Villa Blanca Los Angeles Cloud Forest

ARENAL VOLCANO / SAN RAMON AREA, COSTA RICA

In Arenal / San Ramon: Villa Blanca Hotel is just over an hour from San Jose International Airport, a new world destination for eco-conscious travelers. This upscale boutique hotel, styled as a 19th-century mountain village, sits on 75 acres surrounded by the spectacular Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve. It is 18 km from the Museo de San Ramón with its local history. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve was originally owned by former Costa Rican president, Rodrigo Carazo Odio and First Lady, Estrella, becoming a cherished Costa Rica destination. The Carazo’s vision was to capture the simplicity, charm and deep respect for the land that is the spirit of the people of the San Ramon area. Rooms in low-rise buildings feature hand-crafted furniture, wood-burning stoves and ceiling fans, as well as free Wi-Fi and minibars. Upgraded rooms and suites add living areas and whirlpool tubs, suites also have terraces. There are no TVs or air-conditioning. A breakfast buffet is complimentary. There’s a restaurant using home-grown produce, plus a lobby bar with a stone fireplace. Other amenities include a massage space and organized tours (surcharge).