Close to the town of Sarchi in a magical, undisturbed cloud forest lies the El Silencio Lodge, our first stop on our Costa Rican vacation in July. Our family is no different than most. We have been running crazy from our work to school, daycare, supermarket and back again. We were ready for a quiet retreat.
After a big day of air travel from Raleigh to San Jose, Costa Rica with a total of 5 checked and 7 carry on bags our arms and minds were tired. We drove our Adobe Rental SUV through little local towns on winding roads that seem to lead to nowhere. This was the first time we had a GPS in Costa Rica and it made the trip to Silencio a breeze. After seeing the last street sign for the hotel, it started to drizzle and the mountains turned into deep green lush with secret waterfalls and purple flowers at each elbow curve. Our entire car gave a joyous group cheer as we made our final right turn into the property.
El Silencio Lodge is in a quiet valley surrounded by verdant, green, misty mountains only 1.15 hours from San Jose. Upon entry to the main lobby, we were greeted by 5 uniformed staff with umbrellas who whisked our luggage and rental car out of site. We entered the lobby and sat by the fireplace for our check in. There was no waiting in lobby lines or finding a place to park the car as it was all taken care of by El Silencio. Then as if a dog whistle went off in my head, I heard the babbling brook behind me. I grabbed my 18 month old and walked out behind the glass lobby to see a small river running. The sound was not interrupted by car brakes or blue light special announcements. It was intoxicating.
Our personal Eco- Concierge guided us to our bungalows. El Silencio includes this concierge service, 3 ala carte meals daily, deluxe bungalow, guided hike and daily mini bar. It was a 5 minute walk from the lobby up an incline to our units. We did notice 2 bungalows by the lobby for those who might need easy access but, I needed as much exercise as possible to balance the meals I planned to eat on this vacation. My eyes spotted the “piece de resistance”, the outdoor circular whirlpool that was already warming and bubbling up. It was singing to me like a lover on a cliff waiting for her sailor. The décor of our bungalow consisted of hardwood floors, huge bathroom with vessel sinks, rain shower, L’Occitane bath products, gas fire place, 2 Twin sized daybeds and a luxurious fluffy king bed. I did have the best nap of my life on the “million” thread count sheets and pillows I would have put in our luggage if there was room.
The service at El Silencio was spectacular! The restaurant staff accommodated my special meal requests for our baby fast and with delicious treats of homemade organically grown squash pate with tortilla chips and a Tico chicken soup with rice that resonated “MMMMM’s” from her little mouth. They recommend children 8 and older at the resort, but accommodated us. I can understand that they want to keep the “silence” for all their guests. We reminded our kids to have fun, but screaming would wake the neighbors.
Our meals were well presented and delicious. My older daughter ate some spicy edible flowers that were grown in the garden. The chef will give you a tour of the garden if you ask. The hiking trails are well laid out and lead to 3 waterfalls on the acreage. Many tours are available in the area including zip lining, white water rafting, Arenal or Poas volcanoes and horseback riding to name a few. It is your option to lounge in the whirlpool with a glass of vino or tropical juice smoothie or tour the many activities at your disposal. One main activity we were looking forward to was the spa. I had been debating which option to take and choose the Brown Sugar, Coconut and Vanilla Body Polish. We had a double treatment room as my daughter, age 9, joined me for her first hand and foot treatment. She told me later, “ Mom, at first I was like this is kinda weird but then I just said to myself GO FOR IT!” We went for some true relaxation in this Cloud forest setting as the spa is an easy stride through a canopied walkway, over the brook and down a trail. In addition, the spa has a Conical Room that is circular and partially open to the flora outside that channels your Chi while you receive your massage. I booked a Deep Tissue Massage for my husband and he met us for dinner later that evening with this odd smile looking like he just left Woodstock.
The next morning I awoke early and sat on my rocking chair on my private deck. Hummingbirds whizzed by and the clouds hovered on the tops of the mountains. It was so peaceful. I thought about how amazing the place was and felt as if I had truly escaped. I was saddened by our departure but knew we were off to another adventure in Costa Rica. Our friends Paul and Art would feel differently about the “sound of silence” had they vacationed at El Silencio.
By Jennifer Rakowski
WTG Sales Manager