What Our Guests Say About Southern Drake Lodge
At Southern Drake Lodge, true luxury reveals itself through experience. Our guests consistently share thoughtful feedback about their time with us. They often mention the calm of our rainforest setting, the privacy of our suites, and the care shown by our team.
Rather than focusing on accolades alone, we value the stories our guests tell. These moments reflect seamless stays, meaningful connections, and unforgettable encounters with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
A Reputation Built on Excellence
Guests frequently highlight:
- The comfort and privacy of our spacious, thoughtfully designed suites
- The peaceful atmosphere created by our rainforest and ocean surroundings
- Attentive, personalized service throughout their stay
- Easy access to Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, and Drake Bay experiences
We maintain a consistently high standard of hospitality. This commitment is reflected in the exceptional reviews we receive across trusted travel platforms.
Genuine Experiences, Thoughtfully Delivered
Guests visit Southern Drake Lodge for many reasons. Some celebrate honeymoons or special occasions. Others seek adventure or quiet immersion in nature. Many describe their stay as both restorative and enriching.
A number of guests return, while others recommend us to friends and family. Their trust means everything to us.
Trusted by Travellers Worldwide
Our reviews come from travellers across the globe who value authenticity, comfort, and personal service. Their feedback guides us as we continue refining every detail of the guest experience.
Experience It for Yourself
We invite you to discover why Southern Drake Lodge consistently earns outstanding reviews and heartfelt recommendations. Experience boutique luxury in Drake Bay, where thoughtful design, attentive service, and Costa Rica’s extraordinary wilderness come together.
Explore our guest reviews below and begin planning your stay.
EXCELLENTVerified Best Lodge in Drake bay Un lodge esclusivo immerso nella giungla. Ci ha colpiti la bellezza della struttura, la cura dei dettagli e l'ospitalità di Joe e Susanna che ci hanno accolti e aiutato ad organizzare le attività. Buonissima anche la colazione e la cena, con piatti deliziosi e raffinati. Lo consigliamo caldamente!Posted on TripadvisorVerified Simply the Best Place to Stay Our stay at Southern Drake Lodge was simply outstanding. Joe and Sue are exceptional hosts, combining genuine warmth with incredible local knowledge to make every day special. The accommodation is stunning—beautifully designed, immaculate and perfectly immersed in the rainforest. Chef Maria’s cooking was a true highlight, with delicious, freshly prepared meals showcasing wonderful local flavours and ingredients. The daily laundry service was an unexpected luxury that made our stay so easy and relaxing. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, creating an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting the Osa Peninsula, Southern Drake Lodge is an absolute gem that we cannot recommend highly enough!Posted on TripadvisorVerified Pura joy in pura vida Lovelly spot , easy flow people and great cooking lady’s with excellent skills . We enjoyed every second. Nice vieuws en poperty.Posted on TripadvisorVerified I think we found paradise! If perfection had a name it would be Southern Drake Lodge. We were looking for a place to just unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home and Southern Drake Lodge hit the spot perfectly. From the views and rooms, to the staff, everything was of the highest standard. Joe, Sue and their staff made us both feel incredibly welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were spotlessly clean with incredible views all around. Just lay in one of the hammocks and I can guarantee that all you will want to do is admire the views for hours on end. The food was on another level. All cooked by Joe and Sue’s team, the menu was varied and you never went hungry. For lunch we headed down to the bay and visited Claudio’s where for a reasonable price you can experience more freshly cooked food. It’s a great place to visit for refreshments after a morning at one of the many secluded beaches than can be found by wandering along the coastline. For the more adventurous there are many trails that you can take that lead you to more amazing spots to explore. A boat trip to Corcovado National Park is a must even if it just for the boat journey along the most amazing coastline. Go to Southern Drake Lodge, it really is an amazing experience.Posted on TripadvisorVerified Best hospitality ever encountered Sweet little getaway, excellent hospitality, and awesome fishing minutes away. Be sure to have Joe set you up with Captain Willie and Alonzo for the fishing. Don’t pass up on a night tour of local wildlife or a day trip to Corcovado national park. You’ll be fed beforehand or be back before the can’t skip chef prepared three course dinner. If around during lunch, be sure to check out the local restaurants. We dropped in to Chef Coco’s and it was great. Joe and Sue go out of their way to treat you more like family than a guest. They even contacted us to ensure we made our flight home.Posted on TripadvisorVerified A little piece of paradise We had an amazing few days. The room was incredible with beautiful views down to the sea. We sat in our pool watching toucans and Scarlett macaws. The room was gorgeous with plenty of space for our family. We stayed with our two sons, aged 20 & 19 in one of the few places that offers twin beds. The food was utterly delicious and the hospitality of Susannah & Joe was second to none - and it turns out Susannah grew up just a few miles from where we live! Would thoroughly recommend the hotel and Drake Bay. The Osa Peninsula was our favourite part of Costa Rica, unspoilt and brimming with wildlife. Thanks again for a wonderful few days 😊Posted on TripadvisorVerified Almost like a cruise-ship on land Snider, Thai and Maria made superdelicious, highly attractive meals that we looked forward to each day. They were all friendly, efficient and took our dietary preferences / allergies seriously in the kitchen. Joe & Susannah were great hosts, with entertaining stories and an extensive knowledge base about Costa Rica, outdoor activities / local attractions, food / drink and world travel. The Southern Drake Lodge is clean and well-appointed, almost like a cruise-ship on land, but with beautiful gardens and lots of surrounding wildlife / birds. Windows were well screened against mosquitos, and the hilltop location provides air movement along with great views. We really enjoyed our stay! Steven & Max OscherwitzPosted on TripadvisorVerified Incredible experience. Jurassic Park with luxury accomodation and cute critters 😄 An incredible place to stay. Gorgeous accomodation surrounded by the Corcovado National Park and their own beautiful, tropical gardens, yet it feels like home. This is thanks to Joe and Susannah. They are such a warm and generous couple, they make you feel like family. It's a very special experience and one we'll never forget. The whole area is unspoiled, lush and exciting - we saw so much wildlife, most of it just outside our room at Southern Drake Lodge. Unbelievable. The property is kept spotlessly clean by the tireless efforts of their brilliant team and thanks to Maria, their amazing chef, we ate superb three course meals every evening 👌 Nothing was too much trouble for any one. We only hope we get to go again🤞🏼Posted on TripadvisorVerified Gorgeous and wonderful experience at Southern Drake Lodge We had the best time staying at Southern Drake Lodge. Sue and Joe are amazing hosts, welcomed us with open arms, and made us feel at home and comfortable in the jungle. The accommodations are beautiful and comfortable. We spent most of our days out on excursions, and made it back to hang and relax at the lodge in the afternoons. We enjoyed the pool(s), the hammocks, and just sitting and reading on the porches while watching the amazing tropical birds fly by. We adored their dogs and cat and it made us feel at home to have furry friends under foot. The food was sooo good. Maria, the dinner cook, is quite talented and a wonderful person. She had us licking our plates clean and kept us well fed. Louis cooked us breakfast, which was fairly simple but also delicious. Our kids aren’t picky, but they were ready to accommodate if so. We did snorkeling and a tour of Corcovado and got to see amazing sea life and jungle creatures. We also had a “chill” day, where we lounged a bit longer and did a neat local hike that Sue and Joe recommended. If you are heading to Drake Bay, this is the perfect spot, with the best hosts, in a spectacular location!Posted on TripadvisorVerified Simply amazing It’s not possible to say enough good things about our stay here, we loved every second. The property has a beautiful jungle view within walking distance of the beach. Joe and Sue were incredible hosts (going above and beyond when we arrived unwell) Incredible food for breakfast and dinner every day! Always fresh and delicious Our rooms were cleaned every day and laundry was provided The hosts were so helpful in helping us arrange our time and activities. I’m so glad we extended our stay to 8 nights to truly enjoy everything drake bay and the property had to offer. Bob, Rio and gala 🐱🐶 were great company around the property. Thank you all for the most wonderful stay.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If perfection had a name it would be Southern Drake Lodge. We were looking for a place to just unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle of daily life back home and Southern Drake Lodge hit the spot perfectly. From the views and rooms, to the staff, everything was of the highest standard. Joe, Sue and their staff made us both feel incredibly welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were spotlessly clean with incredible views all around. Just lay in one of the hammocks and I can guarantee that all you will want to do is admire the views for hours on end. The food was on another level. All cooked by Joe and Sue’s team, the menu was varied and you never went hungry. For lunch we headed down to the bay and visited Claudio’s where for a reasonable price you can experience more freshly cooked food. It’s a great place to visit for refreshments after a morning at one of the many secluded beaches than can be found by wandering along the coastline. For the more adventurous there are many trails that you can take that lead you to more amazing spots to explore. A boat trip to Corcovado National Park is a must even if it just for the boat journey along the most amazing coastline. Go to Southern Drake Lodge, it really is an amazing experience.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons passé un séjour tout simplement inoubliable en famille dans cet endroit magnifique! Les hôtes Joe et Susannah nous ont accueilli de la meilleure des façon. Et que dire des dîners sur place tout simplement excellents! En bref, un endroit superbe, des chambres spacieuses, des repas savoureux, le tout en pleine nature. Probablement le meilleur endroit de Drake Bay pour séjourner!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the best time staying at Southern Drake Lodge. Sue and Joe are amazing hosts, welcomed us with open arms, and made us feel at home and comfortable in the jungle. The accommodations are beautiful and comfortable. We spent most of our days out on excursions, and made it back to hang and relax at the lodge in the afternoons. We enjoyed the pool(s), the hammocks, and just sitting and reading on the porches while watching the amazing tropical birds fly by. We adored their dogs and cat and it made us feel at home to have furry friends under foot. The food was sooo good. Maria, the dinner cook, is quite talented and a wonderful person. She had us licking our plates clean and kept us well fed. Louis cooked us breakfast, which was fairly simple but also delicious. Our kids aren’t picky, but they were ready to accommodate if so. We did snorkeling and a tour of Corcovado and got to see amazing sea life and jungle creatures. We also had a “chill” day, where we lounged a bit longer and did a neat local hike that Sue and Joe recommended. If you are heading to Drake Bay, this is the perfect spot, with the best hosts, in a spectacular location!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a truly unforgettable stay. The place itself is absolutely incredible, but what makes it even more special is Joe, the owner, who welcomes you into his world with such authenticity. He is passionate about what he does and has a great sense of humor, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. It felt like a magical escape in the heart of the jungle. We stayed there with our children, and they instantly felt at home. The food was also exceptional—Maria, the chef, is fantastic, and her positive energy is contagious. We highly recommend this place!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Susannah, Joe and the entire team at Southern Drake Lodge are absolutely amazing. Everything you could ask for is taken care of so you can simply enjoy your vacation on the Osa Peninsula. The breakfasts are made to order and the decadent dinners are 3 courses of freshly prepared, locally inspired and sourced for you every single evening. The lodge is nestled in the forest so every morning you wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature all around and fall asleep to the same lovely soundtrack: Birds, breeze and oceans waves in the distance. And if you're looking to venture out snorkeling or fishing or hiking the national park, their team of guides and planners create a schedule to fit your every need. Or if you don't want to do any of that, worry not, the pool is lovely and the balconies are massive so relaxed lounging is also on another level. My wife and I along with her mom and 2 brothers all stayed for a full week and leaving was so much harder than we'd all expected going into the vacation. That's all thanks for the great people and great space that is the Southern Drake lodge.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Words cannot express how incredible this place is but here goes nothing. This is not your average boutique hotel experience. This is an expression of passion, heart, hard work and love. My family and I had the absolute privilege of staying here for a week - every single detail has been carefully considered. And I’m not exaggerating when I say details! details! details! From absolutely mouthwatering three course dinners, to high quality linens, to daily laundry and housekeeping , to the kindest and sweetest hosts ….(and I could go on and on) this place has truly set the bar so incredibly high I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to forget it. And that’s the point… you can’t! It’s been over a week since we’ve come home and we speak about the Lodge and its hosts everyday. We’re already planning our return. To Joe and Sue and their incredible team, thank you so much for welcoming us into your secret paradise - it was a dream, one that I am still processing. You’ve all left a lasting impression on our hearts, you feel more like friends and family to us now and I just want to say that you should all be so proud of yourselves. You’ve created something so uniquely special and unforgettable. Thank you thank you thank you. We cannot wait to come back!!! Thank you for being the beautiful people thank you are. Your care and love are palpable. You and your tribe and your lodge deserve to be celebrated. If you have the opportunity to stay here, spoil yourself don’t hesitate, you will never forget it.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough about this place, I genuinely feel like I have left behind long lost friends which is a credit to the hospitality from Jo and Susanna Southern the owners of Southern Drake Lodge. I booked my reservation as a treat to myself last minute for 2 nights and after 5 minutes at the Southern Drake Lodge I was requesting 2 additional nights which was gratefully accommodated. Hospitality Not sure where to begin, the Southern Drake Lodge is absolutely beautiful in a stunning location designed and created by Jo himself a labor of his love clearly on display. However, what makes it even more special is the owners Jo and Susanna Southern’s hospitality. Both Jo and Susanna could not do enough for all guests, constantly on hand to make sure everyone is comfortable. Transport They had transport waiting for me on arrival and from the moment I entered Southern Drake Lodge I was blown away. Meals Thai and her crew in the kitchen created the most delicious breakfast and dinners I have ever had. The meals are served at a communal dining table for all guests to dine together, meals can be served in room if requested in advance. Rooms Every room has a different but beautiful view of the rainforest. Excursions Susanna went out of her way to organize my last minute diving and mangrove boat tour through Good Catch Costa Rica tour company who were amazing. I did not have to worry about anything. Solo traveling As a female traveling alone I felt completely comfortable and safe. Wildlife Every morning I was greeted with a wake up call from the local birds and howler monkeys. On most days you can see monkeys in the trees. Not to forget Bob, Rio and Gia (the two friendly rescue dogs and cat). Final note to say, this place is luxury with heart. I cannot wait to plan my next trip here and bring my Mum. I would not hesitate to book! Thank you Jo & Susanna.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My father and I had an absolutely splendid time at the Southern Drake Lodge. From Joe's humor and fishing stories to Susana's caring hospitality, we were blown away by the location, activities, food, and overall environment offered by the hotel. Special shoutouts to Thai, Maria, and the rest of the culinary crew, as well as Bob and Rio the dogs.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Southern Drake Lodge is an incredible place. Our room was spacious and gorgeous - we loved waking up to the howler monkeys and watching the variety of birds visit the tree right in-front of our balcony while we had coffee. The chef was wonderful - every meal was different and delicious. We were busy with many active outings during our stay and having daily included laundry service was such a welcome perk. We loved cooling off in the pool every day when we’d return. Sue was so warm, friendly, and welcoming. I’d highly recommend Southern Drake Lodge to anyone lucky enough to be traveling to Drake Bay.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been all over Costa Rica. I have visited at least nine times in the last few years. After about the third visit we realized everything we wanted was in the Drake Bay area. Now we know that the best place to stay in the Drake Bay area is Southern Drake Bay Lodge. Best food. Great accommodations. Great owners. Everything is so accessible in the Drake Bay area and you are within minutes of the city, the ocean, or exploring the rivers and other adventures all around. Couldn't recommend Southern Drake Bay Lodge more.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. 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EXCELLENTVerified 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.Posted on AirbnbVerified 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!Posted on AirbnbVerified 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.Posted on AirbnbVerified 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!Posted on AirbnbVerified 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.Posted on AirbnbVerified 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.Posted on AirbnbVerified 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!Posted on AirbnbVerified 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.Posted on AirbnbVerified 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 🫶🏼Posted on AirbnbVerified Stunningly beautiful setting, super comfortable cabin/apartments, and the perfect combination (for us) of privacy and common spaces.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more