Pico Bonito Lodge

The Lodge at Pico Bonito nestles next to the spectacular Pico Bonito National Park. The hotel has three main public spaces. The reception building contains not only the reception desk, but also a gift shop, a desk for use by the hotel's guides, and a computer with internet access for guests. The gift shop is nicely laid out and contains a good range of local handicrafts, souvenirs etc. The restaurant building next door also hosts the bar area and a small lounge with a television. DVD's are available from a stand by the reception desk as well as a selection of board games. A pleasant verandah overlooking the garden runs along the length of the restaurant building. This is a really relaxing place to sit with a cup of tea or a cocktail. The third building is the conference/banquet suite. The public spaces have high ceilings making them well lit and airy. The accommodation itself consists of cabins discreetly located amidst cocoa and coffee trees so as to maximize privacy. The room décor is an understated "plantation" style with white walls, dark wood and rattan furniture. The cabins are comfortable and well equipped although media junkies might have withdrawal symptoms since they do not have IDD, TV or Internet. This was fine by me since I'd come to get closer to nature not to CNN. The hammock hung outside on the deck was a great place to relax and listen to the birds. The accommodations are connected to the lodge itself by a network of well maintained pathways. A highlight of the lodge is its grounds. There is a lush, beautifully planted garden, a Garden of Eden if you will, filled with birds and butterflies. There is also a deck overlooking the river and an attractive pool area which is a great place to cool down after a hike in the humid heat of the rainforest. The lodge has its own network of hiking trails through the jungle which give access to swimming holes, waterfalls and wildlife viewing platforms. The hotel offers a wide range of activities both on the property itself and as excursions. We took the night hike which was fascinating and also the trip to the Cuero y Salado Nature Reserve. This was a real adventure which involved a ride on a small motorized train and then a tour of the river estuaries in a small boat. Although we didn't see the resident population of manatees we did spot howler monkeys, crocodiles and bats. The lodge has obvious attractions for bird-watchers and there were a couple of groups there while we were staying. However there is also plenty to keep the independent travelers who make up the balance of its clientele both educated and entertained. All meals at the lodge are taken in the main dining room and there is a wide selection on offer whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and the service is friendly and efficient. Indeed the good humour and care of the entire staff was outstanding. Having previously visited Costa Rica I thought I knew what to expect in Honduras. I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how beautiful the country is, perhaps even more so than Costa Rica. What didn't come as a surprise is that The Lodge at Pico Bonito, as a Small Luxury Hotel, is head and shoulders above many other eco resorts at which I've stayed.