Senda Monteverde Hotel

The hotel comprises 24 stand-alone bungalows (or ‘casitas’), distributed around the property amid lush, well-kept gardens and surrounded by forest. Stone pathways throughout the property connect bungalows to the main quarters of the hotel, at the bottom of the hill.

Each bungalow is decorated with modern designs to create sophisticated living spaces for guests. They all come with expansive views of the forest and gardens, and sometimes, on a clear day, you can even see the Pacific Ocean from here!

It's the detail-oriented, personalized service that defines and enhances the Senda Monteverde experience. Senda Monteverde is an oasis of hospitality, from the top-of-the-line amenities to the carefully prepared meals.

Nowhere in the hotel defines Senda hospitality more than the on-site El Sapo Restaurant & Bar.

Their meats, seafood, and vegetables are all locally sourced with care to ensure your meal is guaranteed to be as fresh and environmentally friendly as possible. The delicious menu combines traditional Costa Rican flavors with tasty twists, plus some international favorites. For a treat, try the home-baked bread with hand-made nut butter.

The restaurant is open all-day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (breakfast is included). And you're also close enough to the village of Santa Elena to check out some other nearby eating options.

The main reason, of course, to come to Monteverde is for nature. Plants, birds, and animals are abundant in this part of Costa Rica, one of the original homes of eco-tourism.

Get your complimentary rubber boots on, pick up your walking stick, and take a hike around the place. You'll see everything from frogs, hummingbirds, and colorful insects to coatis, sloths, and monkeys. Don't forget your camera.

The greatest attraction is the cloud forest itself. So get out into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the 60-acre Aguti Reserve that backs directly onto the Senda property. Or go and explore nearby waterfalls and butterfly farms. You can also check out coffee or cacao plantations and taste some yummy, organic chocolate.

There are zip lining tours, aerial trams, and hanging bridges to admire the forest and canyons. Go horseback riding or explore a part of the jungle full of bats. Whatever your fix, there's something in Monteverde for you.

If you prefer calmer activities, Senda Monteverde has you covered. There's a multi-purpose room for yoga, meditation, and historical/cultural lectures. You'll also find plenty of spaces for birdwatching, a kids' playground, and cooking/cocktail classes available. You can even take Spanish lessons if you want.

The sustainability tour is also great, as it teaches how the hotel manages to preserve the forest that gives it the name.