Previously owned by former Costa Rican president Rodrigo Carazo and his wife, Villa Blanca is an upscale retreat in a remote setting. Guests are accommodated in individual cottages, or ‘casitas’, which are dotted around the grounds. Each cottage features a comfy lounge with woodburning stove, and a private terrace with views of the forest.
Surrounding the lodge is extensive pastureland and hundreds of acres of cloud forest. It’s possible to explore the lodge grounds on horseback or on foot via the numerous walking trails, which range in length from 1-2½ miles, while the wider reserve can be explored on day and night nature walks led by the resident guides. The forest altitude ranges from 700-1700 metres, making this a haven for many species of bird, including toucan, bellbird and hummingbird. There are good populations of howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloths and very occasionally a jaguar or ocelot may be spotted.
Villa Blanca is approx. 60kms from San Jose and can be easily incorporated into a tour of Costa Rica, whether a self-drive itinerary or a fully guided tour.
Accommodation
Villa Blanca offers 35 individual cottages divided into two categories – standard and deluxe. The interiors are rustic in style with wooden beamed ceilings, white-painted walls, tiled floors, and outdoor terraces. A wood burner in each room ensures a cosy atmosphere during the chillier nights. Standard rooms have showers, while the deluxe rooms have a whirlpool bath and shower.
Dining
The El Sendero restaurant serves regional dishes making good use of homegrown and locally-sourced organic produce.
Facilities
Restaurant
Bar and lounge
Spa & sauna
Games room
Complimentary wi-fi
Activities
Walking trails in the lodge grounds
Horse riding
Guided day and night walks in the Cloud Forest
Early morning bird watching tour with specialist guide and the opportunity to spot the endangered resplendent Quetzal
Canopy and hanging bridge walk
Farm and coffee plantation tours
Child Policy
Children of all ages are accommodated at Villa Blanca.
