Guest: Beverley & Howard (-)
Date of Stay: 10/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Geckoes Lodge is the most fantastic place we have ever stayed, and we can't wait to go back. The romantic, secluded Casa del Bosque is ideal for relaxing in beautiful jungle surroundings. Tom and Zoe, the owners could not have made us feel more welcome, and we miss the place already. They were so helpful with arranging tours, taxis and giving local advice - with a glass of wine at hand! They have made their piece of jungle into an absolute paradise. The flora and fauna are incredible in Costa Rica - we were blown away by the variety in the grounds of Geckoes alone: hummingbirds, howler monkeys, Morpho butterflies and some very weird and wonderful bugs! The area is full of amazing beaches, lots of things to do (zip line canopy tours, animal rescue centres, chocolate farms, botanical gardens, snorkelling trips and more). Junior, our Gandoca lagoon guide was great - very knowledgeable and very laid back. I’d recommend getting a bike to trundle around the beach areas - nowhere is too far to get, and it’s a great way to see the wildlife. The food in the area is excellent - plenty to choose from, including a wonderful Italian (La Pecora Nera) and fab local food: a fish soup called rondon at Selvin's (be prepared to wait if it's busy), and really good Caribbean dishes at Flip Flop in Puerto Viejo. Also worth a visit is Arrecife at Punta Uva beach - very tasty 'Pie de Coco'. For nightlife, Mango Sunset in Puerto is really good – live music, DJ’s and free daiquiris for the ladies at 9pm! All in all, an unforgettable holiday!

Recommended for:

Guest: Toronto Jen (-)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Geckoes is even more beautiful, charming and luxurious than it appears on its website. The care that Tom and Zoe and their two staff give to Geckoes is evident in every aspect of their operation. First of all, one couldn't ask for more generous, knowledgeable and affable hosts than Tom and Zoe -- they gave excellent advice and recommendations about the area, and their hospitality went above and beyond. We stayed at Casa del Bosque, their spacious and private one-bedroom house. We marvelled at the attention to detail in the elegant design; the furnishings and decor are beautiful and every room is immaculate. There are gorgeous fresh tropical flower arrangements in every room -- the romance of the large bedroom is augmented by the light scent of fresh orchids. The kitchen is outfitted with all you need for basic meals -- I hadn't planned on cooking while on holiday, but when I saw the open-air kitchen, I couldn't resist! This is not the place for those who want to be shut away from the outdoors -- the living/dining areas and kitchen are open to the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest (a roof with a generous overhang shields from rain, of course). The sensation of being at once indoors and out is truly special and unique. Hummingbirds and butterflies can be seen flitting from flower to flower as you sit at the dinner table or recline in the hammocks, and don't be surprised if you find a friendly gecko hanging out in the bathroom! The sound of monkeys in the trees can be heard in the early morning. If you're planning to do a lot of sleeping in, you may want to bring earplugs! While there is a very attractive beach within walking distance, there are many more beautiful beaches, sights and restaurants within a few kms. For guests without a rental car (like us), we followed Tom & Zoe's advice and hired a golf cart for a few days -- a fun and efficient way to get around the different local towns and beaches. Bicycles, ATVs and scooters are also readily available for hire in Puerto Viejo at daily and weekly rates. My boyfriend and I loved Geckoes and hope to have an opportunity to return someday.

Recommended for:

Guest: Deborah & Tim (-)
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

'Absolutely beautiful sanctuary tucked away in a private, secure piece of paradise.' Date of stay October 2009 This lovely cabina was even better than it appeared on the Website. We were delighted. We traveled there for our annual two week honeymoon, and La Casa del Bosque was pristinely clean, had beautiful high end linens, shiny wood floors which served as a open air place to do yoga every morning, surrounded by views of the rainforest. The casa was very well constructed and well designed for experiencing an open air Tico lifestyle. We were greeted by Tom and Zoe, the proprietors who balanced just the right amount of availability with respect and privacy. They were friendly, relaxed and helpful, genuinely interested in feedback to improve their services. We were visited each morning by Charlie and Fred, their dogs, who were delightful, and not intrusive. The resident cat, who we renamed Mr. Meeps, decided to stay with us, but only at our invitation. The pets made the experience even more like home. The staff, Jose and Tita, were thorough and did a wonderful job of keeping things neat and clean in the jungle, not an easy task. We thoroughly enjoyed the plunge pool which surprisingly stays cool and was a great way to wash off the day. The kitchen was one of the best appointed kitchens I have rented and had everything you could possibly need to prepare full meals, which we did regularly. We ate "at home" more than out, as the fresh fruit and vegetables available at the local market, and fish from good shopping options, were more than enough to satisfy our palettes. To get there from San Jose is a half-day trek, which is a bit of a downside, but once you are there, away from the world, the trip is worth it. Puerto Viejo is full of interesting travelers, without feeling "touristy". Geckoes Lodge itself is a bit distant from the beaches, stores, and town, and it does rain a lot. We were glad we rented a small 4-wheel drive in San Jose (Ramos 4X4) which suited us well and we used everyday. We would love to get a group and return here someday, but barring that, we would highly recommend The Geckoes Lodge to anyone.

Recommended for:

Guest: Aaron and Anna (-)
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

'Wonderful, in all respects!' Date of stay February 2010 If you've viewed the photos and wondered if it looks too good to be true, rest assured that the reality of this lovely little gem, exceeds all expectations! Your hosts, Tom and Zoe are just that -- hosts. They have created a bit of jungle paradise with all the comforts of a four-star facility but with the privacy and sense of calm that you would never find in a resort. Tom and Zoe built two luxurious villas, surrounded by the wilds of Costa Rica, yet within a mile of excellent beaches, fine dining and all the local color and wildlife that makes this rustic, Caribbean coastline so worthwhile. Their property is a short drive away from the main road, removed from everything except the jungle, yet with all the comforts of a fine home. Tom and Zoe are very welcoming and friendly. They live on the property, with their three dogs and two cats and are always available to offer guidance and advice on everything from dining to excursions as well as help with the off-beat things that just seem to come up. Though, they are near, the three villa, are arranged so that you hardly know that anyone else is around. The villa is open and spacious, with a fully equipped kitchen, lovingly appointed living area and one of the nicest places to awake, we can imagine. If you are looking for a trendy, bustling, hot-spot, with casinos, room service and wi-fi... go to Vegas. If you are looking for a lovely, relaxed and special place to get away from it all (yet, still be close enough...), drop Tom and Zoe a line. All the best, Aaron and Anna Truly, we can't say enough about our wonderful time here.

Recommended for: