Location: Vara Blanca, Heredia – Central Valley
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Bar, Sitting Room, Library, Spa, Game Room, Media Room, and Airport Transfer. Breakfast is included
For those looking for a hideaway from the busy beaches in Costa Rica, this mountain retreat is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Set up high in the mountains with spectacular views to the Poas Volcano, this cozy lodge is a one of a kind hotel in which a real dairy farm operates.
As you drive up to the hotel, you will be captivated by the beauty of the surrounding scenery, and once you arrive, the magnificent gardens that surround it will take your breath away. But, perhaps the most impressive feature of this hotel is the materials used in its construction.
Formerly a private family residence, the lodge was remodeled and expanded in 2009, using sustainable building practices utilizing reclaimed materials from the original building as well as the wood from fallen trees on the property.
Once inside the lodge, you immediately feel a homey atmosphere, warm and inviting. As you enter the sitting room, it is impossible not to marvel at the magnificent oak tree trunk that supports the wood ceiling and its exposed beams. The lodge feel is completed by stone walls, wood burning stoves and cozy furniture throughout the common areas.
This boutique mountain retreat will transport you to another world, and yet it is only 45 minutes away from the airport. There are six lodge rooms located in the main building with either volcano or garden views, and an additional five garden rooms situated in the converted stables just a few feet away and a separate guest house ideal for families.
All the rooms offer comfortable beds and amazing views either of the volcano located a mere 20-minute drive, or the expertly manicured gardens. The lodge and garden rooms have a romantic feel with lots of privacy and rustic yet chic décor.
In terms of keeping guests entertained, the owners thought of everything; aside from the spectacular trails that traverse the property and showcase the incredible gardens and cloud forest, there is a library stocked with local history, and wildlife books, as well as a nice selection of novels. This bright, airy library with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gardens has spectacular mountain views and is cozy and relaxing, perfect for rainy days.
There is also a Multimedia/Cinema room with a wide selection of DVD’s to choose from, guests gather here for movie night or to listen to some music while getting to know each other. The indoor entertainment area includes a game room featuring a full-size pool table, chess sets, and an assortment of board games.
But, perhaps the star of the hotel is its onsite restaurant and bar, The Bromelia. Most of the ingredients used in the preparation of the dishes it offers are organically grown on the property or locally sourced from surrounding farms, this means the food here is always fresh.
Breakfast will become your favorite meal of the day, with fresh home-made bread, jams, and milk, and of course don’t forget the coffee.
The lunch menu consists of light dishes, and they are kind enough to pack them for you so you can enjoy a picnic on the grounds when the weather permits. Dinner is the real showstopper, a á la carte menu with a nice mixture of both European and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. There are vegetarian options, and the menu is kid friendly.
Bottom Line: This little hidden gem in the mountains overlooking the Poas Volcano is an ideal place to detoxify from the commotion of everyday life, you deserve this experience!
