La Cusinga is a family-owned eco lodge in the hills just south of Uvita on Costa Rica's South Pacific coast, bordering Marino Ballena National Park. It's best for travelers who want rainforest trails, ocean views and yoga in one quiet place, and for teachers looking for a nature-first venue for a group retreat.
What it's like
La Cusinga sits on a forested hillside above Bahía Ballena, the bay just south of Uvita where Costa Rica's rainforest runs right down to the Pacific. The lodge borders Marino Ballena National Park, so the view from most rooms is a sweep of jungle canopy and open ocean.
It's been a family affair from the start. The Tresemer and Guzmán family settled in Uvita in 1972, and John and Bella founded the lodge in 1995 with the idea of running a hotel that works with the forest instead of against it. That shows in the details. Much of the wood in the buildings comes from trees the family planted on their own farm, as they've been reforesting since 1990. The lodge says it protects 242 hectares of forest as a private reserve that doubles as a wildlife corridor, and it works with biologists and conservation groups on endangered species.
Day to day, the pace is slow. You can walk the private trails, swim in a natural pool in the forest called La Poza, sit with binoculars and see what birds turn up, or hike down to Playa Arco, a small cove inside the national park. There's also a swimming pool for lazier afternoons.
The programs
La Cusinga isn't a structured retreat center with a fixed weekly schedule. It's a lodge with an open-air yoga studio that looks out over the national park, and it welcomes yoga groups and teachers who want to run their own retreats there. If you're traveling on your own and want classes, check with the lodge before you book, since the website doesn't list a public class timetable.
For wellness, the on-site Cinnamon Spa offers holistic treatments. The lodge also arranges tours through reception, and its blog covers day trips like Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, both popular nature outings from this part of the coast.
Meals are served at Aracari, the open-air restaurant, which focuses on local ingredients and also runs a bar with wine and cocktails. All of the listed room types include breakfast.
Accommodation comes in six types, from a standard room with one double bed up to an ocean-view deluxe suite with a living room and balcony. Several rooms use solar-heated water. The lodge also separates and composts its waste and tries to cut plastic use.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
La Cusinga is a good fit if you want nature first and comfort second: birders, hikers, families who like the outdoors, and couples who want a quiet base. It's also a strong option for yoga teachers looking for a quiet, scenic venue for a group.
It's less suited to anyone who wants a packed schedule of daily drop-in classes, a full-service resort or nightlife on the doorstep. You're in the forest, so expect insects, humidity, steep paths and plenty of wildlife.
Getting there
The lodge's address is 5 km south of the Uvita Bridge, in Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas. The website doesn't publish transfer details, so contact the lodge directly about shuttles or driving directions before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Cusinga still open?
Yes. The official website takes online bookings and had new blog posts in 2026.
Can I run my own yoga retreat there?
Yes. The lodge has an open-air yoga studio and says it welcomes group retreats. Contact them directly for group arrangements.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is included with all of the room types listed on the official website.
How close is the beach?
The lodge borders Marino Ballena National Park, and Playa Arco, a small cove in the park, is a short hike from the property.
Who runs the lodge?
It's family-owned. The founding family has lived in Uvita since 1972 and opened the lodge in 1995.
