Bosque del Cabo, The Osa Peninsula

rooms

With just 18 'rooms', Bosque del Cabo is pleasantly intimate.

By the main lodge and restaurant there are 2 Classic Cabinas and 8 Deluxe Cabinas. These are simply built with thatched roofs and folding doors that open to ocean views. Rocking chairs and hammocks on the balconies allow you to make the most of the setting. Bathrooms have a sink and toilet inside, and an outdoor shower for that authentic jungle experience.

The Vista Mar Suite and the Aracari Suite are both nearby, on the ground and first floor of a cabina respectively.

A 300ft long suspension bridge takes you over a creek to the 2 Garden Cabinas surrounded by rainforest. They feature 3 roll up canvas walls - an exciting and alluring way to experience the rainforest! The Garden Cabinas and 2-bedroomed Casa Teca enjoy a secluded setting away from the main lodge which appeals to many but may not be suitable for families with younger children.

Casa Miramar (sleeping 8 guests in 3 rooms), is about a mile away and fully submersed in the rainforest. It is made up of 3 small houses linked by heliconia-lined pathways, with an observation deck, a solar power system as well as a small private pool. Casa Blanca, originally built for the owner's mother, has 2 bedrooms, a large wraparound porch with sea views and a sundeck. Casa Coco is the newest addition and completely private, with its own trail to the beach and a private pool and large deck area. All 3 houses are equipped with a full kitchen for self-catering, living room and dining area.

All rooms have fans and safety boxes.

facilities & activities

The lovely gardens are one of the lodge's best features, home to tropical plants, many species of birds, butterflies and moths, and other creatures such as iguanas and agoutis.

With 750 acres of private reserve to explore, there is no shortage of opportunities for hiking, but it's well worth joining one of the guided tours with the resident biologist for a true insight into the mysteries of the rainforest. The sunset tours are always popular with families and children are great at spotting many of the smaller forest creatures. Make sure you also go on one of the early morning bird-watching tours - with luck you will see toucans, parakeets and macaws as well as many other lesser known breeds. There's also a boat tour to see dolphins, which works well in conjunction with the Rio Esquinas mangrove swamp tour and the animal sanctuary visit. 

Fishing can be arranged on request, as can yoga classes (nearby). 

Go reef snorkelling in the Golfo Dulce region or arrange for a fishing trip. Horse-riding is another popular option - take in the rainforest and the spectacular views of the Pacific and Corcovado National Park. 

For something rather more adrenalin-inducing, check out the rather fabulous tree platform; zoom through the rainforest on a 250 ft steel cable zip line onto the tree platform, 110+ ft up in an enormous Manu tree next to the creek behind the lodge.                                                                   

The small kidney-shaped pool is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip after the exertions of the rainforest. You could even book a massage with the resident masseuse - either in the secluded forest clearing or in the privacy of your room.

On a final note, please be aware that due to the remote location of the lodge internet access is very limited.

dining

Guests stay on a full board basis, although you do have the option to self-cater if staying in a Casa.

Those who need to be up and about early to see the wildlife can enjoy a simple breakfast from 5.30am but full service is from 7-9am. Fresh fruit and delicious juices feature on the menu, and there are hot options too, including the very popular banana pancakes!

Lunch is served from 12-1pm, but if you get peckish before dinner, there are snacks as well as tea and coffee available throughout the day.

For dinner, the lodge prepare a generous buffet, with meat, fish and vegetarian options. It tends to be a mix of traditional Costa Rican and International dishes with various themed menus during the week. Specific dietary requests can be accommodated.

family

Bosque del Cabo pride themselves on welcoming family groups of any size and type, although toddlers and younger children will need to be well-supervised as some cabinas do not have enclosed decks and there are some unprotected drops around the property. However, staff are happy to provide baby equipment such as cots, high-chair and baby bath and, in the absence of TVs and internet (!) there are lots of activities on offer to suit older children and teens - as well as the enthralling nature and wildlife tours, there is swimming in the pool, zip-lining, horse-riding, boat trips to see dolphins, snorkelling, surfing lessons etc. The library also stocks natural history books suitable for children.

There are various accommodation options: for families of 3, the Deluxe Cabinas have a bedroom in the loft and master bedroom below, so work well for older children. For families of 4 the Aracari Suite and Casa Blanca are ideal. Casa Miramar (sleeping 8) works well for larger families or groups. Generally speaking the lodge is fairly flexible and extra cots/beds can be added where needed. Its worth noting that the bathrooms are generally shower-only and in some circumstances children may have to share double beds.

Babysitting can be arranged on request.

NB there are potential safety hazards at the lodge due to its location in the rainforest and next to a wild beach, so children should be under parental supervision at all times.

location

Located in the beautiful Osa Peninsula, the lodge is 22km from Puerto Jiménez. Be prepared for a fun, if rather bumpy and eventul one hour drive on a dirt road through rainforest, including some water crossings - in short, the kind of drive that will appeal to most children!

The airport at Puerto Jiménez (25km) is served by domestic flights and most guests tend to fly in from San José or Liberia. Airport transfers will be arranged for you with the lodge. 

It is possible to drive (except during the 'green season'), but it really isn't advisable - expect a long, uncomfortable journey, even in a 4WD.