The Lapa Luxury
Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge
As new green (and greenwashed) hotels appear faster than you can say “carbon offset,” sometimes it pays to go for an oldie but a goodie. Costa Rica’s stunning Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge has been setting the gold standard for sustainable luxury since the ‘90s (and provides a blueprint for newer eco resorts such as Arenas Del Mar). Perched on the mountainside of a 1,000-acre nature preserve, the 16-bungalow property is a true retreat: It offers spa treatments, picnics beneath hidden waterfalls, and soccer games with the locals — but no phones, TVs, or even (take a deep breath) hairdryers allowed.
For more information, go to laparios.com.
