We know our lodge is amazing but don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our guests have to say about their stay at Southern Drake Lodge, take a look at our reviews.
Jose2024-10-05 Probablemente uno de los mejores alojamientos en los que me he hospedado.Joe y Sue nos hicieron sentir muy cómodos, Ellie, la chef es divertida y tiene una mano excepcional para la cocina, Kairo mantiene el jardín bellísimo, y el resto del equipo hacen que sea un sitio de ensueño.El entorno de Drake/Corcovado es espectscular, lleno de animales y vegetación, bastantes actividades incluso en temporada baja. De verdad que es una joya. Sietze2024-09-15 Joe and Sue were amazing hosts! We arrived in the evening and immediately had an activity plannend early next morning. But breakfast was already prepared and was waiting for us in the fridge so we didn’t have to go with an empty stomach. They proactively arranged the taxis for us, another thing we didn’t not have to worry about.Joe and Sue are very lovely people with an amazing property and location. In the morning we did activities and in the afternoon we enjoyed the large swimming pool.Also a big shoutout to Ellie, she is the cook who made amazing 3 course dinners every evening for us. Definitely recommend this place! Terique2024-08-23 Un grand merci à Susannah et Joe pour leur accueil, leur service et leur disponibilité.Nous avons été enchanté par le cadre, une nature luxuriante grandement mise en valeur grâce au domaine.Tout est beau et bien pensé pour que vous vous sentiez comme à la maison, le tout plongé au coeur de la nature et des animaux.La cuisine est excellente grâce à la magie d’Eli, qui a su nous concocter des plats très savoureux.Le petit déjeuner est également très bon et très copieux, merci Joe !Susannah est au petit soin pour vous rendre le séjour le plus agréable possible.Le cadre est idyllique : la piscine, les plantes, le bar, la décoration .. le tout avec vue !C’est avec certitude que nous reviendrons séjourner ici. Madeline2024-08-09 Our stay at Southern Drake Lodge was the highlight of our first trip to Costa Rica. Joe and Susannah are incredible hosts. No detail is missed—food is delicious, they had everything prepared to make us feel welcome including helping us to organize tours and outings. They even arranged for a cake surprise for my birthday. Honestly we didn’t want to leave! The property itself is beautifully and thoughtfully designed with native plants and animals all around. If you are headed to Drake Bay, this is the place to stay! Katelyn2024-04-26 This was the last stop of our trip and I don’t think we could have stayed at a better place. Sue and Joe were so helpful and welcoming to their lodge. The place was so beautiful, the pictures don’t even do it justice. I’m so glad we stayed here, it was the perfect place to visit for our goodbye to Costa Rica. Ben2024-04-10 Elsa, Sue and Joe were fantastic. Best place we stayed in Costa Rica, the photos don’t do the stay justice. The travel by car wasn’t as bad as initially thought, so don’t be put off by this! The cabin was perfect. Utterly. No complaints. Dawn2024-02-28 Sue’s communication regarding the drive from San Jose to the last hour and a half of dirt roads left us full of anticipation! When we arrived the place was incredible views, the property and surrounding were all just amazing. Elsa greeted us and showed us around with such a warm welcome. Joe and my husband hit it off as they love to talk (especially about the construction of the property). We can’t forget to mention the entertainment from Bob, Rio and Gala. We just wish we got up when Bob was letting us know there was a tapir knocking down a banana tree! We can’t say enough about this trip and how amazing it was! Thank you Sue and Joe! I’m sure we will be back! Natalia2024-02-11 I loved my time in Southern Drake Lodge! I was travelling solo and felt really looked after. Joe and Sue’s place is awesome and they go above and beyond to create a great, relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie. The room and amenities are as described and more! Everything is very clean and well kept and one can see a lot of thought goes into details which made my stay just awesome. Valerija2024-01-13 Ein sehr schönes Airbnb, die Gastgeber sind super freundlich. Helfen dir immer wenn du was brauchst, geben dir super Ratschläge und organisieren vieles. Schade, dass wir nur ein paar Tage da waren. Man fühlt sich gleich wie zuhause. Danke an Susannah und Joe 🫶🏼 Tessa2023-12-31 Stunningly beautiful setting, super comfortable cabin/apartments, and the perfect combination (for us) of privacy and common spaces.Load more
marc2024-11-19 Simply amazing We had amazing 4 days at the Southern Drake Lodge. Sue and Joe really look after their guests. Because of a tropical depression the Corcovado Park was closed for several days - but Sue and Joe could tell us some nice places to go on our own. The breakfast and dinner were excellent. Best Lodge in 6 weeks traveling with two little kids. It's simply stunning what they have built there! Job W2024-11-04 Paradise on earth Paradise on earth! This place should actually be a national park, so beautiful and so many animals around you. It is a place where you can really relax completely, Joe, Sue and Ellie do everything to make your stay unforgettable. You are completely pampered and nothing is missing. The rooms are beautiful, with an eye for detail and comfort. But the surroundings and the view make it complete and make it a paradise on earth. Sit on your balcony, look around you, enjoy the animals and the peace and let yourself be surprised by Ellie's cooking skills. A tip in advance, book more nights here than you think you need in advance because once you are there you will want to stay longer. Thessa V2024-10-03 Amazing! We had a great time with Joe and The guesthouse was a nice space to stay in and the other accommodations also looked very good. Joe and Sue are nice people who want to help you have a good time and can also help you arrange tours. The breakfast is delicious and in the evening a chef prepares delicious meals. It was amazing! We have seen a lot of whales during the couple boat trips we did, It was impressive! In the backyard of our house we spotted Toucans and a sloth! We recommend to stay by Joe and Sue!! Rick M2024-09-03 Amazingly peaceful setting My wife and I loved it. Great location just outside of town, awesome views, peaceful. Rooms are extremely nice. Meals are amazing. Owners take care of guests very well. Very upscale and relaxing lodge surrounded by nature. We plan to return. Sandra Z2024-08-27 One of the best accommodations we had on our Costa Rica tour The lodge is just incredibly beautiful. The rooms and also the equipment without complaint. Joe and Sue are excellent hosts and very helpful. Drake Bay is about a 5-minute drive away. The tours to Corcovado National Park also start from doret. michiel2024-08-11 Completely finished! Just had wonderful days in this beautifully situated residence; beautiful location overlooking the forests full of parrots, toucans and other wild beasts. Further on you can see the sea (1.5km from beach on foot / by car). Joe and Sue are fantastic hosts/ladies, who pamper you completely. Then delicious breakfast and dinner from Eli, the cook; tops it off! Nice tours to do to Corcovado and Cano island. Highly recommended! Meander310029922402024-08-04 Amazing all around Southern Drake Lodge is by far our families favorite place we stayed during our two weeks in Costa Rica! Sue and Joe have crafted an amazing lodge that showcases their attention to detail and ensures an outstanding guest experience. This is one of those rare gems that you will think back on for year to come with fond memories and a longing to return in the future. The accommodations are impeccable with full siding walls to allow for an indoor/outdoor experience that allows you to fully embrace all the beauty of Drakes Bay and the surround jungle (We did not see or have any bugs even with the walls wide open). Ellie, the onsite Chef, is a master at preparing carefully curated quality Costa Rican ingredients into memorable breakfasts and evening meals! We consumed each inspired course she placed before us with delight! We enjoyed spending time in the hammocks on the decks during the rain and refreshed in the pool daily. The green spaces are alive with birds! We saw Scarlet Macaws and Toucans daily. Sue and Joe also provide us with the best contact for a local guide when we were seeking a night tour to look for snakes in particular. Jose (the local guide) is incredibly knowledge and we bonded with him quickly. We enjoyed learning from him and sharing a passion for invertebrates and reptiles, Joe invited Jose to join us at dinner on our last evening. It was such a thoughtful gesture and one we deeply appreciate as our time with Jose allowed us to learn of his recommended guides with a similar passion for evening tours in other regions we visited after we left Drakes Bay. Sue and Joe truly want each guest to have a wonderful experience. When I asked my boys what they liked best about staying at Souther Drake Lodge, they both said everything (pool, rooms, decks) but what they really liked was the people! We hope to return in the future! Michael C2024-07-23 Fantastic Been to southern drake lodge 4 times , all times have been excellent , you could say I’m a repeat customer, Joe and Sue go out of there way to Make Sure your every need is taken care of without being intrusive , the accommodation is second to none and the views exceptional! Then the food , brilliant again , Ellie takes all you needs into account and supplies an exceptional taste experience! I have traveled a lot in my time and this is the first time I feel compelled to leave a review . You will not be disappointed!! Enjoy ! I’m sure you will ! Michael Martin C2024-06-16 A piece of paradise From the outset of booking kept fully informed by the super hosts Sue and Joe.This is our 2nd visit and was a fantastic experience. Facilities very clean and top class .Food by the lovely Ellie was like fine dinning every meal .Fishing on Elsa's well equipped boat very enjoyable. Bryan the skipper's knowledge of fishing marks and tides helped us catch many different species of a good sized fish,also his patience and help much appreciated 👍. The whole establishment ,set up and team are top class and highly recommended . catkins1102024-06-01 Southern Drake Lodge was exceptional Everything about the Southern Drake Lodge was exceptional. It was clean, stylish, roomy with excellent views of the rain forest where ever you stood. I stayed in the rainforest penthouse, & the infinity pool and views were simply WOW! The food was exceptional cooked by their very own chef. Whether it was traditional dishes , delicious homemade pizza cooked in the outside oven or a cookie treat, it was all delicious! Costa Rica's Drake Bay is one of those hidden gems that perplex and captivate you with its natural beauty and abundance of activities. Sue and Joe went out of their way to help me organise activities and did everything they could to make my stay perfect. I can’t thank them enough and I shall 100% be returning.Load more
greta leipute2024-12-03 Such a wonderful hotel - beautiful rooms, really clean and amazing quality bedding/kitchen equipment/showers etc. Lovely food and great hosting, thank you so much for everything! Carola F.2024-11-28 We had an amazing 3 night stay at the lodge. Joe and Susanna and all the staff are doing their best to give you the perfect experience for your stay. The place is just very beautiful and the food was everyday like in a top restaurant with a 4-course meal. 100 % recommended, we would stay there again!! Marco Brunner2024-11-19 We had amazing 4 days in November 2024 at the Southern Drake Lodge. Even the Corcovado Park was closed because of bad weather we had plenty of things to do. Joe and Sue really take care of their guests. We were travelling with 2 little kids. Carmen Rüdiger2024-11-14 Hugh, open and clean rooms with amazing views. Fantastic food from private Chef, Ellie. Super funny and attentive hosting from the lovely owners Joe and Sue. job wienen2024-11-04 Paradise on earth! Eigenlijk zou deze plek een nationaal park moeten zijn, zo mooi en zoveel dieren om je heen. Het is een plek waar je echt totaal tot rust komt, Joe, Sue en Ellie doen er alles aan om jouw verblijf onvergetelijk te maken. Je wordt compleet in de watten gelegd en aan niets ontbreekt het. De kamers zijn prachtig, met oog voor detail en comfort. Maar de omgeving en het uitzicht maken het helemaal compleet en maken het een paradijs op aarde. Ga zitten op je balkon, kijk om je heen geniet van de dieren en de rust en laat je door de kookkunsten van Ellie verassen. Alvast een tip boek hier meer nachten dan je van te voren denkt nodig te hebben want zodra je daar bent wil je langer blijven. Sergio Sanino2024-10-25 Excelente Karola Kamps2024-10-07 We felt completely at home with Joe and Sue. They have created a true paradise and Ellie's wonderful cooking absolutely delighted us and our three children. Joe and Sue are wonderful hosts and this unique and enchanting place is perfectly suitable for relaxing as well as a base for unforgettable excursions. The service and support are also outstanding: for example, the apartment was adapted to our requirements, a spontaneous pick-up was organized, meals were tailored to our individual wishes and we were helped to book an unforgettable floating trip. We would have liked to stay longer and can wholeheartedly recommend this accommodation. Maria FB2024-09-17 Un lugar fantástico en Bahía Drake. La habitación ocean suite es una preciosidad, grande y con unas vistas espectaculares. La comida de Elly está muy rica. Fue muy atenta con mis peticiones especiales gluten free. Los anfitriones fueron muy amables con nosotros. Cualquier recomendación o ayuda que necesitamos, nos dieron las indicaciones pertinentes. Gracias Joseph por tus explicaciones y tu conversación. Río y Bob, los perros de la casa, son un encanto, súper cariñosos. Ojalá podamos volver algún día. Karen Glassborow2024-08-22 Southern Drake Lodge is an absolute MUST if you are heading to Drake Bay, Costa Rica. The accommodation is stunning and we were blown away by the beauty of the place. The property was built by the owners, Joe and Sue, and from the minute you are welcomed through their gates, you feel like you're being welcomed into their home. We were privileged enough to stay in the Ocean View Suite which offers breath-taking views over the jungle to the bay. The added touch of the infinity pool, outdoor rain shower and stunning views make you never want to leave. The rooms are spacious, luxurious and have small kitchen facilities. What also sets this place apart from other properties is the food! Chef Ellie fattens you up with delicious generous-portion gourmet meals and you really get a sense of how much she loves to cook for others when you see her in action. My kids wanted us to bring her home with us, along with the family dogs, Bob and Rio! Sue and Joe, well, you couldn't ask for better hosts, honestly they were so kind to our family. We loved spending time with them and their fur babies. We could listen to Joe's fishing stories for hours. If you're visiting them from England, pop a tin of Heinz baked beans and a few bars of Cadbury's in your bag for them :-) Joe & Sue...the kids are already planning a care package to say thanks for rescuing and making the last few days of our time in Costa Rica so enjoyable. michiel voskuil2024-08-11 Net heerlijke dagen in dit mooi gelegen verblijf gehad; prachtige lokatie met uitzicht over de bossen vol papegaaien, toekans en andere wilde beesten. Verderop zie je de zee liggen (1,5km van strand te voet / met auto). Joe en Sue zijn fantastische gastheer / dame, die je helemaal in de watten leggen. Dan nog overheerlijk ontbijt en diner van Eli, de kok; maakt het helemaal af! Mooie tours te doen naar Corcovado en Cano island. Zeker aanrader!Load more
Lars2024-11-1410 Absolutely wonderful!! ☺ Joe and Sue created a little paradise up on the hill above drake bay. A stunning view from any of the spacious and super clean rooms. AMAZING food from wonderful private Chef, Ellie. Funny stories and great hints for activities from lovely Joe and Sue. What else could you ask for? Stefan2024-10-2510 Beautifully designed and executed apartment with a breathtaking view and perfect service ☺ Everything was lovely - from the ocean-facing outside shower to the stiffness of the mattress. Breakfast and dinner were cosy, tasty meals prepared in the open kitchen. The apartment was cleaned to perfection every day and the owners were very friendly and helpful with any request. Waking up to the gorgeous view from the large windows and having a morning coffee with my feet in the private pool while looking at the forest and ocean, with toucans and parrots flying around, will remain a moment I will cherish forever. Thessa2024-10-0310 Geweldig verblijf bij hele lieve leuke mensen! ☺We hebben een geweldige tijd gehad bij Joe en Sue! Hele vriendelijke hosts die graag met je mee denken en samen met Elsa kun je tours boeken. Elke ochtend een heerlijk uitgebreid ontbijt en elke avond wordt er heerlijk gekookt door de chef! De verblijven zijn fantastisch. Wij verbleven in de Guesthouse, maar de andere verblijven zagen er ook geweldig uit! Je zit daar ook echt midden in de natuur, want wij waren de eerste die vanuit onze buitendouche een luiaard in de boom zagen klimmen. Ook zagen wij meerdere keren Toekans in de tuin. ☹We moesten daar weg, omdat onze vakantie bijna over was.. Felix2024-08-059.0 Luxuriöses Gruppenappartment mit außergewöhnlichen Rundumsorglos-Service ☺Ein aussergewöhnliches Wohnkonzept mit sehr durchdachten Appartments. Das Rundumpaket mit Halbpension (inkl. Waschservice) ist absolute Spitze, wenn nicht nicht die herzlichen Eigentümer (Joe und Sue) abends kochen, gibt es eine weitere hervorragende Köchin. Die Gerichte waren absolute klasse und sehr abwechselnd (auf Lebensmittelwünsche wurde stets eingegangen). Die Zimmer sind extrem gut ausgestattet und äußerst bequem. ☹NichtsLoad more
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