COSTA RICA
executive summary by darmansjah
Pacuarde LodgeVisitors come for the adventure and stay for the romance at Pacuare, located on 25,000 protected acres of high biodiversity rain forest in the Talamanca Mountains-home to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and sloths. Arrival is by white-water raft on the lodge’s namesake river (for those who don’t want to get wet, the overland alternative includes a combo of 4x4 vehicle, hand pulled-cable river crossing, and a short hike). Once you are there, a different kind of experience unfolds-think Swiss Family Robinsons meets jungle luxury. Candlelight dinners accompanied by fine wines are the hallmark of the owners, who are Costa Rican foodies. Afterward, sink into one of the big canopy beds, serenaded by nature’s lullaby. 19 rooms; from $377, including full board and rafting and/or ground transportation to and from the lodge.