Well we are back! We had a wonderful time.
First, the transfers. The $300 was money well spent. I thought it was steep also but it is a pretty good distance from the hotel and the roads are skinny and very winding. Even though the road is for 2 way traffic, when we would meet someone going in the opposite direction, one of would have to pull to the side for the other to pass. You would look out the window and see that there isn't much of a shoulder and the drop goes straight down. We encountered cattle, clouds, and people. There aren't many signs directing you, you more have to know the way. I don't usually get car sick but was ill after both trips to and from the airport. It was unreal. Also a honeymooning couple that we met at El Silencio had rented a car and GPS and tried to drive there and their GPS had taken them to a different El Silencio near the Arenal Volcano. Instead of a 1 1/2 hr trip from the airport, their trip turned into 5 hours. Lastly, Jimmy, our driver from El Silencio, would show us things along the way, point out points of interest and didn't mind stopping at some stores that we saw. We made an excellent choice.
Second, the activities. I would not reccommend taking young children to El Silencio as there is not a lot of activities geared to them. We did go white water rafting and zip lining at Hacienda Pozo Azul which was part of the package. They also offer horseback riding and rappelling. We did not care as much for the zip lining but loved the white water rafting down the Sarapiqui River. The zip lining was almost too rushed and we felt like cattle being herded through an activity. You don't have opportunity to look around as you are going as you have to concentrate on your speed and the next platform. I am glad that I tried it but I would not do it again. I would double up on the white water rafting as it was a blast. Our guide, Gabriel was so much fun and joking. It was class 2 and 3 rapids and was scary, fun and thrilling all rolled into one. I even got knocked out of the boat and was rescued and still loved it. At El Silencio, you have three waterfalls on the property that you can hike to. La Melodia, El Silencio and La Promesa. They are spectacular and the scenery along the way wonderful. You can also take a short trail that leads to a hummingbird garden and maze. There is a spa on the premise that would rival any spa that I have visited. We had a tandem couples massage which helped our aching muscles. There is a television room with dvds and satellite tv in the main lodge. They also have some games there and many books in case you forget your own or need a new one.Part of our package included a tour of the local town. It was interesting to see how the local people lived and we visited a store, a restaurant and the school. We saw part of Costa Rica that the normal tourist would never see. We also went to one of the El Silencio's employees' home who has a 400 orchid collection. So many flowers that I have never seen before. Breathtaking! During your stay, you will also plant a tree tagged with your name and the date so that a tree is growing in your honor forever.
Thirdly, the Suites. We had requested #16 which we had read was one of the best ones and our request was fulfilled. It is the nearest to the river and the most private. It is also the closest to the lodge. You have a living room with two large couches which can serve as extra beds should you bring children. There is a king size bed, a huge bathroom with separate shower and toilet facilities. Each suite also has a deck with two Sarchi rocking chairs and a separate deck with your spring fed hot tub. If you are going to use the hot tub, you do need to turn it on about 2 hours before use so that it can warm up. The staff light the fireplace in each suite during dinner and we kept ours on throughout the night. There is also a coffee maker with Costa Rican coffee that was wonderful! All the drinks and snacks that are in your suite are included and complimentary. We had stopped and gotten some Imperial (Costa Rican beer) and Costa Rican Rum and loved our cocktail hour. We loved sitting on our deck, rocking and reading or just watching the birds and scenery. It gets dark early there and around 6 pm each night, the fireflies (lightning bugs) would appear and make it quite magical. We loved that time so much. The staff would leave messages on our rug spelled out with flowers and leaves- Happy Anniversary!, a heart or Welcome.
Fourth, the food. This is the only part that I wouldnt rate as excellent but still very good. The menu stays the same each day and there are about 8 entrees for choosing. By the end of the stay, I think we had tried each and every dish. The menu is mostly Vegan with a couple chicken dishes and a trout and tilapia dish. Except for Breakfast, you are offered an appetizer, entree and dessert at every meal. Don't get me wrong, the food is very good and I did end up gaining a pound but it wasn't the caliber of food from South Africa.
You are assigned an eco concierge that takes care of anything you need during your stay. He also can guide you on your hikes or you can go at your own pace. El Silencio provides you with a walking stick to use while there. Weather was generally good but almost every day started out clear and clouded up as the day went on. You are in a cloud forest and I would expect some rainwhile there. It was very cool in the mornings and night but warmed up nicely during the day. I was thankful for the fireplace and the blanket in the suite that I could throw over my lap when we sat outside. I did not have enough warm clothes but El Silencio did do laundry as part of the deal. The hummingbirds, the fireflies, the flowers and the waterfalls all just helped the magic of the place. If you are looking for a place to recharge and relax, this is a perfect place. A lot of wellness living, a lot of beautiful surroundings and alot of peacefulness made us forget about the outside world. By the way, there is internet - but only in a small part of the main lodge. Cell phones did not work. I loved no television, no phones, no emails and just concentrating on my hubby and I and our enjoyment. I would easily go back again-with some warmer clothes and more books.
Relax, Recharge and Renew!
Message Edited by betsyv on 04-08-2010 11:15 AM
