Hotel Fonda Vela

Situated just two kilometres from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the luxurious Hotel Fonda Vela sits in peaceful landscaped grounds, surrounded by private nature trails.

The 40 classy but unpretentious rooms and suites have modern amenities and large windows (suites have a sitting room and private balcony), and the terrace has a view of the distant Gulf of Nicoya.

Due to the isolation and peaceful setting, the gardens are ideal for quiet contemplation and watching birds: both parrot and toucan feed in the wild fruit trees, and the rare resplendent quetzal is sometimes seen.

There are nature trails within the grounds of the hotel, and tours to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a local cheese factory and butterfly garden can be arranged, as well as horse riding, canopy walks and zip lines.