Creating the Balinese-style villas has been a slow and careful process

Just what does a civil war in Madagascar some nine years ago have to do with a boutique hotel on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast? The conflict prevented Thomas Coulson from taking a vacation to that turbulent African island, prompting him to change his travel plans and decide on Costa Rica instead.

Captivated by the country and especially the year-round lushness and dramatic coastline near the beach community of Uvita, the Polish-born British aviation fuels engineer made a complete life and career change: He quit his job in the U.S. to build and run a small, chic forest lodge in the tropics. With no previous hotel experience, Coulson was called crazy by colleagues, but TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge opened without fanfare a year ago and has been garnering praise ever since.

Access is up a short but steep (4×4 only) drive above the Costanera Highway. From the parking area, you climb wide stone steps leading to the airy reception space and a warm welcome from Coulson and his Costa Rican partner, Cindy Naranjo.

The first order of the day is a delicious complimentary banana colada made with fruit from the gardens, while the layout of the hotel and tour options are explained. But mainly Coulson comes over with an affable “mi casa es tu casa” (my house is your house) approach, and the emphasis is on informality and relaxation. Coulson’s knowledge of the area, from best restaurants and hidden beaches to how to replace a forgotten swimsuit, is praiseworthy, as is the couple’s enthusiastic commitment to helping their community and embracing low-impact environmental practices.

Creating the Balinese-style villas has been a slow and careful process, Coulson says, and it shows. There is an attention to detail and comfort you normally find in places twice the price.

 

Working with a San José architect, Coulson and Naranjo designed five spacious, private villas perched on the steep slopes of the 13-acre property, with extensive views over jungle landscapes to the ocean and Caño Island in the distance. The open-sided, cathedral-vaulted dining and social area includes a well-stocked bar steps away from the infinity pool with its endless ocean views.