La Cusinga Lodge

La Cusinga Lodge, in the coastal hills above Marino Ballena

La Cusinga is an eco-lodge in a private nature reserve on the coastal hills just outside Uvita, with views over Marino Ballena National Park and Ballena Island. It is named after the cusinga, the fiery-billed aracari, a small toucan that nests here. It suits nature lovers, yoga travellers and couples who want sea views and quiet over a resort.

Why we choose it

• Ocean views from the rooms. Almost every room type looks out over the Pacific and the marine park.
• A private reserve to explore. Trails run through gardens and forest, and one leads to a lagoon where howler monkeys sit in the tall trees.
• Yoga facing the sea. The yoga platform sits in the rainforest looking at the ocean, good for beginners and regulars.

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Rooms and views

The rooms are built from reforested wood and open to the views. The Ocean View Deluxe Suite has a living room, a balcony and two double beds. The Ocean View Deluxe Room looks over both the ocean and the jungle, and there is also a Deluxe King.

The Ocean View Family Room works well for families and small groups, and the Ocean View Standard and Superior rooms keep the sea in sight for a simpler stay. The sunsets from here are the show every evening.

On the property

Meals are made with locally grown ingredients and served in a dining area with long views over the coast. There is a spa for massages, and yoga classes can be booked on the platform. The trails through the reserve are made for birding and wildlife, and the Wi-Fi works if you need it.

Location and getting there

The lodge is on the outskirts of Uvita, on the southern Pacific coast, overlooking the national park. A path leads down to a beach you can reach at low tide, and the park's sand bar, the Whale's Tail, makes a walk out to sea at low water. Humpback whales come to these waters in season, and from here we arrange whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and horseback rides. See more of Ballena Beach and Marino Ballena.

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