Hotels We Like

El Silencio Lodge

One day every hotel will be eco-friendly, but until then Costa Rica seems to have the eco-travel market cornered. One hotel which is getting a lot of attention of late is El Silencio Lodge in Bajos del Toro, surrounded by 500 acres of tropical cloud forest in the island's central volcanic region.

It's a cluster of planet-friendly cabins named after the Spanish word for 'silence'. Not only is it gloriously isolated, but it has impressive eco credentials. In addition to the sustainable lifestyle it promotes, its owners have initiated a reforestation program in the grounds surrounding the hotel, which has earned them the accolade 'Climate Change Friendly' from the Costa Rican Tropical Science Center.

The Lodge offers 16 luxury suites with river or cloud forest views. Each has a private deck and whirlpool, plus meals and a personal eco-concierge are included in the room charges.  

Bear in mind, with all this eco-friendliness comes a certain lack of technology – no internet or cell phone access, and no in-room TVs. (However, there is a really indulgent spa.) And maybe that's what silence is all about. RM

Images: El Silencio Lodge

2008 Oct 19 one response. share this

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