El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Nr. San Jose

The El Silencio Lodge & Spa is nestled in a 500-acre private cloud forest reserve near Poas Volcano, in the Bajos del Toro valley. On the edge of a rainforest it's the ultimate in tranquillity, ideal for honeymooners and families alike. Wood-clad suites blend perfectly with outside's tropical blanket but keep a sense of refined elegance in the form of canopied ceilings, bamboo reeds and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open to a private decking area and outdoor hot tub, all with tiered layouts for the best cloud forest views. 

Relax in the Esencia spa that offers the likes of massages, body wraps and an outdoor yoga deck, before indulging in one of the two restaurants, both of which offer local organic ingredients, from free range chicken to trout ponds where guests can catch their own dinner. Las Ventanas is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that let in forest views as you enjoy the likes of Chimichurri beef loin, tamarind pork and mushroom ceviche, or the newly-opened Hierbaueuna offers family friendly dishes in a more casual setting. For extra special dining experiences, enjoy a wine and food pairing or a farm-to-table dinner in the forest lit by torches, while romantic lunches can be enjoyed on a private deck overlooking the roaring Gorrion river.

Come daytime, there’s a whole wealth of activities available, from scenic walks through the Hummingbird Garden to more thrilling excursions such as zip-lining through the forest canopy or rappelling down the myriad waterfalls. Head out at dawn to spot hummingbirds, black guans and the seasonal quetzal, or perhaps embrace Costa Rica’s coffee excellence and learn about what goes into the planting and brewing. Further afield, there's the chance to hike down to the base of a 400-foot waterfall that flows into an extinct volcanic crater.