El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Reached by a road that climbs into cloud forest above Bajos del Toro, El Silencio Lodge & Spa occupies land once cleared for cattle and now returned to forest. The property spans over 200 hectares, bordered by two national parks, and holds three waterfalls within its own grounds along more than 2 km of trails. It is a quiet corner of a small region, home to roughly 300 residents, and most of the lodge's staff come from towns nearby. Twenty-four rooms are split between suites and villas, each terraced along the hillside for forest or mountain views. The Two-Bedroom Riverside Villa sits over the water on its own deck, with two outdoor jet pools built into the timber. Vaulted ceilings use local wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows keep the forest in constant view from bed. Guided walks lead past the Trail of the Four Elements and out toward Poás Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco national parks, where colder rivers and the turquoise Las Gemelas falls wait beyond the property line. Rooms come with a fireplace and heater against the cloud forest chill. Las Ventanas Restaurant draws vegetables from the lodge's own organic plot, serving them under the same floor-to-ceiling glass. A ten-year water concession supplies the property, treated by ultraviolet light rather than chemicals. Guests can hear the Gorrión River from parts of the grounds after dark.