Jungles Edge Hotel, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Retreat Center

WARNING: Fraudulent Overcharge & Owner’s Refusal to Refund I was a solo female traveler visiting Nosara. I visited Jungle’s Edge in Nosara, Costa Rica, on January 29, 2025, for dinner. Unfortunately, I experienced a major billing error that the owner, David (Dave) Maher, refused to correct. I ordered French fries listed at 2,000 colones (approx. $4 USD) but was manually charged $2,000 USD instead—an overcharge of nearly $2,000 USD. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, Dave refused to issue a refund or even investigate the charge properly. This overcharge was more expensive than my entire trip to visit Costa Rica for the first time. What Happened: I immediately contacted Dave within 24 hours via email (January 30, 2025). I received no response, so I followed up by phone after returning to the U.S. Dave acknowledged that similar overcharges had happened at his business before. He told me to dispute the charge with my bank, saying that a refund on his end would take months. I followed his advice and filed a dispute with my bank. On February 19, 2025, Bank of America denied my claim. I immediately sent Dave a PDF of the bank’s denial via email, expecting him to honor the refund directly. Suddenly, Dave claimed he had "no record of the transaction.” When I called and asked what documentation he needed, he refused to say and dismissed my concerns. Why This Matters: David refused to even check his transaction history—which would have easily shown that no one orders a $2,000 restaurant meal for one person. When I suggested cross-referencing his records, he became defensive instead of problem-solving. David claimed issuing a refund “wasn’t in his company’s best interest.” After I asked Dave to reconcile his restaurant inventory with the transaction, he felt the need to assert his status as an experienced and successful businessman—which had nothing to do with my simple request for a refund. David avoided accountability, refused to investigate, and provided no apology. Dave ignored my follow-up calls and emails. When I finally reached him, he pretended not to be himself and avoided discussing the charge. Dave has fraudulently kept money that isn't his. Instead of addressing the error, he chose to stonewall and dismiss my legitimate concerns. A successful and experienced businessman would have a transaction history or listen to a customer who was sincerely concerned and flagging this huge error. Dave is entitled to 2000 colones. Dave is NOT entitled to $2000 USD. This entire experience shows David’s complete lack of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Instead of investigating the mistake, Dave refused to engage in any resolution and kept money he was never entitled to. Bottom Line: If you visit Nosara, avoid doing business here altogether. If you do risk spending your money here, ensure that David charges you in the right currency. (I am still working to fight to get my money back).

Very nice place Very charming and unique hotel, the glamping hut was very confortable, the staff (especially the young waiter Steven) was very nice. Close to Nosara as well

The owner was very helpful

Great staff, very clean

If you’re looking for a fancy Costa Rica experience , this is not your place in Nosara. If you’re looking for a real old school Costa Rica experience this place provides what you need . David the owner and his crew are loving and make you feel very welcome, He suggested my 12 year old son take a Jui Jitsu class, which he loved, and offered many suggestions for activities, tours and even made a call for us. The food is good, even though we only ate pizza and pancakes for breakfast. The.pool up at the classically designed main villa is lovely for a morning and afternoon swim but be prepared to climb a steep stair case. I liked it because it was part of my exercise routine. The main lounge and restaurant area are very comfortable, always playing great DJ music which gives it a dance festival vibe. The scene is very international, hip and all the travelers we met were very interesting and kind. We loved playing on the jungle pool table. My biggest criticism is the grounds could be better leading up to the main house and in front of the studio could’ be better kept up. The communal kitchen needs to be upgraded and the trash area was messy when we arrived and it took a few days for it to be cleaned. . There was also an ugly structure outside Casita 1 that should be replaced with a garden. I wish they had provided shampoo and cream inside the rooms which are lovely. All is all it was a great time and we felt very safe and taken care of. I would recommend a car or renting an ATV.

The best staff!! Awesome accommodations and great food too!!!