"At the end of the rainbow, on the edge of the cloud forest, sits Hotel Belmar. The property feels like a unique blend of a boutique eco-lodge and a European ski chalet, crafted almost entirely from local wood. While the approach road is steep and rocky, there is convenient parking very close to the entrance.
With only 40 rooms, the experience feels intimate. Our room featured a private balcony with seating for two and a spectacular view of the valley extending all the way to the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring functional bathrooms with eco-friendly products. To ensure total immersion in the cloud forest, there are no TVs—a touch we truly appreciated. If you are on the property at sunset, you won't be disappointed; the colors are incredible.
The dining was a distinct highlight. The onsite restaurant, Celajes, practices farm-to-table dining using produce from their own organic farm, Madre Tierra. Breakfast was included and offered plenty of hearty, healthy options. We also enjoyed two outstanding dinners there; the quality, quantity, and care put into each dish were evident. The waitstaff was perfectly attentive, and the bartender crafts excellent cocktails using fresh, onsite ingredients. Don't miss the onsite craft brewery—even as a non-IPA fan, I found theirs well-balanced and smooth, though the Stout was my personal favorite.
The service and activities truly set Belmar apart. The in-house activity desk was seamless, h"