanging from branches, so everyday here was magical.

Our days were action packed and adventure filled; every path on the ground led to a new and different piece of natural beauty. Waterfalls, a wild and deserted black sand beach with rock pools for swimming in, suspension bridges overhanging the rainforest, and so much more.

All my life I have looked to nature for signs and meanings. In dark times, I have looked at the ocean to give me strength. In happy times, I have danced barefoot on the beach. I live by the cycles of the moon and the seasons, and try to respond to what life gives me with grace. When I resist change, I remind myself that Summer did not fail because Autumn came. I see beauty in the turbulent times and remind myself to really treasure the times when life is in flow. Costa Rica, you absolute beauty, thank you for reminding me that we are not part of nature, we are nature, and we are all part of this incredible cycle of life.

To take a look at all of the beauty El Remanso and the Osa Peninsula has to offer, head to their website: https://elremanso.com/en/