Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel

Monteverde isn’t the only cloud forest in Costa Rica. This country retreat (formerly owned by president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo) sits in its own private reserve on the edge of a vast tract of mountain cloud forest.

The hotel is rustic ranch house comfortable. Whitewashed villas – with roaring fires in the grate, terracotta roofs, and terraces with granny rocking chairs under the eaves – overlook the mountains and forest.

Guided trips run straight from the grounds into the wild and white-water rafting, tree-top adventures and canopy tours are all on offer nearby.