Rio Perdido, the eco-luxury boutique hotel tucked away in the vibrantly lush and biodiverse tropical dry forest in the Guanacaste Province of western Costa Rica, introduces the new West Bungalows. The eight meticulously crafted units represent the epitome of sustainable luxury and wellness in nature’s embrace, featuring locally sourced amenities and design elements exclusively available to guests of the West Bungalows.
Strategically positioned near the breathtaking Rio Blanco Canyon, each bungalow offers an unparalleled connection to nature while providing a haven of comfort, privacy, and tranquility for sustainably-minded wellness seekers and adventure travelers looking for a deeply healing forest hideaway. The flagship West Bungalows boast a sophisticated yet understated layout, featuring an expansive 950-square-foot space. Inside, the West Bungalows exude a sense of refinement and luxury with 90 percent of materials being sourced directly from Costa Rica. Designed with sustainable elements to reflect the colors of the landscape — light sands, dry leaves, and the minerals visible in the canyon, each space offers a sense of both immersion and protection within this rare dwarf forest environment.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a 170-square-foot open-air entrance terrace featuring two hand-crafted hammock chairs, and a serene seating area, conceptualized for meditation or private dining, with sunset views across the lush backdrop. A second terrace at the opposite end of the bungalow features a double outdoor shower and a unique oversized tub fed by three distinct water sources: cold mineral water, warm mineral water, and volcanic thermal water directly sourced and naturally heated by magmatic flows directly beneath the property.
A project three years in the making, the West Bungalows culminates in a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and environmentally conscious design to accommodate up to four guests. The approximately 590 square feet of enclosed space features a stylish bedroom and lounge, equipped with bathrobes, slippers, high-speed Wi-Fi, yoga mats and blocks, and three minibar options to choose from with all local products including locally crafted kombuchas and microbrews. A curated coffee service and in-room massage treatments are also available exclusively for West Bungalow guests. Artisanal touches, such as handcrafted furnishings in sustainably farmed teak and copper details welded onsite, reflect the hotel’s commitment to locally sourced craftsmanship.
For added comfort, the bungalows feature a hidden 65-inch UHD TV, central air-conditioning, and artisanal bath amenities made locally by a women-owned Costa Rican business. Guests can further indulge with perks such as in-room dining, complimentary morning yoga, guided hikes, and immersive experiences at La Huerta, the 2-acre, fully organic mandala garden at Rio Perdido.
Designed by Studio Saxe and interiors by Dania Saragovia, the bungalows are designed not only to offer a luxurious retreat but also to prioritize sustainability and wellness. The design thoughtfully integrates the surrounding environment, with each bungalow positioned to optimize views and minimize energy consumption. Sunlight, water treatment, and topography were all taken into account by scientists and engineers to ensure minimal disruption to the forest.
“We designed the West Bungalows to offer more than just a luxurious stay — they are a catalyst for connection between our guests and the surrounding nature,” said Gabriel Saragovia, co-founder of Rio Perdido. “Every element, from the locally sourced materials to the pure, natural mineral waters feeding the outdoor tubs has a holistic purpose and is intended to immerse guests in this rare ecosystem while nurturing their sense of peace and wellness. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond minimizing impact; it’s about creating a space where people can communicate with the land, each other, and with the warm staff members, and leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and the environment.”
The new accommodations are a welcome addition to the 30 stilted bungalows currently tucked away amongst 20 miles of walking, running and cycling trails, a thermal river and bathing pools. Rio Perdido attracts mindful travelers and spiritual seekers with its passive wellness approach to total wellbeing. Programming is designed to help guests live optimally without having to put enormous effort into a healthy lifestyle, through a harmonious balance with nature, as well as within themselves. This more restorative, gentler approach to wellness allows travelers to create space to intuitively rediscover and nurture the healthiest and most authentic versions of themselves. Within the secluded and gloriously undiscovered thermal canyon, where healing thermal waters emanate from the rocky walls, Río Perdido offers nature excursions ranging from zip-line tours to white water tubing, to picturesque hikes and trail running. All of these activities take place within the property and are operated by Rio Perdido’s team of carefully selected and trained guides who are top-talent in the region.
Honoring Costa Rica’s history as a convergence point of many cultures, Rio Perdido’s food & beverage programming seeks to tell the lesser-known stories of local dishes with consciously sourced ingredients. Not only does Rio Perdido provide an authentic culinary experience by supporting local industry – the culinary team practices honest and humane circular agriculture at every step of the way. The result is a gastronomic experience that’s authentic down to its essence, supporting total wellness for both people and planet. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, guests can reserve the floating platform where dinner for two is served 150 feet above the flowing river.
