Cloud forest retreat Costa Rica
Cloud forest retreat Costa Rica
Breathe Deep in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest
Imagine waking up where the air feels lighter, the trees stretch skyward through a veil of mist, and the only sounds are the flowing river and the early calls of tropical birds. This is what it means to stay in Costa Rica’s cloud forest.
At Hotel Rivel, the forest is the very rhythm of daily life. Perched 1,000 meters above sea level in the highlands of Turrialba, the retreat offers year-round springlike weather. Days are comfortably warm, nights are refreshingly cool, and mornings often arrive wrapped in soft cloud cover. It’s the perfect environment to reset, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Unlike crowded resorts or city escapes, a cloud forest retreat invites you to slow down. To walk forest trails instead of busy streets. To sip coffee grown just steps away from your lodge. To let stillness and greenery do their quiet work of renewal.
Where Tranquility Meets Biodiversity
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most celebrated destinations for eco-travel, and its cloud forests show you why. The higher altitude brings cooler air, mist-covered mornings, and landscapes teeming with life. Every step feels alive with butterflies, hummingbirds, and the echo of flowing water.
A retreat in the cloud forest involves noticing details you’d never see elsewhere: the way moss grows thick on tree trunks, the quiet rustle of branches overhead, or the sudden flash of a toucan in the canopy.
Guests often say it’s the peaceful atmosphere that stays with them.
“Such a peaceful place. The staff is so kind and helpful (you’re the best, Carlos!) and the location is unbeatable. We swam in the pool, hiked the trails, and enjoyed the tranquility of the cabin.” – Lauren, United States
Stay Close to Nature, Sleep in Comfort
Hotel Rivel was designed to keep the surrounding forest intact while giving guests a simple, restorative stay. Each of the private lodges (Sky Lodge, Infinity Lodge, River Lodge, and the spacious Penthouse) offers comfort without crowding the landscape.
Set in the mountains of Turrialba, just 25 minutes from town, the retreat feels secluded yet welcoming. The lodges are well-built, cozy, and equipped with thoughtful touches, making it easy to relax after a day on the trails. From your window or balcony, you’re just as likely to see mist rolling across the hills as you are to hear the river flowing in the valley below.
The goal is comfort that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. When you stay here, the forest is never far away.
Mornings Wrapped in Mist and Birdsong
The cloud forest has a rhythm of its own. At Hotel Rivel, mornings often begin with a light mist rolling over the hills and the sound of birds calling across the valley. With nearly 600 bird species spotted in this region—from toucans to hummingbirds—it’s no surprise the retreat is a favorite among birdwatchers. Many guests even record their sightings on eBird.org during hikes around the property.
Coffee here is grown on the same land you’re staying on. Pair a cup with fruit from the trees outside your lodge, and mornings quickly become one of the highlights of the retreat.
For those who prefer quiet reflection, there’s the steady flow of the Tuis River nearby. For others, it’s the perfect start before a day of hiking, horseback riding, or exploring the forest trails.
Experiences That Stay With You
A cloud forest retreat is memorable because of what you can do without leaving the property. At Hotel Rivel, guests can:
- Walk mountain trails that weave through forested hills.
- Swim in a spring-fed infinity pool, constantly refreshed with pure water from the mountains.
- Find natural pools and picnic spots along the Tuis River.
- Take a guided horseback ride through the cloud forest.
- Enjoy mountain biking routes for more active exploration.
One guest summed it up simply: “Gorgeous views, waterfalls, and hiking trails… The cabin I stayed in was comfortable and very clean.” – Sarah, United States
The activities are varied, but the feeling is the same: a chance to recharge while staying close to nature.
Dining That Feels Like Home
Good food is part of the retreat. At Hotel Rivel, the restaurant and bar serve meals made with ingredients that come directly from the land. Guests can enjoy fruit grown on the property, eggs gathered from free-range chickens, and coffee harvested and roasted right on site.
The bar adds another layer to the experience. Cocktails, wine, and beer are always available, and the team even includes a dedicated mixologist who creates drinks with a local touch.
Meals are served both indoors and outdoors, so you can choose between sitting under the open sky or enjoying a cozy setting after a day exploring the trails. Many guests mention how the food and service stand out as part of what makes their stay memorable.
Slow Down, Reset, and Reconnect
A cloud forest retreat isn’t just about the setting, it’s about how you feel while you’re here. Hotel Rivel is designed to give guests space to pause, recharge, and step away from the constant rush of daily life.
The quiet of the mountains, the fresh spring-fed pools, and the simple comfort of the lodges create an environment where rest comes naturally. Guests often describe their stay as peaceful and restorative, the kind of break that leaves you returning home lighter.
Owner Benjamin Charbonneau puts it best: there’s nothing in your life that can’t be solved by spending a week here.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the retreat offers the same promise: time to reset in nature without distraction.
Your Stay in Turrialba Awaits
A retreat in Costa Rica’s cloud is your opportunity to experience the land at its most natural. At Hotel Rivel, you’ll find:
- Private lodges surrounded by forest and river
- A spring-fed infinity pool with pure mountain water
- Hiking trails, natural pools, and horseback riding options
- Hiking trails, natural pools, and horseback riding options
- Fresh, locally prepared meals and estate-grown coffee
Every part of the experience is guided by one idea: keep the land wild while giving guests a place to rest, reflect, and feel connected.
Your retreat is just a message away.
- WhatsApp: +506 8770 1654
- Email: info@hotelrivel.online
Hotel Rivel welcomes you to the highlands of Turrialba, where the cloud forest becomes part of your everyday rhythm.