Fodor's Expert Review Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

This hilltop jungle lodge has it all: exquisite bungalows in the closest location to Corcovado National Park, extensive gardens, two swimming pools, a beach, excellent tours, naturalist guides, and first-class service. Earth-tone fabrics, cane and bamboo accents, four-poster beds, and huge tile bathrooms---some with new open-air showers---set a serene mood amid the exuberant greenery outdoors. Laundry service is extra, but each room has a clothesline for drying your sure-to-get-damp clothing. Self-guided nature trails around the property include a well-signed garden tour of the immaculate grounds. You can take a guided boat tour to Corcovado's nearby San Pedrillo station, or you can hike there with a guide. Another highlight is the Caño Island snorkeling tour, with stops to watch dolphins and whales en route. A daily sunset ritual takes place at the hilltop bar, where guests snack on bocas as the sun disappears into the sea behind Caño Island. In the elegant restaurant, decorated with stained-glass panels, first-class four-course dinners focus on locally produced fish and meats. Desserts are especially creative and delicious. Servers are friendly and attentive. Breakfasts are excellent and huge, and the kitchen packs hearty picnic lunches. There is Wi-Fi throughout the property. The best deal is a three-night package that includes air transportation from San José, all meals, and guided trips to Caño Island and Corcovado National Park.