Sophisticated cloud forest reserve with dining, spa, villas, and trails
northwest from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO, 65 kilometers, Provincia de Alajuela, Bajos del Toro, 20101, Costa Rica Get directions
"A secluded cloud-forest reserve of roughly 500 acres on the slopes of an active volcano, featuring 16 spacious suites and villas with gas fireplaces, a gurgling creek, and views toward the volcano. The on-site spa offers open-air treatment bungalows, a yoga deck, and a signature Conical Room, with treatments that incorporate local ingredients such as chocolate massages, volcanic clay wraps, and fruit facials. Outdoor offerings include a private trail system to three waterfalls, horseback riding, mountain biking, an adventure park for ziplining and rappelling, and immersive cultural experiences—cooking and mixology classes, bird- and night-walking tours, coffee and wine tastings, tree planting, and traditional oxcart painting—while the restaurant and bar use produce from a large organic greenhouse, free-range eggs, and on-site trout ponds where guests can even catch their meal." - Devorah Lev-Tov
"This eco-resort in "the thickest tropical cloud forest you can imagine" spreads across 500 acres. The nearest town has the odd distinction of being renowned for ox-cart making. "Rustic Zen cottage suites" are arranged in tiers, and each has bamboo ceiling tiles, raw-wood lamps, energy-efficient lighting, and a private deck with rocking chairs. The rate includes free breakfast, and "the food is organic and delicious." All of the tropical-fusion dishes at Las Ventanas feature regional ingredients, with most of the herbs, vegetables, and fruit from the resort’s 4,000-square-foot greenhouse. Try mountain biking, or exercise body and soul on the creekside yoga deck."
"The scenic drive to Poás National Park alone makes a stay at El Silencio Lodge worth it, but you don’t need to leave the grounds to see the country’s largest active volcano. The 16 Zen cottages enjoy serene views of the steaming mass from private decks and also have gas fireplaces, outdoor whirlpool tubs, king beds, and an earth-hued color scheme that evokes the tropical setting in streamlined luxury. Fruits and vegetables from a 5,000-square-foot organic greenhouse on site are used to make continental fare (osso buco risotto, parmesan-crusted chicken) and Costa Rican favorites (cassava croquettes, tamarind pork), which are served in two elegant glass-walled restaurants. An open-air yoga studio invites you to reflect on the beauty of your surroundings, while locally sourced treatments at the spa incorporate healing ingredients like Costa Rican clay and chocolate. Those who prefer more active leisure can join the designated eco-concierge for guided hikes along the property’s private cloud forest trails, spotting waterfalls, hummingbirds, and seasonal quetzals along the way."
"Along a winding road, deep in a cloudforest reserve, El Silencio is a very special place indeed. Step into your Suite or Villa, poised high on jungled hillside, and find chic design and elegant comfort. Out here, you're completely immersed in nature - stepping onto your balcony or lying back in your private hot tub, it's just you and the wide sky, lush forest and birds calling. The genius of El Silencio is in combining sophistication and wilderness, in harmony. Everything has been carefully considered: from the fine organic food, to the warm, personalised attention from the charming staff. The spa is one of Costa Rica’s finest, with its conical treatment room and beautiful yoga space open to the jungle - exemplifying El Silencio's attitude that nothing here should detract from the natural world. Sustainability is the guiding principle. Use El Silencio as a base for the nearby wonders of the Poás Volcano and Arenal volcanoes and Tabacón hot springs, then return to peace and pampering. Highs Magnificent valley setting with dramatic views; lie in bed and look out onto cloud forest A serious alternative to the famous Monteverde cloudforest - you'll have this forest to yourselves, see many of the same wildlife species, and it's just 90 minutes' drive from San Jose Suites and Villas are impeccably elegant and sophisticated, but the guiding design principle is contact with nature You're welcomed by locals, trained to the highest standards, combining natural Costa Rican warmth with professionalism Luxuries abound: expect private hot tubs on the balconies and luxury toiletries, plus top-notch spa treatments Imaginative cuisine created from home-grown organic ingredients Lows It's a secluded location, so if you’re looking for nightlife – El Silencio isn’t for you There are cheaper ways to experience the cloudforest, but for total immersion in nature, this stay can't be beat" - Christabelle Dilks
"Costa Rica was doing ecotourism before anyone else was, so it’s no surprise that this most socially-minded of tropical paradises would be among the first to update the industry to fit the very current trend of green-luxury fusion. El Silencio Lodge, deep in the country’s mountainous jungle region, is luxury travel for the “Inconvenient Truth” generation." - Tablet Hotels
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