A rustic paradise nestled in a 500-acre private cloud forest

Sustainably designed El Silencio Lodge & Spa, located in the highlands of Costa Rica’s central volcanic range, is an eco-adventure park. Facing a tree-lined canyon and dotted with waterfalls, the intimate, rustic paradise nestled in a 500-acre private cloud forest is the sister property to Grupo Islita’s Hotel Punta Islita. Such surroundings are intended to be relished whenever possible of course, and the outdoor deck, with its fire pit and views of the Gorrion River, invites lingering. So does Las Ventanas. At this restaurant, set in a lodge with panoramic windows, the dishes naturally showcase food made with ingredients sourced from the on-site farm. All days should include time at Esencia Spa, where there’s a deck for ambient alfresco yoga as well as the Conical Room, meant to channel the Costa Rican forest’s essential life energy. Once inside one of the 16 suites, glorious vistas are never far away thanks to sliding glass doors and peaceful decks bearing rocking chairs and heated outdoor jet pools.