Río Magnolia Nature Lodge, Costa Rica

Río Magnolia is a rainforest eco-lodge situated above the southern Pacific surf town of Dominical on a 280 acre property with great ocean, jungle and valley views. We are located between Manuel Antonio Park and the Osa Peninsula. We are home to many species of birds, mammals, butterflies, insects and other interesting critters!

Our Costa Rica ecotourism project is located near the small rural towns of La Alfombra and San Cristobal where our employees live. Our commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment is reflected in a number of initiatives. Out of our 110 hectar (280 acre) property, 90 hectares are primary and secondary rainforest, which we protect. The balance is pasture, where we have some cows and horses. This year we have been approved to participate in a conservation program whereby its 84 hectares of natural forest are protected for the mitigation of greenhouse gases, the protection of the water resources and the preservation of the biodiversity and ecosystem. We are also beginning a reforestation program to plant 3 hectares of pasture with various species of indigenous trees. About 5000 shade Arabica coffee plants have been planted with fruit and poro trees intermingled to provide shade as well as habitat for some species of birds. Hummingbirds particularly like the flowers of the poro trees. Our electrical power is produced by a renewable energy source, the river Magnolia, which runs through our property. A 12 kW hydro-electric system provides all of the electricity to the Lodge and is distributed to the various buildings by buried cable, thus protecting the wildlife from harm. Four years ago we started a recycling program for the town which has been very successful. We are located in the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor, which was developed by a conservation group called ASANA, friends of nature. This biological corridor of forests allows habitat for the movement of wildlife.

Experience the casual elegance of the Lodge, an exciting combination of comfortable accommodations set in primitive surroundings. Imagine waking up nestled in soft white linens while listening to the sounds from the jungle! Breakfast always starts with fresh fruit and juice and homemade granola and yoghurt followed by a daily special. New to Rio Magnolia...from our coffee plantation you can savour the taste of freshly ground Arabica coffee. Tour our plantation and see how our plants are shade grown and the ‘cherries’ are processed using the renewable energy from our hydro plant. Dinner menus are prepared daily to meet your expectations for great food using the freshest ingredients. Produce that we don’t grow in our garden, we purchase from local farmers and from the weekly feria (farmer’s market) in San Isidro. In the evening, enjoy mouth-watering appetizers while watching the sunset over the ocean at the bar or on the terrace, or cozy up by our crackling fireplace. For dinner the tables are dressed with white table linens, fine china and sparkling crystal goblets. Candles flicker. We want our guests to enjoy the atmosphere of the relaxed but elegant dining experience.

Activities are available at Rio Magnolia and in the area; enjoy hiking in the primary forest or to the giant ceiba tree and Magnolia waterfalls, bird watching, walking along the roads and pathways, swimming in the large infinity pool, or relaxing with a book and binoculars on one of the many covered terraces. Rio Magnolia is the home for many species of birds, plants and trees and animals. In fact, the author of ‘The Birds of Costa Rica, A Field Guide’, Richard Garrigues, did a bird count at Rio Magnolia as part of the annual Christmas bird count and counted 138 different bird species that day. We can arrange day or half-day trips to one of the many south Pacific beaches; whale watching (seen December to March and July to late October) and dolphin tours at Ballena National Park, a Cano Island tour for snorkelling, hiking at Corcovado Park in the Osa Peninsula, canopy tours and zip-lining at Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge and horseback riding to Nauyaca Falls. A trip into San Isidro del General, a very booming agricultural town, on market day is fun too.

Special packages are available...Romance, Adventure, Bird Watching. Rio Magnolia is also an ideal place for a destination wedding or a special group function. We can accommodate 14-16 people comfortably in our 3 Lodge suites and 4 cabinas. Please inquire about our group rates.

Río Magnolia promises to provide its guests with superior accommodations, food, service and a Costa Rican jungle experience. Words or pictures cannot describe the beauty and magnificence of the vistas; Rio Magnolia a rainforest experience! Wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and toucans!

Pura Vida
John and Maureen Paterson

What guests have written lately,

Dinner at Rio Magnolia is a feast, and the wine cellar is extraordinarily well-stocked. Coffee awaits you at dawn. A chorus of songbirds sing; the crisp mountain air and green mountains beckon.~ Sleeping with the Toucans review Click Here

Thank you for sharing your paradise with us. We loved staying with you and your dogs, hiking through the beautiful country side and playing in the waterfalls. We found much peace sleeping and waking up to the sounds of the jungle. ~ Shaun and Sarah, Brooklyn, New York. April 2012

Thank you for a lovely couple of days. It was a treat being so well looked after. We loved the cocktails, the food, the guided walk, the dogs and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Simon, Rose, Molly, Jess, Lily, Kew, England. April 2012

We are so happy we found you. Thanks for looking after us so kindly –including the waterfall hike and the cheesecake! Victor and Catherine, Washington, D.C. March 2012

Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful this week – our week has flown by and we’re definitely not ready to return home (or to part from the food)!Thank you John and dogs for all the guided tours on the property-you’re an interpretive guide at heart! Kristan and Grant, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. March 2012

An unbelievable experience. Hard to believe such beauty exists. Such comfort! Such food! Absolutely wonderful. Peter and Mary, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. March 2012

Another wonderful visit to Rio Magnolia – Thank-you! Nancy and Bill, Santa Ana, Costa Rica. March 2012

Paradise in Costa Rica! Thanks for the hospitality! We already are thinking about how to return during coffee harvest. Susan and Dave and Ellie, Colorado/Ohio USA. March 2012

We are back! Best vacation we have ever had, that’s why we came back! You are amazing hosts and friends! Tanya, Jonathan, Cheryl, Tampa, Florida. February 2012

How fortunate am I to return again, one year later. As usual everything was perfect, weather, food, drinks, company but most of all both of you and your exceptional staff! Connie, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada / Trinity, Florida. February 2012

We thank you both for such a beautiful and unique vacation. The Lodge and the grounds are spectacular and we absolutely loved our accommodation- El Cielo. Our first trip to Costa Rica was truly a memorable one! Donna and Mickey, Trinity, Florida. February 2012

It is like a trip to your grandmother’s house where she is so happy to take care of you! There are no words to describe the food. Thank you for making our stay enjoyable- Mike and Martha, Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA. February 2012

To describe your incredible place and hospitality requires all the superlatives in our vocabulary. Imaginative, beautifully presented food, a fabulous environment and congenial hosts- this is a paradise. Nancy and Chuck, Trinity, Florida/ Schroon Lake, New York. February 2012

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for one of the most amazing weeks of our lives. You made us feel comfortable yet spoiled. The food was amazing too! The dogs are a joy. The trails challenging! Frank and Judy, Milton, Ontario, Canada. February 2012

What an amazing place you have, it‘s truly paradise. We loved waking up to our spectacular view every morning with the birds. Your staff is amazing..and so is the Cook!!! Darrin and Sarah, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay- it surpassed every expectation. You and your staff are so friendly and helpful! Lindsay and Dan, Hopkinton, MA, USA. February 2012

Thank you and your wonderful staff for a lovely, lovely week filled with adventures and a beautiful surroundin. We are so happy we came here! (and the food-ah, the food) Stephanie and Dan, Chicago, USA. February 2012

Our week at Rio Magnolia was absolutely wonderful. The Lodge is beautiful, the surroundings inspiring, the food amazingly yummy, and the people beyond compare. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality! Kimberly and Victor, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Washington D.C. February 2012

Thank you for a wonderful stay- doggies having jungle fun, a baby cow! Cathy and Tom, Colorado Springs, USA. February 2012

Thank you for making this such a memorable vacation- this wonderful oasis, zip-lining, hike to the waterfalls and climbing Mount Chirripo! Your staff are like family as are the pups. A home away from home! Carol, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

Thank you for everything. We have had the time of our lives. A little spot of paradise! Mabel, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

What an amazing week we have had here. Thank you for going above and beyond to make this a memorable holiday. Nuala, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

What a wonderful week we have had! Great food, friendly staff and superb hosts. I will miss the 6 pm cocktails and laughter! Anne, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

What can I say??? This is my 5th time here in Paradise. Fantastic week! Incredible climb to the summit. Patricia, Toronto, Canada. February 2012

We have so enjoyed our return visit to Rio Magnolia. The dogs are a delight as always, the food outstanding and of course the wonders of nature, Tom and Nancy, Fort Worth, Texas. January 2012

We are overjoyed to have returned and experienced so much you have to offer. We just couldn’t have enjoyed this more! Rebekah and Brian, Chicago, USA. January 2012

Dinner and company were lovely. Wonderful sunset, Marla, Howard and Gedda, Colorado, USA. January 2012

Thank you for the kindness and the knowledge that you shared with us. I was an amazing experience; luxury but you get as comfortable as in your own home! Merci beaucoup, Frederique(Fred) and Kevin, Vancouver, BC, Canada. January 2012

Great environment, great facilities/service, great food, great people and great dogs! Everything was delicious. Thank-you for a fantastic stay. Nicole and Jenny, USA. December 2011

We can’t thank you enough for a wonderful vacation and pampering us so much. The meals were fantastic! Sherri and Larry, Belcherton, MA, USA. December 2011

Thank you for the amazing stay in the rainforest. The room and facilities have been top-class and we haven’t wanted for anything, thanks to the hospitality of John and Maureen. The meals and the cocktails have been amazing! Ben and Amy, Birmingham, England. November 2011