Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve

The main building which houses the lobby and El Sendero Restaurant is intimate, dimly lit, and adorned with liberal use of stone, locally sourced wood, and exotic Central American greenery. The look is tropical, cozy, and rustic -- all of which sets the stage for the overall vibe throughout the property. There’s a distinctly polished feel but, like much of Costa Rica, it lacks any pretentiousness. Children are technically allowed on the property and families with children do stay here. However, the atmosphere is distinctly reserved, adult-oriented, and geared toward honeymooning couples seeking equal doses of upscale local food, rain forest relaxation time, and a few outdoor activities during the day.

Located down a winding dirt road, 15 minutes off the Route 702 thoroughfare, the hotel feels infinitely lost in the cloud forest. There’s nothing but farms and small houses within walking distance. The nearest major town, San Ramon, is 35 minutes away by car. Here, travelers will find a handful of restaurants, plus some shops and other small markets and services. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is 90 minutes south by car along mostly modern highways. Travelers will find shuttle transportation, either paid through the hotel or arranged at the airport, to be the safest, most convenient option. Rental cars are also available via several name brand providers at the airport. However, travelers should be aware that rates can be steep (thanks to Costa Rica’s mandatory third-party insurance) and the country’s roads and drivers are notoriously dangerous.

Rooms are rustic, charming, and cozy. Each freestanding bungalow is awash in a soothing monochromatic color palette, local Costa Rican wood, and cathedral ceilings adorned with raw timber. Entry-level Superior Casitas are small, though not cramped, with enough space for a writing desk, a pair of rocking chairs, and a single queen or two double beds. Deluxe Casitas upgrade to slightly larger layouts, plus private hot tubs. Flagship Honeymoon Suites afford even larger floorplans with full couches and larger outdoor decks. Because the area is humid and frequently cool, even cold, at night, rooms in every category feature electric heaters, wood-burning fireplaces, and large dehumidifiers. Stocked minibars (with snacks, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) are provided for a fee. As a mostly disconnected property, televisions are not available in any of the rooms. However, guests will find free Wi-Fi internet service with a dedicated router in each unit. We found the service to be quite fast and reliable, particularly given the remote location.Bathrooms are relatively spacious with generic bath amenities, plus walk-in glass shower stalls with large windows overlooking the cloud forest.

The sole dining space, El Sendero Restaurant, is located off the lobby in a warm, spacious, wood-heavy room with lovely rain forest views. Free hot breakfast -- either buffet or a la carte, depending on the time of year -- is served daily. Lunch and dinner are available a la carte or via a prix fixe menu. The menus at every meal offer a selection of authentic Costa Rican and Western fare (including pasta, sandwiches, and salads). The adjacent bar/lounge offers a full liquor menu, including fine South American wines and specialty locally-inspired cocktails. Two large flat-screen TVs (the only sets anywhere on the property) behind the bar are typically tuned to international soccer matches.Numerous outdoor activity opportunities can be found throughout the property. On-site guides offer free tours of the organic greenhouse and hummingbird garden. Several miles of private hiking trails are available exclusively to hotel guests. An on-site dairy farm hosts educational classes where guests can milk cows and eat the resulting products -- milk, yogurt, and ice cream -- put together by the restaurant staff the next day.After dark, a modern, THX-certified theater screens first- and second-run movies that vary nightly. Nature documentaries, typically related to Costa Rican wildlife and the surrounding landscape, are occasionally shown in the afternoon.The surrounding Los Angeles Cloud Forest is steeped in history and was once home to former Costa Rican president, Rodrigo Carazo. The tiny, beautiful La Mariana Wedding Chapel on-site was once gifted from the president to his wife on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. Now, the beautifully ornate space is available to host intimate wedding ceremonies.The on-site massage room is small and feels more functional than upscale. A modest menu of treatments is available but the hours can be sporadic and unpredictable, particularly during low-season. Free self-parking is provided in a large lot near the lobby. Wi-Fi is also accessible in every common area, and the service is quite fast and reliable.