El Silencio Lodge and Spa

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.