Fodor's Expert Review Guacamaya Lodge

Spread across a breezy hill with expansive views above the treetops of the surrounding forest and the sea, the Guacamaya is a real find, with affordable, spacious cabinas surrounding a generous-size pool, lawn, and tropical plants. The large restaurant shaded by a conical thatch roof serves excellent Continental cuisine, including such Swiss specialties as Rösti (hash browns with bacon and cheese) and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (beef medallions and mushrooms in a creamy sauce), various pastas, fresh seafood dishes, and a good salad selection. Meals come with deliciously dense homemade bread. The spacious bungalows with plenty of windows and small terraces are a real deal and the most charming of rooms. Screened windows let in the cooling evening breezes, so you probably won't need the quiet air-conditioners in each room. Well-equipped studios in a two-story building have kitchenettes, big bathrooms, and covered porches; those on the second floor are more spacious and have better views. The modern villa, with a full kitchen and a large covered veranda, is perfect for rental by families. There's also a kids' pool and a playground, as well as tennis and volleyball courts. The place fills up fast with Swiss tour groups, so book early.