Residents of this amazing country have long been aware of the striking beauty of Monteverde’s lush green forests and dramatic landscapes, but when a publication as widely respected as Travel and Leisure Magazine shouts it to the world, it brings us a strong sense of pride.
About halfway from the Inter-American highway to Monteverde, you’ll start to find cars stopped on the shoulder of the narrow mountain roads. It’s impossible to build a viewpoint for every stunning view stretching out across the rolling hills towards the Golfo de Nicoya, or up through valley corridors to where the mountains meet the clouds. So you make do with little dirt paths and sheepish waves to the locals and the occasional traveler when your car can’t quite get out off the road.
As an ex-pat who lives in Costa Rica almost year-round, I often get asked about what it’s like in the less busy times of the year, like the green season… and my answer is always that Costa Rica is an amazing place to visit at any time of year.
Conscious consumerism is a concept that is growing in strength in concert with the drive towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle, and it is one that is near and dear to our hearts here in Monteverde.
There is something special about small-town life. Especially when the town in question sits amongst the lush green backdrop of tropical forests high in the hills, and when the views stretch for miles in every direction.
I recently wrote an article discussing the interconnectivity of the natural world, specifically the rainforests of Monteverde. The ways in which elements of the natural world support and provide for each other got me thinking more about the part we play in the world around us and how nature affects us, both emotionally and physically.
One of the things that surprised me the most the first time I visited Monteverde was the biodiversity. Since Monteverde is famous around the world for just that, my statement probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, but let me explain.
The moment you drive up the hill and catch a glimpse of the Ocotea Hotel’s graceful lines and striking modern design, you understand that you are about to experience something new and unique. The stark white walls and expansive windows certainly stand out against the lush greenery of the gardens and the spreading branches of damas trees like a cool and comforting oasis.
It’s an honor to be able to share the stories and experiences of those who have come to stay with us in the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. Today, our guest writer Joy Detlor explores her own “Misty Morning in the Clouds.”