Costa Rica is world renowned for its beaches, volcanos, rainforests, wildlife, and…clouds? That’s right—a trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without a visit to the famous Cloud Forest in Monteverde. Beyond the obvious, which is that these high elevation forests are nearly perpetually blanketed in some degree of fog, these forests are renowned for their extreme biodiversity of flora and fauna. Costa Rica itself only takes up about .03 percent of the world’s landmass, but it accounts for nearly 5% of its biodiversity, much of which can be found at Monteverde.
As such, it’s not only recommended that you center your stay around experiencing all that the forest has to offer—it’s impossible to not have everything you do at least partially intertwined with the dance of nature around you. Every moment spent at Monteverde is a captivating encounter with the vibrant tapestry of nature, from hummingbirds sipping nectar by your breakfast table to a surprise visit from a charming pack of coati (Costa Rica’s endearing raccoon-like creatures.) This unique blend of natural beauty and opulent comfort defines the essence of Costa Rica, with no place epitomizing this harmony better than Monteverde’s premier luxury hotel, Senda.
A First Class Stay: The Property and Activities
Nestled less than a mile from Monteverde’s picturesque downtown, Senda complements the untamed beauty of the forest with top-tier accommodations and amenities. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a majestic tree that envelopes the lobby and restaurant area, reminiscent of the one in the movie “Avatar”. As we enjoyed the panoramic mountain views (a rarity in a cloud forest), we were treated to a delightful welcome cocktail, while a staff member explained the hotel’s eco-conscious ethos. She told us how Senda focuses on sustainability in everything they do. From locally grown organic food, to an EV charging station on-site, to souvenirs made by a local women’s cooperative, Senda strives to be eco-friendly in all their affairs.
After our cocktail, we were taken by golf cart to our Junior Suite, complete with one bedroom, a living room, and a dining area. The suite was extremely spacious and bright, a perfect contrast to the cloudy conditions so common in the region. The suites provided an amazing sense of isolation in the forest, which would be amplified when the heavy clouds rolled in in the afternoon, making all other buildings out of sight. Sitting on the porch during the afternoon really makes you feel like you are in a cloud city, separate from everything except the symphony of life around you.
Once we settled into our suite, we immediately started exploring all the property has to offer. There are miles of beautiful hiking trails on property, with several must see sights along your hike, my favorite of which was the hollow ficus tree. If you happen upon it during sunrise or sunset, the golden-hour light pouring through the tree’s tendrils makes for a breathtaking sight.
And if the on-site trails aren’t enough, you get complimentary access to the Aguti Wildlife Reserve, just adjacent to the property. In Aguti, miles of well maintained trails crisscross up the mountain, ending eventually deep up in the clouds at the top. Make sure to keep your eyes glued towards the canopy, as there are all sorts of species of birds, frogs, squirrels, and other wildlife surrounding you at all times. Senda also offers various activities and classes, such as cocktail making classes, bracelet making classes, and yoga.
Speaking of cocktail making classes, we cannot forget to mention Senda’s exquisite restaurant: El Sapo. The restaurant takes its name from the vibrant local amphibian, and like its namesake, El Sapo immerses guests in a world of color and flavor. The menu, curated with a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, showcases the rich tapestry of Costa Rican cuisine. From farm-to-table delights to traditional favorites, El Sapo presents a diverse array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds.
I appreciated their commitment to eco-conscious practices extends to its design, where the open-air layout provides panoramic views of the surrounding cloud forest, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable dining atmosphere. We enjoyed breakfast here every morning, but it’s also open for lunch and dinner.
Stay on the lookout for our next article detailing all the activities that Senda and Monteverde have to offer! In the meantime, watch our Youtube video from our stay below…
Disclosure: While I was a hosted guest at Senda Monteverde, all opinions here are my own.
rincent
November 29, 2023 at 3:24 amA very nice place, i’ll look to have a stay next time i go in Costa Rica.
Carmen Edelson
November 29, 2023 at 1:52 pmIt’s truly incredible! Enjoy.
Campbell Addison
November 30, 2023 at 7:36 amWow, what an incredible experience at Senda in Monteverde! Your vivid description transported me to the cloud forest, making me feel the magic of nature and luxury combined. The commitment to sustainability and local sourcing at El Sapo is commendable, and the panoramic views from the open-air layout must be breathtaking. The Junior Suite sounds like a dreamy retreat, offering both spaciousness and immersion in the forest. The hiking trails, the hollow ficus tree, and complimentary access to Aguti Wildlife Reserve add an extra layer of adventure. Can’t wait for your next article to discover more about Senda and Monteverde’s offerings!
Carmen Edelson
December 13, 2023 at 12:28 pmThanks for your lovely comment, Campbell! It was an incredible place.