El Silencio Lodge and Spa
San Jose & Central Valley Highlands
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is one of the best hotels in Costa Rica to feel connected to a truly unique ecosystem, home to quetzals and delicate orchids. Cozy and contemporary wooden lodges sit among some 500-acres of private cloud forest, where a river meanders through the grounds and waterfalls cascade down mountainsides.
This small Costa Rica eco-lodge offers luxury accommodations with panoramic mountain, river and forest views. Guests stay at El Silencio for its sense of tranquility and immersion in protected, untouched nature. Wellness is at the heart of the experience with a beautiful outdoor yoga deck, open-air spa treatment rooms, and healthy, organic dining.
Ideal For: back-to-nature, wellness, secluded forest hotel
- Why we love it
- Highlights
- Sustainability
The lodge´s name is spot on! We loved the quietness of the location and the opportunity to be in the presence of pristine nature. Accommodations feel low-profile and luxurious with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a private deck and hot tub. El Silencio is big on sustainability, including a project to preserve the Melipona Bees which play a key role in the region´s ecosystem – be sure to visit these protected behives while at the hotel to learn about the importance of protecting biodiversity!
- 24 suites and villas with private decks and hot tubs.
- Situated in the town of Bajos de Toro, a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
- Set on a 500-acre private cloud forest reserve.
- 60-minute drive from San José city.
- Las Ventanas Restaurant, Toro Bohemio Bar, private dining experiences available at Rancho Orquideas river-view deck.
- The hotel has numerous sustainability programs, projects and accolades including Blue Flag status in 6 categories.
- Eco-Concierge service for waterfall hikes, cooking classes, mountain biking, fishing horseback riding, ziplining, tree-planting, birdwatching, rum/coffee/wine tastings, wildlife night walks.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa implements an array of sustainable programs and initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint and preserve the natural resources of the surrounding cloud forest. The personal growth of staff and development of neighboring communities are also of importance, with more than 95% of staff employed locally.
The hotel is proud to hold the maximum Six-Leaf Rating in Costa Rica’s Certification of Sustainable Tourism in addition to Elite-level recognition by the county’s Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST).
Within the property’s grounds, the Hummingbird Garden and Meliponary strive to support the proliferation of the world’s tiniest birds and local stingless honeybees, which are key to the local ecosystem. El Silencio’s sustainability manager, Francisco Hidalgo, is on hand to tell guests all about these and other programs that the hotel has on the go.
With Covid-19 and the resulting halt in tourism, many residents in Costa Rica found themselves without work or with greatly reduced hours. El Silencio set up a $10,000 fund to assist their neighbors in the small rural town of Bajos del Toro, where residents could request aid.
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Our luxury, tailor-made journeys in Costa Rica reflect the individuality of each traveler, connecting you to your own authentic experience. With personalized attention, imaginative programs, and 24/7 in-country support, we´ll take care of the details while you live in the moment.
