Origins to Open Astral Lodge in Costa Rica’s Northern Rainforest
Gensler and local artisans collaborate on a celestial-inspired rainforest retreat set to open in late 2025.
Photos: Courtesy of Origins
Origins Luxury Lodges will expand its footprint in northern Costa Rica late next year with the debut of Origins Astral Lodge, a seven-villa retreat designed by Gensler in collaboration with local architect Mario Aviles. The new property, set for a soft opening in December 2025, complements nearby Origins Floral Lodge (formerly Origins Lodge), the boutique resort that helped define the brand’s eco-luxury DNA when it opened in 2018.
Set more than 2,500 feet above sea level between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes, Astral’s location offers uninterrupted views over Lake Nicaragua and the surrounding rainforest. Its design draws on both celestial motifs and local heritage—particularly the traditions of the Maleku, an Indigenous community whose connection to the Río Celeste valley runs deep. Rounded edges, metal accents, and textured natural woods nod to planetary forms, while lighting fixtures inspired by constellations tie the lodge’s “celestial” theme back to the night sky guests will see from their terraces.
Gensler’s design philosophy is structured around what the firm calls “Ephemeral Echoes, Luxury Unveiled, and Celestial Ancestry.” Luxury here is defined less by opulence than by immersion in nature: open-air living spaces, sensory materials, and the rhythm of rainforest sounds. During the design process, the team worked with Maleku artisans, incorporating handcrafted works and traditional colors into bespoke furniture and décor. More than 80 percent of the property’s furnishings are being produced onsite or by local makers using reclaimed wood, and 90 percent of the construction workforce has been hired from nearby communities.
Astral’s seven villas, ranging from two to four bedrooms, will cater to families, small groups, and wellness retreats, complementing the couple-oriented Origins Floral. Interiors aim for “playful serenity,” with details such as meteorite-like wall textures and a sculptural cloud mobile in the lobby that draws the eye toward the horizon. A dedicated kids club continues the cosmic narrative in lighter, more imaginative ways.
Dining will center on El Cosmo, a farm-to-table restaurant anchored by the resort’s organic gardens and inspired by the element of fire. Guests can participate in garden tours before sitting down to meals that highlight Costa Rican ingredients and Maleku culinary traditions.
For the Origins brand, Astral is a move from the earthly focus of its first property toward something more introspective, pairing craftsmanship with a sense of cosmic wonder. The project’s layered approach—international design expertise, Indigenous collaboration, and local sourcing—makes it one of Costa Rica’s most anticipated luxury openings for 2026.
