El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a 500-acre private reserve nestled between Juan Castro Blanco and Poás Volcano National Parks in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, has announced the completion of the first phase of a property-wide renovation, debuting 15 newly refreshed luxury suites in time for the upcoming high season.
Spearheaded by internationally renowned architect Ronald Zürcher, updates will continue across the property through mid-2020 as the first Relais & Châteaux address in Central America elevates its luxurious offerings with revamped, multi-bedroom suites and villas, a new spa, meeting space, taproom and an on-site hydroelectric system that will provide the resort 100% of its electrical needs. Committed to preserving the surrounding environment during the renovation, El Silencio has also earned a maximum Five-Leaf Rating in Costa Rica’s Certification of Sustainable Tourism and the Blue Flag Ecological Certification.
“Our guests have a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich nature and culture of the Bajos del Toro valley and journey into the heart of the Costa Rican lifestyle we call ‘Pura Vida,’” said Carlos Plata, general manager of El Silencio Lodge & Spa. “Some 95% of our team are locals, and we all take great pride in sharing the beauty of our destination with our guests. Whether they’re engaging in outdoor adventures, relaxing at our rainforest spa, or widening their eyes to the majesty of nature around us, they’re going to have an experience to remember at El Silencio Lodge & Spa.”
Luxury Accommodations
Situated high in the forest canopy on the edge of Poás Volcano, El Silencio currently offers 16 luxury suites and 4 villas, including one-bedroom suites, and new two and three-bedroom villas with kitchens. All accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that guarantee picturesque views of the mist-covered cloud forest, and each is arrayed with premium amenities including a private outdoor viewing deck with traditionally handcrafted rocking chairs, and soothing heated outdoor jacuzzis for the ultimate relaxation amid the seclusion. In keeping with its cultural focus, the hotel offers local products and snacks in the guestrooms’ “Pulperías,” or minibars.
The renovation of El Silencio began with the redesign of 15 one-bedroom suites, all of which are now welcoming guests, and will continue with one more redesigned villa to be completed before the end of the year. By early 2020, the hotel will further refresh its two-bedroom and three-bedroom private villas. El Silencio will also create new casitas for extended stays, group travelers, and multi-generational family trips, providing guests with stylish comforts of home including two suites combined with a private kitchen, living room, and terrace with a whirlpool and beautiful forest views. Architect Zürcher took inspiration from the traditional design and décor of the Bajos del Toro valley region to give guests a sense of place all while keeping the focal point of every space on the surrounding scenic views.
Authentic Costa Rican Culinary Offerings
Dining is an essential element of the guest experience at El Silencio with culinary offerings that celebrate the best of traditional Costa Rican cuisine, flavors and culture. The property is home to a 5,000-square-foot organic greenhouse ensuring year-round access to organic vegetables, fragrant spices, and delicate herbs. The fresh greenhouse ingredients are incorporated into each dish at the newly revamped Las Ventanas Restaurant, where menus change seasonally and have a modern take on traditional dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh eggs and trout provided by the hotel’s free-range chickens and trout ponds. Meanwhile, Toro Bohemio Bar is a destination all its own serving signature cocktails, wine parings by the lodge’s expert sommelier, local craft beer from San Jose’s Treinta y cinco brewery, and homemade El Silencio and La Gritona artisanal brews for a completely authentic Costa Rican experience from dish to drink. In 2020, the property will be opening a taproom, to be named Casa de Lobo, to provide guests with a relaxed environment for local craft beer tastings and social events.
Private dining experiences are also a popular option at El Silencio’s Rancho Orquideas with stunning views of the Gorrión River. For romance, the property serves a special sundown dinner prepared in the forest and surrounded by candlelight. And for aspiring cooks, El Silencio offers the “Cook like a tico” experience, with the chance for guests to catch a trout of their own from the onsite trout pond and pluck fresh vegetables and herbs from the greenhouse. Additionally, guests have the opportunity enlist in a cultural tour of the town center and head to Doña Olga’s house to learn how to make traditional tortillas. In 2020, El Silencio will be constructing a new Ranch to host cooking classes outdoors instead of the restaurant.
Wellness Sanctuary in the Heart of Costa Rica
Set in the middle of the rainforest by the hummingbird garden is Esencia Spa, a place for guests to sit back, relax and connect with nature. The spa menu includes signature offerings in partnership with doTerra essential oils and Costa Rica spa brand, Catalina Collection. El Silencio also takes natural ingredients from its onsite greenhouse to create custom organic scrubs and provides guests with locally inspired treatments such as the Coffee Ritual, Organic Relaxation, and Nature Kissed Hair Mask. For inspired yogis in search of peace and quiet, El Silencio also offers an al-fresco Yoga Deck with opportunity to book private classes. The spa will undergo a complete renovation and expansion in 2020 with new individual temple-like treatment rooms and swimming pool immersed within the forest.
Dedication to Sustainability through On and Off-Site Experiences
Voted the “Top Resort in Central America” by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, El Silencio continues to find ways to reduce its carbon footprint and support the planet. Beginning 2020, El Silencio will be completely energy independent and have their own onsite hydroelectric facility. The property opens the door for sampling Costa Rica’s natural landscapes, adventures, and charming culture through an array of activities that also focus on sustainability. Guests on property can take part in tree planting to leave an everlasting impression on the destination. Each tree will help bring the native Quetzal birds to the region, which guests can also spot during the “Daybreak Bird Watching” offered by the resort.
For the explorers, El Silencio offers tours of the local area and myriad outdoor adventures, including a journey to a magical waterfall with the property’s Eco-Concierge guiding guests along paths that trace a pristine creek’s route to soothing cascades and sharing fascinating secrets of the rare and vulnerable cloud forest eco-system along the way. The property also offers a more adventurous experience to Las Gemelas Waterfalls, a pair of Costa Rica’s most stunning azure waterfalls with vibrancy cast by reflections of the volcanic mineral in the water nearby. But guests need not travel far to enjoy the miles of on-site hiking trails and the breathtaking cloud forests El Silencio affords.
Those desiring to go even further can bring out their inner daredevil at El Silencio’s onsite Adventure Park, with ziplining over the rainforest canopy and the waterfalls. Guests can also venture to Pozo Azul Rainforest Adventures for adrenaline-boosting, white-water rafting down the Sarapiquí River. And don’t miss a visit to Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by wild vegetation and an underground maze of steamy hot springs.
