Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel

With just 25 suites, this lodge is an intimate space to relax amid the spectacular jungle of Costa Rica’s cloud forest reserves. Sandwiched between the Monteverde Reserve and the Santa Elena Reserve, it’s ideally placed for getting out on the trails to meet the enchanting and abundant wildlife in Monteverde.

Located in the heart of Monteverde on the doorstep of the world-famous Cloud Forests, Senda Monteverde Hotel is a luxurious eco-hotel ideal for adventurous travellers. The perfect setting for seeking peace and quiet on the doorstep of one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding locations, the hotel truly embraces the notion of operating in harmony with its delicate natural surroundings.

Presenting a fantastic balance of luxury and sustainability, anchored by an attractive contemporary design and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the hotel’s 24 rooms and suites provide wonderful retreats. The guest rooms are set in inviting mountain bungalows, some positioned on hilltops and enjoying breathtaking views, while others boast windows into the surrounding forest. Spacious and airy, the bungalows also benefit from open-air terraces for languid evenings absorbing the pristine surroundings.

Relaxation and indulgence come effortlessly at Senda Monteverde, the perfect antidote to a busy day exploring the nearby parks and reserves. Enjoy fine dining in the form of the on-site El Sapo Restaurant, serving up delicious local fare and signature international favourites, while the El Sapo Bar & Lounge is an inviting space in which to plan your next day in the Cloud Forests over a craft beer or two. The hotel also offers a rewarding open-studio space, showcasing everything from nature talks to yoga classes, and all complemented by awe-inspiring views.

Burrowed into the peaceful pastures of Costa Rica’s cloud forest, Poas Volcano lodge offers an authentic place to stay in an area of real natural splendour.

The comfortable guestrooms here are located in both the main lodge and the converted stable block. While some boast private gardens backing onto the virgin cloud forest, others have incredible volcano views which can be enjoyed from private balconies.

This property is an ideal base for Poas Volcano visits with numerous nature trails available. What’s more, the tranquil setting promises complete relaxation after a day’s exploring with yoga and massages both on offer.

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.