Welcome to the town of San Ramon, Costa Rica.  Arrived there by car that I rented in San Jose.  Now that was an experience all in itself.  Travel there was exciting and easy to do.  Make sure to fill up your gas tank, sit back and enjoy the ride.  Such an amazing journey and feeling, “magical with nature”.

Cloud Forest of San Ramon

Cloud Forest of San Ramon

Location Cloud Forest of San Ramon

Only a few hours from San Jose or one hour west of the International Airport you come across the town of San Ramón.  Located in the Alajuela Provenice, is a Colonial Town with a population of 11,00 people.

San Ramon lies at an elevation of 1,057 meters who is home to rich poets that has sent 5 men to the country’s highest offices.  Driving through this small town, one notices its history along with churches, people and bodegas.  Continue through town, then past the many farms, on a journey to a beautiful tranquil place.

Villa Blanca sign

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve

Bienvenidos…

Now you have arrived at the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve in San Ramon.

Villa Blanca seen through the church doors.

Villa Blanca seen through the church doors.

As you step out of the car, look around and feel the tranquility.  La Villa Blanca Hotel and Nature Reserve in San Ramon is located in the Central Highlands that harbors some of natures most stunning creatures.

La Villa Blanca Hotel has the only Hotel Sustainable Tourism Certification of CST located within a private reserve, which includes a working research station.  The hotel is also a member of the Greentique hotels.  La Villa Blanca Hotel sits on 2000 pristine acres of the Los Angeles Private Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

From the moment you step out of the car feel the magic of nature like you have never experienced before.  Take a walk into the main lodge. A warm fire awaits you from the friendly & helpful staff.

Villa Blanca Lobby in San Ramon

Villa Blanca Lobby in San Ramon

Lodging

Casita’s (individual lodging), dot the area and my favorite was Casita No. 16.  The view is vast and beautiful.  My casita included a fireplace and outdoor seating.  The weather was cool and misty so a roaring fire is a must.

Villa Blanca insects on the walking tour.

Villa Blanca insects on the walking tour.

Watch the cloud forest in San Ramon come to life with a nocturnal guided nature walk led by a specialist.

Guided nature and cultural tours to national park excursions are available. Check in with the friendly staff at the lodge for more information.

Villa Blanca horseback riding through the morning mist.

Villa Blanca horseback ride through the morning mist.

I decided on  a  sunrise horseback ride through the morning mist.  I have ridden horses before but its been a while.  So glad no one had a camera to snap a picture of my backside while I struggle to get on this massive horse.  Okay, he wasn’t that big, well maybe.  My private ride was amazing and the feel of nature was strong.

El Sendero Restaurant

El Sendero Restaurant with its all natural ingredients is past the lobby and overlooks the beautiful cloud forest.  The cuisine is a fusion of traditional dishes and popular favorites from around the country.  

Exciting to find a restaurant that has sauces, spices and herbs hand selected by the restaurant staff right from their garden and greenhouses.

Nature Spa

A must stop is at the Nature Spa which provides an atmosphere of healing care, using natural ingredients from their own gardens.  I enjoyed my spa treatment, felt relaxed, and a sense of calm afterwards.

General

 The hotel has received the Trip Advisor’s 2015 Travelers Choice Award.  One never has to leave Villa Blanca with all these amenities.  

Few tips:  June through Oct is rainy season where Nov to May is considered dry season. Average sun cycle is sunrise at 5:45 and sets at 6:30pm.

Church at Villa Blanca

Church at Villa Blanca

Since your in Costa Rica take advantage of the Lodging Specials that include overnight stays in 2 hotels. One hotel is located in the famous surfing town of Tamarindo “Captian Suizo” and the other San Ramon Villa Blanca Cloud Forest.

This 1Adventure Traveler took the 2 hotel package and also stayed in the town of Tamarindo.

Tamarindo Surfer

Tamarindo Surfer

What can I say, what happens in Tamarindo stays in Tamarindo unless your me, “1Adventure Traveler”.  So check out my blog on Tamarindo and Costa Rica.

Villa Blanca nocturnal walk.

Villa Blanca nocturnal walk.

Visit me at 1AdventureTraveler, Twitter, Facebook, & Trip Advisor.  Remember:  Life is Short, go out and have an Adventure! 

[At the time of this writing these hotel specials were offered.  Please remember offers and information may change.]