Geckoes Lodge: Romantic Barefoot Luxury & Private Plunge Pool

• Great Experience!

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  Great Experience!

  • Guest Lindsay
  • Date of stay 03/05/13
  • Review Submitted 05/02/13
  We recently enjoyed almost ten days in Casa del Bosque, one of Tom and Zoe's two beautiful guest houses. As everyone has said before us, their warm hospitality, helpful tips, and kind gestures made us feel very comfortable and cared for. They have created a wonderfully private paradise in the rainforest. You could not ask for better accommodations and you certainly can't beat the magnificent setting. We will definitely recommend Geckoes to others in the future. Thank you Tom, Zoe, Tita, and Jose!

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• Very Difficult to Leave...

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  Very Difficult to Leave...

  • Guest Sophie
  • Date of stay 03/23/13
  • Review Submitted 05/02/13
  ...and I don't mean at the end of our stay, it was difficult to leave the house each morning! My 13 year old and I had a rare mother/son escape to Costa Rica, and taking advice from all the emphatic reviewers here, chose Geckoes Lodge. It exceeded our expectations, and those were already high! Everything everyone has already said here is true. The setting is extraordinary, (toucans flying past, howler monkeys frolicking in the trees above, hummingbirds flitting past exotic blooms), the hosts warm, welcoming, thoughtful and generous, the location perfect for exploring this beautiful part of Costa Rica. It is a ridiculously romantic place, rather wasted on the two of us, but we had excellent fun snorkelling and zip-lining and hiking and riding bikes, and I'll just have to return with my partner! Thank you, Tom and Zoe, for creating such a beautiful refuge from a seemingly interminable New York Winter!

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• Pure Romance!

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  Pure Romance!

  • Guest Kristi
  • Date of stay 03/01/13
  • Review Submitted 05/02/13
  We finished our stay at Casa del Bosque. I still vision myself there, lying in the hammock, doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the noises of the jungle and the rainforest. Each of the houses had games provided, which we hadn't thought to bring anything with us, so it worked quite well. The best part, was not having to do anything. Tom and Zoe thought of absolutely everything to make our stay as relaxing, romantic, and as enjoyable as they could. Jose takes such good care of the grounds, and his wife, Tita, kept the Casa's in immaculate condition. Overall, while this was my first out of country experience, I have traveled to many places in the US. Staying at Geckoes is Pure Romance and worth every penny and every minute of your time. We cannot wait to return! Pura Vida

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• The Magic of the Rainforest

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  The Magic of the Rainforest

  • Guest Andy
  • Date of stay 01/12/13
  • Review Submitted 03/20/13
  Barefoot Luxury they say! A secluded hideaway they say! It is all this and more!!! Firstly the owners Tom and Zoe are the most hospitable couple we have ever met. After spending a couple of hours chatting we had a great knowledge of the area, and felt we had met great new friends. The lodges themselves are beautiful, with the most comfortable beds a truly secluded hideaway, there is a welcome pack of fruit and nibbles in your lodge which was greatly appreciated. In fact there are a few surprises and touches that Tom and Zoe do not advertise, but make your stay feel very special. Their are some great restaurants in the area, el refugio being our favourite, but breakfast at banana and chocolate should not be missed. We will definitely be returning to Geckoes, it is everything they say it is and a lot more.

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• Private, Perfect Paradise!

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  Private, Perfect Paradise!

  • Guest Jess
  • Date of stay 01/12/13
  • Review Submitted 03/20/13
  We stayed at Geckoes in Jan 2013 as the conclusion to our 3 week honeymoon touring Costa Rica. My husband booked the place, and I will be honest; as we drove away from the palm lined beaches and into the forest my heart dropped... Would this be an anticlimax to an incredible 3 weeks...? Well, I am big enough and ugly enough to admit that I should've trusted him (and the reviews on Tripadvisor he'd used as research)! Geckoes was a fabulous secluded island of luxury tucked away in its own private jungle. The house itself is a fabulously indulgent triumph of dark wood, shutter doors and canopied beds...whilst Zoe & Tom's attention to detail and little surprises (won't ruin them for you) made this place feel truly special. Sitting by the plunge pool watching Toucans play in the trees, fishing a tree frog out of the plunge pool and feeling very intrepid with our first Costa Rican BBQ were all highlights of our stay. Couple this with Zoe & Tom - the two most hospitable people around - and you have a fabulous destination well worth the stop off. We kept popping in "for 5 mins" to mine them for information about the local area and then wandering out 2 hours later, hopelessly late for dinner reservations and having debated life, love and the universe. I can't wait til we go back!

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• “Stop reading reviews and book Geckoes Lodge!”

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  “Stop reading reviews and book Geckoes Lodge!”

  • Guest Philip & Elisa
  • Date of stay 05/25/12
  • Review Submitted 09/11/12
  My wife and I just returned from a five day stay at Geckoes Lodge for our Anniversary. I booked the trip in late December and shortly thereafter we found out we were pregnant with our second child. Knowing that we would not be able to sip margaritas or partake in too many activities, we almost decided not to go. Boy are we glad we went! After a very scenic five hour drive from San Jose, we arrived at dusk. Jose was there to open the gate for us. Tom, Zoe and the guard dogs, Fred and Charlie were standing in the driveway to greet us and walk us up to one of the most beautiful settings we have ever seen. The architecture of the open air villa is fantastic. The kitchen and the living space is open to the jungle, while the large bedroom and the bathroom are enclosed and can be locked. The furnishings are beautiful and there is a private plunge pool for cooling off after a day at the beach. There was fresh fruit on the counter and the fridge was stocked with beer and wine for us. My only concern upon arrival was that our cell phones didn't work in Costa Rica, leaving us no way to call our four year old son back home each night. Tom was right there handing me a cell phone loaded with minutes to use during our stay. The only problem with our villa was that the batteries had gone bad in our safe. In an ordinary place you would probably get a promise to fix it the next day. Instead, since the other villa was empty, Tom gave me the only master key to hold on to until he could buy new batteries, which he did before breakfast the next day. (this at a place where I could have left a wad of cash sitting on the kitchen counter all day without ever giving it a second thought). Tom and Zoe's troop of animals make you feel right at home. My wife fell in love with Fred and Charlie and their presence onsite made her feel additionally secure, while Pym the cat always seemed to show up at nap time. Let me just say that due to my wife being 5 months pregnant, we did absolutely nothing on this vacation. Everyday, we took their copy of Caribbean Way Magazine and found every beach in it and then came back to our beautiful villa to cool off and relax. We did absolutely nothing and thanks to Geckoes Lodge, we loved it.

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• “Vital organs for sale...I wanna go back!”

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  “Vital organs for sale...I wanna go back!”

  • Guest Amy & Fraser
  • Date of stay 04/15/12
  • Review Submitted 05/16/12
  I ordinarily hate filling in guest books at places we stay. In the case of Geckoes my lack of enthusiasm for filling in the guest book was simply that it meant we were leaving and frankly I didn't want to!!Firstly, I should say Geckoes isn't cheap BUT if someone gives you the keys to a Rolls Royce you don't expect that to be cheap either. Also when the Rolls Royce is chauffuer driven by the two of the nicest people you will ever meet you know that whatever price you pay you have a bargain on your hands. Before I gush embarrassingly about Geckoes just a word or two on Costa Rica. Having never been to this part of the world we read with a degree of jitters the reports on crime, crazy drivers yadda yadda. Our experience though couldn't have been further from what we read - The PLACE (Puerto Viejo): Simply stunning - we were there late April so crowds from Easter had gone and to have some of the most amazing beaches almost entirely to your self is amazing - especially for those of us with blindingly pale skin and in built Scottish self consciousness! - "the beautiful people" may disagree as no one is there to admire them! The people, food, cats/dogs, monkeys, iguanas etc etc were all fabulous, I know that sounds cliched but it's true. Now back to Geckoes! We stayed in the one bedroom Casa del Bosque and the design, style and finish of the house was immaculate. Everything we needed (including a cold beer) was there for us and lying in the hammock in the afternoon, with a beer and a book (only ever read a page before falling fast asleep!) was bliss and exactly what was needed after a hectic year. Tom and Zoe (and Holly) are the perfect hosts, it is hard to compliment them enough for what they have created in this magical place. The biggest compliment I can pay them however is that at no point did we feel like a customer or even a guest - we felt like this was our home and that we just happened to have the friendliest and most helpful neighbours in the world! I can't imagine there are many holiday lets where you can walk over to ask a quick question about horse riding and end up staying for several hours drinking G&T! Anyway I have already written 5 times more than I planned to but such is our love for the place I could go on all day. Suffice to say we will be back ASAP and aim to bring friends to and if you are fortunate enough to have the means and opportunity to go to this amazing place, grab it with both hands and you won't regret it!

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  • 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!

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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Additional information about rental rates

We accept CREDIT CARDS THROUGH PAYPAL

To confirm a reservation we request a 50% deposit of the total net cost of your stay, payable by bank transfer or Paypal. The remaining 50% plus 13% Government Sales tax can be paid in cash on arrival, or Paypal, or by bank transfer, as you prefer.

Questions? Just ask us: We're happy to help.

Zoe & Tom.

Additional Fees and Taxes:

ALL Taxes and Housekeeping are INCLUDED.