UPDATE: the standard room rate only includes breakfast, you can add a full board option

For nature lovers seeking peacefulness, but also appreciating fine accommodations and food:

The three of us (family with a teen) spent two days at El Silence Lodge & SPA. This beautifully located hotel is in the midst of the cloud forest. It is the perfect place for nature lovers looking for an eco luxury accommodation. That means you get very much in touch with nature. An eco-concierge is in charge for the courtesy mystic hike and other activities. At the same time, you stay at one of 16 scattered cottage suites. They are luxurious yet built in harmony with the environment. 



Apropos accommodation, I cannot leave it with this short description, the suites are really lovely. They convey the impression of a subdued luxury. That means they are puristic and somewhat minimalist. There is a very comfortable king-size bed, from which you have a wonderful view of the surrounding nature. Furthermore you find here two sofas that can be used as two additional beds. The bathroom is huge, has two sinks, a large shower and an (outdoor) jacuzzi. You absolutely have to use it once when it is dark. This allows you to experience a huge number of lightning bugs, which is quite a sight! There is also a porch where you can enjoy the courtesy hot chocolate and cookies in the afternoon. A heater is also at your disposal which came handy. This because it could become quite cool once the sun had disappeared. Upon return from dinner, we found a hot-water bottle in the bed, what a treat! 



When staying at El Silencio Lodge, you are on full board. This was really something to rave about, the food was incredible! It was no fancy gourmet cuisine but authentic and healthy fare. It was prepared with either ingredients grown on site or coming from local suppliers. Apart from vegetarian options there was only a choice between poultry, tilapia or trout. Yet it did not become boring because the preparation of these non-vegetarian options varied daily. I cannot point out appropriately enough how we appreciated this kind of culinary experience. And I would like to compliment the chef (Marcella) highly.

A stay at this hotel gives you the possibility to enjoy nature thoroughly. This because the property covers 500 acres of private cloud forest with several hiking paths. In addition, there is a yoga deck in the middle of the tropical forest. Moreover, there is also a spa at which we had a look but did not use of it.

In sum, I would recommend this hotel for nature lovers who also appreciate fine accommodations and food. If you want to experience peacefulness and serenity, this is the place for you. I think that a two- or three-day stay is sufficient. I would not come here if you are looking for a base to explore the near and farther environment. This because El Silencio Lodge is rather remotely situated and the access roads are quite bad.

Date of stay: April 2012