The Complete Guide to the Ocotea Boutique Hotel

The Ocotea Boutique Hotel is an extremely unique business in Monteverde for a number of reasons. Not only is it run by an exceptional mother-daughter team (which, in Costa Rica, is still pretty rare), but it was also designed and built with nature in mind, from the eco-friendly, sustainable features to the low-impact construction using locally-sourced materials. As if that wasn’t enough to make this little hotel stand out, it has managed, during its short tenure, to build a name for itself, and a reputation for outstanding personal service.

We hope that this guide to everything Ocotea will give you, the reader, a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the people who put their all into everything they do.

Let’s start with a little bit of the history behind the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, and for that, we need to learn about the amazing women behind it.

Deep Roots and Big Wings. The Story of Karen and Valeria Fallas.

The Beauty and Benefits of a Family-Run Hotel

A Unique Style

Building Local Luxury

Natural Meets Modern | A Living, Sustainable Take on Luxury

Bringing The Beauty of Monteverde Inside | An Interview With Our Designers

On The Grounds

Out in the Garden: Beautiful Butterflies and Hummingbirds You Can See At Ocotea Boutique Hotel.

Nectandra Restaurant

Farm to Table in Monteverde | A talk with Ocotea Boutique Hotel´s Chef Roberto Cruz, Part 1

Ocotea Tours

The History of Ocotea Tours- Perfecting the Personal Touch

A Few Words From the Guests

A Misty Morning in the Clouds

Reviews from our Guests

A Breath of Fresh Air | Among The Clouds At The Ocotea Boutique Hotel

Deep Roots and Big Wings | The Story of Karen and Valeria Fallas. 

Karen Fallas is "petite," with big intelligent eyes and a strength that you can witness if you are lucky enough to have a long conversation with this prodigious woman. I myself was lucky enough to meet her more than a decade ago. I worked as a travel agent, and she worked for a hotel that we used for our passengers. Little did I know then the treasure behind this amiable girl. 

Karen grew up in a traditional Costa Rican family with solid values regarding hard work and simple yet rich life, and she has built a solid business amidst big storms with a vision beyond simply making money. In her view, her companies are made to enjoy an active and productive life that she can share with her family. 

She aims to attract guests who can enjoy the beauty of a glass of wine sipped while watching, in silence, the distant sun setting over the Nicoya Gulf. She aims to give visitors the best moments of her own life. 

Karen was not born in Monteverde, but her story starts here with love — both of this beautiful place and between people here. Karen’s mother came to Monteverde when Karen was only about a year old and fell in love with a hard-working dairy farmer from the region. It wasn’t long before the two were married, and it was their love — as well as their love of Monteverde — that formed the loving home Karen grew up in.

Later on, her mother began working as a maid for the different scientific organizations that first came to research the incredible diversity and unique environment of Monteverde. Hence, she grew up surrounded by wilderness and developed in an atmosphere of highly educated people from all over the world who came to enjoy or study the breathtaking cloud forests of the region. 

And, we must not forget about the Quaker base of the community of Monteverde. This outstanding group of people stood for their values back in the 1950s and made Monteverde a place to live in a thoughtful, peaceful, sustainable way of life. 

Combine these unique circumstances with sharp intelligence and a true spirit of collaboration, and you have Karen Fallas. A woman who sees beyond and into the future with great respect for nature. A life explorer who knows how to connect with travelers. Someone with deep roots and enormous wings who now aims to provide a sense of easy tranquility to her hotel guests. 

Karen is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a businesswoman, a fantastic host, and a great human being. 

Building a Life in Monteverde

Karen’s first job in her early teens was as a guide for horseback riding tours, and much later in life, this self-made woman went through the different venues of the travel industry. After working in hotels, travel agencies, and tour operations, a day came in her life when she decided she wanted to have her own project. 

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Anaïs Nin 

Karen had become a mother and an active member of the touristic community of Monteverde.  And she could see the need for a trustworthy local tour operator, so finally, in 2008, she created Ocotea Tours. From scratch. 

Ocotea Monteverdensis is a beautiful tree and an essential food source for several large frugivorous birds, like the resplendent quetzal, the black guan, and the three-wattled bellbird.

It is one of the most important trees in the cloud forest and for the community of Monteverde. Thousands and thousands of people come every year to see these magnificent birds, and their presence depends on having enough ocoteas —  and other similar trees — for their meals. 

The symbol that this tree holds is as beautiful as it is accurate. 

Karen founded Ocotea Tours and Transfers to provide work to dozens of people in Monteverde, directly and indirectly. Tour guides, drivers, restaurants, hotels, and many small projects started to get more and more visitors as Karen created one of the most important tour operators in the area. 

It’s fair to say that, true to their namesake, Ocotea Tours and Transfers have created an ecosystem in the region where everyone gets satisfied. It wasn’t always easy. Ocotea started strenuously in 2008 when the financial world collapsed in a recession that hit the travel industry directly. And yet, Karen never stopped. She worked, paid salaries, and took passengers to unique places and experiences with a smile and a great attitude. 

When the crisis passed, Karen was on her feet. 

Her faith in God and her determination had guided her through the difficult times, and Ocotea Tours and Transfers soared. 

A New Seed for the Ocotea Journey

Ten years later, and already with the tour operator thriving through every obstacle, she decided that it was time to go back to the hotel business, this time with her vision applied to every detail. 

She bought a magnificent house and property to turn into a vacation rental —  Villa Ocotea. 

People rented it frequently and came back to it often. Her service, spontaneous joy, and amiability conquered the hearts of many guests, and she decided she was ready for a more significant step: converting this successful rental house into an actual hotel. 

Her vision? A place where guests can enjoy the easiness of this region, the beauty of all Monteverde scenarios, and the calmness of simply observing nature from an open balcony. 

Again, it was not without struggle. Opening a hotel takes a lot of paperwork, and in Costa Rica and Monteverde especially, permits regarding the environment also take time and a lot of patience. 

She additionally encountered resistance in the ‘macho men’ attitude of banks and government officers. But it seems they didn't know who they were bullying, she elevated the case, and after a long-fought fight, lastly, in January 2020, she got all she needed to build the hotel the way she had dreamed.

But it seemed the story of struggle and triumph had more to offer. On the 12th anniversary of Ocotea Tours and Transfers, on March 16th, Costa Rica closed its borders due to Covid-19. 

The hotel construction and the pandemic kicked off at the same time. Everything stopped in Monteverde. 

The lockdown was on, and not for the first time in her life; she was faced with uncertainty. But yet, with faith in herself and her vision, she kept the construction going, slowly, expectant but knowing that this storm had to pass and they would survive, as much as she had survived everything else before. 

She involved her daughter Valeria, who had recently graduated from business school,  and together these two women faced the most challenging times ever for the travel industry — and being constantly underestimated — with faith and joy. Together, they kept building her dream hotel, even when lodges were closing down all around. 

Now that sunrise is finally coming to Monteverde, and as travelers return to the region, Karen was ready to open the luxurious Ocotea Hotel and did so in December 2021.

A Chat with Karen and Valeria

After telling me the impressive story of her life, I had some questions for Karen and Valeria. There are so many things to talk about with these two impressive women! 

If you have a question that I might have missed, leave a comment below, and we’ll be sure to ask them more in a future article!

What does the word "luxury" mean to you? 

To be able to enjoy your environment at all times. 

Having a rainbow in your window and having the time and will to enjoy it is my definition of luxury. I sincerely believe that the hotel must be that experience of complete human luxury, a place where you feel so comfortable you want to entirely stop and take the time to enjoy the forest, the ocean in the distance, or the mystery of fog. An environment where your senses are invited to enjoy everything. 

Would this be your life project? 

My life project is my daughter. When you bear a child, you know where your heart will be forever.  

I have a deep faith in God, God without a name or a creed. He is my life partner; whatever His project is for me, that is my project. 

Searching for meaning in my life, I could say that many families have been supported and encouraged to develop through our work; But I know I am just the manager of all this (Looks around at the hotel in construction); God is the Real Owner of it all. 

What is your competitive advantage in regard to the hotels in the area? 

I do not compete. I don't believe in competition. I love what I do. I love taking care of details. I love to create something and see the faces of the people enjoying it. I love pampering guests, listening to others, and giving a helping hand whenever I can, and it is needed. 

I put my heart into everything, not looking out the window at my neighbor but living the connection with my guests. 

You are two women in charge. What could you tell solo women coming to your hotel? 

My first answer is, "I hear you Sister." I am you. 

I will make sure you have all you need to clear your mind and emotions and create a space for peace to grow from here on.  I cannot give you the peace you crave, but I'll make sure that you have the environment to find it within. 

Will the hotel be friendly to people of all races, beliefs, and lifestyles?

(Valeria interrupts to answer this time) 

We are a human-friendly hotel. 

How about couples? What can you tell those who are craving a romantic escapade with their loved ones? Is this a place to fall in love? 

Monteverde is a place to fall in love. 

Ocotea Hotel is made to enjoy all types of love. But of course, I am willing to provide everything for a romantic stage, and beyond that, be my guests' accomplice for surprises and unique moments. We can create your dream setting. Just tell me what you dream of. 

The Ocotea Hotel is aimed at adults only, could you elaborate on that a bit further??

I commit to my guests to provide quietness, easiness, and a place to hear yourself.  Happy children are loud and playful, and there are many places in Monteverde where they can be free to be exactly that. In Ocotea Hotel, we are focused on a place where the sounds of Monteverde, in all their beauty, are fully heard through big open windows. I want Ocotea Hotel's nature silence to embrace our guests like a warm blanket to give them cozy and calm moments. 

Valeria had remained silent almost throughout the whole interview. This young and beautiful girl has the same intelligent eyes as her mother, behind red-framed glasses. 

My interview goes to her. She is the future of Ocotea Hotel and Ocotea Tours and Transfers, and I am curious… is she going to go on? 

Valeria, you have been in tourism even before you were born. Are you willing to stay on this path for the rest of your life? 

Yes, of course.  The travel industry is life. And like life itself, it is different from day to day. It is a thrilling activity!   I love this industry. It benefits everyone, and we believe in training our staff under a philosophy of working from the heart and with a genuine service drive. 

We work in providing experiences of life. It is an inspiring job, and yes, I am willing to make it my life.

You grew up in Monteverde. What can you tell me about it? 

I think that what makes a difference growing here is the Quakers' elementary school (Los Amigos School). Quakers have a very different philosophy of life. A very open view towards everything, starting with God and extending to how we see other people. 

Quakers see all people as equal and deserving of respect. They also believe that all people are good and truthful and reject value judgments based on race or gender. We were taught to value and embrace diversity. 

The essence of the Quakers is to believe and follow the Inner Self. 

I was privileged to have the freedom of the Quakers learned from my very early years. And with the usual and direct contact with travelers and scientists from all over the world, I think I grew up at a different pace, up till his day. 

(Karen interrupts here, looking at her with a proud smile) 

She is my partner in everything. And all my years of experience in the industry are hers as she has fully lived them with me. There is little I know that she doesn't know. 

The End of a Journey, and The Start of a New One

When Karen earned her first money as a teenager, she went to a store in Santa Elena and bought an engagement ring.  A solitary stone.

After my long conversation with her and Valeria, I could understand that definitive early gesture. She decided to get engaged with herself, with her work, and with her life. 

When you get to the Ocotea Hotel, you feel this life commitment in every detail. These brave women are the heart and soul of the hotel, a connection with the roots of the breathtaking community of Monteverde, a glimpse of a happy life projected onto everything, and they have created a gate to peace.  You will probably meet them when you get to the Ocotea Hotel, even if they are not around when you stay. Their spirit lies in everything in this place, and you can tell they are successful but never done. 

That feeling of welcome, of coming home, makes all the difference to a weary traveler after a long hot day. Luckily, Costa Rica has a strong family base when it comes to tourism.

The Beauty and Benefits of a Family-Run Hotel

We’ve all been there. You get up early in the morning, sit through hours in a crowded airport, then in a cramped plane to arrive in another crowded airport. You drag your belongings through long security lines and customs. You finally find a taxi or a shuttle to your hotel and arrive with a huge sigh… only to find no one at the desk.

You stand at the empty counter, craning your neck to see if there’s anyone “back there” while your family mutters and frowns. When eventually they wander out from the back, they efficiently check you in, give you a key and send you off. You walk away with nothing tangible to complain about, but a vague feeling of dismissal.

It happens all the time, regardless of how ‘upscale’ the hotel is. Most hotels are run by corporations with managers, and while they are professional and efficient, running the hotel is a job, not a lifestyle, so their heart isn’t in it.

Every so often though, you get lucky. You find a business that’s family-run. It’s the heart and soul of the people who own it and run it, because it matters to them. You matter to them. What a joy it is to walk in that door and instead of silence or elevator music, there’s a smiling face and a warm greeting.

That feeling of welcome, of coming home, makes all the difference to a weary traveler after a long hot day. Luckily, Costa Rica has a strong family base when it comes to tourism. It’s growing little by little, but for now, while it’s young, tourists can enjoy the benefits of the warm, personal service of people who care.

Serving you supports their family. The family and the business grow together, and as the children grow up, they often become part of the business as well. They watch, learn, and carry on the traditions of their parents. That warm, personalized service makes everything better.

Their Home and Their Future

At the brand new Ocotea Hotel, the mother and daughter team Karen and Valeria Fallas have been providing that kind of one-on-one, customized service for years. As part of Ocotea Tours and Transfers, they are the best at what they do, and their reputation proves it.

When they realized the need for sustainable eco-friendly accommodations in Monteverde, they decided to branch out. It’s been a long, and complex journey, but one they have committed to completely. The project is self-financed and has been years in the making but they are proud of the fact that the Ocotea Hotel will be completely sustainable. Every step of the way, from inception to research and design, they have minimized the hotel's effect on the surrounding environment, because it’s their home… and their future.

So much of Costa Rican culture is intertwined with the natural world around them. What affects the ecosystem, affects them in a very direct way, and in a relatively short time span. By protecting and nurturing their home, they are ensuring that their children and their children’s children can enjoy it for generations to come and that it will support and sustain them in return.

Karen and Valeria have a very simple goal. They wish to provide guests with a means of enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature, allowing it to seep into their very bones and bring peace in a way that only nature can do. 

They want Ocotea’s visitors to enjoy the very best service and to walk away with a renewed sense of well-being, and an improved understanding of the world around them.

They would say this is a calling, not a job… and that is why visiting a family-run business provides an experience like no other.

The New Ocotea Hotel

The Ocotea Hotel is a masterpiece of comfort and serenity nestled into the hillside. Karen and Valeria have been involved in every step of the planning and building. It is full of personal touches and thoughtful spaces. 

The fittings, furnishings, and decor are all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. To allow guests to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Monteverde’s cloud forest.

All of their knowledge and experience has gone into making their hotel the best that it can be right down to the smallest detail, and it shows. Guests of the hotel will enjoy that urge to provide great service, and thoughtful touches while they relax on the property. They will benefit from their wealth of experience when it comes time to choose activities during their stay.

They know the best trails to hike, the names of the birds singing outside your window, and the hidden gems to visit while you’re in the area. They are happy to share their knowledge with you and teach you all about the wonders of Monteverde, and Costa Rica.

When you’re used to large hotel chains where no one knows your name and you have to flag them down to ask a question, (which staff often can’t answer), the difference in atmosphere is obvious.

It’s such a treat to speak to people who are involved, and generous with their time. You can feel how much they love everything about Monteverde, and the feeling is contagious.

Family First

That feeling applies to other businesses too. It’s not uncommon to go on a private chocolate tour where an eight-year-old boy is your guide into the property, and he hands you off to his older brother who takes you through part of the process while their mother roasts the cocoa beans on the fire nearby, and dad is in the field milking the cow.

At some point in the future, things may become more commercialized, but for now, I enjoy the personalized care and the happy smiles that go along with supporting a family-run business. I like knowing that when I make an effort to support them, I’m helping people who need it the most. I’m helping people who make it their business not only to protect their traditional way of life but to share it with strangers so that we can enjoy it too. 

These are people who live in harmony with nature, teach us to understand the importance of the ecosystems around us, and how the balance of those ecosystems affects everything else. It’s much easier to understand in the forest under a canopy of trees where life is everywhere, rather than in an urban jungle of cement and tarmac where “green space” means a patch of grass and a couple of trees. 

I highly recommend making the choice to support the smaller family-run businesses when you come to Costa Rica. Let them welcome you into their homes, their farms, and their hotels. Let them share what they know with you. You’ll walk away with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart, and a new appreciation for nature and all it includes.

Now that you know about the women whose hearts and souls beat throughout Ocotea, let's talk a bit about the hotel itself and the unique style that helps it stand out from neighboring properties.

A Unique Style

Building Local Luxury

Do you ever wish we could go back in time to when life moved a little slower, communities were a little closer, and people appreciated the detail, time, and effort that went into something more than the brand name on its label?

For some, that kind of lifestyle is a distant memory. In today’s world with its global economy and ever-changing technology, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that new and fast is better. Or to lose sight of what it means to get real personal attention. To have someone ask you what you would like, and actually listen to the answer — and then make every effort to help make that a reality.

There was a time when that was the norm. When businesses succeeded or failed based on their attention to detail and their level of customer service. At Ocotea, we believe in continuing to uphold that standard of service when we welcome guests into our hotel. It may not fit in with some common norms in today’s hospitality industry, but we wouldn’t want to go about things any other way!

We believe that creating a truly welcoming and relaxing atmosphere comes just as much from what you don’t get, as what you do. It’s a strange thought at first, but in a place like Monteverde where so much can be gained by simply stopping and appreciating, we’ve toned down the distractions. You won’t find crowded spaces or big screens playing sports (except during the World Cup). You won’t find a bunch of electronic diversions, distractions, or billboards, and you won’t find cookie-cutter spaces more focused on efficiency than craft.

There is a time and place for familiarity, comfort, and commodity, but we don’t believe a journey to one of the world’s most beautiful, tranquil destinations is it. That’s because we are working hard to build not just a hotel, but a landmark in our community, one that uses quality finishes, understated elegance, and local luxury to create the sense of calm that permeates our property.

Local Luxury

So what is local luxury? Let's circle back to the idea that truly great service is personal and unique to each individual customer because that is our ultimate goal, after all. You will find that kind of personalized service at Ocotea Boutique Hotel from the moment you book your visit, through your warm welcome at check-in, and during every meal. 

You will notice it in the details, and in the helpful responses and recommendations from our staff when you have questions. That is the essence of luxury, more so than swagged velvet curtains or gold-plated faucets, because it makes you feel special, welcome, and appreciated.

The idea of local luxury takes it one step further. It began with the very first floor plans, and a design created to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of nature inside where you can enjoy them. The concept grew as the building did, with each design decision, because we want to welcome you- not only to our boutique hotel- but to our home, and that is Monteverde.

A Touch of Monteverde

In order to provide true local luxury, every effort was made, not only to preserve and support that home but to share it with you. The essence of Monteverde is a part of everything we do, and everything we see.

For instance, Costa Rican artisans have been making phenomenal ceramics for generations, so it made sense to incorporate that into the interior design of the hotel. That’s why each of the guest bathrooms features handcrafted and custom-designed tiles. Not only did local artisans create the designs just for Ocotea and handcraft all of the tiles, but they made 5 different designs!

The designer also wanted to use local supplies as much as possible, so that the hotel fits naturally into its environment. The end design used local woods to line the walls and ceilings. This fast-growing tropical lumber has evolved to stand up to the heat and humidity of the area and is sustainably planted and farmed. In this way, we get to show off the beauty of our natural resources without depleting them.

You will also notice this desire to source locally and responsibly in the rich lotions and shampoos created by local companies, and the fresh ingredients that make up every meal. Our luxury is in the attention to detail, and the thought and care that was put into every design and supply decision- all along the way.

We are proud of our community and its builders, farmers, and artisans, and in our quiet way, we present them to you in the hopes that you will love them as much as we do. And you will share them with the world.

Not only because our local artisans and producers are amazing and their wares are worthy of praise, but because by supporting the local community we are helping to maintain a way of life that has been generations in the making. We allow indigenous communities to support their history and traditions, and we enrich our own lives in the process.

The circular economy of small communities like Monteverde is truly inspiring. It is a community that shares with one another, supports each other, and grows as one unit, so we all get stronger, smarter, and better- together.

A Little Bit Daring

As strange as this may sound, taking this type of approach in the hospitality industry is not only unusual, it's a little bit daring. There is a reason that many hotels look and feel the same, and it’s not just that there are so many big box hotel chains out there.

For the most part, the industry runs on tried and true methods designed to provide the most consistent service while making the highest profits. Soaps, shampoos, and lotions are all outsourced to be manufactured in bulk and then labeled for each brand. Food supplies are purchased in bulk too, often frozen or premade in large warehouses and then shipped because it’s the most cost-effective method.

Staff is trained en masse to provide the most efficient service with the least wasted effort. New hotels are built using cookie-cutter floorplans and designs so that building materials can be purchased in large quantities.

When you step outside of that box, you are taking your chances. 

You are trusting your instincts and hoping that your clientele will appreciate your choices and that they will share your vision and your dedication. Building an eco-friendly, sustainable boutique hotel in one of the most important and delicate ecosystems on the planet isn’t easy. Doing it to the exacting standards of SETENA (the government body in charge of regulating environmental impact) is downright challenging.

It means incorporating specialized equipment into the design and infrastructure of the property, a costly undertaking that automatically increases the overhead and expenses you will incur. Coordinating with SETENA to ensure that the hotel’s presence does not negatively impact the area is completely voluntary, and they do not offer certificates for your efforts. That's why so few hotels take the extra tie and effort to do so.

It also means finding or creating new ways of managing and implementing your ideas, things like new finishes (in our case local, sustainable woods and hand-made tiles), and new systems (like the solar panels on the roof) to ensure that we reach our goals.

To do so is to put your faith in the idea that our world is precious and worth preserving and that our clients will agree. We aren’t just business owners, we are guardians, caretakers, and teachers, and we are putting our faith in you, and your love of our home and all that it has to offer.

Share the Love

What it boils right down to is that we are different, but we are proud of our differences. We choose to stand up for what we believe in and to support local businesses and artisans so that our community grows and thrives right along with us.

We love Monteverde and all that it has to offer, and we share that love with you every time you walk in our door- often in little ways that you don’t even notice. Not only the tiles, and the shampoos. It is in everything you eat and drink when you stay with us. It is in the care and attention that our tour guides give whenever you book a tour.

We hope that a little bit of that love stays with you when you go, in the form of happy memories, good stories, and maybe some locally crafted products.

If you’d like to learn more about the little details we have incorporated into the hotel, click here. Or, come check them out for yourself! Our doors are always open and we can’t wait to meet you.

Natural Meets Modern | A Living, Sustainable Take on Luxury

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.

For a long time, people thought about time in nature as the opposite of luxury and comfort. Terms like “roughing it” reminded us that we would be giving up our comfort in order to immerse ourselves in nature. Eventually, people started to question this idea. Why couldn’t we have both? After all, luxury is in the eye of the beholder, just like beauty, and for those eco-conscious travelers, the ability to enjoy the natural surroundings far outweighs the need for massive cookie-cutter hotels with their landscaped golf courses and manicured grounds.

It was an idea that sparked a new design concept. One that incorporates the world around us instead of clearing it or making it conform to fit antiquated ideals. This new design trend is spreading and growing, like the natural elements that it seeks to protect. Today, elements of natural modern design can be found at all levels of the hospitality industry, from the smallest B&B to the largest hotel chains.

The use of natural modern design elements was a stroke of brilliance on the part of owners Karen and Valeria Fallas and their design team, but then every detail of the design was carefully thought out and intentionally created with certain key goals in mind. 

• Creating a peaceful space for relaxation and reflection.

• Bringing the outside in and immersing guests in the beauty and life that exists just outside the doors.

• Designing a calm and welcoming space that showcases the local resources and craftsmanship in a simple yet functional way.

Natural Modern as a Design Style

So, what is natural modern design? And why was it chosen? A simple definition would be,

“Natural modern design aesthetic combines the striking, artistic simplicity of modern design with the warmth and elegance of the more traditional, rustic architecture in tune with nature.”

What this creates is a contrast that is visually appealing and interesting for the viewer. An example would be rustic stone juxtaposed against smooth, refined elements like flat wooden panels, or in Ocotea’s case, traditional squared-off walls accented by angular black metal railings and overhangs and smooth natural wood slats. Natural modern identifies the elements in nature that make an area unique and then brings them into the design as a design feature.

This results in the type of smooth, clean lines, understated elegance, and soothing atmosphere that exemplifies modern design, but carries it one step further. Ocotea was intended to be a place of sustainable, eco-friendly tourism, intentionally created to showcase the best that Costa Rica and Monteverde have to offer the world.

For this, designers Andres and Sebastian incorporated bespoke, locally-crafted elements that not only blend effortlessly into the hotel’s natural surroundings but bring them inside. 

Uniquely Ocotea

Everywhere you look, small details reflect the outside world, and subtle elements soften the stark white and soothe the soul. While the hotel embodies the high contrast of natural modern style, it does so in a way uniquely designed to blend in with its surroundings, following the natural contours of the steeply terraced property and working with existing natural landmarks. This intentionally non-invasive construction style helps give the impression that the Ocotea Hotel has simply grown from the earth, and is part of its surroundings, albeit a part that shines in the sun.

What’s interesting about Ocotea is that at first glance, the interior is simple. Very little break up the clean lines or detracts from the play of light and shadow created by the wooden slates that meander up the walls and across the ceilings. It is only once you have settled in and absorbed the sense of calm and peacefulness, that you relax and begin to notice the details in that simplicity.

There is an uncompromising quality of the construction, the craftsmanship, and the artistry behind those elements. Perhaps the best example lies in the custom-designed and handcrafted ceramic tiles which are found in the bathrooms. Local artisans worked directly with Ocotea's design team to create not one, but 5 unique designs specifically created for the hotel.

There are others. Even the main staircase is beautiful with its smooth clean lines, metal fittings, and functional design. For those with an artistic bent, it could almost be considered a gallery piece in its own right, reflecting and enhancing the light that filters through the many windows.

Perhaps Life is Art

Natural modern welcomes elements like light and explores them. Walking around the hotel, you can see subtle differences expressed when the light changes throughout the day, activating different pieces of design. The morning sun might illuminate striations in the marble, shine on shining craftwork, or create intricate shadows as it passes through the woven wicker light fixtures.

Perhaps the real beauty isn’t the elements themselves, but the way in which they absorb, reflect and enhance nature itself, and the true genius of the designers is their ability to foresee this and take advantage of it. When the soft pastels of the setting sun paint the walls with shades of rose gold and crimson or the millions of stars glimmer and twinkle as they reflect in the sheet glass windows, you’ve begun to understand natural modern design. 

It is a perspective on living art, given life by the natural world. 

And that takes me full circle, back to the original goals I mentioned before, and the intentional creation of a space meant to soothe and comfort, but also meant to immerse, entice, and showcase. After all, when you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, there is art all around you.

The Hidden Elements

And that covers the apparent benefits of natural modern as a design style, the parts that enhance your life and make your stay at Ocotea memorable, or at least, the features that you can see or sense, and that you appreciate as a result.

But those aren’t the only natural modern elements to be found at Ocotea. Far from it, because there is so much going on in the background, quietly creating a seamless experience for you, the guest, while protecting and sustaining the nature that is so obviously part of our lifestyle. From the Ocotea (avocado) tree that gives the hotel its name, to the flora and fauna that thrives beneath the ocotea tree’s spreading branches, there is more to appreciate than you can see.

Tech-savvy guests may catch a glimpse of the solar panels that provide renewable energy and heat for their showers. Long before the hotel’s first guest arrived, the design team knew that they wanted the hotel to make as little impact on its surroundings as possible, and every effort was made to incorporate technology as well as design to accomplish this. 

From the Ground UP

In concert with Setena, Costa Rica’s environmental gatekeeper, they had intensive studies done to assess the hotel’s environmental impact and to meet their sustainability guidelines. Wherever possible, technological advances have been used to reduce consumption and maximize efficiency, so that future generations will be able to enjoy the same biodiversity and study the same thriving ecosystems that exist today, and which can be seen through every window. Thanks to their knowledge we were able to implement good practices, like septic tanks with microorganisms to help break down waste products, our own solid waste treatment program, electrical wiring that is underground and doesn’t interfere with the area wildlife, and those solar panels. But being sustainable also means using biodegradable cleaning products, and organic toiletries.

Taken as a whole, modern nature is a perspective. One that appreciates the outdoors, accepts its influence and draws it into everyday life. One that isn’t afraid to use modern technology to enhance its comfort and reduce its carbon footprint. It changes the definition of luxury from one that involves plushness and over-the-top extravagance and evolves it to include simple comfort, modern conveniences, and adventure, enhanced by the true luxury of connecting to nature. Because, after all, we as a society, are slowly beginning to understand that life isn’t about “stuff”. It’s about experiences, connection, and communion with the world in which we live.

If you would like to dip your toe into the world of natural modern, as a design choice or a lifestyle choice, the Ocotea Boutique Hotel is a great place to start.  Just click this link to get started.

Bringing The Beauty of Monteverde Inside | An Interview With Our Designers

Now that we understand the Natural Modern style of design and how it is used to draw our guest’s focus to the beauty that surrounds the hotel and pulls that beauty inside providing a calm and relaxing space, we will be meeting the designers who helped Karen and Valeria fulfill their dream of creating a uniquely peaceful hotel that combines a welcoming, beautiful interior design with both practicality and sustainability.

Sebastian and Andres own and operate the A Scala Interior Design company out of San Jose and were excited by the challenge put before them. I had a chance to ask them a few questions about the inspiration for this unusual project.

Here is what they had to say.

A Chat with the Designers of Ocotea

Could you start by describing the original vision that you had for the property, and what inspired you?

First, to make the hotel a unique and different space in the area. We discussed many options but they all share materials and decoration styles. Really, with Ocotea, what we wanted was to make interior design and decoration a totally different experience from what was already available in other hotels in the area. In the end, the inspiration came from the forest and its ability to give different sensations, play with our senses,  and affect our comfort, using heights, materials, and colors.

Did you make a conscious choice to use a natural modern design for the hotel, (I know it's a fairly new design trend), or did the design team (including Karen & Valeria) naturally gravitate towards the organic simplicity and natural finishes already?

The style decision was made to differentiate the hotel, a bit also associated with the trends that are being used today, natural materials, simple lines, finding beauty in simplicity, and making the space minimalist but comfortable, and welcoming. Karen and Valeria had a lot of ideas in terms of what was wanted and in style choices, and that made the design process a lot easier.

The interior finishes are quite unique, most notably the wooden slats that create such a simple yet beautiful contrast throughout the hotel. What type of wood did you use? Is there a significance behind the choice?

All the wood used in the hotel is Guanacaste wood. This type of wood is used first for its excellent quality in climates such as that of the area, but also for its aesthetics and tone, which is kept as natural as possible to highlight the unique beauty of this type of wood.

As I wandered the hotel, I noticed how much of the visual interest is the result of the natural light playing against the decor or reflecting on the materials you have used. How do you plan that? Can you visualize in your head what effect the light will have or did you study the flow of light around the property?

The hotel prioritizes the entry of natural light in most of the spaces, this is done to have much greater visibility to the outside and add the richness of its views. All the materials chosen play an important role not only to make them stand out with natural light in the spaces but also to play harmoniously with the elements, details, and colors of the exterior.

The Unique Elements of Ocotea

Tell me about the inspiration for the glass staircase. I find that part of the design fascinating because it is simple and practical but it also somehow stands alone- almost like a piece of art.

The idea of ​​using glass on the stairs is to give more space and fewer visual blocks to the space. To make it flow more simply without obstructions and then you can highlight the beauty of the materials and the fluidity that exists in the space. You can live in the spaces in a single moment as soon as you enter. The same with the railings on the balconies, so that then the internal/external spaces can be lived in, in the best way.

Tell me about the process behind the design and creation of the bathroom tiles. Did the artisans have free rein with the design?

All the tiles were designed specifically for the hotel, from the lines, whether they are squares or hexagons, we wanted to keep that simple and fluid concept, without much ornamentation and focus on the beauty that lies in the simple line and their colors. This added to the artisan style that they have, which today is something that is highly valued. The designs and colors of the tiles were chosen by us and handmade one by one by artisans from Cartago.

When I spend time on the property, I have to say, there is a palpable sense of calm and peace that pervades the space. Do you think that is amplified by the simplicity of the interior design?

Totally. The designs and the colors that were used in the property come from the initial design idea of ​​comfort, peace, and tranquility that the Cloud Forest gives. And that was what we wanted to transfer to the hotel, a living space, with design but full of peace and harmony.

The Results

Having spoken to Andres and Sebastian about the property, it is easy to see that they have left a piece of their hearts and souls in the very walls of this place. There is a warmth to the space, despite the simplicity of the design and the furnishings, that creates a sense of welcome within this striking modern building.

I have experienced its magic for myself, and I can vouch for the entire atmosphere as a place that encourages relaxation and welcomes you from the moment you step in the door. To learn a little more about my experience there, you can click here. Or to experience it in person, head over to the website and let one of the friendly staff help you plan your perfect escape to Monteverde. You won’t regret it!

On The Grounds

Out in the Garden: Beautiful Butterflies and Hummingbirds You Can See At 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.

-Henry David Thoreau

There is magic that happens when I see a butterfly or a hummingbird in Monteverde. Maybe it’s the fog in the forest, or it is about their iridescent colors. Still, there is a part of my mind that scintillates when I witness their bright colors illuminating the space, like fairies coming from a mysterious fantasy.  

Both butterflies and hummingbirds are, in many cultures, symbols of joy, abundance, or good luck. And if you focus enough, and you pay full attention to their perfect colors and their amazing dance, you will notice that they’ll touch you too, with their fragile yet powerful beauty. 

Here, I will tell you about the different hummingbirds, their relations with the orchids and bromeliads, and the butterflies you may see from your balcony in the gardens of Ocotea or while walking around in the different areas. 

They are all magnificent. Even the Caligo butterfly, with its dark browns and blacks, is a majestic piece of art on each scale, but we will start this journey with the hummingbirds, these jewels of the cloud forest. 

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are the world’s tiniest birds, with the fastest wings, and they also have the biggest brains in proportion to their weight. 

Hummingbirds’ wings may beat up to 100 times per second, producing a buzz that can be easily confused with that of a bumble bee. They are also territorial and aggressive and have a great memory span. 

And they have far more unique flight capabilities than any other bird. They are able to fly not only forward but also backward, sideways, and straight up, and they are everywhere in Monteverde! 

Species of Hummingbirds in Monteverde

There are between 325 to 340 hummingbird species (Trochilidoe Family), making it the 2nd largest family of birds after Flycatchers.

Hummingbirds live only in the New World, including all of the Americas. Although in North America, there are only approximately 23 species of hummingbirds, in Costa Rica there are 54 kinds and in Monteverde alone, you can find up to 16 different types. Sometimes several together in some privileged areas and hummingbird gardens. 

In Ocotea’s gardens, we have planted some favorite hostplants to attract them for your delight and their conservation.  

The hummingbirds that you can find in Monteverde are: 

1. White-tipped Sicklebill -Eutoxeres Aquila

2. Green Hermit -Phaethornis guy

3. Long-billed Hermit -Phaethornis longirostris

4. Little Hermit - Phaethornis longuemareus

5. Stripe-throated Hermit -Phaethornis striigularis

6. Green-fronted Lancebill -Doryfera ludovicae

7. Brown Violetear -Colibri delphinae

8. Lesser Violetear -Colibri cyanotus

9. Purple-crowned Fairy -Heliothryx barroti

10. Green Thorntail -Discosura conversii

11. Green-crowned Brilliant -Heliodoxa jacula

12. Magnificent Hummingbird -Eugenes fulgens

13. Plain-capped Starthroat -Heliomaster constantii

14. Fiery-throated Hummingbird -Panterpe insignis

15. White-bellied Mountain-gem -Lampornis hemileucus

16. Purple-throated Mountain-gem -Lampornis calolaemus

17. Magenta-throated Woodstar -Philodice bryantae

18. Ruby-throated Hummingbird -Archilochus colubris

19. Scintillant Hummingbird -Selasphorus scintilla

20. Violet Sabrewing -Campylopterus hemileucurus

21. Crowned Woodnymph -Thalurania colombica

22. Coppery-headed Emerald -Microchera cupreiceps

23. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird -Eupherusa eximia

24. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird -Phaeochroa cuvierii

25. Blue-vented Hummingbird -Saucerottia hoffmanni

26. Cinnamon Hummingbird -Amazilia rutila

27. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird -Amazilia tzacatl

28. Blue-throated Goldentail- Chlorestes eliciae (2)

Some of the hummingbirds in the list above are migratory, or rare visitors, however, among the most frequent you can find: 

1. The Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus)

This is the second biggest hummingbird in the world and breathtakingly beautiful. It is aggressive, territorial, boisterous, and quite common in our gardens. 

2. Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris)

Another big hummer! Hermits can follow color easily and are some of the few hummingbirds that will come straight to you if you have a red or pink shirt on. They will just check you out and leave. It’s quite a cool experience! 

3. Purple-Crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti)

One of the most beautiful due to the different colors of its plumage, that shine incredibly in the light.  

4. Fiery-Throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis)

This beauty is a fantastic picture if caught under the right light. It is usually seen taking nectar from the bromeliads and long-trumpeted flowers and it is quite dominant and hostile to other hummers.  

5. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)

This is the most common hummingbird in Costa Rica, you will see it in the garden as much as close to the roofs looking for spiderwebs to catch a bite. 

Hummingbirds and Orchids

The rainforests of the New World tropics support the largest plant biodiversity of any natural ecosystem on the planet. And among this impressive biodiversity, the epiphytes are the most common -and probably essential for survival- sort of plant. 

Epiphytes are not a species, but a way of survival in the rainforest. These are plants that rely on host trees for support yet get their nutrition from their microenvironments. In fact, epiphytes make up 2/3 of the species of plants in Monteverde. And you will see many of them from your balcony in the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. 

Orchids are the most numerous epiphyte family (although not all orchids are epiphytic, with some being terrestrial herbs or climbers). These members of the enormous, worldwide plant family Orchidaceae are known for their intricate blossoms, which are architectural wonders of nature.

And Monteverde has the greatest known orchid variety on the planet. The overall number of orchids in the forest is likely to surpass 500 species, however recording them all is difficult due to their uneven distribution, frequently at tremendous heights above the tree tops.

This feature has created an adaptation in several species with long-tongued pollinators. 

And although insects, primarily bees, pollinate orchids, hummingbirds are an essential pollinator group.

Seeing these little birds in action around the majestic orchids in the gardens of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel is one of the most genuine joys for our visitors, especially photographers. 

Bromeliads and Hummingbirds

Costa Rica also has more than 2,000 different species of bromeliads, which are mainly found in the rainforests and higher-altitude cloud forests such as Monteverde.

Bromeliads are the most valuable water reservoirs in the forest. Called by our biologists the “aerial swamps of the rainforest” these plants are literally tanks of water that work as nurseries and habitats for all sorts of creatures from small insects to the tadpoles of several sorts of frogs that are born and raised in the safe environment up on the canopy. 

These amazing and super useful plants also have some of the most colorful flowers in the cloud forest, and it is always amazing to see hummingbirds around their amazing flowers. 

Butterflies in Monteverde

Now, on to the other gorgeous visitors from our gardens! Costa Rica has over 14,000 species of butterflies, and around 750 are found in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. However, we are going to list here the ones that you’ll see the most in our gardens and surroundings of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel: 

1. Blue Morpho Butterfly

The sublime beauty of the Blue Morpho is an experience in itself. 

With a bright iridescent blue on one side of its wings and a brown-black complex design on the other, this magnificent creature seems to twinkle when it travels through the forest. Like a fairy. 

2. Glass Winged Butterflies

There are around 60 species of glass-winged butterflies. They share a couple of features: their magnificent crystal-like wings give them a fragile and almost ethereal appearance, and they live in the shades of the forest. 

You may see them flying from one branch to the next looking for some warmth in a clearing, but if you want to finally catch the perfect picture, it will be when they are finally immobile on a leaf, shaded, and close to the ground. 

3. Heliconius Butterflies

Heliconius butterflies are a charming group of butterflies with distinctive black elongated wings that have been decorated with splashes of color ranging from narrow yellow and red bands in some species to huge swaths of mottled orange in others.

They have one feature in common though, because of their diet, they are toxic for birds and other predators to eat, making them one of the most common and visible butterflies in our gardens and everywhere Monteverde. 

4. Caligo Butterfly (Also called Owl Butterfly)

This huge butterfly is actually almost nocturnal. You will usually find it at twilight, or at dawn flying in the lower areas of the gardens.  You can always recognize it for the very characteristic “eye” shape in its wings. They love to eat fermented fruit juices.

5. The Malachite Butterfly

The malachite is a beautiful and quite common butterfly in Costa Rica and in Monteverde. It has black and brilliant green or yellow-green wings on the upper side and light brown and olive green on the underside. 

Come Explore the Gardens with Us

When you stay at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel you don’t even have to leave your room to see the wonders of Monteverde. Just wander the gardens, and you’ll never know what you might find. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the beautiful wildlife you can find here and throughout Monteverde, you can contact us right here!

References: 

James White. "Hummingbird Species. Listed by states and provinces.." Hummingbird-Guide.com. n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2022.

N.a. "Bird Checklist for Monteverde Area." Exoticbirding.com. 11 Aug. 2022. Web. 9 Sept. 2022.

Cole, Brodi. "The Best Places to See Monteverde Hummingbirds 2022." Our Offbeat Life. 15 Aug. 2022. Web. 9 Sept. 2022.

N.a. "Bromeliads & Orchids" Epiphytes.weebly.com. n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2022.

Nectandra Restaurant

Farm to Table in Monteverde | A talk with Ocotea Boutique Hotel´s Chef Roberto Cruz

One of the most beautiful things about a boutique hotel is the personalization you find behind every detail.

All the things you see in Ocotea Boutique Hotel have been thought to match a sense of general comfort immersed in beauty. And food, of course, is not an exception to the rule. Food in Monteverde means the freshest ingredients, and "farm to table" is the day-to-day reality instead of an exceptional feature.

Ocotea’s restaurant is called Nectandra, named after one of the most important trees in the region of Monteverde, as it is a primary feeder for several species, including our iconic Resplendent Quetzal and the Three Wattled Bellbird.

It holds a beautiful space next to our garden, and excellent breakfasts and lunches are served daily. Each one is designed personally by our chef, Roberto Cruz, the artist behind all taste experiences in our hotel.

This is a story of passion, sensibility, unique flavors, and delicious aromas. This is also a tale of perseverance, creativity, and innovation. A permanent search for taste and what’s behind it.

Getting to Know Chef Roberto Cruz

Roberto is a typical young Costa Rican man: quick to smile, easy-going, witty, and personable. However, as I got into the conversation with him, I also found deep thought and a breathtaking passion for flavors and aromas. A savvy and sophisticated observer of new possibilities and original combinations,

Roberto was born and raised quite close to the region of Monteverde. His roots belong to the cloud forests and the windy afternoons, although his wings go far beyond.

Monteverde has a resident population of around 6000 people, and as we all know, it’s located amid an exuberant natural environment and breathtaking beauty. The types of guests we receive in Monteverde, in their majority, are sophisticated and worldly. True nature lovers are birdwatchers, scientists, artists, or travelers who look for the easy feeling of resting in silence and not being surrounded by noisy cities.

Monteverde is about respect for Mother Nature. A sustainable, uncomplicated yet comfortable lifestyle is what the people who live here have achieved and are willing to share with the world.

Roberto, as a local, had learned the respect of the Monteverde ways since he was a baby.

He’s also talked to people from all over the world from infancy. And the more interested he was in international cuisine, the more he became interested in talking to chefs from all countries and cooking traditions.

He has this rare combination that the region gives its fortunate inhabitants: an open and curious mind, contact with cultivated people from all over the world, and sensitivity that allows creativity to flow and thrive.

A Chat with Chef Roberto Cruz

(This interview was held on July 1, 2022, on the beautiful rooftop of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel.)

Please tell me your name and a bit about yourself.

My name is Roberto Cruz. I was born in Altos de Cebadilla de Abangares. I am 33 years old, and I am a Chef in the process. I am thrilled to be working with Ocotea Boutique Hotel because they are looking to be different. They want their children to find that extra spark in everything, which makes all the difference.

Why did you decide to become a chef?

 When I was a kid, someone asked me in school what I wanted to be as I grew up. My answer was "chef," mainly because I thought they traveled a lot and I could get a job on a cruise ship.

I have discovered, though, that I did not need to go abroad to get the world at the point of my fingers. I do a lot of research and constantly talk with chefs from different countries about the need to try different possibilities with autochthonous flavors and foreign concepts.

 What is food for you?

 Something that requires respect. It is our inheritance. It has to be treated with delicacy, as precious as it is.

 My grandmother was a great cook. She was not a "chef" because she didn’t study in any school, but she had a magnificent "sazon" *** in all she cooked, a different way to do things that achieved great flavors and aromas.

 And she treated each ingredient with the utmost respect. And I learned that from her.

Because you can take a "guayaba" (guava) and make a jam or a sauce for some sort of steak, but not for all. We have to recognize flavors and take into consideration all their possibilities. 

How do they convert and change when combined?

Getting off the beaten track in cuisine has to be thought out and measured, as flavors and aromas may not combine spontaneously. It is an art, but it is also a science.

***Sazon in Costa Rica means the added flavor a person puts in their dishes just by cooking them. It is not a physical ingredient but personal magic that brings good flavors to the cooking.

"Ella tiene muy buen sazon" (She has a very good "sazon"), meaning her cooking will always be good.

I liked this answer very much, as it shows the depth of your vision and the inspiration behind your creations. It goes beyond people-pleasing, even though it will satisfy visitors who try whatever you cook.

When we talk about creative endeavors, there is an inspiration that the artist gets. The muse is the part that cannot be faked.

However, in your art, it has to do with something so temporary (yet the recipe is to be long-lasting) and directed personally to someone’s palate, I have to wonder: what’s your creative process regarding cooking as an art?

That is a good question, and the answer can be complex.

I think the magic comes with you. Many chefs can be great managers, fantastic team leaders, charismatic, and wonderful marketers, but their "sazon" is not the best. Sometimes they even depend on other people to get the perfect flavor in a recipe.

 I don’t know what it is, maybe the body heat, the hands' size or shape, the way we move, but some people have good "sazon" and some don’t.

 I am a perfectionist. Sometimes everyone tries a dish and says that it tastes wonderful, but I don’t see "it." I need more than what others find with the same ingredients. A continuous search for the perfect taste: It is quite hard to understand that "perfection is the enemy of the best."

We create experiences based on food. It is not only about the flavors; it is also about the aromas, the way things look, and a harmonious balance of colors and space on the plate.

 We create instantaneous memories in our senses. We all have fond memories of food; the perfect steak, the fantastic lobster, the wonderful tacos. It was not only about the recipe, which is a big part of it, but the "sazon," the way it was presented, where you were sitting (or standing), the colors, and the aromas.

Interesting. Cuisine is an art that stays in the memory. However, if I think about it, so is all art: an encounter with someone else's creation that moves our senses to wake us up to the instant we are living. And in this case, a call to be "here and now" to enjoy the glorious experience of a perfect dish.

Can you tell us about the breakfast menu at Ocotea Boutique Hotel? Which is your favorite?

I like all the breakfast options on Ocotea. The management has tested each recipe, and they are collaborative creations of different people and myself.

For instance, Eggs Benedict is some of the best I cook, and the recipe is entirely exclusive to the hotel.

As per the suggestion of one of the owners, we use Bernaise sauce, a spicy variety of the original Hollandaise sauce, mainly because of salmon.

But the secrets of Nectandra's Eggs Benedict go beyond the sauce.

As with everything in Ocotea Boutique Hotel, each breakfast dish is created to the last detail to be a feast for the senses, a magnificent gift from the Monteverde fertile soils, sustainable farming, and the creativity and hard work of all the people involved.

From planting the seeds in the Monteverde fields to the food on the table, in Nectandra, what gets to the table is beautiful and delicious, with the right subtle aromas and perfect balance in the mouth. As I said, I am a perfectionist.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

We all dream. I dream of having my own series of restaurants with selective and efficient processes that can achieve unique experiences for all customers.

However, that is a dream. I don't know if I will ever get it, but it's on my mind daily.

Sometimes we dream about some things, and once we get them, they are very different from what we believed they would be. But what I want in life, I already have. Love, community, learning, and sharing.

What do you think about the "Slow Food" movement?

I think we all see different things depending on what we are living at the moment. If it is excellent, it is worth the wait, yes. But do I have the time for that if I am visiting Monteverde?

In the kitchen, we must find a balance to achieve the best quality in the least amount of time possible. That is a goal for all cooking processes.

But we all know that some dishes take time, and, from where I see it, we should take the time to taste and enjoy food as much as we enjoy walking in the forest.

What turns a dish into a memorable experience?

I don't think we can do it intentionally. It is in the essence of everything.

The perfect scenario is a beautiful restaurant with joyful people passionate about fantastic flavors and excellent customer service. However, as with "sazon," the magic of a place or a dish is beyond our control.

Like the "sazon" in the kitchen of my grandmother. My aunts and mother are great cooks, but they don't get close to my "abuela." When she passed away, her "sazon" died with her.

We can teach some of that and turn it into a process to be made over and over, but the soul of that recipe is in the person who creates the dish.

I think in a restaurant, it is in the soul of the place and the team that makes it. It is hard to describe, but we've all experienced it.

What would you do if you had everything you needed to create an authentic gastronomic experience for your customers?

I would love to create a space to share the process of creating a dish with the customers.

Not the usual "chop this vegetable" instruction, but genuinely teaching people why we cook a particular vegetable in a specific way or how we grill the meat to achieve a perfect point.

I think a gastronomical experience is all about sharing the soul.

We have all visited a place where someone is very happy and easy; a waitress, a cook, or a bartender whose vibe is contagious.

We all want to be like that every day. Sometimes we take our problems to the kitchen, but I strive to allow cooking to soothe and guide me out of my bitter moods.

For me, the kitchen is my safe place. I know what to do there. I feel at ease when I am there. And I would love to share the love, calmness, and joy of cooking with my customers.

What did the pandemic teach you?

To be happy with whatever I have. It doesn't mean not being ambitious, but enjoying right here and now is the most important thing. We don't need as much to be happy.

We have to appreciate what we have and what we don't have. There are good and bad days, but we are the ones to enjoy everything.

If you could, what would you tell your 18-year-old boy about life?

I would tell him to follow his heart. His instinct, not the mind, because it's complicated. The mind always wants safety.

Sometimes all we think we want is economic stability, and we sacrifice everything else for that.

When we are young, we want to have everything flashy, never mind the price. Because you are young, you cannot see the consequences. You don't see that you are growing old and are willing to sacrifice your time for material things.

Every day, we turn to martyrdom for comfort, fleeting pleasures, or material stuff that will rot within a few years. I believe it's better to earn a little money building a fence on a farm than to have a big salary that you might have to spend on a psychologist if you're not happy.

I believe in doing what you love, or at least something you don't hate, even if it is a small thing.

The essential thing in life is peace of mind. For me, this is a contradiction with being a perfectionist. I lost a lot on the way just by striving to be perfect.

Now, what is important to me is to do a good job. I will be honest in every endeavor I do. with my customers and myself.

What do you strive for?

I think the kitchen is always stressful. But it is an exciting way of life. An exciting aspiration to get everything right. I want to become an Executive Chef. 

An executive chef is a true expert, like an orchestra director. He has to know every single ingredient and part of his kitchen; he has to know about teamwork and how to be a leader, but also how to make it affordable and create profit, and to make it all work in an environment of joy and camaraderie.

I am way too young to be called a "chef." I am a cook with a chef's spirit simply because it takes a long time to know everything. You have to walk for decades to know all you have to know.

We all need to understand that there is a process to achieve everything, and I know I am on the way to getting there.

A friend of mine who is a professional violinist says that when he studied music, he lost some of the spontaneous pleasure of hearing music. Did you go through the same with food?

Yes, indeed. But I also believe that we all have to adapt and enjoy everything.

You cannot get to a hot dog stall and ask for the standards of a luxurious restaurant. It will always be up to you to adapt to and enjoy the different flavors, aromas, styles, and traditions.

For me, the best thing is to adapt to what it is and dare to find joy and pleasure in its flavors or move to a place where I find what I like, but to complain and mistreat a restaurant and its staff because I was not too fond of the food is not correct. We have to show respect for the work of other people.

Three indispensable tools?

A good knife, fire, and "sazon."

The indispensable ingredients?

Salt and water.

That simple?

Cooking is about the essence. I don't believe in molecular cuisine. In the end, we are eating plastic.

Flavors, aromas, and textures come from natural processes and make authentic soul gastronomy. We have evolved into a technological world, but by doing so, we may forget what makes us humans in the first place. Food goes to the basics, to the instinct, and our real delight in food is the pleasure of the senses in every bite. 

For me, the best gastronomy comes from the soil and my soul. It is a magical process that evolves in a controlled process, and yes, it is simple. 

To conclude, I’d like to thank Roberto for taking the time to do this interview and for his joyful and creative attitude toward life and cooking. And beyond that, I’d like to take a brief moment to show my own appreciation for the flavors of the magnificent Nectandra flavors and aromas. 

Each dish is a gift for all senses, and the hard choice is to find a favorite among all of them. They all carry the joyful soul of Monteverde. And Roberto and his grandmother are also there somehow, smiling, and sharing the essence of the splendid  Ocotea Boutique Hotel. 

Ocotea Tours

The History of Ocotea Tours- Perfecting the Personal Touch

As the Ocotea Boutique Hotel continues to grow and thrive, it's natural to look back at our team’s humble beginnings and smile. The journey that brought us from a small family-owned and operated tour company to where we are now hasn’t always been easy. But it has been incredible, and that’s why we would like to take this opportunity to share a bit about Ocotea Tours and what it means to our family.

From Humble Beginnings

It all started in 2008 when Karen Fallas decided that what Monteverde needed was a tour company that cared more than making money. She dreamt of creating a company dedicated to protecting and sustaining the beauty of Monteverde while sharing it with the world.

 Teaching visitors about the delicate ecosystem that sustains us and the many creatures that live and work together to maintain that balance was important, of course. But tours and exploration had to be noninvasive — not just for the environment, but for the community as well. It was from this desire to help that Ocotea Tours & Transfers was born, and from that day to this, we have used sustainable practices and education to safely share the beauty around us with our clients.

What Monteverde Wanted!

With 25+ years of experience in the industry, Karen quickly grew a name for herself, not only for her vast stores of knowledge but also for her personal service and attention. As the company grew, several family members joined the Ocotea Tours team, ensuring that the values and dedication to great service are woven through everything the team did. Karen’s late father drove for them and shared his knowledge and love of the country along the way. Her brother, Bernie,  is a forestry engineer and avid birder, who also doubles as a talented guide who to this day teaches guests about the forest and the relationships that exist within.

With a group like this, it’s easy to understand their success in the industry. More than 15 years later, Ocotea Tours was still going strong, and Karen (and her daughter Valeria) were ready to take the next step. As with Ocotea Tours, they saw a need and yearned to fill it. A need for a hotel with the same dedication to sustainable, eco-friendly practices and personal service that had led to the success of the tours. 

The Ocotea Vision

What defines Ocotea Tours is more than just making a conscious decision to limit the footprint left by their tours. It was also a pledge to become an integral part of Monteverde’s tight-knit community. To make a difference, not only through enticing global tourism and sharing knowledge, but by supporting local artisans, businesses, and industries.

Every member of Ocotea Tours has committed to being a good neighbor… and as simple as that may sound, it involves taking that one step further than most. By designing every aspect of the business with Monteverde’s best interests at heart- not just our own- we foster a sense of responsibility and connection that carries through to you, our guests.

Every detail has been intentionally chosen to represent the very best that our town has to offer, and it is our belief that this careful curation carries with it a sense of the extraordinary so that you leave with the sense that you have been given the chance to embrace the beautiful Monteverde the locals know, and love so much. To us, that is the inspiration that drives us through the day — to provide an unmatched experience that you could not find anywhere else in the world.

Hello to the Ocotea Boutique Hotel

It was from that idea, that we could give a truly life-changing experience here in Monteverde, that the Ocotea Boutique Hotel was born, and that inspiration permeates every detail you’ll experience while on the grounds. 

They enlisted the skills of Karen’s nephew Andrés, an interior designer, and his partner  Sebastián, a graphic designer, and together they designed the look and feel of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. The goal was to offer a cozy place to call home, a platform where others could learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life in Monteverde, and one day, a beacon of sustainability and hope and to lead them towards a greener more eco-friendly future. 

You can see that today throughout the hotel, but also throughout all of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel’s visual identity — built from the ground up to reflect the importance of nature in our society and our dependence on its bounty.

The website describes it best.

“The name Ocotea was chosen in honor of the Aguacatillo (Avocado) tree. Its fruit is considered one of the most important foods of the Quetzal, perhaps the rarest and most emblematic species of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.”

The Values of a Community Business

As a group, we recognize that true success requires interaction and cooperation with the world around us- and that includes nature and neighbors. That’s why we have taken our commitment to Monteverde one step further. We work to promote, not only our own business but the businesses around us, who make this amazing community what it is.

Making Monteverde great means helping it to grow and thrive, as well as keeping it tied to its roots and its culture through local projects, indigenous organizations, and cultural events.  When you visit Ocotea Tours, we share with you all that we love about Monteverde, including its history, its traditions, and its people… because it's not just about our family. 

Living the pura vida means being part of a larger family. A global family which works together shares information and experiences and helps each other to grow and learn so the world can be a better place. When you walk in our door, we want you to feel two things… that you are important, and that you belong. We want to welcome you into our world, and perhaps share some of yours because we care about you. 

We hope that one day, you’ll have the chance to come to visit and learn to care about our little piece of heaven. Through it, we have learned an incredible amount about the delicate balance and amazing interconnectivity of the planet we live on, and we hope to share that same fascinating truth with you. 

Perhaps it's selfish of us, but we believe that when you love something- you will work towards protecting it — the way we do, every single day. That’s why it is so heartwarming when we hear back from our guests…

A Few Words From the Guests

A Misty Morning in the Clouds

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.” 

Sunlight and Comfort

There are days when life is just… perfection and every moment stands in your memory for years to come. Such was the morning that I spent at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel. An experience like that needs to be shared to be appreciated, and so that’s what I would like to do today.

I awoke to the sound of birds outside the window, and light trying valiantly to peek around the drawn curtains, but the bed was soft and warm and I wasn’t yet ready to rise, so I laid in bed for a while longer trying to identify the sounds that drifted in. One of the things that continually amazes me about Monteverde is the assortment of sounds that surround me throughout the day.

A part of my brain is continually hoping to identify all the cheeps and chirps and hums and thrums, but the sheer variety of living things means I really don’t have any hope of doing so with my limited knowledge. As my ears focused on what was happening outside, my eyes wandered the room, noticing all the little details that my tired mind hadn’t seen the night before.

The play of light and shadow, even in the dimness, between the smooth white walls and the raised wooden slats that were both decorative and useful, with metal hangers added to serve as a place to hang my clothing. The clever way the designer incorporated the natural elements into the space so that the outdoors seemed to flow in and blend. As the light grew stronger, the woven wicker of the light above me became visible, both earthy and delicate.

Still, in the back of my mind, all those curious noises were calling to me. I decided that climbing out of bed to look is worth leaving the warmth of smooth sheets and fluffy comforter.

The Tree

My room sits above the front garden where a large leafy tree dominates the view. Its branches abound with greenery of all sorts, some belonging to the tree itself, some simply existing in the crook of a branch or dangling from a limb. Air plants, orchids, and fern-like things that I can’t identify attract winged animals for shelter or sustenance. I can see the colorful flash of hummingbirds and my vivid imagination fills in the hum that I cannot hear.

A large blue morphos butterfly lumbers by. They are my favorite with their beautiful blue wings and strange floppy motion. I pull open the curtains and slide open the door. The sound increases. I walk out to lean on the railing and peer into the branches. Colorful birds, muted ones, flashes of pink and purple orchids, and a tiny green gecko hiding against the bark. So much going on in one tree, it’s bewildering and comforting all at the same time.

Sometimes we forget how many living things we share our planet with. A visit to Monteverde is a vivid and visceral reminder that both humbles and excites me. It reminds me that I’m only one small part of a great big world, and puts my first-world problems firmly in their place. It also reminds me that I am wasting time that could be spent outside exploring.

I wasted a little more time indulging myself with the rich, scented shampoos and soaps in the shower, before getting dressed and heading down to Nectandra for breakfast. The doors are flung open and the shaded back garden beckons, so I wander straight through and settle into a comfortable white chair for a few minutes, soaking in the scents of freshly washed earth and green things.

A server appears at my elbow with a smile asking if I’d like a coffee. Feeling decadent, I order a latte and settle in to enjoy the view while I wait. When it arrives, I lower my nose to a spot just above the foam and breathe deeply of the rich aroma. I do love Costa Rican coffee, strong and earthy but not bitter.

I sip the drink cradled between my hands and plan my day. Last night was spent in the dark moist world of the cloud forest, wandering the pathways by flashlight while the rain trickled down from branch to branch around me, and the guide quietly pointed out the nocturnal creatures that make the park their home. 

I had arrived back at the hotel in a quiet mood, feeling awed by the rather otherworldly experience, and had wandered up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a cocktail and gaze at the vast dark sky and the mass of twinkling stars so vivid against the black. In the city, you so seldom notice the stars, but here they are impossible to ignore, especially when the room features a solarium-like wall of glass.

Now that the sun was up I was eager to see what the forest is like during the day. I ordered my breakfast from a menu that included every possible delight, finally settling on the tropical bowl which was fruit puree with granola and fruit that made me feel healthy and indulgent at the same time. I worked my way through it happily identifying each new and unique flavor as I went.

A Misty Morning

Several hours later, tired but happy, I climbed out of the van, shouldered my backpack, and thanked the friendly driver. Morning in the forest had started out cool and misty, in some parts it seemed as if we walked through the clouds, and I suppose that is how the name came about. Now, however, the sun was high and I had shed my jacket and poncho. It had rained for a while in the woods, but in the end, I hadn’t used the poncho that had been provided for very long. 

The huge spreading branches and thick leaves of the canopy above had sheltered me from most of the rain, and the bits that had trickled down, rather musically, were cool and refreshing, not at all like the cold rain from home. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about life in the forest, about how every living organism from lichen to jaguars and everything in between depends on each other to thrive. How they each play an essential part in the ecosystem. It changes your perspective when you understand that fact, and you feel a need to contribute, to find your place in this world and make it better.

I walked slowly back to my room, planning on another shower followed by a visit to the rooftop for an afternoon of relaxation and maybe a game of cards with new friends I had made on today’s hike. I wonder perhaps if that is what I have been missing lately. The simple human interaction that was part of life before the pandemic and that we lost along the way.

Perhaps that is the lesson I will take with me when I leave this amazing place. That we are social beings in an interconnected world. We aren’t meant to exist alone and separate from the world around us. We are meant to support it, as it supports us. I make a vow to myself that I will carry that knowledge with me from here on out as I head upstairs to the quiet comfort of my room.

A Thank You to Joy!

If you have stories of your visit to the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, please let us know, and we’d be happy to share your stories!

And if you would like to experience the peace and comfort of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel for yourself, simply click this link and let the friendly English-speaking staff guide you to their door.

Reviews from our Guests

Of course, it’s always best to do your own research before you book your vacation, so you can feel confident and relaxed about your choice.

A quick trip to Google Search will give you an idea of what our guests are saying about us.

Reviews like these:

Erin D

5/5

a month ago on Google

The best last-minute find for us. We are avid adventurers since moving to Costa Rica. We were meeting friends in Monteverde and happened upon this hotel, and so thankful we did. It was PRISTINELY clean, the rooms are small but have everything you need. The staff is out of this world friendly. We spent a lot of downtime up at the rooftop bar to have insanely fresh cocktails made by a mixologist. The view, the bar, the drinks, the staff the clean atmosphere. 

Erin Patterson

5/5

5 months ago on Google

Family

My family of 4 just returned from an amazing trip to Costa Rica.  We had 1 night at Ecotea and had I known how extraordinary it would be, I would have booked for longer.  It was one of the highlights of our trip.  5 star all the way, from Jose's warm welcome, last-minute scheduling of a coffee/chocolate/sugar cane tour for us, and him making us the most amazing cup of coffee in the morning....to Valeria's graciousness in serving us cerveza while watching the most amazing sunset I've ever seen from the 3rd floor.....to Karen's getting us the most fabulous dinner reservations w/ personal transportation....it was top notch all the way.  Local mother/daughter run; VERY clean.  3rd floor is ridiculous in its views.  It's a newer, boutique hotel that I know will take off in its popularity soon once the word gets out, and I can't wait to return someday.

Heather Mina

5/5

9 months ago on Google

Vacation

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!  After traveling from the Guanacaste coast, we were unsure what sort of accommodations we would find in Monteverde- WOW!  We were AMAZED!  Beautiful location & accommodations!  the breakfast was delicious, & the rooftop views provided the perfect location for morning coffee & evening games & drinks!  Thank you Ocotea!  We truly enjoyed our stay & considered it a treat to get to know the owners!

A Breath of Fresh Air | Among The Clouds At The Ocotea Boutique Hotel

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. 

In my journeys to Monteverde, I’ve become no stranger to those roadside stops and sheepish waves, but not once in waving traffic along the road has anyone honked or yelled. More often, I’ll see families pressed to the windows of their rental cars looking at the same view I am. Or locals with a wry smile as yet another new face is captured by the beauty of Monteverde. 

But on my most recent trip to Ocotea, as I tried to capture the twin beauties of a powerfully colorful rainbow and the late afternoon sun over the Golfo, I stopped to take a breath. I can show you that moment one day, recorded in a minute of hastily thought-up words and smartphone video. But I can’t send you the feeling of a true breath of fresh air. 

No, fresh undersells it. In scuba diving, Dive Masters carry emergency oxygen, a high O2 blend that can reinvigorate your body, revive half-drowned divers, and provide the strength you need to survive accidents in one of the most hostile and challenging environments on earth. 

Step out of the car in Monteverde, breathe deep from the bottom of your belly, and you’ll feel the same life-giving power without the emergency. The air tastes sweet, rich, and delicious. Like you’re drinking in the clouds. 

A Sip in the Lounge

I was still thinking about that first breath as I swirled the second drink of my day, my welcome cocktail in the rooftop bar at Ocotea. The Tamarind Old Fashioned was prepared to perfection, the sweet and earthy flavors selected to add a local twist to the world’s favorite whiskey drink. 

I was born and raised in New Orleans, where the Sazerac is a way of life and the cocktail is an art form, and whether I wish to or not I’m constantly comparing the places I visit to the place I call home. Rarely do they measure up. Ocotea’s did, and the soon-to-be empty cocktails of the silver-haired couple across the lounge from me said it wasn’t just the Old Fashioned that was worth a full glass. 

I’d been up to the lounge once before on a previous trip, but in the intervening months, the additions of a hand-painted mural by artist Majo Rodriguez, and careful playlist curation had created an atmosphere that surpassed even those lofty expectations. 

Looking out across the Golfo de Nicoya, the mountainside, and the metropolis of Monteverde peeking through the forests, the sunset vista rivals any I’ve seen in Costa Rica. Behind you, the mountains stretch up, the trees stretch higher, and beyond them are the clouds that hide the trails. All that Costa Rica has, stretching out before you.

By the time I finished my cocktail two more families had joined, but the voices were hushed, respecting the pensive piano on the speakers. Monteverde has a way of drawing the silence out of you, making you want to listen. I thought the same as the night went on. Step out onto the balcony of your room, and you hear the winds rushing through the foliage, rolling across the mountains like waves crashing on a shore. 

And apart from the gentle, shivering call of crickets singing for love, everyone respects the quiet. 

A Story of Pride, Prejudice, and Perseverance

It would be impossible to share any story of Ocotea without speaking of Karen and Valeria, the beating heart of Ocotea, and the center of this family-run business. Mother and daughter are cut from the same cloth, and they’re both quick with a smile, kind and thoughtful listeners that set an example for the entire staff that reminds you throughout the day that you’re being looked after. 

I can see where Valeria gets it from. Karen, the matriarch of the hotel, is soft-spoken but has a strong presence — like the same Ocotea trees for which the hotel is named. Moreso, when you speak to her (and if you stay at Ocotea, you will almost certainly have the chance to speak to her) you can tell that she’s intently paying attention. 

The first time I spoke to her, it actually caught me off-guard. In the age of social media and cell phones, we are so used to half- or quarter-attention. A sideways glance, or a quick mite of focus before we’re distracted by pings and messages and updates. To see someone who puts such weight into what you say makes you almost question yourself. Because if she cares deeply about what you’re saying, shouldn’t you?

I find myself thinking more carefully, more steadily, more lyrically when I speak to her. Not out of intimidation, but instead out of the desire to say something worth saying. At first, I thought that perhaps she embodied the quiet of Monteverde, the peace you find so often and in so many ways in this mountain town. It would make sense for that to permeate a person’s personality, their presence, and make you think twice before interrupting. But as the trip went on, I found that careful, attentive quiet was only a part of what made Karen — and Ocotea — such delightful hosts.

Ocotea Boutique Hotel was Ocotea Tours and Transfers for 15 years before the vision of a luxury hotel in Monteverde came to life, and from its conception the hotel immediately faced adversity. A global pandemic shut down all tourism, throwing both tours and hotels into chaos. Don Ignacio Fallas, the father of Karen, passed not long afterward, and while his spirit permeates every aspect of Ocotea, his loss brought emotional turmoil as challenging as that of the pandemic. 

His loss also presented another problem. Costa Rica can be very progressive when it comes to sustainability and education, but at times the culture here can have some trouble with letting women take the lead, especially in the world of business. This is doubly true in small towns deeply rooted in tradition, setting a challenging landscape for the mourning family to navigate. 

And yet, Ocotea has thrived. I joined Ocotea as a collaborator before its official opening when it was still just a shell and a dream, and I have seen firsthand the struggle and strength that it took to build the home we are gifted to visit. And yet, like trees grow stronger as they resist the gusts that roll across Monteverde from two oceans, you only see the beautiful accomplishment that is left behind. 

To Truly Savor Monteverde

On the last night of my stay, I returned to Nectandra for dinner, placing an order for the tartare and the steak and settling to sip Monteverde Brewing’s Tapir Red Ale under the hotel’s second mural by Majo Rodriguez. And as I looked out into the garden, I realized that for the first time in a great many vacations, I felt truly rejuvenated at the end. 

It wasn’t that I hadn’t leapt into all that Monteverde had to offer. We had hiked the trails in Curi-Cancha, spotting collared peccaries, and rainbow toucans, and had luck enough that six different resplendent quetzals had graced us with their presence on their long migrations. Just that afternoon I had set off mountain biking along the gorge-tracing roadways for nearly 3 hours. I’d had the fortune to visit an old friend and spend a night catching up, painting, and blasting prog rock on the stereo.

But I wasn’t worn down, or run ragged, like can so often happen on jam-packed journeys full of trips and tours and reservations. I’d lounged on the open-air terraces, slept late, and napped often. The tours themselves had been thoughtful, eye-opening, and physically active, and in sunshine or mist they’d gone on, but each had left behind the feeling of a summer day well spent. 

Monteverde is named for the trees — its name roughly translates to “green mountain” — and I won’t write off the effect that can have on the health of the very air you breathe. But as my meal began to roll out, I wondered if it wasn’t something more than that, just like there was something more to Karen. 

The food from Nectandra is farm-to-table fresh, as is much of the food in Monteverde. When you can see the ocean any time you look west, when the mountains are ripe with produce, and you can find cheese, coffee, chocolate, and beef producers within a stone’s throw, a shrewd chef is in their element. 

But while there is delicious cuisine in Monteverde — ranging from elegant Italian-influenced dining to homecooked burgers to surf-and-turf sushi to typical tico dishes and corner-store caldosas — I’d had a hard time putting a finger on what I described as “Monteverde cuisine.” 

But in two meals at Nectandra, I found the words. In truly exceptional Monteverde cuisine, each ingredient is given a chance to shine, with an emphasis on the richness and complexity of each flavor — particularly in that of the produce. In Nectandra, that comes alive in the simple yet elegant construction of each dish. Nothing is drowned in butter, or dressed up in so many sauces and salts that it becomes a hyper-palatable mush. 

When you taste a lightly grilled carrot, it tastes like a lightly grilled carrot. It just happens to be probably the best carrot you’ve ever tasted. In just two days, Nectandra caught me looking forward to a side of mixed vegetables (a dish I’ve found disappointing most other times it’s snuck into my order). 

San Lucas, the neighboring concept-dining experience, is another example of this emphasis on ingredients, though their execution differs entirely, with each bite of fish, meat, and produce given sufficient pomp and circumstance in a memorable 7-course seasonal menu. 

I leave it to personal preference to split the two, but it is inarguable that the two restaurants are paving the way for a cuisine that can truly be treated as Monteverdense.

Nectandra’s tuna tartare was the best I’ve ever had, just the right blend of sweet, savory, and tart. The steak was perfectly cooked and naturally fresh and took a bold risk that paid off. Steakhouses are quick to butter, season, and salt their steaks within an inch of their life, a center-spotlight superstar to shock and awe. 

But this steak was a platform to explore the four different sauces and spreads served alongside it. Tangy and tart, black peppercorn, sweet potato puree, and roasted taro puree, each with their own unique flavor and something to offer, even when mixed and blended all across my plate. I’m reminded of the best of Thanksgiving dinners, where the turkey is the glue that brings a table full of delicious sides together in concert, but even that doesn’t quite describe the meal. 

It was filling and satisfying, familiar yet surprising, and there was also an incredible sense of restraint in the cooking. Any amateur home chef will tell you that the hardest part is holding back, and truly trusting your ingredients, and at the end of my meal there I felt both my body and curiosity had been nourished. 

What You Will Unearth Here

We have heard the story of Monteverde’s past and its dedication to preserving what exists in the present. But what has started to emerge as the turbulent times of the pandemic have passed is a new beginning for this little town in the mountains, and the seeds of a truly spectacular future. 

Walk around in the forests, and you will find some truth older than humanity itself. But on the roads and the trails that take you there, you’ll find pillars that unite all those who visit Monteverde. 

There is an innate curiosity in those who come here, no matter where in the world they’ve come from, and no matter their age. You’ll find families with three different generations all stopping to gaze up in the trees searching for a flash of green, and a community where dozens and dozens of the forest’s visitors and protectors can watch in quiet respect as rare birds and shy mammals go about their lives.

The Monteverde natives — the people who were raised here, who have spent more of their lives in the forest than outside it, who have toiled for generations to protect the land they saw value in when no one else did and the creatures that live there — they are the ones that set the example for us to follow. An example that says, “We are part of nature, and if you listen and walk quietly, you will unearth its mysteries.”

Karen is a woman of deep faith, and the longer I’ve spent getting to know her and her home, the more I have realized that no matter the denomination, there is always some faith in the people who visit here. When the faintest flash of an emerald wing can be all you see, when a brief moment on a branch is the extent of your interaction, and when so much of the life in the forest lies well above the canopy or deep beneath the ground, it is an exercise in faith to believe in the impossibly complex relationships that lead to a thriving forest.

But at Ocotea, I found a place where I wanted to believe. I wanted to let my curiosity overtake me, and for a few precious moments let the rest of the world fall away in a universal wonder that transcends background, nation, or age. And as I prepared for my departure the next morning, I did believe in one thing — that Monteverde is a destination everyone deserves to visit, preferably multiple times. Because it has something to teach, and something to offer. 

I made my visit to Monteverde to see the migrating quetzals, to drink in nature, but what stuck with me was how much this trip stood out among my others. I have visited Monteverde before, but in none of the trips prior had I experienced so clearly what this little town in the mountains had to offer. 

And that, I believe, is the true gift that Karen Fallas and her family have given to the world. There is a sharpness in the eyes of everyone who sets foot in the Ocotea organization, an understanding and appreciation of the still-somewhat-intangible magic that makes this place so beautiful, and an uncompromising will when it comes to the product they deliver. 

It is like they are saying, “You may not know what makes this patch of earth so special yet, but in time you will. And you are welcome here as long as it takes you to find it.”

When you visit, your adventure will likely differ from mine. But if you choose Ocotea, you will find a place where the exceptional surface, personal touch, carefully selected tours, and local cuisine are all of the highest standards. But more importantly, in each of them, you will find a vision and appreciation of Monteverde, and all this gem in the mountains has to offer.