The Central Cloud Forests, Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar
Elegant Chalet-Style Hotel with Great Views
Nestled in the mountains next to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, this handsome Austrian chalet-style hotel is a well-established property with a traditional feel. Views here are stunning, and the hotel strongly promotes sustainability and history.
The hotel is family run and has been in operation since 1985. Yet recent refurbishments have meant that the accommodation at Belmar has all the modern amenities you would expect from a 21st-century hotel. The rooms are tastefully decorated with hardwood fittings, and have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies to maximise the magnificent views of the Nicoya Peninsula.
The newest suites are located in a separate building 100 metres from the lobby – great for those looking for some extra privacy.
Service here is excellent and the restaurant serves a great breakfast buffet and delicious evening meals. Enjoy cocktails and traditional Tico appetisers during the ever-popular Happy Hour.
Just south-west of the Arenal Volcano area along the Tilaran mountain range and just under a three hour (145 kilometres) from San Jose lies the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Home to over 100 species of mammals, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, 400 species of bird, and over 420 different types of orchid, this is life at its most concentrated, delicate and prolific.
The Monteverde joins onto another cloud forest in the area, named the Santa Elena Reserve. With six ecological zones Monteverde is one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species of the cat family – jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis – as well as the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. There are over eight miles (13 km) of trails to explore this reserve. The Santa Elena, which is the first community administered reserve in the country, has also been a very supportive habitat to the Spider Monkey which you can spot, plus on a clear day you can see the Arenal Volcano from its observation tower.
Highlights
Guided Cloud Forest tours
Forest canopy zip-lining
Night excursions
Canyoneering
Coffee, chocolate and sugar cane tours
25 rooms
Restaurant
Lounge
Pool table
Hot tub
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Hotel Belmar with
Mountain Pine Ridge
Located within the tranquil expanse of Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge, Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge was originally a logging home. Spanning 7,200 acres of lush forest and rolling hills, this reserve has become a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The Garden Cottages offer a perfect escape, crafted with locally sourced mahogany furniture, luxury linens and spa-inspired amenities, including handmade soaps. Each suite features a cozy wood-burning fireplace, inviting you to unwind as the crackling fire casts a warm glow in the evenings. With stunning views and expansive sitting areas, these rooms serve as a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to after a day of exploration. You can also choose to stay at the Fire Tower. Inspired by traditional fire lookout towers, this four-story retreat rises above the forest canopy, granting uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile the villas are perfect for couples or families, offering extended living spaces as well as a private heated plunge pool.
The property offers an array of activities tailored to all types of adventurers. With knowledgeable guides, embark on bird-watching excursions, guided nature walks or even yoga sessions that connect you to the tranquil surroundings. Hike through winding trails, observing native wildlife in their natural habitat or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear natural pools beneath cascading waterfalls. The surrounding forest reserve is teeming with life and every trail promises a new discovery.
For those with a passion for culinary discovery, the dining experience at Hidden Valley is not to be missed. Hidden Valley takes pride in a ‘Nature Based Conscious Cuisine/No Barcode’ philosophy, an approach grounded in sustainability and the rich agricultural heritage of Belize.
Local ingredients, sourced from nearby farmers and artisans, form every dish, ensuring that each bite supports both the environment and local communities. The menus celebrate the flavours of the region, with dishes inspired by traditional Mayan cooking and modern Belizean influences. Each meal is an opportunity to experience Belize’s food culture, and activities such as cooking classes, chocolate-making workshops and cocktail sessions invite you to dive deeper into the culinary landscape.
