Drake Bay Greenleaf

Our family of four (including two teenagers) had a wonderful stay at Drake Bay Greenleaf in February 2025. Hellen and Stephen were extremely welcoming and went out of their way to make sure we were happy, comfortable, and well fed. The property is gorgeous, with beautiful views and lots of wildlife, and the food is fantastic. We would definitely stay here again!

All the way from planning our vacation with Hellen at Drake Bay Greenleaf to a very last moment there our experience was outstanding. The ten days stay at the resort was just perfect and we loved every minute of it. We went on quite a few tours, enjoyed each of them very much and brought back home great memories of what we saw and experienced along with wonderful pictures. Coming back to the resort was always a joyful occasion and an opportunity to have a freshly made fruit drink - passion fruit was my favorite - on the open terrace of a dining area and have a conversation with Hellen, who seemed to be always there to attend to our needs. We learned enough from these conversations to get insight into the history of the area and come to appreciation for local community dedication and efforts towards development of ecotourism. The Drake Bay Greenleaf property was developed by Hellen and her husband Steve in such a way that there was a minimal disturbance to the surrounding rainforest. We encountered almost as many animal and bird species on the property, as in the Corcovado park. So you do not need to set an alarm in the morning, as howler monkeys howls wake you up just before the sunrise. The resort has three guest bungalows, an open dinning area with stunning views of a valley below, the ocean and a far away mountain range, a kitchen adjacent to the dining area and an owners bungalow. Our air-conditioned bungalow in addition to a well furnished leaving space had a good size bathroom with a very large shower and a private balcony with the same views, as the dining area. Our bungalow felt like brand new, was thoroughly cleaned every day and remained spotless throughout our stay. Breakfasts, lunch and dinners, as well as laundry service, were included in the room rate. Hellen made all the tour reservations for us and helped to book Sansa flights at a discount. Steve was always there when we needed a transportation and drove us from and to the airport. His gentle humor helped to make our rides smoother on the local unpaved roads. The meals we had three times a day at the property were very imaginative in choice and presentation, always delicious and never the same. Every morning Hellen talked to us about lunch and dinner choices to make sure that those are to our liking, and was always ready to make a change, if so desired. Beef and freshly caught tuna stakes were delicious, salad dressings were unusual and tasty, panna cotta and chocolate mousse were so good that we could not have enough of them. We enjoyed our dinners at Drake Bay Greenleaf as much and more than those we had last summer in Michelin star restaurants in Italian Tyrol. We were treated like family at Drake Bay and are very grateful to Steve, Hellen, their son Vinnie and the resort staff for making our stay such a rich and wonderful experience. We will certainly be back.

I don’t write reviews very often. Only when somewhere is very good or very poor. My wife and I travel a lot! Greenleaf Drake Bay is simply one of the most amazing places we have ever visited. 5 star luxury and fine dining in a perfect location with the most adorable and attentive hosts imaginable. We were picked up at Drake Bay airfield by a charming and smiling gentleman who introduced himself as Steven, the owner of Greenleaf. A short journey to the hotel (I call it this, but it only has 3 stunning lodges so feels more like a luxury home) and Hellen, his wife, was waiting for us with a cold drink. She immediately gave my wife her WhatsApp number and said any questions or anything we want just message her. The food is amazing. Locally sourced every day, the taste and presentation is up there with the very best restaurants. Steven and Hellen are there 24 hours a day waiting hand and foot for our every needs. This is not done begrudgingly or in a ‘business’ manner, it is from a place of genuine love for their guests. The wildlife within the grounds of Greenleaf is also amazing. We saw as many animals and birds close up there, as we did on excursions to the Reserve. Steven and Hellen are so highly regarded in the Drake Bay community. Every guide we saw spoke so fondly of them. Every trip/excursion/boat ride we went on we felt that we were being treated like royalty just because we were staying at Greenleaf. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, then stay here. You will not regret it. My only tip is to make this your last destination as it set’s very high benchmark that will not be equalled. Thank you Steven and Hellen ❤️

The best 3 days I’ve spent anywhere on a trip. Simply magical. A great location, wonderful service, food was exceptional, views breathtaking and wildlife was a treat. Rooms were large, simple and felt luxurious. I was emotional on leaving. Don’t hesitate if you are considering this, it’s worth it!

What a very special place. We felt immediately immersed in nature. The views all around us, are absolutely spectacular. But what makes this place so much more special is Helen, who is simply the perfect host. She is absolutely gorgeous inside and out supported by her husband Steven and team. All of them go way above and beyond. The food is delicious. We can’t recommend this place any more highly.

This was my second visit to the Greenleaf in the last 12 months and just as good. I come to Drake Bay to explore the wildlife of the Osa Peninsula of which there is an abundance both around the hotel and in Corcovado National Park. Hellen and Steve are superb hosts looking after your every need The cabanas have AC and private balconies and are well appointed. The meals are included in the hotel rate and superb quality. In my opinion lunch and dinners are better than in most high end restaurants in Montreal quite a feat for a small boutique hotel in a still more remote area of Costa Rica. During my stay Helen organized private wildlife tours with local guide Gustavo who was outstanding in his patience and knowledge of the biodiversity in the region. The hotel does not mark up tour costs and it is definitely worth booking them through Hellen Laundry service is also included in the hotel rates. In addition, Hellen can book Internal Sansa flights for you at a small discount ( she changed a flight for me with no change fee!) This is a great jumping off point for tours into Corcovado. There is also a beautiful coastal trail from the village to Josecito. Well worth doing even if you go part way to Cocolito Beach ( an hour each way from the hotel) If I return to the Osa Peninsula I will definitely stay at the Greenleaf