Our dear friend Johanna Harmala discovered her slice of paradise in Costa Rica in 2012, and built Living Forest Lake Arenal Retreat Center there herself from the ground up. It is one of the most nurturing, relaxing, special places either of us have ever been, and we can't wait for you to experience it.

(And we're not the only ones who think so! Living Forest is also bursting with 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor.)

check it out!

photo gallery

Hammock time!

Dining area & studio

A refreshing dip in the river

The casita from the main house

Sunset at the top of the hill

Shared accommodation

Hummingbirds!

View from the studio space

The view over Lake Arenal

Breakfast!

Johanna makes incredible buffet style breakfasts - Gallo pinto (Costa Rican rise and beans) , eggs, delicious fresh fruit such as papaya, pineapple and mango, toast/tortillas, home made jam, local cheese…

The casita

The entrance to Living Forest

More deliciousness

Blue and Nela are super friendly

The labradors live with Johanna. (They don't come into our workshop space, sleeping quarters or the kitchen.)

Howler monkeys in the trees

Nearby Lake Arenal

All photos on this site are by Living Forest, Johanna Harmala, Edie Pijpers and Rachel Wynne.

Living Forest is also on Facebook.