El Silencio Lodge & Spa - Relais & Chateaux
Bajos del Toro, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Situated within a 500-acre private reserve in Costa Rica's cloud forest, this Relais & Châteaux property offers luxury amid natural beauty. Surrounded by rainforest, it's a haven for travelers seeking to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Adventure seekers and wellness enthusiasts will find tailored experiences that inspire and rejuvenate.
Rooms and suites
The lodge features 24 suites and villas, each thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding rainforest. Deluxe Suites, set along the hillside, offer privacy with mountain or forest views from private decks. Spacious Two-Bedroom Villas, ideal for families and groups, include a kitchenette and generous lounging areas. Two-Bedroom Riverside Villas provide grand river view decks and two private outdoor heated jet pools. The Three-Bedroom Villa, the largest accommodation, offers a fully equipped retreat, perfect for extended stays or special occasions. Interiors showcase locally sourced materials, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors inside.
Amenities and experiences
Options include Las Ventanas Restaurant (fusion cuisine blending Costa Rican, Peruvian and Mediterranean flavors), Toro Bohemio Bar (signature forest-inspired cocktails) and Sophia's Coffee & Pastries (Costa Rican coffee and artisanal treats).
Esencia Spa with massages and holistic therapies, plus yoga and meditation at Samana Wellness Center.
Guided hikes to private waterfalls, birdwatching.
Canopy tours, zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, mountain biking and archery.
Farm visits, cooking classes, coffee tastings and traditional oxcart painting with local artisans.
Daily yoga classes, mystic hikes, tree planting and afternoon organic hot chocolate with cookies.
Accommodations and activities designed for families to connect with nature.
How to get here
Located in Costa Rica's cloud forest, the lodge is a 90-minute drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Guests can arrange private transportation or rent a 4x4 vehicle for a self-guided journey — navigation is recommended due to the mountainous terrain. Once there, a vehicle isn't necessary, as experiences and natural wonders are within easy reach. For those wanting to explore more, La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano's hot springs are about two hours away, suitable for a day trip.
