It is an untouched paradise where comfort never sacrifices sustainability. A place where you are free to wander, reflect and adventure. Just two hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport and only four hours from the coast,, El Lugar is both an effortless escape and a world all its own. Spanning 1,200 acres of untouched tropical forest, you’ll find rare birdwatching, endless biodiversity, horseback adventures and the quiet luxury of your own casita and plunge pool.
Before the foundation of El Lugar, the same family had been nurturing the estate as an agricultural farm for over 80 years. The land spoke deeply to founder, Gary Douglas.
The primary mission was to regenerate and preserve El Lugar for future generations.
Not one tree was cut down, nor was an inch of terrain leveled. Immense effort was poured into regenerating the land and a wonderful transformation occurred. The biodiversity flourished and myriad species of birds and wildlife have returned. In concert with nature, the resort was thoughtfully developed with preservation as the priority. Advanced sustainability measures were paramount in development, yet what El Lugar achieved is something even more.
The vision was to deliver luxury without sacrificing the raw beauty of this untouched place.
The desire was for El Lugar to feel as if it had been around for a century and to be built to last many more. The casitas were crafted by hand, down to the one-of-a-kind doors, screened windows and exposed beam ceilings. Each balcony door was handmade here at El Lugar and the front door of each casita has a reclaimed, one-of-a-kind antique door. The carefully chosen antiques whisper of a journey around the world. When you step through your casita’s door, the ambiance and bright, airy energy beckons you inside to reflect, rejuvenate and experience wherever the rainforest breeze takes you.
The hacienda-style casitas of El Lugar were crafted to feel as if they’ve been here for a century and were built to last even longer. Old world warmth envelopes you while modern amenities make enjoyment effortless. Stroll through the handcrafted doors and discover what awaits. Each charmed casita can be anything you need it to be whether that is relaxation, reflection or sheer adventure.
Our local team welcomes you and will help you plan your itinerary. Explore our nature trails, take a dip in one of our plunge pools, embark on a birdwatching tour of over 130 rare species, take an open-air ride through the Rainforest to a pristine watering hole for a refreshing mid-day swim or book a day astride a Costa Rican Walking Horse. At El Lugar, the possibilities are limitless.
Our team has received extensive education and training to provide the ultimate guest experience. What better stewards of authentic Costa Rican hospitality than the people that call this special place home? You will just have to visit to discover it for yourself!
El Lugar is approximately two hours northeast of San José airport in the northern lowlands (Heredia province).
Please contact us if you require more detailed travel information.
