ABOUT

Oropel Lodge is conceived of, and constructed by, Daniel Solis. It is designed by Nina Solis. And it made possible by a wonderful team of Costa Ricans that call Sarapiqui home.

Daniel and Nina first met in the hallways of Byram Hills High School in Armonk, New York when Daniel was a Senior and Nina was a Junior. They reconnected and married nearly twenty years later. Both Daniel and Nina live at Oropel full-time, along with their dogs Fernanda, Mora, Joey and Raul.

Daniel and Nina also operate the Solis Family Foundation "For The Animals," which spreads awareness and education about the importance of animal welfare throughout Sarapiqui.

NINA SOLIS

Nina Solis spent more than fourteen years working in intelligence and security across the US public and private sectors. Her career moved her around the world, from Stockholm, Sweden to Washington DC, Brooklyn NY, Miami FL and Scottsdale AZ.

To unwind from the intensity of her work, Nina began carefully curating calming living spaces. This sparked a passion for intuitive interior design that defies trends and re-defines style.

At Oropel, Nina is responsible for the design, branding and marketing. She is grateful for the opportunity to live her passion in a beautiful natural setting. Nina designed Oropel to compliment the majesty of the jungle, while providing comfort to guests throughout their stay. Much of the art and antiques on display were carefully curated by Nina over many years from unique and hard-to-find vendors around the world.

Originally from New York, Nina is active in animal rescue (particularly special needs and senior dogs) and enjoys cooking, cultures and travel. In Sarapiqui, Nina is a volunteer English language teacher for children between the ages of 7 and 12. Nina is a graduate of the University of Miami and Florida International University, and a former CIA Intelligence Officer.

DANIEL SOLIS

Daniel Solis is a serial entrepreneur, wildlife photographer, well-known amphibian and reptile expert and now: a hotelier.

Daniel traveled to Costa Rica as a photographer and as a tour guide for nearly a decade when he discovered the Oropel property. With a desire to share this land with his family, friends and fellow photographers, Daniel did not hesitate to establish Oropel -- even when everyone thought it was wild.

At Oropel, Daniel himself leads many of the construction and landscaping efforts with machete in hand. Daniel also designs and constructs much of the wooden and/or stone furniture at Oropel, sourced from fallen trees that he himself carries out of the jungle.

Oropel is Daniel's first venture outside of the US. He relishes in overcoming the challenges of doing business in a foreign country, and is eager to expand Oropel's footprint throughout Costa Rica and beyond.

Daniel lived much of his life in Southern California. He is committed to the wellbeing of all wildlife, and to protecting the wild rainforest.

All images property of Daniel Solis

Oropel Lodge, Sarapiqui Costa Rica