What’s Next for Lapa Rios: New Suites & Planned Renovations
When the Fernandez and Loeb families purchased Lapa Rios in June of 2019, they were excited to become stewards of a very special place. The Osa Peninsula - dubbed the most biodiverse place on the planet - has drawn wildlife enthusiasts to the region for nearly three decades. Imagine spotting swooping scarlet macaws, lazy sloths, monkey chattering in the treetops and brilliant poison dart frogs hopping right in front of you, all on your way to breakfast. But it is this incredible biodiversity combined with Lapa Rios’s position at the tip of the tropical Golfo Dulce that makes it truly unique in the world. Protected from development by a land easement (the lasting legacy of original owners John & Karen Lewis) the property’s 1,000 acres of lush rainforest merge into sandy beach & warm turquoise water that teems with marine life while footpaths lead to three coveted point breaks, ideal for all surf ability and within walking distance from the lodge.
L to R, Roberto Fernandez, Jack Loeb, Luz Fernandez and daughter Natalia Fernandez, new owners of Lapa Rios Lodge
The Loeb and Fernandez families also own (and are the founders of) Pacuare Lodge, sister property to Lapa Rios within the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World portfolio. “Lapa Rios is amazing, but we didn’t purchase it with the intention to leave everything as is. We plan to make changes,” shared Luz Fernandez, when we caught up with her recently. Most notably, and immediately, those plans include the move towards 100% renewable energy resources from a combination of solar and hydro power. (Previously the property used solar power to heat water but most electricity was provided from generators.)
They also worked with the local community in Puerto Jimenez to purchase a fast, comfortable and modern boat, enabling Lapa Rios guests to access Corcovado National Park in an easy 1.5 hours. Before, entering Corcovado from Lapa Rios was a bit arduous, requiring a pre-dawn wake-up, a long and bumpy road transfer and then a long boat ride, tallying over 3 hours of movement prior to reaching the park’s entrance station. Now, guests can enjoy their breakfast at a more civilized hour, take a quick trip to the closest dock and enter Corcovado National Park by 9:30 am, giving them more time to explore and search for tapirs, one of the park’s main animal attractions that is infrequently spotted within the Lapa Rios reserve. “If the tides are right, the boat can even pick up or drop off guests right at Playa Pan Dulce” (the beach closest to Lapa Rios), shared Luz. “They don’t even need to drive from the property.”
A young tapir spotted in Corcovado National Park. Photo credit to Guillermo Mulder.
Future plans include improving access to the water and elevating the guest beach experience, building a full spa, adding connectivity to the 17 casitas in the form of wifi and/or phones and addressing the # 1 source of guest complaints at Lapa Rios - the stairs. “It will take time, but we plan to eventually enable guests to access their rooms via electric golf carts. Guests will still have the choice to walk between their casitas and the main lodge, and indeed, especially in the morning the walk to breakfast is an awesome time to spot wildlife, but in the future they can also choose to ride instead,” shared Luz. An exact date for this project is TBD but it is high on the list of priorities.
Already in the works? Two new suite categories which will delight travel advisors whose clients may have previously thought of Lapa Rios as a little too rustic. 4 Lapa Ocean Villas and 2 Premier Lapa Suites opened on December 15th, providing upgraded suite options geared towards both couples and families. These new villas and suites are located at the lowest point of the property and closest to Playa Pan Dulce (where bungalows 14-17 previously stood). Architectural renderings and descriptions are below and all casitas (now called Deluxe Lapa Bungalows) will be upgraded and completely renovated over the next several months. All 17 units will retain the stunning views of the Golfo Dulce and surrounding rainforest canopy.
Lapa Ocean Villas (4 total)
Perched above the forest canopy and with sweeping ocean views, each newly built Lapa Ocean Villas immerses guests in the spectacular wild nature of the Osa Peninsula. Each stand-alone villa features smooth hardwood flooring and elegant natural accents. Floor to ceiling screens and a wide wrap-around deck ensure stunning views. The outdoor terrace has a private rain shower, a refreshing plunge pool, hammocks, and comfortable chairs and lounges. Indoors is a living area with a daybed plus a beverage nook with gourmet Costa Rican coffee. The master bedroom features one King bed, fine linens and eco fans. The villa has a spacious bathroom with two solar-heated rain showers. Lapa Ocean Villas can accommodate up to 5 people and are perfect for a family (2 adults and 3 kids) rainforest adventure.
Artist rendering of Lapa Ocean Villas
Premier Lapa Suites (2 total)
For couples or friends who want the best, the two new Premier Lapa Suites offer unparalleled comfort combined while immersing guests in one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Each private standalone suite is surrounded by the rainforest canopy and its abundance of wildlife. Private wraparound terraces feature hammocks and comfortable lounge seating plus a refreshing outdoor rain shower. Indoors you’ll find floor to ceiling views with screens to let in the ocean breezes, efficient eco-fans, a comfortable day bed & reading nook and either one king or two queen-sized beds. Even the bathrooms, with spacious solar heated rain showers and organic amenities, offer views of the rainforest and ocean. Lapa Premier suites are ideal for 2 adults. There is the option to connect these two suites as well through a door on the terraces.
Architectural rendering of Premier Lapa Suites.
How to sell Lapa Rios? The natural beauty of the destination is so unique and the wildlife so remarkable, we think it is worth including in every itinerary. For an epic adventure, consider pairing it with Pacuare Lodge and combining the two via helicopter. For a trip that starts wild and finishes luxe, we like Lapa with Kurà. And if you want to include Panama, Isla Palenque makes a great add-on to follow Lapa Rios with a private island of abundant beaches. Contact reservaciones@laparios.com for availability + assistance with logistics and a complete itinerary within Costa Rica.