El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Vibe
Misty cloud forest trails and crackling lodge hearths frame an intimate mountain retreat, complete with afternoon hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies.
“Cloud forest hideaway”
Dedicated eco-concierges, hot-water bottles tucked into beds at turndown, and boots whisked away for cleaning.
A 500-acre private reserve with guided waterfall hikes, canopy ziplining, waterfall rappelling, and an on-site trout pond.
Esencia Spa offers Costa Rican coffee scrubs by the river, daily creekside yoga sessions, and a conical meditation chamber.
In a 500-acre cloud forest reserve in Bajos del Toro, flanked by waterfalls and Poás Volcano.
“El Silencio Lodge, deep in the country’s mountainous jungle region, is luxury travel for the “Inconvenient Truth” generation.”
Rooms
Hillside suites on stilts feature bamboo ceilings, gas fireplaces, and private viewing decks equipped with heated outdoor whirlpool tubs.
“The staff and its attention to detail are part of what makes El Silencio a place to stay.”
Wellness
Riverside treatment rooms offer volcanic clay wraps, alongside a Finnish sauna, conical meditation chamber, and an open-air yoga deck.
“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.”
Backstory
Architect Ronald Zürcher built the lodge on repurposed grazing pastures to avoid felling trees within the surrounding primary cloud forest.
“The 16 Zen cottages enjoy serene views of the steaming mass from private decks and also have gas fireplaces, outdoor whirlpool tubs…”
Eat & drink
Las Ventanas serves fresh trout and greenhouse produce, while Toro Bohemio Bar mixes botanical cocktails beside a glowing hearth.
The neighborhood
Private trails wind past three cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers, with views stretching toward the steaming peaks of Poás Volcano.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.