As we look ahead to 2023, we’re happy to share international recognition for Costa Rica once again, this time from renowned international publication Forbes Centroamerica. 

While it is not my habit to write these posts from a personal place, this post is a little bit special. I recently had a bit of an epiphany, and it happened while seated in a big comfortable chair, early in the morning, in Ocotea’s back garden.

“Mom, I am going to take you to the best Italian restaurant in town,” my daughter said, starting the car when I first arrived.  She had lived and worked in Monteverde when the pandemic started and when she visited later on she treated me to the best dinner in Monteverde.

December 24th marked the first anniversary of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, and passing that milestone naturally makes us think back on the events of the past year and reflect. We are happy to say, our first year has been spectacular, and we couldn’t be more proud of the wonderful team of people who have made that possible.

When we arrive in Monteverde for the first time, we may not realize how many reserves there truly are to appreciate the breathtaking nature of our region. 

A little while ago, we wrote a blog post about some of the delicious culinary options that can be found in and around Monteverde. One of the restaurants that we discussed was Bon Appetit!which is located not far from our very own Ocotea Boutique Hotel. 

Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.

Costa Rica is famous for several things, but when it comes to tourism, canopy ziplines and eco-tourism top the list. I suppose in a way, those two things are connected because ziplining is a way for visitors to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the forest while leaving the smallest footprints behind.

What is Craft Cuisine?

The concept of “craft cuisine” is an interesting one. In part because the craft cuisine movement involves creating food by hand, using intention, expertise, and experience. Craft foods are artisanal in nature, meaning the creator has a level of skill that is beyond the average, making the food, in essence, an art form.