"THIS HIDDEN LITTLE GEM IS SUPERB!”
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Jacksonville, Florida
Aug 16, 2009 | Trip type: Couples

This little place was just perfect, and we couldn't have enjoyed our stay more. If you love peacefulness, beautiful scenery, being close to nature, relaxation AND adventure, great food, and service that goes above and beyond, then this is it!

The setting was gorgeous, at the edge of the rainforest on a river. Our accomodations were comfortable, clean and quiet (there are only 2 bungalows on the property). We had a small refrigerator filled with drinks and snacks, and a small coffeemaker. Toucans, macaws, hummingbirds and kinkachous were found right outside our door. There was no hot water, but then we really didn't need it (they plan to have hot water soon).
There is a cute and refreshing pool, filled by the river, in which to have a fresh fruit cocktail or ice cold beer while watching the hummingbirds.
The espresso coffee drinks were delicious. The food was fantastic, and both Simone and Vladimir proved to be excellent chefs. Although they offered to make us anything we wanted, we chose to let them surprise us with their wonderful fresh creations, and we were never disappointed.
While there, our hosts arranged for us to go diving at Cano Island, hiking in Corcovado from Sirena, waterfall rapelling, and the ultimate horseback ride to swim in an isolated pool under a waterfall. Getting back and forth was no problem as they were happy to take us wherever we wanted to go.

However, all this was nothing compared to the service we received. If there was anything we wanted or needed, our hosts made it happen. Our laundry was washed, dried, and folded neatly free of charge (where else could you get that?) They were even able to get a small souvenir shop in town to open just for us on a Sunday evening!

“VERY RELAXING AND PERSONALISED STAY !!!”
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Review: Aug 7, 2009 | Trip type: Couples

This place was our last stay in our 12 days tour through Costa Rica, and for us certainly one of the best experiences. A Dutch lady Simone and her Costa Rican husband Vladimir, created this marvelous hotel out off nothing in the middle of the rain forest. After crossing a clear river, you stay in a completely wooden bungalow - of which they have 2 - built high amidst the trees, where you wake up in the morning with the birds. In their small but cozy restaurant and kitchen, Vladimir - who has been a chef cook for many years - creates the most wonderful cocktails and dishes. They prepare whatever you like, according to your own taste. He is assisted by his wife Simone, who is the perfect hospita and does everything for the guests. As the capacity of guests is very limited, you really get a very personalized treatment ! You can refresh in their self-made pool, filled with water from the river. Drake Bay can be compared with paradise, when you get of the boat you arrive in a completely different world, with very few visitors, beautiful beaches, marvelous fauna and flora, friendly people. Also Visit the Corcovado National Park with a guide ! We would highly recommend the Jumanji Bungalows for every one who loves beautiful nature and cares less about luxury. We wish to thank Simone and Vladimir for this wonderful stay ! Succes with your new projects in the near future! Ann and Danny from Belgium.

Date of stay: July 2009

www.sleepingwiththetoucans.com

We were a bit worried as we splashed across yet another rain-swollen river on our way to Jumanji; we'd left the little town of Drake Bay well behind and were penetrating deeper into the woods on ever-narrower roads. But no problem, once across we were there. Simone met us at the gate with glasses of fresh carambola juice from her own trees. We could relax for the afternoon and prepare for the main event - dinner prepared by Simone's partner Vladimir, the chef who had "escaped" from the commercial bustle of Manuel Antonio to open a restaurant and then this tiny 2-cabin lodge in the middle of nowhere.

Jumanji is less than a year old, but is already famous among readers of Dutch travel magazines. One reason is that guests see lots of wildlife. Pumas and tapirs have appeared on Jumanji's road; Simone once heard a jaguar roaring nearby while home by herself. Another is the sense that you've met Costa Rica's modern-day pioneers, building their house and their cabins, running a pipe from a neighbor's waterfall to fill their hand-dug continuous-flow swimming pool, growing their own fruits, sugar cane and vegetables. And then there's dinner. We suggested to Vladimir that he cook whatever he felt like cooking. We were rewarded with tomato, garlic and olive-oil bruschetta, fresh tuna carpaccio, and then tuna steaks with the best green peppercorn sauce I've had anywhere, France included, all followed by a delightful tiramisu. Yes, this gets our "Destination Restaurant" star. We haven't had food like this anywhere else in the Osa.

The cabins at Jumanji are rustic. But who cares? It's absolutely dark at night, all you hear are the sounds of the jungle, and you just had a Perfect Meal. Tomorrow morning Simone will greet you at sunrise with a beautifully-made espresso. Life is good.

Reviewed March 23, 2009