Mikado Natural Lodge, A Peaceful Escape in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

byruxandra
23 hours ago
3 min read

Mikado Natural Lodge | Where Nature Whispers “Slow Down”

If Costa Rica had a softer chapter, a page where time stretches itself, the breeze writes its own melody, and mornings taste like papaya and quiet, it would be set at Mikado Natural Lodge.

Just 17 km from Tamarindo’s colorful buzz, and a few minutes from Playa Avellanas (with Playa Conchal shimmering in the background like the cool older sister), Mikado is the perfect natural gateaway. A place where you can unwind and just ... relax.

It’s your Costa Rican home away from home, with an infinity pool that might convince you to cancel your flight back.

First Impressions | When the Jungle Says ‘Hola’ First

The first thing you notice at Mikado Natural Lodge isn’t the architecture, it’s the silence.... A deep, comforting stillness that feels like warm linen wrapping softly around your shoulders. Nestled in the rolling hills of Guanacaste, just minutes from Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas, Mikado offers a kind of tranquility that travelers dream of when they picture a true Costa Rican escape.

Then you see the bungalows standing slightly elevated above the ground, surrounded by leafy greens that look like they were arranged by nature’s best interior designer.

Bungalow surrounded by tropical greenery at Mikado Natural Lodge in Costa Rica.

And then, there’s Lolo, the heart of the lodge.Originally from Belgium, she moved to Costa Rica more than a decade ago with a clear vision: to create a place where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and immersed in an authentic, meaningful experience. Her dedication is woven into every detail of the property, from the warm greeting upon arrival to the thoughtful touches that make every stay unforgettable.

The Bungalows | Your Private Treehouse Vibe

My bungalow felt like a mini-sanctuary. White, warm, uncluttered, with just the right touch of tropical charm.

The kind of room where you wake up, see the light sneaking in through the glass doors, and think, “Yes, I could live here forever.”

View from bed at Mikado Natural Lodge with white sheets and palm trees outside.

And then there were the towel swans, a small gesture that somehow made the entire room feel extra cozy, as if the staff left a tiny love note on the bed.

Towel swans on a bed inside a bright bungalow at Mikado Natural Lodge.

Balcony Moments | Just You, Nature and That View

The balcony became my unofficial living room. Two wooden chairs, a table, and a view that slowly shifted colors throughout the day. Morning mist, afternoon greens, and evenings that smelled like warm air and peace.

Balcony with wooden chairs overlooking lush green hills at Mikado Natural Lodge.

And yes, I stood there more than once, just breathing it all in, feeling that mix of gratitude + “Wow, I really needed this.”

Beyond the silence of nature, I could hear the howler monkeys in the morning, just so you are reminded of Costa Rica's biodiversity from every angle.

Person standing on bungalow balcony surrounded by nature at Mikado Lodge.

The Pool | A Love Story

Let’s talk about the pool! The infinity pool at Mikado is the heart of the lodge, and honestly, the only place where I truly lost track of time.

You sit, you float, you think about nothing… or everything… and sometimes both at once.

Person relaxing in the infinity pool surrounded by greenery at Mikado Lodge.

During golden hour? The pool area transforms ... it's an emotion.

Warm golden light over infinity pool at Mikado Natural Lodge.

And then there’s the wide shot, the kind the lodge should probably frame and hang in their lobby.

Infinity pool under dramatic blue sky and palm trees at Mikado Natural Lodge.

Breakfast in Paradise

Breakfast at Mikado tastes like balance, fresh fruit, local yogurt, honey, and that unmistakable Costa Rican sunshine. All made by Lolo, with the upmost care.

It’s simple, honest, and exactly what your body wants after a day (or night) of exploring.

Breakfast bowl with tropical fruit overlooking the pool at Mikado Natural Lodge.

The Garden | Where Tropical Meets Desert

Mikado’s garden has its own personality, part jungle, part desert chic, with cacti standing tall next to lush palms.

It’s the kind of mix that shouldn’t make sense… but absolutely does.

Garden with cactus and tropical plants at Mikado Lodge.

The Mikado Mascot (A.K.A. The Sweetest Welcome Committee)

Of course, we HAVE TO talk about the dog. Every good lodge has a personality, but Mikado has a dog with personality. The kind that comes to say hello, walks with you a bit, then goes on with his day like a tiny CEO.

Dog walking near the palapa at Mikado Natural Lodge.

Little Moments That Stay With You

Some places charm you instantly; Mikado grows on you quietly.

It’s in the sound of geckos at night.

The warm wood under your feet.

The view from your bed.

The staff’s kindness.

The way time feels slower, in a good way.

And those tiny heart-shaped towel silhouettes at sunset? Honestly, too cute.

Silhouette of towel heart shape with sunset in the background at Mikado Lodge.

A Little Goodbye, But Never Really a Goodbye

Mikado is not the kind of place you “check out of. ”It’s the kind of place that stays with you, in your rhythm, your memories, the way your body suddenly remembers what rest feels like.

It’s soft, simple, grounding.

It’s Costa Rica in its calmest form.

Your little home between the hills and the sea.

Your quiet escape.

Your chapter of peace.

Subscibe to my newsletter to receive my latest articles and live throughout my words, the adventure with me !

Kisses,