The Central Valley of Costa Rica is an area of wildlife refuges, volcanoes and lush surroundings. For those who want to disconnect from the busy world, this region can be the panacea for a stressful daily existence.
Located in the cloudforest, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a unique hotel in the central valley’s volcanic region, combining high environmental standards with luxury. The main lodge is an open wood and glass structure, with dining areas and bar, the adjacent Escensia Spa and surrounded by 500 verdant acres with hiking trails, waterfalls and the Lodge’s organic garden.
Guests are greeted at arrival like family, avoiding the usual reception desk check-in process. An eco-concierge is assigned to you and explains the lodge benefits as you walk or are taken by golf cart to one of the 16 suites.
Each suite is a separate mini-villa, dotting the hill above the main lodge, all of which have a front porch with rocking chairs and surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. Orchid petals sourced from the grounds are used to decorate the rooms – displayed as a welcome sign on the rug, and accenting the bed, towels and counter in the bathing area.
Spacious with an elegant sitting area, the villa has a gas fireplace and king size bed with numerous pillows and high thread count organic cotton sheets. The beds were specifically sourced for El Silencio Lodge and rival any luxury mattress I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy. The complimentary mini bar contains locally sourced water, juice, tea, coffee and freshly made sweets from by the Lodge chef, a perfect pick me up after being out all day.
It’s hard to refer to the bathroom as just that – a large bathing area is more accurate. A water closet, large shower area and double sink make up the room, with ample shelving for storing belongings and items to borrow such as a thick robe or a rain poncho. Pass through the sliding doors and you’ll find a private Jacuzzi, surrounded by lush vegetation and the occasional hummingbird.
Rooms include an alarm clock, but no television or internet, both which can be found in the main lodge’s meeting room/lounge area. Recycling is extensive throughout, with bins for different materials in every villa. El Silencio Lodge constantly considers its impact on the environment, locally sourcing as much as possible and with future plans to go off the grid entirely.
El Silencio Lodge has been designated ‘climate change friendly’ by the Costa Rican Tropical Science Centre, is carbon-neutral certified and in honour of every guest, a tree is planted in their honour. And the lasting result of a stay here – the appreciation of the natural world, Costa Rican style or as the locals say pura vida.