Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot - El Silencio Lodge & Spa Costa Rica
Set on of private tropical forest in Costa Rica’s central volcanic valley near Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Poas Volcano Park the breathtaking El Silencio Lodge & Spa on 500 acres of private cloud forest is designed with wood, bamboo, and glass elements throughout. The resort’s “Zen” like ambiance attracts eco enthusiasts and couples seeking a relaxed Costa Rica siesta and for older children who have an interest in nature. Built on stilts, guestrooms open
out to furnished balconies or patios including private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs and rain showers, Beds have pillow top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Turndown service is offered nightly with a hot water bottle included for really cold evenings at high altitude even in summer! El Silencio also has a full-service spa menu with services including massages, facials and body wraps, and for those inclined, participation in yoga classes at the conical room deck designed to channel the cloud rainforest’s life energy is encouraged. “La Ventanas” Restaurant at El Si-
n Award winning organic food at El Silencio.
lencio really stood out for me! Talented chef Andres Melendez is committed to serving locally-produced dining with most ingredients sourced from his own gardens. In fact a five thousand square foot organic greenhouse ensures year-round access to a variety of colourful vegetables, fragrant spices, and delicate herbs. Free-range chickens provide just-picked eggs and the trout ponds let guests catch their own main dish! Another advantage is that eeach visitor is paired with an eco-concierge to assist during their stay. This special host provides insights into the region’s natural setting, culture, and traditions to enrich the visitor experience as one explores the Bajos Del Toro Community. Eco-Concierges also lead the courtesy forest immersion hike, the complimentary tree-planting activity, and coordinate activities, tours, and special requests. Your Eco-Concierge can also help you select experiences and adventures according to age, fitness, and health. Bird watching in particular is part of daily life here and it’s easy to explore El Silencio’s exten-
n El Silencio Clou
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sive network of trails through the rainforest, while participating in a tree planting ceremony or taking a day trip to the nearby Arenal Volcano or Catarata Del Toro, a 200metre waterfall. In addition to lazy afternoons taking in the view, the lodge offers an alternative list of activities, from traditional “empanada” cooking classes to a local village tour. Remember to stock up on souvenirs from nearby Sarchí. The town is renowned for arts and crafts, including colourful, decorative ox carts, which were
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once used to haul coffee from nearby plantations to markets. Woodworkers in the town also produce decorative kitchenware, furniture and masks. Enjoy the best of Costa Rica’s exciting cloud forest adventures and relax in the luxury comfort of El Silencio Lodge & Spa. A three-night travel package including a visit to a regional adventure park where travelers can enjoy white water rafting, rappelling, mountain biking, or hiking is available from 595 Euros. The lodge
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is a ninety minute ride from San José International Airport with transfers arranged and well worth the journey! Visit www.elsilenciolodge. com. Air France departs Dublin daily via Paris Charles De Gaulle to San Jose. www.airfrance.ie Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com