Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Arenal Volcano Region (Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica): Lucky Bug B & B
Nominated By: Allison and Michael from Darn Good Digs, Brooklyn, NY, December '12

Price Range: US$69-$120 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 5 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Lucky Bug B & B so Darn Good? We are suckers for a good theme and the Lucky Bug does not disappoint with its beautifully adorned rainforest-themed rooms. We stayed in the art-filled Frog Room where everything from the lampshades to the wrought-iron bed frame and the ceramic sink basin leaped with tropical frogs. Ribbit. In the mornings, we enjoyed eating a scrumptious breakfast at the restaurant overlooking Lucky Bug's lush grounds, and then wandering around the on-site art gallery picking out gifts for back home.

Location: Lucky Bug is located on Lake Arenal's main road between the adventure hotspots of La Fortuna and Monteverde. Nuevo Arenal, a small town three kilometers down the road, has a few restaurants, a gas station, and a growing expat community. While we planned to go kayaking on the lake, we awoke to heavy downpours and had to switch gears. Within forty minutes, we found ourselves lounging in the thermal pools and sipping piña coladas at The Springs Resort and Spa (a less expensive but still fancy alternative to the more famous Tabacon Hot Springs).

Rooms: Lucky Bug has four guest rooms upstairs, two with balconies, plus one large suite downstairs, all decorated with colorful artwork from local Costa Rican artisans. Nature abounds at Lucky Bug. We could smell ripe guava fruit in the garden alongside the driveway, and spot frogs hopping around in the evenings. Guests can wander the grounds (look out for leaf-cutter ants) or take a canoe out on Lucky Bug's little pond.

Food: We ate our yummy and filling breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast with homemade jelly, and fresh fruit while sitting on the deck near the hummingbird feeders checking out the giant iguanas and basilisk lizards below. If we had more time we would have eaten lunch or dinner at Lucky Bug's restaurant, Caballo Negro, but we couldn't resist trying some of the local hotspots, such as the fabulous Gingerbread.

Vibe: Lucky Bug is a family affair, owned and run by Monica and her daughter Alexandra. Monica was away for most of our stay, but Alexandra was fun and friendly and steered us right on our rainy day.

Keep in Mind: Just so you're not confused when you arrive, guestrooms are tucked in the back of the property behind the owner's home and pond, while breakfast is served in the restaurant attached to the gallery along the roadside. Also, Lucky Bug is not within walking distance to the area's attractions, so having your own transport may be a good idea.