Reviews of Mar Verde Lodge

Mar Verde Lodge is a hidden gem embedded in a beautiful jungle garden, full of wildlife. You can easily sit on your terrace, watching an Iguana climbing a tree or listen to the howler monkeys when it gets dark. Leon and Stefan are the friendly and helpful hosts of this place, who make you feel at home. The breakfast is delicious and offers a wide range of options, changing day by day.

One of the best accomodations we have ever stayed in. Very comfortable apartment, perfectly located close to the beach, own terrace with unique jungle view. Very kind host, Leon made us an outstanding breakfast every day. All in all a great experience, 100% recommended.

Stefan and Leon were very friendly and welcoming hosts. The breakfast was fresh and creative every morning and definitely kept us full for most of the day which also saved us money. The location is private but just a short drive to Puerto Viejo with several beautiful beaches to stop by along the way. The mosquito net helped but I suggest remembering big spray because it's a beautiful open air plan space and they do get in! We especially enjoyed the outdoor shower/bathroom and the 2nd outdoor shower to rinse off sand after the beach. We look forward to staying again some day!

A pure example how to spend great and adventurous holiday when lodging and attitude of landlords contributes to good mood, comfort, feeling great.

Really nothing to mention

Beautiful, nicely furnished lodge surrounded by the tropical forest, so be ready to be woken up to the sound of animals in the morning. We felt connected to the nature and open shower on the big terrace was surely an interesting experience. The mosquito net above the bed is included so you feel protected even when the lodge's doors and windows are open. We were impressed by the quality of the breakfast that Leon prepared for us. Every day he cooked delicious dishes (multiple courses). Felt like a 5 star restaurant :) Leon is a very friendly and helpful host. Definitely recommended! Lodge is located walking distance to Playa Chiquita - very nice beach.

Everything was great! Just a small note that Wi-Fi wasn't working very well inside the lodge - best connection was on the terrace.

The room was blended in with the tall trees of the 'jungle' - it was very special ! The decoration in the room set a unique atmosphere. Leon is a very friendly host. Breakfast was fresh and very filling. We wish we had more than 30mins in the morning to enjoy it more. Leon had great recommendations for restaurants near his place and in Puerto Viejo.

A curtain or divider would be good to give the bathroom a bit of privacy. the shower looks on the balcony and vice versa. This is why we recommend couples to stay here. Good to know: the closest ATM is in Puerto Viejo - better to have cash before getting there.

The place was really nice and Leon (the owner) took care of every detail. The breakfast was delicious.

Nothing

Nice place close to the best beach in the area. Leon was a super host and made a great breakfast.

Nothing

Everything — very close access to the beach, feeling like you are in a treehouse, waking up to beautiful jungle sounds and light streaming through open walls, outdoor showering, the decor, the breakfast, the hosts, the conversation… wonderful!

We have no complaints — but if you don’t like bugs or cold outdoor showers, this is not for you.

Mar Verde gives you a chance to experience a tropical jungle up close. The jungle plants surround the elevated terrace; we had a sloth peacefully living in the trees about 6 ft away, many varieties of birds singing, and the sound of howler monkeys nearby although we didn’t see them. The groomed medicinal/botanic gardens are exquisite and include a pet peacock and peahen, a couple of chickens (those eggs are fresh!), and the welcoming dogs that also provide security. The bed is very comfortable, the decor is functional and beautiful, and it is a delight to shower under the sky in total privacy. This is a wonderful, memorable, unique place to stay but it is the charming hosts that make it superb. Stefan and Leon prepare exquisite breakfasts each morning and you get to enjoy the artistic atmosphere that two very creative people have assembled over 30 years. We’ll never forget them and their wonderful hospitality.

There was nothing that we didn’t like, we were charmed.

Stefan & Leon are so lovely. The location is beautiful and we LOVED the Playa Chiquita beach in just 5 minutes walk. It's a bit far from Puerto Viejo but that means you get peace and quiet!

Mar Verde Lodge is the dream come true of living in the jungle. It is a single cabin on stilts so you are living elevated in the midst of nature. This is enhanced by a very open space - no windows, only shutters and sliding doors - and an outdoor bathroom and of course a deck. The whole lodge is of extraordinary architecture and design and is furnished lovingly and tastefully. It is a real pleasure to spend time there. Added to that comes a breakfast that I have never experienced in my life. It cannot be described in words but it clearly has the level of haute cuisine if that would exist for breakfasts. Everything freshly made and a daily variety. Last but not least, the hosts, Stefan & Leon, are truly living hospitality. It started with WhatsApp chats when we were still on our way to make sure we find the place, continued with a warm welcome when we arrived, lots of good recommendations on what to do and where to eat, intelligent and inspiring conversations during breakfast, WhatsApp chats during the day to make sure we are fine and we even stayed in touch after we left. When you leave you have the feeling you leave friends. This was by far the best accommodation and stay we had in Costa Rica, it will be unforgotten and we wish Stefan & Leon all the best.

There is absolutely nothing to not like. Just be aware that if you are afraid of geckos, bugs and other insects this is just not your place. Due to the open space design they come into the room, but not under the mosquito net.

The breakfast was spectacular! Leon' is definitely a 5 star gourmet chef! Still want to know his recipe for hot sauce! Yummy! It's off the grid, but close enough to great restaurants, the beach and shopping in downtown Puerto Viejo! Also, the other best thing is getting around Puerto Viejo in the local Tut Tut's!

I must say that the internet is very spotty as well as non existent some days. So if you're looking for a place to de-stress for a few days off the grid, this is the best place for it! It's like living in a treehouse!