Discover Cielo Lodge, a luxury rainforest eco-resort named among Costa Rica’s best hotels by Conde Nast Traveler. This off-grid sanctuary sits on a 380-acre private reserve overlooking the serene waters of Golfo Dulce near the renowned Osa Peninsula.
With just six elevated canopy suites, this minimalist retreat offers an intimate escape where nature takes center stage. Guests experience transformative moments through wildlife excursions, wellness activities, and cultural exchanges, all while supporting rainforest conservation.
Their story
Cielo Lodge is the vision of Nicole and Keith Goldstein, nature enthusiasts. They transformed their Silicon Valley lives after the 2008 financial crisis inspired them to pursue their dream of creating a rainforest sanctuary. After raising three children in California, they chose a 380-acre private reserve near the Osa Peninsula to build their eco-lodge vision.
Opened in 2021, the lodge translates their vision into modern, minimalist spaces that dissolve boundaries between indoors and rainforest. Thoughtful layouts prioritize privacy, while curated experiences encourage guests to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Each stay helps fund ongoing protection and regeneration efforts, ensuring the surrounding ecosystem thrives long after departure. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The lodge features elevated buildings constructed on stilts to maximize airflow and minimize forest floor impact.
- All structures use legally-harvested, reclaimed hardwood from 13 fallen native trees.
- The open-air, minimalist architecture incorporates natural ventilation systems that eliminate the need for air-conditioning, while outdoor showers and elevated terraces seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Cielo Lodge operates completely off-grid, powered by solar panels combined with a small micro-hydro system.
- The elevated, open-air design maximizes natural airflow and ventilation, eliminating the need for energy-intensive air-conditioning systems.
- Gravity-fed water systems transport spring water to storage tanks without requiring pumps, further reducing energy consumption while maintaining luxury amenities.
Pioneer in waste management
- Each suite features an innovative wastewater wetland (bio-jardinière) system that serves as secondary sewage treatment. These natural biofilters use plants to clean effluent from septic systems before it reaches leach fields, ensuring only purified water returns to the environment.
- The lodge operates chemical-free, relying entirely on natural plant filtration rather than chemical treatments for waste processing.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The lodge maintains an organic garden and sources additional produce from local organic farmers whenever possible.
- Guests can participate in hands-on cooking sessions with the kitchen crew, learning about sustainable food preparation while enjoying gourmet cuisine made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
Actively protects nature and community
- As members of Costa Rica’s government Fonafifo Program, Cielo Lodge has committed to preserving over 102 hectares of their 114-hectare property in exchange for annual government stipends supporting climate change initiatives.
- The lodge has planted thousands of native hardwood and fruit trees, rehabilitating previously logged areas where invasive bracken fern had taken hold.
- They support local indigenous culture through visits to the Boruca community, where guests learn traditional arts and purchase textiles and masks directly from artisans.
Most Popular Activities Near Cielo Lodge
- Mangrove tours, dolphin and whale watching in Golfo Dulce.
- Forest-bathing walks, bird-watching with certified naturalists.
- Guided waterfall hikes.
- Full-day trips to Corcovado National Park.
- Visits to Boruca indigenous community.
- World-class surfing at Pavones.
- Fishing expeditions, cave tours, and beach day trips.
- Yoga with an instructor – at the pool or in the suite.
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Best Time To Visit Cielo Lodge
- Costa Rica offers year-round tropical conditions, with the dry season (December-April) ideal for waterfall hikes and outdoor adventures, while the green season (May-November) provides lush landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing.