Discovering the 1st waterfall on the PuraVidaEcolodge Reserve

Having recently returned from Costa Rica and our retreat, I wanted to share a couple of photographs of one of the waterfalls on the PuraVidaEcolodge Reserve. 

...When the construction of the Jungle Villa begun last December (can't believe almost a year has gone by already) a couple of local 'ticos' and I started to 'carve out' some nature trials around the reserve. With the Jungle Villa literally hanging over the jungle canopy itself, right from Day 1 of construction we could clearly hear fresh flowing water in the distance.

All those months ago, machetes in hand, we started to cut our way through the rain forest, roughly planning where the first 'nature trail' was going to lead. After a few minutes of winding through the jungle, ducking under heavy branches and hopping over ravines, the sound of water begun to get stronger. We were near... Fluorescent frogs hopping around our ankles, colourful butterflies floating around the surprisingly cool air (its probably a very pleasant 10 degrees cooler in the shade of the rain forest) and then the howler monkeys singing in the background, this is what jungle living was all about. We continued forward, turning one last corner...we had arrived.

The first waterfall on the PuraVidaEcolodge Reserve is like a split level 'catarata' with two small plunge pools. This particular photo was taken as the rainy season was about to really get underway.

In those first few weeks at the end of last year, we spent many days carving out the first nature trail. Because of the gradient of the terrain, it was necessary to put in quite a few steps, therefore making access really easy, whatever your age ;) We even put in a couple of 'puentecitos' (bridges) so you can either hop across the ravines or take the slightly more sensible 'engineered option'. Once at the waterfall, while just 3-5 minutes away from the Jungle Villa (depending on how many times you have stopped just to look at the plethora of colourful creatures you're bound to find 'en el camino' (en route) you'll see that you are really in the depths of the reserve...all that 'urban madness' and stress a long long way away...

Hopefully you can get a sense of the scale of the reserves first waterfall. I'd say its around 5 metres high, perfect for showering under! And if you're keen to continue the adventure, you can head 'upstream' to find the next one...

The water is both cold and extremely fresh, and  we think you;ll find that the nature trail with its intense 'Jungle Experience' really compliments the 'Eco-Luxury' of PuraVidaEcolodge's Jungle Villa. In fact, it's a larger waterfall about  2km's upstream where PuraVidaEcolodge's water supply comes from...Que rico!

Back from the waterfall, just one more short 'hike' up the hill and back to that book in the hammock, sun-bathing on one of the terrace's bean-bags or perhaps another dip in the infinity plunge pool...This is the life...Pura Vida!

My special thanks to all of you that helped make this dream and vision come true...

Our very first online review...

Now that PuraVidaEcolodge's doors are officially open and the guests are starting to arrive, 'pocito a poco' our little Jungle Villa is starting to build a reputation... Just in time for the fast approaching 'High Season'.

Check out below, our first online 'review' - recently posted on Air BnB.

...Having just come back from what can only be called a 'Pura Vida Experience' in Costa Rica and being completely new to the 'Air BnB' community, I thought I should do my part and write my first 'review'

As the guidebooks say, Costa Rica really is the Switzerland of Central America because of its comfortable lifestyle, peaceful democracy and overwhelming natural beauty. I was lucky enough to book a reasonably long stay at PuraVidaEcolodge - it was a half-work/half-play kind of trip. The Jungle Villa where I stayed prides itself on the new & unique concept of 'Eco-Luxury'...I think the place has only been open a few weeks, but it has the perfect location for those of you that want to escape the 'urban jungle' and live for a few days right on top of a real one! Half the house hangs over the jungle canopy while the other half is orientated towards the Pacific Ocean, westerly facing, catching some spectacular sunsets...Inside, it's both quirky and comfortable, spacious and the designer obviously likes bamboo and other local stones and natural finishes. Beautiful indoor rain showers (with solar powered hot water) were a winner and the place has clearly been designed so that wherever you are, you have splendid panoramic ocean or jungle views.

Costa Rica has a 'Disneylike' cast of creatures – ranging from howler monkeys to toucans, and every colour butterfly you can dream of – and given the location of the retreat, all these and more are relatively easy to spot. Having a 4by4 was a must and gave us the opportunity to get off the beaten track and experience some real hidden local treats. Playa Tortuga, just a few km's up the coast is one of the best beaches I've ever seen - I swear it felt like I was the first person to discover it! As a surfer, the waves are prime, the surrounding beauty is staggering and the very chilled pace of life, seductive.

The concierge service were great, helping us with local tours and we had a great day trip to Cano Island, diving in the morning and eating on the boat and whale spotting all afternoon. We also visited Corcovado National Park AND Manuel Antonio.... Very special places indeed.

What else is on tap I hear you ask? The question is what isn’t? For the more active travelers amongst you can surf, hike, horse-ride and spot wildlife for starters. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise the cloud forest one day, visit an active volcano the next, and finish relaxing on a hot sandy beach or indeed back at the Jungle Villa with a cold beer in the infinity plunge pool, watching the sun go down.

Adrenaline junkies have a myriad ways to make mothers worry – among them zipping through canopy lines hundreds of meters long, plunging to the depths of the Pacific Ocean where the reef sharks reside or riding the rough surf of Playa Ventanas, deep sea fishing or even catch a round of Golf at the Zona Sur's new San Buenas. In a nutshell, choice and variety name the game.

I think we probably spent half the time just taking it easy at the PuraVidaEcolodge 'reserve'...Personally I started my days watching the sunrise and doing some yoga, followed by breakfast  on the jungle terrace watching the wonderful world slowly coming to life. At 8am an overflowing fruit basket would arrive (organized by the 'concierge' service), if only I could start all my days like this...I want to go back ;)

'Pura Vida' indeed...Highly recommended! (Henry Vargas, New York)

Sunset colours...