Lodges in Bahía Solano

I cannot say enough about this place. The location is beautiful and its connection to the large Botanical Garden is a major selling point. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and lead very in depth guided hikes through the jungle to see the hundreds of species that are native to the area. You can certainly come here and relax on the beach, but it's not really that kind of place. It feels like a bit of a remote outpost, which I thought was wonderful. You should be ready to be active. The hikes require Wellington boots, which they'll supply, but you need a good, tall pair of hiking socks underneath. They are strenuous, but so rewarding. Swimming, snorkeling and whale-watching (season permitting) are also possible options. The food is excellent and eaten family style. I never had a meal there I didn't love. The bungalow away from the main house was lovely. The only possible drawback to staying there, instead of at the main building, is the lack of Wi-Fi at the bungalow. But I'd argue that's also a feature, frankly. You go to sleep and wake up to the sounds of the surf and the dozens of bird species in the area.

Where do I start? The property was up the coast from Bahía Solano on Mecana Beach. A remote and beautiful part of the Pacific Coast. I didn't like the hotel I had originally booked so I quickly packed up and made this reservation last minute. I didn't know I'd have to take a boat from Bahía Solano (Mutis) to get there (I didn't read closely enough) but the owner Laura quickly arranged to have us picked up at the dock and we were sitting eating fresh fish and drinking cold beer after a short (20 minute) boat ride. This place was magical, both because of the setting but also largely due to Laura's energy and passion for the property. She is a warm, caring and accepting person and I feel lucky that we got to meet her and stay at her ecohotel. The food was delicious, fresh fish every day and everything was made in house. The place was perfect and just two minutes walk through the trees to the spectacular and peaceful beach. If you're the kind of traveller who needs air conditioning, sterilized rooms or you are high maintenance in any way I would say that this property is probably not for you. If you're like me and love to be close to nature and want to unplug and enjoy then don't hesitate to book here. I would go back tomorrow if I could!