Hotel Shawandha Lodge
Puerto Viejo
Peace and tranquility await you at the Shawandha Lodge of Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica. Surrounded by jungle, and close enough to hike to the beach, the Lodge provides an authentic jungle-beach experience in charming but rustic hardwood bungalows. Lodge amenities include a swimming pool with small waterfall, tropical gardens, nature trails, restaurant, and WiFi in some public areas.
The Lodge is located on a five-acre private reserve and is a short walk from nearby Playa Chiquita. Chiquita is one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica, yet one of the least visited. Whether you are taking a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim, Playa Chiquita is sure to delight your senses and alleviate your stresses.
Puerto Viejo is further up the coast, about 10 minutes by car. Visitors will find small shops, restaurants, and bars. The Caribbean rasta vibe adds to the ambiance, making Puerto Viejo the most popular destination on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is often passed up by mainstream tourists, but it's not for lack of things to do! Wildlife observation is incredible in nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Both protected areas offer groomed hiking trails and gorgeous beaches. Snorkeling can be spectacular from March through May and August through October. Adventurers may prefer a canopy zipline adventure or surf lessons on nearby Playa Cocles.
While the Caribbean has plenty to offer, you are sure to enjoy relaxing days at the Shawandha Lodge. Surrounded by lush gardens and rainforest, guests will enjoy peace, tranquility, and gorgeous surroundings. Take a walk on the nature trails in search of colorful dart frogs, lazy sloths, or cheeky monkeys. Or relax and unwind by the swimming pool with the sounds of the small waterfall in the background.
The Lodge's open-air Wandha Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy a tropical breakfast with the sounds of tropical birds. The dinner menu offers a variety of dishes with a fusion of tropical flavors and French cuisine.
The bungalow style rooms of the Shawandha Lodge are rustic but inviting. The rooms do NOT have air-conditioning or television, but they do offer an artistic neo-primitive concept with beautiful woods, bamboo, and palms. The rooms also have natural ventilation, hardwood furnishings, and artsy bathrooms.
In summary, nature and beach lovers seeking a Puerto Viejo ecolodge will love their time at the Shawandha Lodge. The location is excellent with easy access to Playa Chiquita, the service is outstanding, and the rooms are unique and well decorated.
IMPORTANT: Hotel restaurant is closed every Monday of the year from January to December.
Latitude: N 9° 38' 14.88"
Longitude: W 82° 42' 34.43"
07/22/2022
The rooms at this hotel were very nice private bungalows. Our 3 kids had a quadruple bungalow - very roomy and they were thrilled with the spiral staircase heading down to a very large bathroom! Our Bungalow Tippie was stunning - very romantic for couples and a pool right outside the door, with monkeys playing in the overhead trees. Be prepared that there is no air conditioning, but the bungalows are well vented and have fans, so are very comfortable. Take time to look at the old ceiba tree down a trail near the back of the property - it is huge and beautiful!
12/29/2016
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. We got to get up close and personal with a sloth. The staff accommodated our every need. The breakfast was always fresh and prepared when we were seated.
10/11/2016
Couldn't get the water in the shower to get warm but that wasn't a big deal because it was so hot outside.
03/12/2016
A little down on its luck. Lovely bungalow. Overpriced food and drink. Staff not particularly helpful. Fun location, though far from conveniences without a car.
11/13/2015
Different,but super place to go...any time again
10/15/2015
Hike to beach uncomfortable, overgrown. Would have liked room refrigerators.
09/24/2015
Food was good. Beach was awesome!
02/12/2015
This was the best stay ever....Really made us feel we were in the Rain forest. The huts were great...
