Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

Overview

Description

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is a self-sufficient ecological hotel that features an organic biodynamic farm and offers an intimate experience with the primary rainforest.

In 2003, we decided to expand our initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices, offering eco-lodges made from the wood that falls naturally on our property.

Since then we have built a 50-foot (15-meter) observation tower, a solar-heated Jacuzzi, an ozone-treated pool and a trail through the forest that is accessible to people with special needs. Our guests can explore and experience the Costa Rican rainforest with our guides, learn about our sustainable farming practices, relax in our rustic rooms, and enjoy gourmet meals prepared with fresh produce picked on our farm and in the surrounding area. As a complement, they can view the majestic Arenal Volcano.

We are located just 35 minutes from La Fortuna, the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica and home to Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a must-visit destination for those seeking exciting trips. Our experienced staff will help you plan your activities and discover charming destinations.

Rooms

13 rooms with four types of accommodation: Casa Luna, Casa Sombra, several family cabins and individual cabins. The rooms have a style that is rustic and luxurious at the same time. They are surrounded by rainforest and were built using wood that fell naturally on our farm. All the rooms are located on the same property, and you can walk easily from one to another.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 21

Percentage of local employees: 95%

• We coordinate environmental education campaigns with the people in charge of the Children's Eternal Rainforest, the community of San Juan de Peñas Blancas, and the local schools.
• We have a tree planting program and invite our clients and local schoolchildren to plant a tree in our biological corridor.
• We have a solar dryer for laundry and another for culinary spices.
• The hot tub is heated by solar panels.
• The pool is treated with ozone.
• The rooms were built with foundations made out of polypropylene bags, clay, bamboo, and jute bags.
• We do not use herbicides, pesticides, or any kind of chemicals.
• We use only organic and biodynamic fertilizers.
• We have a biological corridor that links our private reserve with the Children's Eternal Rainforest. This is a breeding, nesting, shelter, and feeding habitat for many species of wildlife.
• We use photocell lights that turn sunlight into electricity. We use a very low light intensity so as not to disturb the environment where the hotel is located.
• We have motion sensors and energy-saving lights around the facility.
• We implement a recycling program in conjunction with the Zeta Trece Collection Center, operated by a group of women from La Fortuna de San Carlos.
• Organic waste is used to feed the farm animals.
• We have a branching gray water treatment system that sends the waters to troughs 2 meters deep with several levels of filtration. At the end of this process the water is absorbed by plants for bio-gardening at the end of the purification process.
• We work with wild microorganisms that are deposited in the septic tanks for all the lodge’s toilets; these decompose the waste biologically, releasing carbon dioxide and water with no bad odor.
• We are constantly training staff and we encourage neighboring community residents to take the courses that we offer to our collaborators. Luna Nueva Lodge works closely with the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA).
• We have a souvenir shop that is supplied in part by local, environmentally-friendly artisans who make their products from recycled materials.
• We work with organized groups from the Peñas Blancas community to promote sustainable development and tourism in the area.
• The hotel and its staff support community activities with funds and labor and we support the development of sports, and artistic and cultural activities that take place in the community.

Rates

$76 – 100

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.fincalunanuevalodge.com/rooms-rates.html (available in English).
• www.fincalunanuevalodge.com/sp/habitaciones-tarifas.html (available in Spanish).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San Jose (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: La Fortuna (FON)

Travel time to nearest airport: 3 hours

You can get to Finca Luna Nueva Lodge by bus or car.

Visit our webpage to see the map and obtain detailed directions for travel to our hotel.

Additional Information

Additional Certifications

• International Certification of Biodynamic Agriculture by the by the Demeter organization
• Eco-Logic National Certification

Awards or Recognitions

• Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, 2012 and 2013
• Active member of Slow Food International

Date This Information Was Provided

July 2013.

Photos courtesy of Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.