Luna Nueva Lodge

Rooms

Accommodation is scattered about the pretty landscaped gardens at the centre of the 200-acre estate. There are five stylish and spacious Casita Deluxe bungalows (for 2-3), constructed with fallen timber from the forest, which have kingsize beds, walk-in shower bathrooms, and polished concrete floors. All have peaceful sit-outs; we loved chilling on our blissful balcony overlooking the forest. Honeymoon favourite Dome Suite is an unusually shaped structure, with a bedroom in one dome and bathroom in another.

Other individual bungalows have queensize beds, including the 2-bedroom family bungalows (which sleep up to 6), and Casa de Barro (sleeps 2-3), a circular adobe house made from the deep red clay found on the farm.

Casa Luna is a large open 2-storey house in a marvellous elevated position. On the first floor are four guest rooms: each has a ceiling fan, screened windows, a comfortable firm double and single bed with simple white linen. Floors are polished (recycled) wood, and the ceiling is high vaulted wood. All rooms open onto the wide wraparound balcony, with chairs and hammocks for splendid views over the forest. There’s a huge sitting area downstairs, with comfortable sofas where guests can relax, and help themselves to a beverage.

Ensuite bathrooms are shower only, but there’s abundant hot water, and biodegradable toiletries are provided, along with lovely handmade soap. Your towels will be sculpted into incredible shapes adorned with flowers (a Costa Rican tradition), but otherwise rooms are understated.

Features include:

• Fan
• WiFi

Eating

Finca Luna Nueva grows fabulous organic and biodynamic food of the highest standard on its 200 acre farm, showcased in the open-sided poolside restaurant, which twinkles with lanterns at night.

Lunch and dinner menus are similar, with a mix of Costa Rican staples – quesadillas, daily home-made ceviche, nachos and mariscada (shellfish in a tomato broth on quinoa) – and more fusion-style dishes such as a humous platter, grass-fed beef- or veggie burger with a side of yuca fries, vegetable kebabs, or roasted cauliflower bowl with farm greens topped with lemon tahini sauce. Add chicken or fish to the mains if preferred. There's often a mouth-watering buffet to select from, as when we stayed, with hot dishes and delicious salads served with a choice of really excellent dressings.

A continental breakfast is included in the tariff: seasonal tropical fruit (we had papaya, watermelon, banana and pineapple), superb homemade kefir, locally made granola, home-grown raw honey, generous Costa Rican coffee and tea supplies, fresh juices, and typical Gallo pinto (rice and beans), fried plantain, Finca Luna Nueva cheese, sour cream and eggs. There's also an a la carte menu including coconut chia pudding with farm grown cacao nibs, omelette, turmeric quinoa and black beans with roasted vegetables and fried plantain, and eggs to order.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Kids' meals
• Lunch by arrangement
• Organic produce
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Take the (9am daily) fascinating farm tour for an insight into pioneering sustainable agriculture with principles based on how the rainforest grows. Try the cocoa tour – a 1000-year journey from bean to bar – where you'll end up making the Drink of the Gods and organic chocolate
  
• Ask about the Sacred Seeds Sanctuary: over 300 species of medicinal plants grown to preserve their genetic material for future generations, and the knowledge of how to use them for healing
  
• Visit Arenal Volcano and the hot springs at its base – 40 minutes away. Hire a guide to make the most of the experience; hike on old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail for the best views including to Lake Arenal
  
• Swim in the spring-fed pool or lounge in the solar-heated hot tub
  
• Rainforest tours are easily arranged. Plant a tree to assist in reforesting biological corridors. Take a night tour (self-guided or with guide) on the Rainforest Mysteries Trail which starts near the restaurant
  
• Relax in your hammock and watch amazingly colourful birds from toucans to hummingbirds (250 species have been recorded). There's also a canopy tower for a more 'birds eye' view across the landscape
  
• The Rain Forest Spa offers a range of massages, aromatherapy treatments, acupuncture and Reiki
  
• The beautiful bamboo yoga pavilion is popular with retreats, and has mats, blocks, blankets and straps if you want to practice
  
• There's a wealth to do in and around Arenal which can be booked for you including rafting, ziplines, paddle-boarding, kayaking, horse riding and canyoning

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Canyoning
• Cooking classes
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Plantlife / flora
• Rafting
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Trekking
• Well being
• Wildlife
• Yoga
• Zip-wiring

Kids

Children will love Luna Nueva, which is set up well for families with primary school age children and older, although all ages are welcome. And the animals and activities on the farm are fascinating for kids.

Because of the potential hazards linked with the rainforest, we'd recommend it for older children, and possibly babies, only - if your children might roam off on their own, this isn't the safest place for them.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Families of 2 adults, 1 child can book Casa Luna rooms which have 1 queen and a single bed. Otherwise, book a family bungalow, sleeping up to 6. Larger families can also book adjacent Casita Deluxe bungalows which individually can take up to 3. All have showers, not baths

Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 2.5 hours
• Medical facilities: 25 minutes
• Nearest town: 10 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is between San Ramon and La Fortuna, just over 2 hours from San José and 40 minutes from Arenal Volcano.

By Air:
Arenal/La Fortuna (45km) is served by domestic flights from San José Juan Santamaria International (90km) which is also the main airport for international flights, though seasonal charter flights from North America and Europe arrive into Liberia (180km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport
Finca Luna Nueva Lodge can arrange a transfer from either airport. Alternatively, take the bus, and they will collect you from the nearest bus stop.

By Car:
You might want the freedom of a hire car for exploring the Arenal area, in which case we recommend a 4-wheel drive - see our car rental recommendations. If you're not planning to stray far from the Lodge you could consider coming by public transport or bus, and then taking a transfer to Arenal. It will save you money, and you can completely relax.

Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.com.

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