“Remote lodge on a mangrove island surrounded by rainforest”

We chose to stay at Isla Violin Eco-Lodge as we wanted to experience a real jungle experience - and that's exactly what we got: We stayed in a hut surround by beautiful rainforest and a lot of wildlife on a remote mangrove island. Keeping that in mind accomodation is therefore quite basic: No mobile (and most of the time also no internet) reception, occasional electricity cut-off and of course a lot of insects crawling and flying around outside and inside the hut (mosquito nets above beds provided). The best part of our stay was the hospitality of the owner (who live at the premises). Giovanni is very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Don't miss to go on a boat trip with him as he has so much to tell about the surrounding nature and wildlife. Also he can help arranging trips to Corcovado. His wife was preparing delicious freshly cooked meals 3 times a day which we always struggled to finish due to the size of the portions. Also their son Joshua is really friendly - we played Uno and Domino with him every evening improving our Spanish and his English skills :)

“A wonderful remote place to stay in the middle of the forest.”

Only sounds were natural including Carlos talking to the trees. The cabin had what we needed in it. Comfotable beds with good mosquito net's allthough not much evidence of Mosquitos during our stay. Rustic seats were a little uncomfotable but looked nice. The Food was very good and plentiful. Kayak tour of the Mangroves was good it would be easy to get lost without a guide. Mangrove tour on the boat was excellent. Pick up and drop off by the owner was worth doing as there is less reliance on tide times and public shuttle boat timings.. Very informative despite a slight language barrier.

“If you like quiet, wild and a bit of adventure, this is for you!”

Very basic, but absolutely quiet, out in nature, so well worth staying here. The family is very nice and helpful and nature is abundant. I saw sloths, armadillos and lots of birds. After a good 30-45min hike (steep up- and downhill) you get to a lovely beach where you most likely will be by yourself.

“Hidden gem for adventurers”

Isla Violin Eco Lodge is a hidden gem, for the wild adventurers that loves a deeper immersion in secluded nature. The bungalows are spacious, rustic as expected and extra original with outdoor open toilet and shower (very private, no one can see!), which make it a very unique experience. I used night cameras and every night, i recorded many armadillos. Wildlife there include racoons, slots, anteaters, frogs, possums, snakes, many species of birds on the way to the eco lodge in the mangrove labyrinth. From the eco lodge, there is a 40min walk to the beach. Very secluded and beautiful beach, with a little lagoon. We saw sloths, fruit bats, many birds, frogs, snakes,... on the way and on the beach. At low tide its possible to reach another beach for a longer walk (important to go back in time to avoid being stuck with the rising tide though). Giovanni, Rosa and Yehoshua made us feel at home very quickly. Rosa love to prepare beautiful generous healthy meals, always with very unique different kind of juices. Their water is very pure and safe to drink. We played games with Yehoshua (their 10 years old kid) every evening and had very interesting talks with Rosa and Giovanni about the area, their secluded lifestyle, the history of the place, the misadventures and anecdotes. We really enjoyed our stay and recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive nature experience in some of Costa Rica wildest places!

“The island of dreams. Perfect retreat. Must recommend”

Gio was a great host. The boat journey from Drake was a sight to behold. Rosa outdone herself with her cooking. The lodge is in the middle of the forest in a river delta. It was exactly the isolation I wanted. Still had the feel of home. Room was spacious and comfortable. Bathroom well equipped and outdoors which was really cool. Spent the day writing and listening to the sounds of the jungle. After an amazing dinner I slept like a log. Next morning after pancakes I went on a hour hike to the isolated beach. Beautiful and well worth it. The dog accompanied me too. Back for lunch and a mangrove tour in homemade kayaks. After dinner another splendid sleep. Next day Giovanni took me on a mangrove tour before I took the bus from Sierpe. I would recommend for anyone looking to get a real feel of eco living and being happy with the world. Simple but effective cleansing from society. Most what you cannot do elsewhere. Reasonably priced on top

What a great spot. Literally in the middle of the mangroves. No WiFi, no phone signal, no road noise, no street lights, electricity is solar so no modern conveniences, totally peaceful. Giovanni and his family are so lovely. I missed the share boat from sierpe so paid the €60 ($30 per person) for Giovanni to come get me and it was worth it, he threw in a mini wildlife tour in the mangroves for me, making the 30 min journey into 1.5 hours and me getting to see lots of wildlife (he is very passionate and knowledgable having lived here his whole life, even if you don't stay book a mangrove tour with him) Rosa prepares the best (and biggest) meals I have had in Costa Rica. They catered for me being a vegetarian and unlike most other places I have stayed (rice and beans with veg) put a real effort into making tasty, nourishing and fresh meals. The trail to the beach is a tough 3km hike over the mountain, not like your national park trails, a proper jungle trail (boots and long trousers advised) and wow what a magnificent beach all to one's self... I have travelled all other the place and I've never been to a place so peaceful... A true tropical paradise. If you stay anywhere in Costa Rica, give up your mod- cons and get truley back to nature at isla violin eco Lodge it will probably be the best experience of your holiday!