El Silencio Lodge and Spa

Rustic luxury, El Silencio Lodge and Spa exceeded all our expectations. From check-in at reception, we were delighted to discover the Coffee Bar, serving delicious Costa Rican coffee drinks. The restaurant on premises serves locally-sourced ingredients (they grow their own vegetables). On a nice day, you can dine outside by...

Rustic luxury, El Silencio Lodge and Spa exceeded all our expectations. From check-in at reception, we were delighted to discover the Coffee Bar, serving delicious Costa Rican coffee drinks. The restaurant on premises serves locally-sourced ingredients (they grow their own vegetables). On a nice day, you can dine outside by a babbling streaming river. On a 500-acre private nature preserve, our rustic "cabin" had all the amenities of a 5-star resort, including our own private outdoor hot tub, and a terrace with rocking chairs overlooking the forest. Lots of outdoor activities available. We especially enjoyed a private guided hike to the property's 4 Waterfalls. The spa looked great. Horseback riding, archery, and zip-lining activities were also available. Weather was perfect with a low of 50° Farenheit and a high of 70°.

Here's your cleaned-up version with improved flow, clarity, and readability: --- I stayed for two nights as part of a Backroads trip and found this hotel to be a wonderfully quiet and serene retreat. The property features beautiful grounds, and all accommodations are free-standing casitas. Each casita has a private...

Here's your cleaned-up version with improved flow, clarity, and readability: --- I stayed for two nights as part of a Backroads trip and found this hotel to be a wonderfully quiet and serene retreat. The property features beautiful grounds, and all accommodations are free-standing casitas. Each casita has a private outdoor hot tub and offers a reasonable level of privacy from neighboring rooms. The service was the best we experienced in Costa Rica—genuine and warm, with staff who genuinely seemed to enjoy their work. Since we were part of a group with a prix fixe menu, our dining experience may not reflect the standard offerings (and we didn’t see food prices), but everything we had was very good, especially by Costa Rican standards. However, as others have mentioned, the wine prices were quite high. The property offers plenty of activities, with highlights for us being the waterfall hikes and ziplining—both made even better by the fantastic guides. My one suggestion would be to add screens to at least a few windows in each casita. While there is no air conditioning, this wouldn’t have been an issue if we could have left the windows open at night. However, the number of mosquitoes made that unwise.

Everything about this lodge is first rate: the setting, the service, the supremely delicious food, the available tours from the lodge, which often are private. We arrived late in the afternoon after lunch service had ended, but they prepared a delicious meal of ceviche and accompaniments. during our entire stay,...

Everything about this lodge is first rate: the setting, the service, the supremely delicious food, the available tours from the lodge, which often are private. We arrived late in the afternoon after lunch service had ended, but they prepared a delicious meal of ceviche and accompaniments. during our entire stay, the service was just as caring. When it rained, and when it didn't, a driver picked us up to take us from our bungalow to the dining room. Our room was huge. It had a living room with fireplace, a kitchen, a jacuzzi on the private deck, and more amenities. We felt well pampered in this lodge, which is well worth the drive over unpaved roads to reach it.

AMAZING property and experience! Incredibly beautiful! 5 STAR service on every level!! Great trails (and waterfalls), fun activities on site (we did ziplining & canyoning combo, oxcart painting, mystic hike, spa), and close to the beautiful Blue Falls (Las Gemeles and other falls). I highly recommend this for anyone visiting CR!!

Luxury in the beautiful cloud forest. Everything about the Lodge is spectacular and an understated luxury. All the staff without exception are friendly and helpful. The rooms are individual cabins nestled in the forest with total privacy and they are superb. A deck with a rocking sofa for relaxation, an...

Luxury in the beautiful cloud forest. Everything about the Lodge is spectacular and an understated luxury. All the staff without exception are friendly and helpful. The rooms are individual cabins nestled in the forest with total privacy and they are superb. A deck with a rocking sofa for relaxation, an amazing hot tub and the most comfortable bed possible. Breakfast is included and has all the choices you can want plus the “Tico” breakfast. All prepared to order and excellent. Dinner was delicious, the mushroom tagliatelle and the lo temperature beef ribs outstanding. Again the service was impeccable. The complimentary activities added to our experience and the secluded 500 acres of rainforest and waterfalls made our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Our thanks to each and every one of the staff for an amazing time. No one could possibly regret staying here it’s wonderful and exceptional

We recently stayed here for 6 days and could not have been happier with the overall experience. This is this our second visit to CR and we definitely will be coming back for more. The property is located in the mountains northwest of San Jose airport and the ride takes...

We recently stayed here for 6 days and could not have been happier with the overall experience. This is this our second visit to CR and we definitely will be coming back for more. The property is located in the mountains northwest of San Jose airport and the ride takes a good hour or so, depending on the traffic. It is located in a secluded part next to nature preserve. The property is small (only 24 villas) and the grounds are very well maintained. The rooms are very comfortable and twice-daily housekeeping is impeccable. The closets are a bit on a small side, so do not overpack. Villas are well-spaced out throughout the property to ensure privacy. The most amazing part of this resort is not the beautiful surroundings but rather the outstanding quality of service that its staff provide day-in and day-out. Not once during our extended stay did we encounter poor or average service. Each and every employee goes out of their way to ensure that each and every guest is treated like the most important person of the moment. Such level of consistency is really amazing and very commendable. The restaurant provides a high quality menu with the focus on locally sourced and freshest ingredients, and the dishes are not only beautifully presented but also very tasty. The executive chef is of Italian-Peruvian descent and such heritage is clearly evident in the menu. The restaurant has a fairly good wine list, though I wish there was a slightly bigger selection of light reds. The resort offers a good selection of daily activities, both on- and off-site. We participated in a number of those, and truly enjoyed all of them, from zip-lining to bird watching to a trip to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs. My only suggestion would be a more detailed prep information to the guests as to what to expect and to bring to those longer trips. Spa services were equally outstanding and we certainly indulged in those. Massages and body treatments were of high quality and we had nothing but praise for the therapists. Again, all therapists were equally good and equally consistent each and every time we used spa services. In summary, I would highly recommend this property for anyone who is looking for a relaxing stay in the cloud / rain-forest of Costa Rica (don’t forget to check the forecast, as it is slightly cooler than most of us envision Costa Rica to be and brief rainfall is common). The grounds are beautiful, nature is pristine, villas are comfortable, the staff is amazing and the management goes out of the way to ensure that each and every guest has an enjoyable visit.

There is no question that the location is exceptional, as are the lodges. We loved our room complete with hot tub and incredible vista and did a number of hikes around the property, which we really enjoyed. There is also a great gym for guests to use, with good equipment...

There is no question that the location is exceptional, as are the lodges. We loved our room complete with hot tub and incredible vista and did a number of hikes around the property, which we really enjoyed. There is also a great gym for guests to use, with good equipment including weights. However, the service and overall approach by the staff lets the place down. Service at check-in is frosty at best, and there is little to no information provided about possible tour options or what to expect when you book an experience (we did rum tasting, which was just 30 mins for $150 per person, though did include food pairings, which we hadn’t been briefed on). The cost of food and drink is eye watering and way out of line with the quality and experience. For example, the cheapest glass of wine is $30. We were consistently seated at tables where there was food on the floor (across the whole restaurant), and it’s hard to be in the same restaurant with the same menu each day, which doesn’t change - and again for very expensive food, albeit nice in presentation and taste. Overall this is a place worth visiting for the vista, the hikes and the lodge, maybe for two days. But the service needs to do better and does not match a five star resort nor the price points charged. It feels like a cash in and cold in many aspects, when this could be perfect given the grounds they are working with. Massage was also very average and a cold, transactional experience in keeping with the rest of the hotel service.

Driving into the resort was an experience in itself. We were given a welcome drink on arrival. Our room was not ready but gave us opportunity to look around. Everywhere was so clean. Our villa was amazing. Double bedroom with jacuzzi overlooking the stream. We did the complementary hike around...

Driving into the resort was an experience in itself. We were given a welcome drink on arrival. Our room was not ready but gave us opportunity to look around. Everywhere was so clean. Our villa was amazing. Double bedroom with jacuzzi overlooking the stream. We did the complementary hike around the property with a very knowledgeable guide. I did find the vegetarian/vegan dinner options a little limited, but that said I did find something that I could eat. Breakfast which was included in our package was lovely. It was just a shame that we was only there for two nights

The lodge and grounds are lovely. Unfortunately the billing practices are extremely shady. At the end of our stay they refused to give us an itemized receipt for charges & lied about refunding certain things. I'm still trying to get them to itemize a $1400 bill, which was two days...

The lodge and grounds are lovely. Unfortunately the billing practices are extremely shady. At the end of our stay they refused to give us an itemized receipt for charges & lied about refunding certain things. I'm still trying to get them to itemize a $1400 bill, which was two days of food and transport. We had no spa or extra tours. If you choose to stay here, I would recommend being very cautious about what you order, keep a journal and let them know in advance you will expect the bill to be clear and itemized on checkout.

what a lovely place! fancy but the service was wonderful (thanks to Mike Alejandro and all the dining staff) and everyone there was so sweet. our room had a nice hot tub which heated up in 30 minutes which we loved. we sat outside for every meal and loved the...

what a lovely place! fancy but the service was wonderful (thanks to Mike Alejandro and all the dining staff) and everyone there was so sweet. our room had a nice hot tub which heated up in 30 minutes which we loved. we sat outside for every meal and loved the roar of the river. it rained all day on our drive there so the water level was high. planned to do fly fishing but water level too high on the rocks so we hiked to the waterfalls instead. great well marked hike. had a good tour and archery (a blast) with Jose Miguel who did a great job. enjoyed the food and loved the hot chocolate and cookies. our cart driver Julio was a real kick and gave us a tour around. loved the place!!

The resort is amazing and staff wonderful. Make sure you take the hike on site to the 3 waterfalls - suggest guided as better experience. We went in rainy season and was fine, waterproof footwear is a good idea. We swam in the very cold falls at the top. Love...

The resort is amazing and staff wonderful. Make sure you take the hike on site to the 3 waterfalls - suggest guided as better experience. We went in rainy season and was fine, waterproof footwear is a good idea. We swam in the very cold falls at the top. Love the place and fresh food! We had lodge 16, the best and private yet still close to everything.

Beautiful location in the cloud forest with waterfalls and streams throughout the property. There were plenty of activities onsite. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and very well appointed with excellent attention to detail The restaurant was first rate with many delicious breakfast and dinner options. The staff were all very...

Beautiful location in the cloud forest with waterfalls and streams throughout the property. There were plenty of activities onsite. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and very well appointed with excellent attention to detail The restaurant was first rate with many delicious breakfast and dinner options. The staff were all very friendly, kind, and welcoming, and the service was first class. Though windy, the road to the lodge was not a big deal and easily manageable. We would happily return again and look forward to doing so soon!

The location is out of this world. You are in the middle of the tropical forest. The cabins are fabulous. They have an outdoor jacuzzi in your bathroom which is a treat! Trails to walk and a number of other activities. The restaurant is very good. I had fish. To...

The location is out of this world. You are in the middle of the tropical forest. The cabins are fabulous. They have an outdoor jacuzzi in your bathroom which is a treat! Trails to walk and a number of other activities. The restaurant is very good. I had fish. To my taste the fish and the see food were slightly over cooked, but I am very picky. The atmosphere superb. Absolutely worth visiting.

The lodging is beautiful. You have natural right at your doorsteps with the hummingbirds and the lush greenery. The hike to the waterfalls was great and a nice bonding experience. I loved the rocking chairs on the porch. I would sit out there every morning around 5:30 and enjoy what...

The lodging is beautiful. You have natural right at your doorsteps with the hummingbirds and the lush greenery. The hike to the waterfalls was great and a nice bonding experience. I loved the rocking chairs on the porch. I would sit out there every morning around 5:30 and enjoy what Mother Nature had to offer!

We loved our stay. The resort was amazing. We loved the restaurants, the hiking, the bar, the gardens. Everything about it was amazing and we hope to return again soon. The waterfall hike was beautiful and worth the effort. Same with the other tails. Make sure to visit the hummingbird...

We loved our stay. The resort was amazing. We loved the restaurants, the hiking, the bar, the gardens. Everything about it was amazing and we hope to return again soon. The waterfall hike was beautiful and worth the effort. Same with the other tails. Make sure to visit the hummingbird garden and the veggie garden.

If I have to describe in one word the experience I would say perfection. From the moment we arrived the driver picked us up and he was so friendly and accommodate all our needs throughout the drive. The Lodge staff received us with a delicious welcome drink and drive us...

If I have to describe in one word the experience I would say perfection. From the moment we arrived the driver picked us up and he was so friendly and accommodate all our needs throughout the drive. The Lodge staff received us with a delicious welcome drink and drive us around the property ( stunning place) The cabin was wow, clean, lots of natural light, great view, and the outdoor jacuzzi was a beautiful surprise. I mean, everything was just perfect, detailed oriented, everything was arranged like a clook and so much more. The spa was a dream, the Yoga teacher was amazing, the sound bath and meditation class was the best i ever experienced, the staff was extremely helpful, friendly and respectful. Archery class was so much fun. Great amenities and lots of things to do. The tour guides , knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic and happy. Food delicious, fresh and healthy. I mean I cannot find one thing to complain about. Perfection

El Silencio was absolutely amazing in so many respects. The staff - all over very courteous, accommodating, and respectful. Our accommodation was beautiful (including our perfect plunge pool), comfortable, even opulent. We spent half of our time just relaxing in and enjoying this space! The "excursions" on the property were...

El Silencio was absolutely amazing in so many respects. The staff - all over very courteous, accommodating, and respectful. Our accommodation was beautiful (including our perfect plunge pool), comfortable, even opulent. We spent half of our time just relaxing in and enjoying this space! The "excursions" on the property were great - short, but fun. We only did one outside of the property - that one was so scenic and interesting (waterfalls). The food - both made-to-order breakfasts, and dinners in the dining room were delicious to a single one! We especially enjoyed the private, romantic dinner for two that we signed up for, and the breakfast down by the river, that we requested spur-of-the-moment. Overall, we loved El Silencio, hope to be back soon, and thank all of the staff for our wonderful stay there.

We have been to many places around the world, and this place was by far or favorite stay. Rather than a complicated Costa Rica trip, we decided to start at El Solencio the whole 7 days. We were a bit worried we might be bored. That was never a problem,...

We have been to many places around the world, and this place was by far or favorite stay. Rather than a complicated Costa Rica trip, we decided to start at El Solencio the whole 7 days. We were a bit worried we might be bored. That was never a problem, and we could have stayed far longer. Experience: after an extensive uphill drive to the tiny town of Bajos Del Toro, this place impressed from the minute we drive through the gate. In the afternoon, a light mist descends on the jungle (or "cloud forest"), serving as a stunning and dramatic backdrop for the beautiful architecture of the resort buildings. Every staff member is kind and amazingly friendly, and we have never experienced such attention to detail to help guests have a stay that isn't just great, but memorable. Food: there are 2-3 restaurants in the 300-person town, which is a short walk through a not-very-pedestrian friendly road. For the most part though, we ate at the resort restaurant. The chef was really great, with a cuisine that is influenced by his Peruvian background, the Costa Rican setting, and various other world dishes. The breakfast was free, and had every breakfast dish you could think of prepared flawlessly. If this restaurant was in NYC, it might have a Michelin star. The dinner prices aren't cheap but aren't expensive by American standards (entrees average $25-30 USD). The wait staff is patient and friendly, as with all the staff at this resort. The villa was flawless and beautiful. The Staff: The resort's Manager, Pedro, manages to find people that truly try to be the best at their job, taking every customer request as a mission. We try very hard to be easy and courteous guests, but one gets the impression that the staff here can handle anyone with grace. The restaurant supervisor Danny was very helpful and responsive. The front desk is run by the very talented and friendly Fernanda. The driver, Bryam, is very friendly and personable, and we enjoyed hanging out with him on our various rides. The one person that really made our stay though was Jeancarlo - if you can get him as a guide on resort events or excursions, we can't recommend him highly enough. After our week there, we consider him a friend, and we were very impressed by his knowledge of local wildlife. I hope the resort works hard to keep him on staff because he really transformed our stay to a singular experience. Tips: There is a bar! It's great! We didn't really notice it for our first few days but don't sleep on it. Even the mocktails are great. The Arenal volcano tour with hot springs was fun, but it is expensive. There is so much wildlife at the resort, they own a lot of land with hiking trails and waterfalls. But if you want a greater chance of seeing certain animals like toucans, monkeys, or sloths, consider a side tour to the lowlands where those animals are more common (such as La Fortuna area).

Great place, great service, amazing infraestructure From the arrival to the check out Food, landscapes, waterfalls, the room!!! And the customer service. I recomend to book at least 3 days. Will be never enough! 🚘🏎️❣️🦋🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳