Living Forest Lodge and Retreat Center

Amazing stay! Place where you can deeply reunite with the nature and wake up with the singing birds and Howler Monkeys!
Johanna is a great host.
Sauna at the premises is a magic in the middle of tropical forest.
Absolutely recommend to everyone: families, backpackers, solo travllers :)

My husband and I spent a couple of nights here. It’s on the western side of the lake (so an hour to the volcano and an hour to the beach - in our opinion a great spot for both kinds of adventure). Johanna was our host and she was welcoming and helpful. Our room was simple and had everything we needed - great value. The shared spaces were amazing (kitchen, yoga space, hammocks, the river). This is a gem! I hope to return here someday soon.

Really tranquil, very relaxing and close to nature. The room was comfortable, the shower and toilet were clean. The garden is very well groomed. They have a sauna at the back next to the river, and you can take a private sauna session and dip in the refreshing water of the river.

Living Forest is the most magical of magical places! The sounds of the river, birds, monkeys, frogs and insects will lull you to sleep at night or during afternoons in one of the well placed hammocks. You'll wake to the sounds of the jungle at first light. Yoga on the deck by the river is an experience you don't want to miss. Room accomadations are available ranging from dorm style to private room and bath. Our room featured an enjoyable outdoor shower! There are many shared outdoor spaces and a shared kitchen. There is a wood burning sauna we plan on checking out before our departure. The owner, Johanna has built a lovely retreat. Thank you for our stay with you!

I attended a writing retreat at Living Forest in July 2017. It is gorgeous! You really feel like you are a part of the forest, surrounded by lush plant life, a beautiful running creek and lots of birds, monkeys and more! Johanna is amazing! This is the perfect place to unplug, recharge, learn, grow and heal. I can’t wait to visit Johanna, her pets and the Living Forest again!

Wow! !Que maravilloso! This place is beautiful and tranquil. If you want a relaxing vacation, spend a week here. The owner Yohanna, is a fantastic host who can speak español and teach you yoga. I stayed here a while. There are hammocks to lay in, a river to walk and wade in, and a communal kitchen to keep and cook food. There is a small town nearby with a small store, (a pulporilla). Lago Arenal is nearby and so are three restaurants. The rooms are clean and the showers are tall enough. I'm 6 feet tall so that is importante para mi. The people around here are so friendly. I loved visiting. I want to return and stay here again.

An amazing serene home in the jungle. Waking up by the sounds of wildlife in a beautiful home. Enjoy the flowing river on the property or go for a hike! Safe and beautiful place!

What a beautiful calm place this is… With its own stream running around the base of the property where you can swim after taking a natural sauna. I can’t recommend this place highly enough

Absolutely a wonderful, tranquil setting. Dec 2015.

Beautiful, tranquil and welcoming. Just what I needed.

The owner is a true gem and the place is a peaceful paradise.

This place is incredible, beautiful and relaxing. In heart of nature. I saw often monkeys just on the trees in front the terrace where I was eating that is just magic, and also many differents birds. I love this place

If you want to stay in the jungle in Costa Rica, the Living Forest is the place.

Peaceful place