Where Architecture Listens: Inside Costa Rica’s Most Elegant Eco-Resort

Tucked deep within the Sarapiquí region, where rainforest rhythms guide the day and stars arrive without invitation, El Lugar invites you into something rare: a place where luxury follows the land, not the other way around.

Opened in 2024 after nearly seven years of mindful development, El Lugar—meaning “The Place”—reimagines what it means to travel sustainably. Spanning 1,200 acres of pristine rainforest and regenerative farmland, this eco-luxury resort was not simply built on the land—it was built with it.

Not a single tree was felled, nor a hill flattened. The terrain shaped the architecture, not vice versa. El Lugar doesn’t interrupt the rainforest—it disappears into it.

A symphony of sustainability and sophistication

Every casita, villa, and open-air pavilion at El Lugar reflects a deep reverence for the natural world. Structures follow the land’s flow, positioned to invite light, breezes, and serenity. Materials are reclaimed or locally sourced, and light steel framing allows for minimal environmental impact.

Throughout the resort, you’ll feel it: the quiet. No traffic, no mechanical buzz—at El Lugar guests wander via electric carts or horseback, guided by the rustle of leaves and bird calls. Waste-water is filtered through living reed-bed systems. Thermodynamic technology powers hot water. It’s sustainability rendered with grace, not sacrifice.

Nature’s rhythm, luxuriously rendered

El Lugar’s 56 accommodations are sanctuaries of comfort and calm. Spanish Colonial silhouettes blend with Costa Rican craftsmanship—handcrafted wooden doors, wide verandas, and countless casement windows that frame the rainforest like living artwork.

Every room offers stillness and seclusion. Yet just beyond each handcrafted balcony door, a world of wonder awaits.

The property is also a working horse ranch, home to more than 100 horses. Ride through rivers, across creeks, and beneath the emerald canopy. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, these rides offer an intimate encounter with the land’s vibrant biodiversity.

Adventure awaits—or don’t move at all

At El Lugar, discovery takes many forms. Zipline through rainforest treetops. Raft down the untamed Sarapiquí River. Or simply listen—Costa Rica is home to over 900 species of birds, and they have much to say.

For those craving rest, retreat into stillness. Float in the infinity pool, nap to the rhythm of the rain, or indulge in spa treatments at a private open-air casita —where the scent of flora and the sounds of the jungle surround you.

At the main restaurant and bar, Costa Rican heritage takes center plate. Every dish is rooted in the region—from just-caught river fish to estate-grown tropical fruits like pineapples and avocadoes, as well as locally grown coffee. What doesn’t come from El Lugar’s own gardens is sourced from the surrounding community.

A vision beyond the holiday

El Lugar is more than a destination—it’s a philosophy made tangible. Here, luxury and environmental integrity move in concert. The resort challenges the old paradigms of eco-travel, proving that sustainability need not mean simplicity. It can be sophisticated. It can be soulful.

In 2027, El Lugar will open its second phase: a new restaurant and a dedicated event and retreat center, welcoming intimate gatherings focused on wellness, culture, and regenerative living.

As travelers seek more purposeful, nature-connected experiences, El Lugar stands as a testament to what’s possible when we listen—to the land, to local wisdom, and to our collective longing for balance.

Start your journey by visiting www.el-lugar.com.