Renovated
2021
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
Cloud forest lodge
Misty cloud forest trails and crackling lodge hearths frame an intimate mountain retreat, complete with afternoon hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies.
“The 16 Zen cottages enjoy serene views of the steaming mass from private decks and also have gas fireplaces, outdoor whirlpool tubs.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Dedicated eco-concierges, complimentary hiking boot cleaning, and hot water bottles at nightly turndown.
Remarkable
Five hundred acres of private cloud forest with waterfall trails, ziplining, and rappelling.
Notable
Riverside yoga decks, a Finnish sauna, and treatments using volcanic clay and chocolate.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Central & South America
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
El Silencio Lodge, deep in the country’s mountainous jungle region, is luxury travel for the ‘Inconvenient Truth’ generation.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Private trails wind past three cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers, with views stretching toward the steaming peaks of Poás Volcano.
The rooms
Hillside suites on stilts feature bamboo ceilings, gas fireplaces, and private viewing decks equipped with heated outdoor whirlpool tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Submerged loungers sit in the shallow end of the outdoor pool, surrounded by dense cloud forest canopy.
The spa
Esencia Spa sits beside the Gorrión River, featuring a conical meditation chamber alongside outdoor wooden hot tubs.
Las Ventanas Restaurant
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls look out onto the forest, with dishes driven by the lodge's organic greenhouse and trout ponds.
The hotel’s expansive private trails give nature lovers plenty of opportunities to discover the country’s magnificent wildlife and onsite waterfalls…
At the table
Lanterns illuminate the outdoor deck at dusk, where the bar pours local craft brews alongside botanical cocktails.
How it began
Architect Ronald Zürcher built the lodge on repurposed grazing pastures to avoid felling trees within the surrounding primary cloud forest.
“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.”
Good to know
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El Silencio Lodge & Spa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.