The Peace Lodge is an eco-fantasy land retreat in the mystical cloud and rain forest jungles of Vara Blanca, Costa Rica. Located within the confines of the private wildlife refuge of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, it sits on the northeastern slope of the Poas Volcano, less than an hour from the capital of San Jose. It is the number one most visited privately owned ecological site in Costa Rica.
The Peace Lodge is the brainchild of visionary American businessman Lee Banks of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beginning construction in 1998, Banks opened La Paz Waterfall Gardens in 2000 and extended the property with a hotel in 2003. His mantra stresses protecting the local flora and fauna.
In fashioning this environmentally sound Shangri-La, Banks retained mastermind Bernardo Picado. He painstakingly created 2.2 miles of hiking trails without cutting down a single tree or destroying any vine system. More than 14 feet of annual rainfall dampens these 70-acre grounds, which sit at an altitude of 5,225 feet and include five dramatic waterfalls.
“Not only do we have miles of trails where visitors can achieve astounding waterfall views in the native rain and cloud forest,” said Banks, “but we have 10 animal exhibits where we cooperate with the wildlife ministry to receive confiscated, endangered and wild animals, of which many cannot survive in the wild.”
The history of the Waterfall Gardens dates back to World War II, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a bridge over the La Paz River. Costa Rica is rich in quinine, which was needed to fight malaria in Asia and the Pacific.
The sector remained unscathed as its heavy rains and clouds deemed it impossible to grow crops. Not a single road existed until 1940. Later it was discovered that the lush grass would allow for cows and dairy farming to flourish.
The 18-dwelling property oozes with charm. It includes six deluxe guest rooms, two units with two full-size beds, six standard guest room units and two units with two full-size beds. In addition, two villas, Villa Monarca and Villa Lago, come with teak four-poster beds. Every element of the rooms is created to integrate into the natural surroundings of the property. Cozy patios come with an outdoor hot tub that overlooks the verdant environs.
Each of the sleeping quarters is a separate casita or mini home. Rustic rooms flaunt handcrafted canopy beds, spacious love seats, stained glass and illustrated paintings by local artists.
The pièces de résistance are the bathrooms. Their Lego-like like jungle motifs, shaped from stone, flawlessly blend into the rainforest backdrop. One cannot help to marvel at the imposing waterfall shows and granite jacuzzi tub. Living plants surround you, and you’re quickly acquainted with the outside rainforest in your whimsical quarters.
Long days of exploration begin with breakfast on the patio, with an awe-inspiring view of the Poas Volcano, or a call for room service, for dining as you overlook the manicured grounds and adjacent cloud forest. Buffet lunch at the Calibres Restaurant consists of both American comfort food and Costa Rican fare. Or order la carte at Big Trout Bar. Intimate dinners take place at Vista Poas Restaurant and Las Tucas Lounge where guests are encouraged to arrive for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The property’s crown jewel is the La Paz Gardens. “Our mission statement is to preserve and protect the beautiful natural environment and animals in the area, and to teach people about our local animals,” said nature guide Dixon Porros. The grounds include a large trout-fishing pond.
You can easily spend a day observing the wildlife at the Waterfall Gardens. Animal displays protect, teach and simulate natural surroundings. In an enclosed butterfly farm, 25 species of the newly-hatched insects mingle with visitors daily. Big jungle cats — jaguars, pumas and mountain lions — saunter past. You can get up close with toucans and be inspired by a collection of 26 hummingbird species; visit the impressive selection of snakes at the serpentarium; and watch rescue monkeys swing in a created natural habitat. Most impressive is the kaleidoscope of colors at the frog panarium.
The 100-year-old Casita de la Paz farmhouse reproduction, built by hand with tools from the era, showcases Costa Rica’s rich rural history. View the Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, dressed in traditional clothing. Watch the preparation of local recipes handed down from generations past, drink fresh cow’s milk, and take a ride in an ox-driven cart — an essential insight into the country living of yesteryear.
Draped in a pastoral forest backdrop, Peace Lodge is a faultless storybook component to any visit to Costa Rica. Rising to the essence of the national motto of “Pura Vida,” or pure life, the eco-friendly hotel is a jungle-lodge that evokes unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
Reviewed by- Nicholas Kontis, Publisher
Website: Waterfall Gardens – http://www.waterfallgardens.com/
Accommodations: 18 Rooms
Rates From: $450- $1,450
Book This Hotel: Booking.com
