Si Como No

It could be the remote and unrivalled seclusion of Pacuare Lodge’s setting in 740 acres of primary rainforest or its luxury cabins emerging from the thick milieu of foliage that makes this a great place to stay: but the combination is what transforms it into a truly unique one. There is no road access to the Lodge so guests have the chance to arrive in style by raft or helicopter. The Pacuare Reserve is home to toucans, howler monkeys, and a large variety of birds meaning your stay here is an intimate one with nature and located on the banks of the Pacuare River the hotel has the advantage of offering a wealth of activities, such as expert wildlife and jungle expeditions all right from your canopy threshold. Simply but sumptuously furnished with polished wood floors, local art and open-plan living, the 20 bungalows and suites are constructed with local wood timber frames and palm thatch roofs expertly embrace this tropical habitat and jungle lifestyle. The choice of rooms and suites range from luxury garden bungalows and riverside suites to tree-top honeymoon and Linda Vista suites that look out onto unparalleled views of the river and jungle. Some have their own private infinity plunge pools. At night the lodge is lit by candlelight, creating a magical honeycomb-like effect, and delicious food is served at the main restaurant along with wines from its own cellar. There is also a beautiful new swimming pool, heated by special radiating tiles.

Immerse yourself in the bucolic ‘zen’ of El Silencio hotel. This relaxing and wholesome eco-lodge imitates rural Costa Rican style and “pura vida”. The 16 luxury, free-standing and stilted casitas peer over the 500-acre private reserve cloud forest canopy on the edge of the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. They are built with the immediate nature very much in mind, based on the native-style cottages and using lots of light and dark woods, bamboo and glass, yet they remain elegantly modern, minimal, spacious and comfortable. Enjoy the fireplace, private terrace and Jacuzzis making your casita feel especially cosy and romantic at night. The hotel strives to exist in harmony with its bio-diverse and delicate fauna setting. Organic gardens, a greenhouse and small farm help to sustain the hotel and its ethical concepts; guests see and taste the delicious and fresh benefits of this at El Silencio’s Las Ventanas Restaurant and Hierbabuena Restaurant. Take part in spa treatments, eco-adventures, expeditions to the Poas volcano or even do your bit and plant a tree; these are just some of ways to while away the tropical hours at the hotel. Only two hours north of San Jose, with its relaxing and private atmosphere you’ll feel a whole world away at El Silencio.  

You don’t have to forego luxury in favour of natural beauty at the safari-style eco-lodge Lapa Rios. Located in one of the most diverse primary rainforests in the world, the Corcovado National Park, this ethically-responsible hotel does all it can to blend inconspicuously into its delicate surroundings and to create as little disturbance to the environment as possible. Guests enjoy exceptional intimacy with nature in authentic comfort. Its lodgings are 17 simple, spacious and stylish open-sided thatch bungalows decorated with bamboo furniture, warm wood flooring, and private bathrooms with two showers. There are two spacious new lapa villas with plunge pools, and four new premier villas with balconies. As such Lapa Rios’ assimilation into its rainforest habitat means that you often get toucans visiting your bungalow balcony, and the adventure and wildlife activities have never been so close to hand. It’s the perfect place to escape and unwind. There is WiFi available throughout the lodge. The hotel and each bungalow have sweeping views of the Pacific and rainforest canopies, and it’s a short downhill walk to a quiet and beautiful beach for a dip in the ocean. The main lodge has a high roof and open sides, magically lit by candlelight in the evenings. Tuck into hearty meals made using responsibly-caught local seafood, ethically-sourced meat and fresh vegetables at Brisa Azul Restaurant and Bar. And sip on organic South American wines with your fellow guests as the sunsets.

A bona fide beachfront stay, you are but moments from the sand and surf of Santa Teresa at the Florblanca hotel. Folded away into the jungle shoreline of Santa Teresa beach are Florblanca’s ten striking ‘open’ villas. Large and well decorated in a simple, clean and luxurious style with open-air sitting rooms at the front and bathrooms to the side, the hotel’s villas manage not to compromise your privacy and the feeling is intimate and romantic. The decor features natural stone and food, accentuating the feeling of being surrounded by lush vegetation. Savour fresh, healthy, and locally grown food at Florblanca’s restaurant Nectar. The laid-back yet elegant restaurant specialises in farm-to-table and hook-to-fork philosophies, creating fusion cuisine with Latin, Mediterranean and Asian influences. Peruse the wine selection and discover a variety of exciting South American varietals as well as international vintages. What’s more, Florblanca strives to offer guests an experience focused on overall ‘wellbeing’ – there are daily yoga and pilates classes, surf lessons and a great spa. There are many other activities in and around the area and the staff are helpful and friendly.