Macaw Lodge was opened in 2011 by an enterprising local family as the culmination of a long-held vision with a passion for sustainability, self-sufficiency and mindfulness that is expressed throughout this wonderful place.
The lodge is a model of self-sufficiency. It produces 100% of its own energy. Only fallen wood was used during construction, processed at the lodge's on-site mill. Bamboo and fallen wood found on the property were used to create built-in furniture, walls and countertops. Most floors and bathrooms were made from locally-extracted and processed stone and marble. Builders and furniture makers all came from the local area, and many of the staff are drawn from nearby villages. Almost all its food is produced on site using organic principles, topped-up from local farms.
Macaw Lodge stands in a wonderfully remote location nestled amongst the hills and lush forests of Cerro de Turrubares in a transitional zone between dry and wet forests. The lodge is approached on a long winding country road around 45min from the highway along the central Pacific coast.
Things to do
There are 8 acres of on-site trails, many of which are good for birdwatching. One leads down to a small stream where guests can bathe beneath a waterfall. A specialist bird guide can be arranged by the lodge at an extra cost.
The lodge offers two open-air yoga spaces: a covered platform set close to the lodge and an open platform within a grove surrounded by magnificent stands of giant bamboo. Yoga instructors can be arranged.
Guests can take tour of the lodge's sustainable farm to learn more about hydroponics, aquaponics, vermiculture and composting.
There is also a chocolate kitchen which produces hand-made chocolate from Macaw Lodge's own fruit and cacao orchard. The lodge provides a 'root to fruit' experience showing how cacao is grown harvested and turned into chocolate.
Excursions for sea-kayaking and snorkelling off the Pacific coast below the lodge are also available.
Accommodation
On the ground floor of the main lodge is a large space that looks out over the lake and gardens with bar, dining room and areas to relax.
A dramatic central stairway ascends to the 8 guest bedrooms that ring the first floor, mostly with excellent views. The style is quite simple, in keeping with the general ambience.
Each of the 4 garden cabins is a short walk from the main lodge. Each has one or two double beds, and a deck with rocking chair. The largest cabin has a fully-equipped kitchen and wrap-around deck.
Food
The lodge's restaurant serves delicious home-cooked organic food under the 'farm to table' concept using fresh local produce, much of which is grown on-site. The open-air dining room has lovely views out over the botanical gardens and ponds.
Services
There are no TVs, and hair-dryers are not permitted. Low energy LED lighting is used in the bedrooms which can be a little dark at night. Best to bring a reading light if you like a book at bedtime.