History of Pacific Edge Eco Lodge

In 1992, two sailors, George and Susie, who had been living at sea for 15 years, dropped anchor and chose Costa Rica as their land-based home. With hardly any roads at that time, they discovered this remarkable property on horseback, carving out what would eventually become Pacific Edge. They were responsible for the very first tractor work on what is now known as the Pacific Edge Road.

Life here was a true adventure. There was only one telephone serving the entire Dominical and Uvita area, no electricity, and the nearest hardware store was in San Isidro de El General—an hour-and-a-half bus ride away, as they didn’t even own a car during their first year.

Together with the incredibly skilled Montoya family of local craftsmen, George and Susie designed and built all four cabins simultaneously using some of Costa Rica’s finest hardwoods. Chiricano, Manglillo, and Nazareno (Purple Heart) were chosen not only for their incredible beauty but also because termites naturally avoid them due to the wood’s acidic properties. These hardwoods are now virtually impossible to purchase, making the cabins themselves a piece of Costa Rican history.

In 1996, they planted the hardwood trees that now line the upper side of the property, creating a living legacy and sustainable source for future generations. With no electricity available, every board was hand-cut with saws, every nail hole pre-drilled by hand because the wood was so incredibly dense, and every structure built with determination, craftsmanship, and love.

In 1999, they completed the main house and moved out of Cabin 2. By 2006, they began expanding the cabins, increasing their size and renovating the bathrooms, continuously improving the property while preserving its natural character.

Then, in late 2020, after nearly three decades of welcoming travelers from around the world, George and Susie passed the torch to us—two fellow sailors from the Florida Keys—and our business partner and best friend, Paul.

Having first discovered Pacific Edge as guests ourselves back in 2008, we completely fell in love with its peaceful simplicity, breathtaking views, handcrafted architecture, and the soulful atmosphere George and Susie had created over nearly 30 years. You can feel the countless hours of love, hard work, and passion woven into every cabin, every pathway, and every handcrafted detail throughout the property.

For the next several years, we proudly continued their legacy as an eco lodge, welcoming guests from around the world and sharing this magical place with thousands of visitors who quickly became part of the Pacific Edge family.

In 2026, Pacific Edge begins an exciting new chapter.

Rather than operating as a traditional eco lodge, Pacific Edge has evolved into a private nature retreat and gathering place designed for more intentional experiences. While the heart and soul of the property remain exactly the same, we now welcome guests for private retreats, intimate weddings, wellness experiences, family reunions, creative workshops, special celebrations, extended stays, and curated events by prior arrangement.

Our vision has always been to preserve what makes Pacific Edge so extraordinary while allowing it to grow naturally into a space where people can reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with themselves. The cabins, the rainforest, the ocean views, and the peaceful atmosphere remain unchanged. Only the way we share this special place has evolved.

We are incredibly honored to continue the tradition George and Susie began more than 30 years ago and deeply grateful to call them not only mentors, but dear friends and family. Their vision laid the foundation for everything Pacific Edge is today, and we hope to honor that legacy for many years to come as we write the next chapter of its story.

Whether you join us for a retreat, celebration, creative gathering, or simply to experience the serenity of this remarkable property, we hope you leave with the same feeling that captured our hearts all those years ago.

And, in the words of George…

“Happy Dayz, Mate!”