Guest Experiences
See for yourself what all the fuss is about.“Left a piece of my heart there…”
Like all the best things in life, it takes some effort to get to L&L. The road there is a trip in and of itself but if you let a little gravel stand in the way of you getting there, this place probably isn’t for you anyway. Eventually, you make you way through the village that time forgot and end up in the retreat.
I can’t really describe the feel of the place. It has the laid-back Costa Rican vibe along with Debbie’s Midwestern friendliness and hospitality, Steve’s whimsy and creativity, and the overt LOVE the staff have for the place. Every employee approached their job with pride and care and the property sings with a voice of its own.
You can’t complain about the view. Each cabin is perched on a hillside and they all have views of Arenal. You will feel like you are miles from the nearest person, they are each situated so privately. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. All the cabins are now equipped with outdoor showers in addition to the indoor ones. Fun! WiFi in the restaurant only…I did miss it at first but I can see why its the decision they made. As the globe continues to warm they may want to add A/C, but most of the time we were perfectly comfortable. We stayed in the Monkey Cabin (the most private, I think) and our friends were in the AWESOME hobbit house.
There will be bugs. Get over it. There will also be hammocks and tropical birds and monkeys and sloths and flowers beyond compare. It is impossible to believe that ten years ago the property was clear-cut grazing land. Steve and Debbie have engineered a come-back for the ages and should be proud – more than proud – of the land they have redeemed. The love Debbie has for her horses is amazing…
Let me tell you about these horses. They are the most themselves of any horses I have ever seen. They play, they have personalities, they are sure footed and stout-hearted. They have horses that were born there and horses that have luckily retired there and they were utterly splendid. No bits needed for these guys; they are gentle and responsive. Best of all, Debbie makes sure you spend adequate time bonding and working with the horse to develop a bond before you hop up on their backs – for the mutual benefit of horse and rider. The trail rides are not boring, nose to tail affairs. These horses are actualized and alive and you will feel more so just by being near them!
The food is farm to table. Delicious. Eat there more often than not. Drink their lemonade, it is delicious. The pancakes in the morning were the best I’ve ever had. Whatever is in the yeast rolls (other than yeast) was addictive and unreal good. The kitchen staff is eager to please, and was so patient with my bad Spanish. When I ordered a complicated pizza, the cook and I shared a laugh and she dragged me into the kitchen so I could frantically gesture over what I wanted where – and was just awesome through the whole trip – teaching me the word for “spoon” and “maple syrup.”
Sally and Enrique were also great stand outs. Sally is from the UK and left her job to come work with the horses. She was a great help and possessed a sort of charmed spirit. Enrique led the tour to the waterfall. He was raised in the local village and was a wonderful guide on the trip. His assistant Esteban was great too, the strong and silent type for sure but a wonderful help.
I would be completely remiss if I did not mention Sabina, who is a recent addition to the family there and yet feels like the soul of the place. Her kind welcome, courteous attention to our every need in planning activities, and best of all her Yoga classes were priceless. (Take the Yoga classes! They are on an outdoor deck overlooking the horse arena and are only ten dollars!) At the end of her class, she led the group in meditation… “This is your safe place, and you can come back here whenever you are scared or stressed or unhappy.” I know she was speaking about the space inside yourself, but to me that happy place will always look a lot like Leaves and Lizards, a sanctuary for all who make the journey.
Where do I end? How about the road away? It feels less rough somehow, you will leave noticing the bumps less and less. When your wheels finally hit pavement again, it won’t feel as good as it once did. You will be more secure, sure, and I guess it’s easier driving…but somewhat less satisfying. You will find yourself longing for the bumps, for the bugs, for the sounds of the rain forest at night. You will miss the friends you made and the friends you could have made if only you had the words. You will miss the hidden waterfall, and the horses, and the taste of the fresh eggs and milk. You will leave thinking that maybe Pura Vida cannot be found on a paved road.
“Absolutely beautiful. Stunning views, gorgeous room, great food and lovely people”
This is a real treat. I’ve been to 50 countries around the world so I’ve stayed at a lot of places but this is one of the best.
We stayed in the ‘Hobbit’. A gorgeously creative room with sculpted white walls and carved wood, a wooden door like something from Tolkien, a long wide balcony with carved table and stools and rocking chairs looking out over the volcano and beautiful exotic flowering plants. Lying on the bed you look out of a floor to ceiling picture window across your balcony watching hummingbirds and butterflies flitting amongst the flowers. It really is stunning. You get what you pay for and this is worth every penny. The shower is great, hot water and a glass ceiling looking up to the sky. A huge bed which is one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in, two more single beds which are the most original bunk beds you’ll ever see whilst still being safe for kids if you’re sharing a room with them. A fridge, microwave, coffee maker and free coffee and fresh milk and juice. Fresh spring water that you can drink straight from the tap. Refill your bottles instead of wasting plastic. A separate toilet to the large bathroom also in your room. A sofa. This place really is fabulous.
Breakfasts vary daily and are delicious and included, generous proportions. Eaten in the onsite dining area overlooking the small infinity swimming pool and views of the volcano. Bar area. Great dinners, just let them know in the morning if you need dinner or lunches.
An incredible onsite horse riding school which doesn’t just stick you on a horse but gives you a 90 minute lesson and instruction with a trainer Enrique, and the horse you will ride. We then took a long ride through stunning scenery to a waterfall and back. Packed lunch provided. My highlight of my trip to Costa Rica. Enrique is a patient and professional teacher, my husband and I were so impressed. We hadn’t ridden before and the introductory teaching was simply fantastic.
There’s not enough superlatives for me to use to describe this place. Just go, it will be a highlight of your trip to Costa Rica and you will see so many species of birds and toucans just by sitting and taking in the serene scenery from your balcony. A truly wonderful experience. The American owners Steve and Debbie have created something unique and very special. Tours can be arranged, also week long horse riding workshops or one hour or daily horse riding, cookery classes, yoga classes, local hot springs reservations, they will book drivers/taxis for you…we stayed 3 nights but you could base yourself here for 7 days and see and do so much.
Definitely go to the hot springs. Bring a hairdryer, waterproof coats, closed shoes like trainers or boots. You may get muddy horse riding or hiking but a full bag of laundry is only $10 and returned to you the next morning. Bring flip flops for the hot springs. Sun cream, a sun hat and some bug spray will go a long way in Costa Rica and expensive to buy once here. An umbrella is also worth packing as weather can change very quickly, and if you have binoculars you will see even more birds closer up.
“Eponicity- Equine Experiential Learning”
Paula B, Alberta, Canada
“Gratitude for Horses!”
Each day I worked with my horse was like peeling off layers of the onion. My whole life I had been afraid of horses. When I was a kid I was kicked off my horse and it really scared me. But with guidance and support I was able to embrace my fear and feel my feeling rather than running from them (something I’ve been doing for a long time).
On the very first day, we were blind folded and they brought the horses in to choose us. The guides informed us that the right horse would chose us, that we could trust that whatever horse was drawn to us, had something to teach us and that we could grow from them. Sitting in the dark, next to a huge creature (that I didn’t trust) required me to have trust (to just be willing to sit there and believe what the guides where telling me). I considered this experience a breakthrough in itself.
The horse who chose me was named “Beauty” and she is absolutely stunning. Through various exercises and spending time together she taught me that I needed to speak up, to be more assertive in my life and to stop letting people take advantage of me. She demanding that I use my power to communicate and if I didn’t…..she would rather just eat grass. She did this a lot. She ate grass all the time and at first I took it really personally. I felt that she must be so bored with me.
One day when she and I sat alone in the barn (and after what felt like hours of watching her eat) I suddenly realized that people are going to do what they do and that it has nothing to do with me. Also, that if I wanted a different result or for something to change, that it wasn’t going to happen by just thinking about it. I decided I need to do something different, go out of my comfort zone and for me that meant putting on Beauty’s mouth harness (she has a special one she has to wear because she escapes all the time. This made me laugh because I think she’s a bit of a rebel and I can relate to that). I was so scared she might bite me or run away if I tried to get too close to her but I chose to do it anyway. It took a couple tries but then she just let me do it! And while this may not sound like a victory to anyone but myself…it was! I had created a new level of intimacy with her and was so proud of myself. We walked peacefully back to the pasture together that night and I felt a new sense of freedom.
I also learned so much from watching other people on the retreat work with their horses. These animals are so sacred and special they are like truth serum. They have this incredible ability to reveal the very things in ourselves that we hide from and push down. These horses meet us with such grace in the midst of our darkness and support us in revealing the truth of who we….an abundance of love and joy. I guess you could say that the horses were like medicine, working on us in ways that we might not even be aware of. However, without Sally and Debbie none of this would have been possible. I don’t think these women really get how amazing they are. I couldn’t have even gotten close to these animals without their guidance. They were both so gentle yet stern and really stood for me to be courageous when I wanted to run. There were no back doors on this retreat. I had to be present…all the time and deal with whatever came up…but I didn’t have to do it alone. Having Sally and Debbie there to help explain the kind of work we were doing and watching them interact with the horses and witnessing their great love for these animals was just such a tremendous thing to experience.
Dashielle and Mike who were also guides on the trip incorporated the practice of the medicine wheel which really helped provide a beautiful container for all the work we did. It gave me a safe space to process my experiences and allowed me to use the elements in nature as information for growth. Everyone had to come together and work as a team and while it wasn’t always easy, the bumps along the way turned out to be a perfect part of the journey. I came away from this experience with a new appreciation for the things that scare me. I was reminded to step into my own power and to listen to my emotions as useful information and trust that my intuition will guide me.
My overall experience of this workshop if I could choose three words would be sacred, exhilarating and unforgettable!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Cassie
“Paradise Found!”
Each cabin is nestled in its private arena of rainforest with a large verandah and hammocks for those lazy moments to read and doze. Apparently Steve designed and built them all and he has certainly given them each an individual stamp of Costa Rican charm. There is luxury within their simplicity, hot powerful showers, large comfortable beds with crisp white linen and fluffy white towels but the real luxury is to feel one is actually a part of their spectacular ecosystem.
The bird life is incredible, even for someone as ignorant as myself, with stunning and fearless varieties of hummingbirds surrounding the restaurant and the cabins. The wildlife, including Howler monkeys can be heard and seen and the knowledgeable and friendly guides will find and point out rare frogs, lizards and extraordinary birds and mammals on your rides.
The riding, whether you are experienced or a beginner is excellent. The little Costa Rican horses are beautiful, strong, responsive, gentle, well mannered and extremely sure-footed so that you can truly enjoy the adventure and experience of the terrain and rainforest, sometimes ending up at a waterfall or rock pool for a refreshing swim and a delicious picnic.
They also offer wonderful hour long body massages and spa treatments which are well worth indulging in after a day’s adventure. I chose a chocolate and coconut wrap one day – it was delicious!
Debbie and Steve, the owners, are very much hands-on and nothing is too much trouble. They are passionate about Leaves & Lizards, the environment, the delicious fresh organic food they provide, their delightful local staff, their horses and making your stay as comfortable, as fun and as rewarding as possible. They are very special people and will soon become warm friends.
I visited for two back to back Eponaquest workshops in October run by Debbie, Shelly, Rosa and Nancy (all exceptional, professional, wise and compassionate) and I found this time to observe, share and immerse in this special environment of warmth, acceptance, nature and nurture the most unique, rewarding and empowering life journey and probably the very best investment I have ever made for myself. I fully recommend this journey to embrace the authentic self.
P.S Just a quick note, It’s a rainforest – remember it rains!
“An amazing experience!!!”
I’ve tried to include the big stuff – but there’s no way to communicate the tranquility and peacefulness that Leaves and Lizards has to offer. I can definitely understand why people return time after time. Can’t wait to go back!!
“Great family Vacation”
“Huge room with a view”
“Simply the best”
The information provided before your arrival is very helpful. The road map provides a choice of routes and useful tips on what to expect. We experienced all three routes during our stay in Costa Rica and I would recommend the scenic drive as the countryside is beautiful. The truck route is slow but has the interesting towns of Grecia and Zarcero en-route which are worth checking out. The fast route had better road surfaces and less traffic, but ascends in to the cloud forest which can make visibility difficult.
Driving in Costa Rica is easy, unlike some European countries. My experience of Costa Rican drivers is very positive on the whole. Driving allows you to stop when we you see things of interest. I thoroughly recommend Vamos Car Rental recommended by the lodge. The representative was punctual and spoke excellent English. He spent some time going through the rental agreement and gave us tips on driving in Costa Rica. He also explained how to use the sat nav and the complimentary phone, which was far from my experience of international companies where you are merely directed to a car lot. They are cheaper because the cars are not new but there is no point having a new car in Costa Rica.
We rose every morning at 05.30 to the chorus of beautiful birds whilst watching Arenal Volcano reveal itself and if you are lucky the caldera appears with a backdrop of white fluffy clouds.
The restaurant staff are delightful and check your preferences before serving you. Nothing appears to be too much trouble. The set menu is varied and where possible the ingredients are fresh from the farm. Everything is well prepared and presented.
The bird feeders next to the restaurant attract a multitude of birds that seemed oblivious to our presence. We have some fantastic photos and video of them squabbling over their share of bananas. Birds of all varieties abound around the property, perching in the tree in front of the cabins making for easy viewing. The highlight were the beautiful collared aracaries.
We spent some time in and around the lodge. Our cabin (Vulcan Cabin) provided us with the tranquility we sought. The site has been planted extremely well with trees and interesting flowering shrubs. The room was large and had all the facilities you need with little extras such as fresh milk and a refreshing fruit juice daily. We drove to the river which is not too far away and paddled in the warm water. There is a small beach area where you can picnic if others have not beaten you to it. It provides welcome shelter from the heat.
We stayed at L&L at the beginning of our holiday so we had nothing to compare it with but having stayed at more expensive establishments elsewhere in Cost Rica I now realize what a wonderful place this is and worth every penny. Such a unique experience with great attention to detail and excellent, friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your time at L&L.
“The Big Family Vacation”
“Even more than we hoped for!!! Definitely going back!”
“A must Stay”
“Best Vacation – EVER”
This is the place to be if you enjoy nature, birds, animals, plants. It’s the place to be if you want a central location where you can go out daily and enjoy adventures like ziplining, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking and much more.