Malekus Mountain Lodge, Rincón de la Vieja
Eco-conscious mountain lodge on a large organic farm with private trails, a pool, a game room, and homemade breakfasts
An amazing experience! Rosie and Roger dreamt of a place where humans could connect with nature and they accomplished something extraordinary. I have nothing but compliments... Read more
Overview
Kimkim's Take
- You'll be immersed in nature at the Malekus Mountain Lodge, with opportunities to observe wildlife, including 250 bird species.
- The lodge is located on a private organic farm, enhanced with native trees, fruits, and vegetables planted by the hosts.
- You can explore the environment through a hand-laid 2-mile (3.5-km) trail, "El Sendero Verde" (The Green Path), built by the hosts without adverse environmental impact.
- The lodge's location between two national parks, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalle Volcano, offers diverse plants and wildlife.
- Your hosts are passionate about preserving authenticity and strive to make their guests feel welcome as part of their family.
- A personal "mirador" (lookout) on the property offers views of Lake Nicaragua and volcanic peaks.
- You might find the WiFi to be spotty at times, but this could be an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
- The lodge requires payment in cash (euros and dollars accepted), so you'll need to be prepared for this.
Authenticity
Malekus Mountain Lodge is a testament to the vision of its creators, Roger and Rossie, who aimed to create a space that brings people closer to nature. The lodge is nestled within a private 288-acre (116-hectare) organic farm, where the hosts have enhanced the natural environment by planting native trees, fruits, and vegetables. There's also a hand-laid trail weaving about 2 miles (3.5 km) through the property.
Location
Located between two national parks, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalle Volcano, Malekus Mountain Lodge offers an authentic stay in the Costa Rican jungle. You'll be in a remote area, yet still just off the main highway and about a 6-minute drive from the nearest town, which isn't big but has a few eateries, a church, and a market. But you might not even want to leave the property, as it has its own "mirador" (lookout), providing views of Lake Nicaragua and volcanic peaks, plus a walking trail and organic garden.
Rooms & Bathrooms
The rooms at Malekus Mountain Lodge offer a basic yet relaxed stay, with the decor reflecting the natural surroundings of the lodge. The cabins have wood paneling on the walls and ceilings and feature rustic wooden furnishings. Other amenities include chairs, a table, an electric fan, and private bathrooms. Otherwise, the rooms are quite no-frills, though this is purposeful to maintain a quiet, rustic ambience.
Other Highlights
You can enjoy a few amenities at the property, with the big highlight being the hiking trails that provide an intimate experience of the jungle and the viewpoint overlooking the lake and mountains. You can also relax in the garden, swim in the outdoor pool, and play billiards in the game room. The game room connects to a lounge area with exposed stonework and a fireplace. Another highlight is the delicious homemade breakfasts, which have received high praise from past kimkim travelers. Many thanks to the hosts, Roger and Rosie, who are also known for their friendly and helpful nature.
Sustainability
Malekus Mountain Lodge embodies sustainability in its operations. The lodge is located on a private organic farm, where the hosts have planted native trees, fruits, and vegetables. This initiative not only enhances the natural environment but also contributes to the conservation of local plant species. The hosts also hand-built the trail, "El Sendero Verde" (The Green Path), which allows you to experience the jungle without causing adverse environmental impact.
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