Relax Natural Village, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Pros

• The property is adults-only with an upscale aesthetic and chic, individual cabins built by hand, so it's an excellent spot for couples or small groups of friends.
• Each cabin features a porch with hammocks and access to the property's extensive tropical gardens.
• Although not directly on the beach, you'll be just a few minutes from Playa Cocles.
• Breakfast is all-natural and complimentary, enjoyed in an open-air dining area.
• For an additional price, you can rent bikes or enjoy massage services.

Cons

• As this is an adults-only property, it's not an option for young families (the minimum age is 18).
• There's no air-conditioning. 
• Limited amenities as there's no pool, gym, or spa available on-site. 
• The six bungalows are tightly clustered together, so you may occasionally be able to hear your neighbors. 

Authenticity

To enter the property of Relax Natural Village, you'll pass through a bright blue gate and make your way through an overgrown garden of tropical plants and century-old trees. Don't forget to look up, as you might catch a glimpse of a sloth, toucan, or iguana. Each cabin has sliding front doors to truly embrace the Caribbean breeze, and you'll start the morning with an all-natural breakfast of local and regional food. 

Location

With Relax Natural Village, you're swapping the beach for the jungle, but you only need to walk a few minutes to reach Playa Cocles. In less than 10 minutes, you can drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, plus many other beaches and tourist sites. A favorite nearby attraction is the Jaguar Rescue Center, less than five minutes by car or 10 minutes by bike.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Built by hand, the wooden cabins are bright and airy. Each comes with ceiling fans, sliding front doors leading to a porch with a hammock and Adirondack chairs, and side windows open to the garden. Bathrooms are large with walk-in showers, and although the property's plants are natural insect repellants, each cabin contains mosquito nets for the doors and windows. 

Wildlife

The property is quite small but surrounded by dense tropical gardens, and travelers have spotted sloths, toucans, iguanas, and howler monkeys, both from the bungalow porches and the communal breakfast area. 

Amenities

The hotel has limited amenities as there's no pool, gym, or spa on-site. Still, you'll have all the basic free amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including free parking, free WiFi, and water purifiers. Guests with limited mobility can easily get around the small property, and some of the bungalows feature roll-in showers and handrails. 

Family-Friendliness

Relax Natural Village is an adults-only property, and families will need to use other lodging options in the area. 

Other Highlights

Intimacy and privacy are the big perks of Relax Natural Village. The property is adults-only, with picturesque jungle greenery (home to friendly creatures like toucans and sloths) and walking paths. In the morning, head over to the main building for a complimentary breakfast of local coffee, fruits, and other staples. 

Sustainability

The cabins were built by hand using natural wood native to the climate. The property is equipped with efficient water heaters, purifiers, and reserves and protects its centuries-old trees, which offer a home to wildlife, including a family of sloths. Breakfast includes regional, all-natural food without any additives.