Experience home-grown hospitality at the beautiful Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, Costa Rica. This eco-lodge is perched on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean. Look one way, and you see the ocean, turn around and see the lush, verdant Costa Rican rainforest. With no shortage of activities, La Paloma Lodge brings adventure, hospitality, and luxury together to make an effortlessly beautiful getaway.
Sandwiched between the Agujitas River, black sand beaches, and the rainforest, this lodge showcases all the beauty the Osa Peninsula has to offer. Enjoy your private paradise on 14 acres of land. With 7 bungalows, 4 rooms, and a Luxury Beach House, guests can choose from a range of accommodation types.
Voted one of the most stylish lodges in Costa Rica by Harper’s Bazaar, La Paloma mixes luxury and sustainability to create the perfect lodge. Relax on the beach, snorkel in the ocean, or simply listen to the wind in the trees — this is where you come to relax and recharge.
Their story
La Paloma started as a fleeting thought Kate Kalmbach had when lying in a dirt-floored hut in Costa Rica. She looked out over the land, degraded from years of farming and deforestation. Her family dreamed of one day restoring this land and sharing it with others. So the La Paloma Lodge was founded, with Kalmbach’s father laying the groundwork for the future hotel.
The Kalmbachs built La Paloma to be the getaway they would’ve loved to go to—a place to relax and be with loved ones. The construction started in 1986 with the clubhouse, a design attributed to Kate’s father. They brought locals in to help build the lodge. Two years later, the family moved in and began the process of opening the lodge to the public.
Kate’s mother advocated for La Paloma to be environmentally-conscious and to respect the land on which it sits. After years of building a reputation for seclusion in a perfect location, La Paloma has become a fully-formed eco-lodge in Costa Rica.
With a commitment to community, sustainability, and conservation, La Paloma honors the land and respects the culture. Built from the ground up by hand, it is not hard to tell how special La Paloma is. Surrounded by natural beauty, La Paloma Lodge offers an experience of a lifetime. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The original lodge was built by hand with traditional wood construction techniques and thatched roofing.
- The land was restored from degraded farmland to lush rainforest. Over 24 acres have been reforested.
- Construction was designed to allow animals to pass through without obstruction. There are no motorized vehicles allowed in natural habitats.
High level of energy efficiency
- Rooms are designed with the wind in mind, allowing for natural breezes to cool down buildings.
- TVs, WiFi, and phones are not placed in guest rooms to encourage the enjoyment of the natural setting.Â
- Since Costa Rica is one of the leading countries in renewable energy, on-grid electricity comes from more than 90% renewable energy sources.
Pioneer in waste management
- La Paloma uses glass rather than plastic. They are also part of a larger organization that works towards eliminating single-use plastics.
- Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles.
- Food waste is given to a nearby pig farmer. The remaining food waste is composted on-site.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- Rooms are equipped with biodegradable toiletries.
Actively protects nature and community
- La Paloma collaborates with local nature enthusiasts to teach the world about the beauty of Costa Rica.
- La Paloma works with local conservation projects on land and at sea.
- Since its inception, La Paloma has been a leader in the Drake Bay community. Numerous fundraising and organizing projects, from schools to police stations, have helped the local community.
Most Popular Activities near La Paloma Lodge
- Bird-watching walks to see many of the 20 Costa Rican birds.
- Kayaking and surfing
- Scuba diving
- Turtle, dolphin & whale watching
- Mangrove tour
- Day & night hiking
- Horseback riding
- Osa Peninsula is a great place for fishing in Costa Rica.
READ ON – 36 Eco-friendly Things to Do in Costa Rica (From A to Z)
Best time to visit La Paloma Lodge
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around.
- To avoid the rainy season, plan your visit outside May-June and September-October.
- If you want to enjoy this place the sunniest it can be, visit in March or December.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
READ ON – Best Time To Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons, What to Expect)