Artful Mementos

Shopping is one of the signature pleasures of the consummate traveler... Finding a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects a unique experience is a fun little challenge, and a great way to build lasting memories of the places we cherish. A figurine, placemat, hat, or t-shirt can certainly bring satisfaction, but there is no greater joy than finding an item that doesn't bear the label of mass production. Local art is, undoubtedly, the most rewarding of mementos and a fantastic way to ensure, not only the economic benefit of the host communities, but their empowerment and self-confidence.

Community artists use local natural elements as media.

That is precisely the case in Islita.  As part of a synergistic responsible tourism model, the village's simple infrastructure and open spaces were transformed into a unique collective art display that has redefined the area's core identity. The Islita Art Museum has become the community's signature institution and a vehicle for self-validation and renewed optimism. The Museum culminated "Islita Encounter", an initiative that paired established urban Costa Rican artists with local townspeople to create colorful outdoor murals and sculptures in a living display of aesthetics and traditions.

Sponsored by Hotel Punta Islita and its Villafranca & Zϋrcher Foundation, the Museum has fostered more than six thriving community art groups, helping to revitalize an economically depressed region that used to rely solely on subsistence agriculture.

Realizing that visitors are not only interested in the spectacular natural beauty of their birthplace, but also in its culture and people, has prompted a transformative sense of empowerment. Local artist and homemaker Juana López recalls: "Prior to my involvement in the art groups, I barely left the house. I hadn't even visited the nearby beaches in over ten years... I found no reason to." Today, Juana finds expressive language (and a supplementary income source) in collages and sculptures, incorporating the polished glass, seashells, and twigs that line the coast. Her renewed sense of optimism is collectively mirrored in a series of successful "regional firsts" undertaken by local community leaders including a small public library and an ambitious recycling program.

Thousands of travelers visit the Museum, its workshops, and gallery in growing awareness that acquiring local art is far more meaningful than jaded t-shirts. A deep bond with local people is established and brought back to share with friends and family. We can only imagine the engaging conversations as they relay their exciting, rewarding, and unique travel experience, reflected in a signature piece that was created with heart and in hope.

Guest Experience at El Silencio Lodge & Spa

James and Patricia capture a sunny glimpse of our Suite layout.

 
A chance to showcase the best of Costa Rica's legendary natural beauty and hospitality is a true privilege.  We love our country dearly and relish in sharing unforgettable moments with visitors from all over the world.  The following comments and images, generously shared by our recent guests, James and Patricia T. inspire broad smiles and generously capture the lifting experiences we seek to transmit.  We are deeply grateful for their heartfelt words and extend a very special thanks to James for his amazing images.

"Having just spent 9 days in the amazing beauty of El Silencio Lodge, the

peace and tranquility that we experienced from the very start will be with

us for a very long time.  Every one of the staff was so delightful,

friendly, refreshing, gracious, and helpful reflecting the true Costa Rican

hospitality that we have always loved.  The beauty of El Silencio where one

can literally hear God whispering is awesome.  The babbling river over the

rocks in front of the restaurant and lounge and some villas, was the perfect

place to unwind with the forever peace and serenity of the surroundings.

Villa No5, further up - a beautiful walk with lush foliage and trees - with

its incredibly beautiful full panaromic view of the mountains with the

clouds descending in the evenings and the sun shining through intermittently

lighting up the mountains was a sight to behold. And yes! It was cold but

the hot water bottles at night and the room heaters made it just perfect and

the rocking chairs with blankets to cuddle up with and enjoy the

surroundings whilst sipping hot ginger mint tea was just perfect. The smiles

of everyone made us feel truly at home.  The special requests were so

graciously attended to and so promptly.  And the food - oh! the food and

water - so pure, fresh, wholesome, delicious, especially the salmon trout

and tilapia! We are truly grateful to have found this gem of a retreat -

calling it a hotel with suites is an understatement.  An exclusive mountain

retreat in the cloud forest with very private chalets it truly is!!! Yes, we

live in another beautiful part of the world but oh so very different.

Having always sought out other amazingly beautiful places and we can truly

say that El Silencio is of the best."

James and Patricia T.

Cayman Islands

A Soaring Partnership

Hotel Punta Islita's partnership with The Ara Project has brought back Red macaws to the region.

A quiet afternoon at Hotel Punta Islita’s 1492 Restaurant is a picture-perfect opportunity to enjoy the ocean’s endless spectacle. The breeze gently nudging the palm trees and the murmur of the waves reaching the coastline are soothing to the point of complete relaxation. Until a flock of Red macaws in perfect V formation disturbs the peace! As detailed by Hotel Punta Isilta’s Customer Service Associate, Marvin Seas:
 

“I was startled by a wild, fast-approaching cacophony of squawks and cackles. As I looked around, I could see our guests’ bewildered faces, their curiosity tinged with a bit of alarm. I walked over to the adjacent deck and spun around, trying to pinpoint the source of the racket. As I finally looked up, I was greeted by an amazing sight: A brilliantly hued flock of Red macaws, soaring in a perfect V formation against a green and blue backdrop. Every guest left the table, gazing in awe of this graceful, yet boisterous display. We all shared a special feeling, knowing that we had just been blessed by an amazing opportunity to witness nature briefly painting the sky’s blue canvass with passing streaks of color. It was especially exciting because it illustrated the gradual success of Hotel Punta Islita's partnership with The Ara Project to bring back endangered Red macaws to Costa Rica's skies. What a magnificent afternoon!”

We agree Marvin!

A Mother-Daughter Eco-Adventure!

El Silencio's resident horses enjoy a playful stroll through the property's gardens.

We thank our friend and premium travel advisor, Kathy Chou from First in Service Travel for sharing her experience at El Silencio Lodge & Spa. It was a pleasure to host her and her daughter in an unforgettable mother-daughter ecoadventure in Costa Rica!

"Where do I begin? I was at awed upon arriving in our beautifully appointed suite, and this sense of awe never left me until the day we checked out. I enjoyed many blissful mornings on the deck, while watching the sifting clouds above and around the emerald mountains in front; silence was never so delicious. The beautiful wandering horses delighted our idle moments, and especially after we rode them to visit the charming Los Bajos village, the pasture with magnificent views, and crossing streams. I loved the hummingbird garden, and how meditative and mesmerizing to be in it. We enjoyed the massages at the spa and I was very impressed with the skills and attentiveness of your spa staff.

The ambiance was one of serenity yet not pretentious, as it was intended by its natural surroundings. I loved all the trails on the property, and felt sad I didn’t make it to the waterfall. We did the Oxcart painting with Ronald, who created a pampering and serene (complete with mood music) painting experience for us. I also owe thanks to William, the Eco-Concierge who rescued a bird with us and arranged a complimentary zipline/water rafting tour for me for the Pozo Azul; my daughter is still wearing that wrist band with pride.

And we had the best meals at your dining room. Your dining staff was attentive, professional and charismatic, the last quality may not be a common attribute, but it made the whole dining experience “home-like”.

The driver Jimmy was such a hidden asset that deserves special recognition. He was caring and attentive while informative on our drive in from the airport, he drove us through Sarchi so we could see the area, pointed out and explained the “continental divide” when we drove through a heavily foggy area. On our way back to the airport, he took a different scenic route that included the Rosario, Naranjo area, Zarcero town with the Palmito Cheese shops, and told us about the “Holy Trinity” of any typical Costa Rican community-church, bar and soccer field. We have learned so much driving around with him, I felt that our airport transfers were upgraded to two sight-seeing tours!

And of course, none of these wonderful experiences was possible without Andrey’s “hands-on” managing style, he truly runs a very tight ship, yet discreet and honest. I am now an admirer for his managing philosophy and what he was able to accomplish."

You can learn more about Kathy by following her amazing travel blog here.  To enjoy a special Amigas getaway for women's groups or mother-daughter travel, please click here.

How Far Would You Swim for Love?

How Far Would You Swim for Love?

If you are like Argo, a determined Green Sea Turtle, the answer is: One thousand miles! This hard-shelled Romeo's incredible journey started at Costa Rica's Coco's Island and ended in Panama in hot pursuit of a suitable partner. Argo's voyage can be traced here.


Today, we can thank Argo and his mates for their efforts as we greet this year's sea-turtle egg-laying season. From August to November the Costa Rican coastline will greet female sea turtles as they return to the beaches where they once hatched. Graceful and acrobatic under water, their massive weight renders them impossibly slow while on land. By sheer determination they carry their massive weight (up to 700 pounds) to find the perfect nesting spot. The heavy sound of dragged friction gives credence to their efforts! Muscular hind flippers dig the nest by gently wiping away the sand in a process reminiscent of a long Tai-Chi session. After positioning themselves over the dug nest, the egg-laying process begins. Between fifty and two hundred perfectly round, white eggs are dropped like glistening ping-pong balls. Once finished, the Tai-Chi resumes and the nest is refilled with sand, tapping and sculpting the upper layer in a hopeful attempt to thwart poachers and predators. The sea turtle then slowly retraces its steps towards the surf line and completes a mesmerizing life ritual.


Globally endangered sea turtles are the quiet heroes of marine and beach environments. Some species graze on the sea grass (like manatees), helping to optimize the living habitats of key food chain populations. Plus the hatched eggs provide essential nutrients for the sand dune vegetation that helps prevent erosion. These functions, essential to the health of coastal ecosystems, have prompted aggressive conservation and recovery efforts. Hotel Punta Islita has supported the initiatives of the Camaronal Foundation. Thanks to these efforts many species of turtles have once again returned to the area in robust numbers. A perfect celebration of love and life!