El Silencio Lodge & Spa · Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica. Our stay: 2 nights, July 2026 · Deluxe Suite · ~$700–$900/night (villas run higher)
My husband and I stayed at El Silencio Lodge for the first two nights of our babymoon this July. I'm Melanie, co-founder of Explore the Americas Travel. I've lived in Costa Rica for 16+ years and have stayed at 94+ hotels here (so far!). If you're weighing this against other Costa Rica properties for a honeymoon, babymoon, or anniversary trip, here's the honest breakdown.
Key takeaways
- Worth it? Yes, if you have the budget and you're after immersion over polish.
- The lodge sits on a 500-acre private reserve in Bajos del Toro, with primary cloud forest and four waterfalls accessible right from the property.
- The food was the highlight of our stay, and I'd rank it among the top 3 dining experiences I've had in Costa Rica.
- The road in is steep and winding, so you'll need a 4x4 or a private driver, especially in wet conditions.
- Deluxe Suites run roughly $700–$900/night depending on season, with two- and three-bedroom villas priced higher.
In this guide
Is El Silencio Lodge Worth It?
Short answer: yes, if you have the budget and you're after immersion over polish. El Silencio holds 2 Michelin Keys, one of only a handful of properties in Costa Rica to earn that recognition, and once you're there, it's easy to see why. The lodge sits on a 500-acre private reserve in Bajos del Toro, with primary cloud forest and four waterfalls accessible right from the property. That's really what you're paying for here: location you can't replicate, not five-star polish at every turn (more on that below).
The Room
We stayed in a Deluxe Suite but got to see the two- and three-bedroom suites as well. The Deluxe Suite was cozy and beautifully done. We were in room #3, which sits lower on the property. It didn't feel as private as the rooms higher up and farther from the walking paths, so I'd request one of those if privacy is a priority for you.
The outdoor jacuzzi was a highlight, completely private, and we used it every night. The welcome amenities were thoughtful (we were celebrating a special occasion, our babymoon), and the room had everything we needed, including a great steamer, which came in handy since we did our maternity photos there.
The two- and three-bedroom villas: The design here is noticeably more modern than the Deluxe Suites. The two-bedroom villa has a kitchenette, and the three-bedroom has a full kitchen so it feels less like a hotel room and more like a super stylish private home. These are a great option for families or two couples traveling together who want their own space without sacrificing the design and location that makes the property special.
Is El Silencio Lodge Good for Families?
Yes, with some caveats worth knowing. The lodge welcomes children (minimum recommended age is around 8), and the property offers family-oriented amenities including a kids' menu, babysitting, a recently added pool, and family-friendly activities: the tree planting, hummingbird garden, and cookies & hot chocolate hour we did are all easy wins for kids, and the waterfall hike is manageable for older children.
The two- and three-bedroom villas are the natural choice for families, giving everyone their own space while still being steps from the main lodge.
That said, this isn't a high-energy family resort, the pace here is quiet and nature-focused. It's a great fit for families who want an immersive, low-key nature experience together, less so if you're looking for built-in entertainment to keep kids occupied.
The Food
This was the HIGHLIGHT of our stay. Every meal was excellent and never over-done, with a menu that balanced classic Costa Rican staples with more unique dishes. My favorite was the trout pasta, and the bread was excellent. I'd rank this among the top 3 dining experiences I've had in Costa Rica, and I'd genuinely say it competes with Michelin-starred restaurants I've eaten at elsewhere. There's also a beautiful on-site bar, though we didn't get a chance to try it this trip.
Service
7/10. Staff were friendly, but service didn't have the polish you'd expect at this price point. For example, golf carts were roughly a 50/50 to actually show up when called, which mattered more than usual since I was pregnant and wanted to avoid walking in the dark or rain. It felt like part of the trade-off for being somewhere more remote, however, I'd take the occasional miss in exchange for being this immersed in nature.
On-Site Activities & Tours
We stayed on-site for the full two nights, and the complimentary activity list is great:
Waterfalls hike — an easy-to-moderate hike (manageable even pregnant and slow, like me). Trails are unpaved but well-marked and in good condition, and we didn't see another guest the entire time. There are four waterfalls; the last one is stunning. If you're staying here, this is a must-do.
Archery — this tour felt pretty random and was in a weird location, but it was entertaining and short.
Cookies & hot chocolate — a daily complimentary hour at the café. Small touch, but a nice one.
Hummingbird garden — I expected there to be feeders here but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is all natural plants (yay!!). This was beautiful and worth spending some time at. We even got to see the Scintillant Hummingbird, which was a lifer for me (hi, I'm a bird nerd).
Tree planting — part of the property's reforestation initiative. We planted an aguacatillo tree we can come back and watch grow alongside our baby.
We didn't do the off-site tours purely because of time, but there are really amazing waterfalls nearby and other adventures worth checking out. And a spot called "Dinoland" where you can go see animatronic dinosaurs… if you are into that kind of thing.
The Spa
We didn't get to try it ourselves, but we toured the space and it looked beautiful and well equipped, including some standout wellness offerings like cacao ceremonies and sound healing.
Sustainability
Sustainability is core to what this property is about, and it shows the moment you arrive. There's a beautiful organic garden, a chicken coop, and a bee area on-site, and much of what lands on your plate at dinner is grown right there.
The property runs on a mix of solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving systems, and it's an active participant in cloud forest reforestation and conservation, like the tree-planting activity we did (more on that above) is part of that same effort. Costa Rican culture is woven throughout the property without ever feeling kitschy.
Practical Tips Before You Book
Weather: this is cloud forest, so expect cooler temperatures and regular rain, it's what makes the area this beautiful. Pack a light layer and a raincoat. The hotel provides heaters and blankets in the evenings.
Getting there: the road is not for every car. You'll need a 4x4, especially in wet conditions because it's steep and winding. We met a couple who couldn't make it up the night before us and had to head back to San José to swap for a car that could handle the hills. If you'd rather not deal with it, arranging a private driver is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
If you have the time and budget, this is a no-brainer. You're paying for the location as much as anything else, and once you're immersed in that primary forest with nothing else around, it's obvious why. It's a genuinely great value for what you get, especially for couples celebrating something like a honeymoon, an anniversary, or, in our case, a babymoon.
Thinking about El Silencio Lodge or another cloud forest stay in Costa Rica? Reach out and we'll help you plan the trip — or browse more of what we book across Costa Rica.
FAQ
How much does El Silencio Lodge cost per night?
Deluxe Suites run roughly $700–$900/night depending on season, with two- and three-bedroom villas priced higher. Rates vary by season, so check current pricing when planning.
Is El Silencio Lodge good for a honeymoon or babymoon?
Yes, it's adults-friendly, private, quiet, and romantic.
Do you need a 4x4 to get to El Silencio Lodge?
Yes. The road in is steep and winding, and standard rental cars can struggle, especially in the rain. A 4x4 or a private driver is strongly recommended.
What is El Silencio Lodge's Michelin Key rating?
El Silencio Lodge holds 2 Michelin Keys, recognized for its balance of sustainability and high-end comfort.
Is El Silencio Lodge good for families with kids?
Yes, with a minimum recommended age of around 8. Family-friendly amenities include a kids' menu, babysitting, and activities suited to older children, and the two- and three-bedroom villas are well-suited to family groups. It's a quieter, nature-focused property rather than a high-energy family resort.
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