The rough road and last few steep hills leading to the lodge made us wonder if we were going to make it. We had just forded a part of the river in our rental vehicle that looked like it had the potential to get our feet wet and we did not know if there were worse challenges to come. Then we got to the top of one hill where there was a sign that said, Keep going you are almost there. As I crested the hill, I stopped, made sure the SUV was in first gear, and continued down the other side. The sign was correct, and thankfully we soon found out it was an excellent choice for us.
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted at our car by a gentleman named Ray with a cold drink. He then showed us around. From the open-air dining area, you have a view of the Pacific Ocean in one direction, and of lush rainforest in every other direction. He took us down a little path to see the pool. Looking back towards the mountainous landscape it was difficult to see the well-placed bungalows and tent cabins nestled on the steep slopes surrounded by trees. Our tent was closer to the main lodge than most but still rather secluded. High above the lodge is a large yoga platform, with a spectacular view. Most of the other tent cabins were quite a few steps above the yoga platform with views from their porches that were equally impressive. Our view was not as good, but I think they put us there because we were among the oldest guests, and I am sure management thought we would appreciate less steps and probably a little more privacy. I think they got that right on both counts. There would be plenty of opportunities to get exercise on the trails. We had lunch and arranged with Ray to go kayaking the next morning. The rest of the day we relaxed around the lodge and I shot a few photos.The woman who owns and designed the lodge is a former ski racer from Colorado who fell in love with Costa Rica on her first visit many years ago. This is her dream. Among other things she is a yoga instructor and though we did not come for that purpose, there were many who were there to take advantage of the excellent facility. When we arrived the owner, Lana, was in San Jose at a convention. Soon after we arrived, a woman, also from Colorado, introduced herself as Lana’s mother. While we were there we learned a lot about Lana from her mother. Everyone at the lodge calls her Mom. Like many parents, she was happy to talk about her children, and since Lana was not there, we got the story from the person who knew her from before she was born. Mom was certainly proud of her daughter’s accomplishments, and rightfully so. The place is pretty special! I am not going to go into the details of Lana’s life that we learned from her mother’s point of view during our stay, but I can tell you that someone else has helped Lana write a book titled: Married to Paradise.
Lana has assembled a group of talented people who do a great job taking care of the guests in this remote slice of Paradise. I knew that it was going to be a nice place when I saw toucans, hummingbirds, and numerous other beautiful birds within minutes of our arrival. My wife knew it was going to suit her when she was sure there was a hot shower, a flush toilet, a comfortable bed in the private tents, and fresh, delicious meals. What neither of us knew immediately was that one of the best things about the place is the people it attracts. I will talk a little more on this subject in later posts. Luna Lodge is the perfect place to relax and engage nature and to meet people who are into both.
To see a few other pictures from our first day, click here. I wish I had taken more pictures of the journey to the lodge to show you, but I was too focused on the road. Believe me, it was an exciting drive, though I was glad that for the next five days the SUV would remain parked.