Senda Monteverde

This luxury mountain lodge nestled deep in Costa Rica’s famous Monteverde cloud forest offers sustainable luxury with a difference. Wood-clad bungalows blend in perfectly with their forest surrounds alongside ultra-fresh and local gourmet dining, while days are spent enjoying everything from jungle hikes and wildlife walks to sunset bonfires and cooking classes. Part of the Cayuga Collection, a group of award-winning sustainable hotels and lodges, conversation is at the heart of Senda, with enormous efforts made to minimise their carbon footprint.

Dotted across the property are the contemporary but understated mountain bungalows, many with incredible cloud forest canopy views. With just 24 rooms, exclusivity is key, with features including spacious lounge areas, open-air terraces and organic toiletries and rainfall showers in bathrooms – complete with solar-heated hot water. The suites are particularly special, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spectacular forest views and private terraces or balconies.

As well as a rustic bar and lounge, when it comes to dining – taken among sprawling wood-clad ceilings that look out onto the cloud forest – it’s all about local and sustainable produce, from home-baked bread and nut butters to spiced fruit chutneys. Expect such delights as catch of the day with ginger and lime, truffled brook trout carpaccio and beef tartare with parmesan risotto alongside lemon-zested fries and creamy Monteverde cheeses, all paired perfectly with organic South American wines, cocktails and craft beers.

And, your privileged location among the cloud forest reserve – home to eight different biological zones and several thousand animal and plant species – means you’re just moments from the surrounding forest trails and hanging canopy bridges for hikes and zip-lining, spotting everything from quetzals and tree frogs to endangered jaguars and monkeys along the way. There’s also chances for local coffee tasting, horse riding through the jungle and cloud-forest night walks, while back at base, everything from craft beer tastings and ceviche & cocktail classes to sunset bonfire nights with hot cocoa and marshmallows by the fire pit are on offer. There's even a 'loft' space, complete with wraparound deck, for early morning yoga classes and fascinating nature talks at dusk.