Hotel Villas Gaia Ecolodge

A hilltop retreat above Playa Tortuga

A small hilltop above the wild beach of Playa Tortuga sets the scene at Hotel Villas Gaia Ecolodge. From here, the South Pacific landscape becomes part of the stay: panoramic views, a jungle trail leading to the beach, and casitas with private terraces where you can linger between outings. The lodge’s commitment to environmentally sustainable operations adds to its appeal for travelers who want a quiet retreat close to nature.

Give yourself time for the hotel as well as the coast, with friendly service welcoming you back between outings. A large swimming pool invites an unhurried afternoon, the Rancho bar provides a place to relax, and the restaurant serves local fish, meats and vegetables in its signature dishes. Free internet in each casita and the common areas keeps a practical connection close by. Boxed lunches and laundry service are available for an additional fee.

Choose your place on the hillside

Standard air-conditioned casitas have private terraces and jungle views; Deluxe air-conditioned casitas occupy the hilltop and also look into the jungle. Both include lamps, a nightstand and a safe deposit box. For travelers who enjoy having outdoor space of their own, the terrace is a lovely part of the accommodation, a place to pause before heading back to the pool or trail.

Casa Congo, a two-bedroom house on the hilltop, brings both ocean and rainforest views into the choice. A living room, sofa bed and refrigerator provide a different setup from the casitas, alongside air conditioning, cable television, lamps, a nightstand, a safe deposit box and a private terrace. Couples and families can choose the accommodation that best matches how they want to spend their time here.

Follow the coast, then return to the hill

Nearby Marino Ballena National Park and the surrounding beaches draw attention toward the water. Snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, and whale- and dolphin-watching tours are possibilities in the area. Inland, rainforest hikes, canopy zip lining, horseback riding and safari floats provide other ways to shape your days. These are outings to plan around your interests, leaving room for the simple pleasure of returning to the lodge.

The beach is reached by the jungle trail, so think of Villas Gaia as a hilltop stay with a route down to the shore. Choose it for the combination: a natural stretch of coast to explore, a private terrace to return to, and poolside hours that need no elaborate itinerary.

Highlights to help you choose your stay

• A hilltop outlook with a trail to the shore: A small hilltop overlooks wild Playa Tortuga, and a jungle trail leads to the beach. Choose the elevated setting and natural surroundings while planning beach time as a walk along the trail.
• Quiet hours are part of the stay: The lodge’s environmentally sustainable approach and quiet setting suit nature-minded couples and families who want time to relax between South Pacific outings.
• Poolside afternoons and meals close by: A large swimming pool, Rancho bar and restaurant serving local fish, meats and vegetables make it easy to enjoy time at the hotel. Enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes and friendly service between outings.
• Pick the outlook that matters to you: Standard and hilltop Deluxe casitas have air conditioning, private terraces and jungle views. Casa Congo occupies the hilltop with both ocean and rainforest views, so an ocean outlook depends on the accommodation you choose.
• More space in Casa Congo: The two-bedroom house adds a living room, sofa bed and refrigerator, along with cable television and a private terrace. It provides a different setup from a casita for families or travelers who value shared living space.
• Explore water and rainforest: Nearby Marino Ballena National Park and the surrounding area open up snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, whale- and dolphin-watching tours, jungle hikes, canopy zip lining, horseback riding and safari floats. Let your interests guide the outings you arrange, from a day on the water to an exploration of the rainforest.
• Know what is complimentary and what costs extra: Internet is free in each casita and in the common areas. Boxed lunches and laundry service are available for an additional fee, so allow for those charges if they are part of your plans.

Plan a Costa Rica vacation with Pacific Trade Winds and discuss how Hotel Villas Gaia Ecolodge fits your route and travel dates.