Vara Blanca
Country Hotel: Traditional
17 Rooms, Starting at USD $259.00

Peace Lodge is a fabulous place to stay in the mountain rainforest of Costa Rica. The 17 villas are all magnificent and unique, and have the most pleasing and unusual decor of any hotel in the region. Peace Lodge is located 35km north of the airport between the steaming Poas and Barva volcanoes, but will take upwards of 1 hour to make the scenic drive to these higher altitudes. The Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge is open to the public, but your privacy is guaranteed in your luxurious villa that is positioned off to the side of the restaurant and giftshop/reception area. You can make the tour of the lovely tropical gardens and learn the names of many exotic but familiar plants, and wander through the spacious butterfly observatory. This large enclosed ”aviary for insects” is dedicated to the many beautiful species of butterflies that are native to Costa Rica. The butterflies are raised in the enclosure and the host plants for each species are grown within the shelter. Like a fairyland, these fluttering dots of colour dash about all around you. It is a delightful and educational experience, best seen on sunny days when they are not hiding under the leaves. The pathways continue on towards the hummingbird feeding centre, and you once again will come away full of wonder and a bit wiser for the comprehensive educational displays. Plunge off into the forest on the trail to the Waterfalls and you will likely see monkeys and certainly many tropical forest birds on this little adventure. In addition, the Lodge can arrange several various day-trip tours to other inland attractions such as Arenal Volcano and hot springs, plantations, canopy, rafting, and horseback rides. By evening, the day visitors have departed and you will enjoy the privacy of your spacious balcony as the quiet darkness descends on the mountain forest spread out below you. With only 17 units, camaraderie is easily generated with your fellow travelers at the bar before dinner. You will enjoy fine cuisine at the dining room for dinner, or you may prefer to enjoy room service instead. Stone fireplaces in each room ensure you will be cozy if the night turns cool, or you may want to soak in the hot Jacuzzi or intimate heated pool shared with other guests. Even your morning routine will be a special experience in itself, as you have your own private waterfall in the bathroom! The remarkable ironwork and choice of exquisite woods and fabrics, all framed with rich colour and texture will be inspiring for you, and you may want to return home and start your re-decoration right away. This is an amazing place.

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