Tree House Lodge

Quirky self-catering charming houses set in the jungle but right by the pretty Punta Uva beach

If ever there was a place to deliberate over which house to stay in, this is it. A super-cool Beach Suite which boasts the biggest bathroom in Costa Rica - a dome with tiny coloured glass windows, giving it the appearance of a spaceship; an open-air Beach House made entirely from fallen trees, in which you can lie in your kingsize bed and watch the ocean; or a good old-fashioned Tree House, set 20ft above ground, with its outdoor shower shaded by a 100-year old Banyan tree. Or, new in 2009, the Bambu House, built mostly from... bamboo. They're all delightful.

The masterstroke of Dutch owner Edsart Besier, these shabby chic rustic houses make up Tree House Lodge, undoubtedly a very special place. Not only are its eco-credentials spot on (all building materials are sustainable, electricity is solar powered, paints are made from natural oils), but its profits fund a green iguana conservation programme - now an endangered species. It's buried deep in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and you can canoe to an indigenous reserve, zip-wire through the canopy, go white-water rafting or take a nature tour. The only issue is, which house to choose?

Highs

• Fantastic location, with uninterrupted views of the jungle and the Lodge's botanical gardens
• Unique, eco-aware houses that are perfectly in tune with their surroundings yet surprisingly upmarket (with coffee makers, iPod docks, a Jacuzzi)
• Sitting on your deck to watch hummingbirds flit about, agouti and lizards scamper past and sloths laze in the trees above you
• Total privacy; the houses are set well apart and there are no neighbours
• Good for families, friends or honeymooners
• Plenty of great activities on offer, or you can just relax on one of Costa Rica's most beautiful coastlines

Lows

• There's no on-site restaurant, although there's a good selection within walking distance; breakfast can be provided
• The soft furnishings are looking a little worn - probably due to being so close to the sea
• The last 5km of road leading to the property is pretty rough
• Howler monkeys may wake you up early, and the Bambu House is near the road so consider bringing ear plugs!
• Not cheap