You are staying at La Cusinga, an eco-lodge tucked away in a private rainforest reserve, with sweeping views over the Pacific and a sandy palm-shaded beach studded with natural pools. The property sits on the border of Ballena Marine National Park, one of only two nationally protected marine zones in the country. Here you can observe abundant wildlife on gentle trail hikes and take a dip in natural swimming holes. Sport fishing, surfing, kayaking, horse riding, sailing and snorkelling among schools of tropical fish, turtles and octopuses are also popular additional activities available to book from the lodge. It’s not all action though: the property has a spa with yoga classes, and you are welcome just to sit back and enjoy a tangerine sunset with a cocktail in your hand.
Close by, a number of French expatriates and North Americans have settled in the village of Ocotal and opened high end restaurants offering mouth-watering takes on Costa Rican and French cuisine.