Tiskita Jungle Lodge

Tucked away in the trees, the lodge is built almost entirely from locally-sourced wood. The dining room is open-sided to let the ocean breeze float in, and fresh local fare is always on the table - most of the fruit comes from the organic orchard, a 10-minute walk across the valley. You can even go on a tasting tour! In your down time, enjoy a dip in the secluded pool, read up about the wildlife at the library, or join other early-risers for yoga on the deck.

Sprinkled across the grounds, there are a number of casitas constructed from fallen hardwood trees, and surrounded by chattering capuchin monkeys and coatis. The spring-fed bathrooms are semi open-air with solar-heated showers and organic toiletries. The rooms are all naturally ventilated but ceiling fans are there if you need them. Each has a terrace (most are shared) with views of the jungle or ocean, and a hammock to sway in. The largest and most private accommodations are the bungalows.

One of the least-visited places in Costa Rica, the Golfo Dulce and its surrounding reserves are truly wild. Discover the many species of birdlife, monkeys and sloth on foot, two wheels or horseback - and top it off with a picnic on the beach or in the mountains. On night-time excursions, spot armadillos, raucous tree frogs and bioluminescent fungi. Head to the beach for a tidal pool walk, snorkelling, surfing or a whale-watching boat trip. Take the culinary tack with a chocolate or tortilla making class.