Upon pulling up to El Silencio Lodge & Spa in the volcanic region of Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica, we were instantly put into a Zen-like trance. Sitting high in a tropical cloud forest, the 16-suite, earth-friendly property straddles two national park systems on a 510-acre swath of land; home to over 300 species of birds and wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos and sloths. Frenetic spurts of rain, tendrils of fog, and the occasional late afternoon clashes of thunder and lightning all added to the moody yet sexy vibe of the place. ]]> globetrotting gourmet 2009-06-30T14:58:33-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/1/15/33919/8552 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/3873/ElSilencioCostaRica.jpg" class="imgborder"><p> <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/maps/Green-Hotels-Map"><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/stjulien_greenmap.jpg" align="right"></a>Looking for a quiet hotel? How about a silent one like the just-opened <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/El+Silencio+Lodge/local/1058"><b>El Silencio Lodge</b></a> in the jungle of Costa Rica. The owners reckon this is a place where "daily stress is hushed and the sounds of nature bloom", hence the name. With a 500-acre area and just 16 luxury suites, there probably is a tendency for it to be more-or-less silent, we guess.</p><p>The El Silencio is keen to promote a healthy lifestyle. is completely non-smoking, doesn't have TVs in its villas and expects its visitors to have a keen interest in and respect for nature. There's even an Eco-Concierge on staff to take you on hikes through nearby forests and who amandak 2008-01-15T11:24:35-05:00 Search HotelChatter string http://www.hotelchatter.com/search/