Drake Bay Greenleaf, Drake Bay

Tucked away on a hill in the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay Greenleaf is a secluded lodge with beautiful views of the rainforest canopy and the bay. The small family-run property has only four bungalows and a main reception building; the bungalows, bright, airy, and spacious, are simple in design. While not far from the village of Drake Bay village, the location is relatively isolated. It's an 8-minute walk from the beach and a 15-minute drive from Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay Hiking Trailhead.

Pros

• All meals are included, and the gourmet food is excellent.
• The hotel is an eight-minute walk from the beach.
• It's common to see wildlife around the grounds.
• Past travelers have praised the plush, ultra-comfortable mattresses and pillows.

Cons

• There's no pool, spa, or gym.
• The location is remote, and guests mostly depend on rental cars or shuttles.

Authenticity

The hotel is immersed in nature, allowing guests to experience the rainforest up close. The hotel is family-run, and the owners happily offer travel advice and recommendations. Since there are just four bungalows, they can provide personalized attention. Previous travelers mentioned the hotel's owners greeted them in the morning over coffee, food, and fresh-squeezed juice.

Location

The best way to get around the area is by car or shuttle, though several off-site restaurants and a decent grocery store are accessible on foot. Guests can speak to the owners, Helen and Steven, to plan complimentary transportation to and from local attractions like the beaches, including Playa Colorada, a five-minute drive or an 8-minute walk, or Cocalito Beach, a two-minute drive or a 30-minute walk. Meanwhile, the Drake Bay airport is only a 23-minute drive away. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The spacious, air-conditioned villas are thoughtfully designed with handcrafted furniture and comfortable seating. They feature queen and king-size beds, minifridges, smart TVs, and private bathrooms. Each has a balcony offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the jungle. Some bungalows also have roll-in showers, making them accessible to those with limited mobility.
 

Wildlife

It's common to see birdlife like hummingbirds and toucans, capuchin monkeys, sloths, and snakes from the restaurant and room balconies. 

Amenities

Drake Bay Greenleaf offers a range of amenities, including fast, strong WiFi, in-room massage treatments (for an extra fee), laundry service, and accessibility features. There's no gym, pool, or spa on-site. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at Drake Bay Greenleaf. Kids three and younger stay free, and kids over 13 are considered adults. The Deluxe Bungalow with two beds is the best room for families with children. Cribs are available on request, and extra beds are available at a hefty additional cost. There's a children's menu available for all meals. Board games are available for travelers with families, and the hotel is stroller-accessible, as the entire property and all its units are on the ground floor.

Other Highlights

The hotel's restaurant and bar serve excellent American, Italian, Mexican/Tex-Mex, Costa Rican, Latin American, and barbecue dishes, all with ingredients sourced from the property's gardens, local farms, and the nearby Pacific Ocean. The open-air dining area offers panoramic views of the rainforest and Drake Bay, creating the perfect ambience for enjoying your meals. The bar and restaurant are in the same space, and a lounge is nearby to relax and have a drink. All meals and nonalcoholic beverages are included, while alcoholic beverages are available for separate purchase.