El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco luxury hotel located in the tropical cloud forest of the central volcanic valley, in Los Bajos del Toro, a small rural town, 90 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The property lies in a 500-acre private reserve, blessed with gently flowing creeks and hidden waterfalls. The main building faces the base of a tree-lined canyon and houses the restaurant, coffee lounge, media room, reception office, gift shop and a large outdoor deck area. The hotel has sixteen upscale cottage suites interspersed in a tiered layout. Each suite sits on above-ground pillars to respect the forest’s natural topography and features bamboo ceiling tiles, energy-efficient lighting and a gas fireplace. They also have premium amenities, a king bed and a sofa bed, a viewing deck with rocking chairs, complimentary daily in-room health snacks, an enticing outdoor whirlpool tub and spectacular mountain or river vistas. Guests can indulge themselves in Esencia Spa where the flowing water, the whispering breeze and the flicker of candles converge into the perfect harmony for relaxing massages, facials and body wraps There is also a yoga deck and a conical room designed to channel the forest’s life energy. At Las Ventanas Restaurant, dishes include regional fish, poultry and vegetarian entrees. 100% of the ingredients are regional, minimizing transportation impact, favoring the local economy and ensuring freshness. An in-property garden supplies most of the organic herbs and vegetables. Nearby attractions include Poas Volcano, Sarchi arts and crafts, Zarcero famous park and Arenal Volcano. Horseback riding, river rafting, mountain biking and canopy zip-lining are some of the activities available. Guests’ favorite activities in the lodge include the tree-planting ceremony, picking organic veggies from El Silencio’s own garden and the new Elementos trail, a holistic journey that incorporates stations to focus on a particular sensory experience. Other services include all meals included, internet access, free laundry services and parking lot.