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"if Costa Rica was a pioneer in ecotourism, Monte Azul may just redefine it." -- Condé Nast Traveler, HOT LIST 2010
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About Monte Azul Boutique Hotel
Monte Azul Boutique Hotel is located on a private mountain reserve in Costa Rica, near the country's highest point, Chirripó National Park. Equipped with four stylish riverside "casitas" and amenities and activities tailored to any type of traveler, Monte Azul provides an authentic experience for those looking to explore the nature and culture of Costa Rica. In its short time, Monte Azul has achieved recognition from organizations like Condé Nast and TripAdvisor for elevating the standard for sustainability and style.
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About Monte Azul Contemporary Art & Design
MACA was established in 2005 with the vision of creating a haven where artists could come and express their creative nature while being inspired by the extraordinary beauty and peace of the Costa Rica highlands. MACA offers an alternative to the typical gallery experience, beginning with our rain forest location and because MACA is also active in the creative process with our own art studio facilities. In addition to being a unique destination for art lovers and collectors, Monte Azul also offers travelers the opportunity to learn artistic skills like etching, monotyping and more.
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About Monte Azul Nature Preserve
Our nature preserve is 100 acres in area and offers guests over 3K of private trails, covering many micro climates and ecological zones. At 1,000 to 1,170 mts (about 4,000 feet) above sea level, Monte Azul Nature Preserve covers some of the most endangered rainforest habitat in the tropics. Our preserve is part of the Talamanca forest, the largest forest in Central America with 5% of the world's biodiversity found here. Monte Azul is home to over 241 documented bird species, mammals, including various feline species, reptiles and an astonishing array of flora.
Truly remarkable
Monte Azul is a truly remarkable place. We drove from San Jose and I admit that the latter part of the trip gave me a bit of concern as to what we might find at the end of the day. I needn't have worried. I have traveled extensively for business and pleasure and never before received service that was as gracious, accommodating and sincere as what my wife and I experienced during a five day stay in a casita at Monte Azul.
Monte Azul is a truly remarkable place. We drove from San Jose and I admit that the latter part of the trip gave me a bit of concern as to what we might find at the end of the day. I needn't have worried. I have traveled extensively for business and pleasure and never before received service that was as gracious, accommodating and sincere as what my wife and I experienced during a five day stay in a casita at Monte Azul.
W from Colorado
Best Hotel Experience Ever!
Monte Azul is too spectacular not to rave about. I am actually in the Hospitality Industry myself, and currently work at a five star hotel in Manhattan. I have stayed at many luxury hotels around the world, and this is by the far the MOST extraordinary stay I have ever experienced. While it is incredibly difficult to pinpoint the highlight of our trip, Café Blue took our breath away, during every meal of each day. I am a major foodie and spend all of my free time in New York City searching for great, innovative and eclectic eats. Café Blue in the heart of the Chirripó Valley was the best restaurant I have ever eaten at. While I'm a lover of all things culinary, I am picky to say the least. My allergies and dietary restrictions were noted upon arrival and accommodated perfectly every meal without exception.
Monte Azul is too spectacular not to rave about. I am actually in the Hospitality Industry myself, and currently work at a five star hotel in Manhattan. I have stayed at many luxury hotels around the world, and this is by the far the MOST extraordinary stay I have ever experienced. While it is incredibly difficult to pinpoint the highlight of our trip, Café Blue took our breath away, during every meal of each day. I am a major foodie and spend all of my free time in New York City searching for great, innovative and eclectic eats. Café Blue in the heart of the Chirripó Valley was the best restaurant I have ever eaten at. While I'm a lover of all things culinary, I am picky to say the least. My allergies and dietary restrictions were noted upon arrival and accommodated perfectly every meal without exception.
R from New York City
Exquisite isolation with birds and flowers
I knew Monte Azul would be exceptional because of the well traveled friends who told us to stay on our trip. It far exceeded our expectations in every way. The Chirripo River with its silvery clear waters beckoned endlessly. the hike up through the tropical forest to the large house was beautiful and filled with birds. The meals were perfect from breakfast through dinner. The people who work there are friendly and outstanding. The best place we stayed in CR or for that matter, almost anywhere. We will return.
I knew Monte Azul would be exceptional because of the well traveled friends who told us to stay on our trip. It far exceeded our expectations in every way. The Chirripo River with its silvery clear waters beckoned endlessly. the hike up through the tropical forest to the large house was beautiful and filled with birds. The meals were perfect from breakfast through dinner. The people who work there are friendly and outstanding. The best place we stayed in CR or for that matter, almost anywhere. We will return.
P from New York City
Possibly the best place we've ever stayed!
We spent the first couple of nights of our honeymoon here and it we were so pleased we chose to treat ourselves to it! Randy and Carlos have created the best example of a responsible eco retreat that we've encountered in the world so far, from training and looking after their staff, to recycling, to naturally filtering grey water to avoid polluting the river that runs through the property. The art course we chose to do there was monotyping and we loved the afternoon that we spent with Alvaro, one of their artists in residence. The casitas themselves were gorgeously decorated with excellent original art for sale in each one. The coffee grown on their own plantation was the best we tasted in Costa Rica and the cocktails and food served in the restaurant were just delicious! Overall, it left a lasting impression of a unique place that we'd recommend again and again. Thank you to the staff of Monte Azul for creating such a wonderful place to stay!
We spent the first couple of nights of our honeymoon here and it we were so pleased we chose to treat ourselves to it! Randy and Carlos have created the best example of a responsible eco retreat that we've encountered in the world so far, from training and looking after their staff, to recycling, to naturally filtering grey water to avoid polluting the river that runs through the property. The art course we chose to do there was monotyping and we loved the afternoon that we spent with Alvaro, one of their artists in residence. The casitas themselves were gorgeously decorated with excellent original art for sale in each one. The coffee grown on their own plantation was the best we tasted in Costa Rica and the cocktails and food served in the restaurant were just delicious! Overall, it left a lasting impression of a unique place that we'd recommend again and again. Thank you to the staff of Monte Azul for creating such a wonderful place to stay!
J from London, England
Peace & Solitude in a little piece of heaven!
It was to be our last few days in Cost Rica before returning to the UK. We wanted somewhere that was off the usual tourist track and could offer something different to round off our Costa Rica experience - we were not to be disappointed! While this boutique hotel (only 4 casitas) does not have some amenities of other luxury hotels, what it does have is an excellent restaurant, impeccable service, quiet and private rooms each with their own portion of the gardens. Situated in a valley at the foot of Chirripó, with an impressive river flowing through the grounds, there is plenty of plant and animal wildlife to see without ever leaving the property.
It was to be our last few days in Cost Rica before returning to the UK. We wanted somewhere that was off the usual tourist track and could offer something different to round off our Costa Rica experience - we were not to be disappointed! While this boutique hotel (only 4 casitas) does not have some amenities of other luxury hotels, what it does have is an excellent restaurant, impeccable service, quiet and private rooms each with their own portion of the gardens. Situated in a valley at the foot of Chirripó, with an impressive river flowing through the grounds, there is plenty of plant and animal wildlife to see without ever leaving the property.
C from Lancashire, UK
Love, friends and nature ... everlasting memories
What could be more romantic than a candle light dinner at a gorgeous garden alongside your loved one? That was the experience that S. and me enjoyed during our honeymoon, and it was a surprise carefully prepared by Monte Azul. All the details were perfect: torches and candles flicker at the restaurant's garden, a delicious dinner, and the great service from our personal waiter. All that while enjoying the relaxing sound of the river and the music of the nature surrounding us. All Monte Azul staff is very friendly and welcoming. We really appreciated all the beautiful details they prepared for us and we'll never forget it. Thank you to the staff and owners, Carlos and Randy, for such a special place to stay!
What could be more romantic than a candle light dinner at a gorgeous garden alongside your loved one? That was the experience that S. and me enjoyed during our honeymoon, and it was a surprise carefully prepared by Monte Azul. All the details were perfect: torches and candles flicker at the restaurant's garden, a delicious dinner, and the great service from our personal waiter. All that while enjoying the relaxing sound of the river and the music of the nature surrounding us. All Monte Azul staff is very friendly and welcoming. We really appreciated all the beautiful details they prepared for us and we'll never forget it. Thank you to the staff and owners, Carlos and Randy, for such a special place to stay!
P from Cannes, France
Natural Beauty and Simple Luxury, Provided Sustainably
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. As you may be able to tell from their website, the folks at Monte Azul see the value in living sustainably and put that into practice every day… these guys don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk when it comes to sustainability. What's incredible, though, is that their attention to detail when it comes to design (of the casitas, the gardens, the food, you name it) and service (the manager, the owner, and the staff at the Cafe always greeted us by name) is so high, you could easily have a 5-star experience at Monte Azul and not even realize that everything happening around you was being conducted in a very sustainable way. I found my new favorite restaurant: Cafe Azul. Every element from the aesthetics to the flavors, the sources of the food to the staff, was just as I would envision my 'ideal restaurant'.
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. As you may be able to tell from their website, the folks at Monte Azul see the value in living sustainably and put that into practice every day… these guys don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk when it comes to sustainability. What's incredible, though, is that their attention to detail when it comes to design (of the casitas, the gardens, the food, you name it) and service (the manager, the owner, and the staff at the Cafe always greeted us by name) is so high, you could easily have a 5-star experience at Monte Azul and not even realize that everything happening around you was being conducted in a very sustainable way. I found my new favorite restaurant: Cafe Azul. Every element from the aesthetics to the flavors, the sources of the food to the staff, was just as I would envision my 'ideal restaurant'.
K from Boulder, CO
Awesome adventure...best experience, great staff, a Dream!
Monte Azul was more than we could have ever dreamed. The owners, Carlos and Randy, live on-site and make the visit very personal. The staff was extremely friendly and we wanted to take everyone with us or actually set up shop and just move there. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. There is something truly spiritual about this place! Monkeys and lots of other animals to see right there on site if you get out and explore. Meeting the locals was fun too and really getting to know the people there… We had 4 course meals every night that were to die for. Everything is locally grown and a lot of it on site. If I could have brought back more coffee in my suitcase, I would have. The desserts were exquisite!!!
Monte Azul was more than we could have ever dreamed. The owners, Carlos and Randy, live on-site and make the visit very personal. The staff was extremely friendly and we wanted to take everyone with us or actually set up shop and just move there. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. There is something truly spiritual about this place! Monkeys and lots of other animals to see right there on site if you get out and explore. Meeting the locals was fun too and really getting to know the people there… We had 4 course meals every night that were to die for. Everything is locally grown and a lot of it on site. If I could have brought back more coffee in my suitcase, I would have. The desserts were exquisite!!!
C from South Carolina
The Most Magical Costa Rican Honeymoon Possible
We spent six nights there for our honeymoon, and could not have picked a more perfect place to begin our married life together. First of all, the fit and finish of the casitas and restaurant are extraordinary: from the dining area flickering with candles on the tasteful and handmade tables to the perfect squaring of the tiles in the casita, this is a place made from grand vision but investment in small details… it's almost like a chic Palm Springs boutique hotel got airlifted into the jungle. We couldn't have picked a better place for our honeymoon.
We spent six nights there for our honeymoon, and could not have picked a more perfect place to begin our married life together. First of all, the fit and finish of the casitas and restaurant are extraordinary: from the dining area flickering with candles on the tasteful and handmade tables to the perfect squaring of the tiles in the casita, this is a place made from grand vision but investment in small details… it's almost like a chic Palm Springs boutique hotel got airlifted into the jungle. We couldn't have picked a better place for our honeymoon.
S from Oakland, CA
Nature, Tranquility, Comfort, and Design
My wife and I visited Monte Azul for the first time in February and were completely charmed, it's a true haven for the traveler who appreciates nature, art, fine food, tranquil surroundings, and understated luxury. Our meals, featuring locally grown and home-made ingredients, were sophisticated and delicious. The architecture blends harmoniously with the immediate natural surroundings, and feature original works of art by contemporary artists in residence. We birded the trails and were graced with views of many species of birds. We also enjoyed a troop of capuchin monkeys chasing away a tyra while we ate breakfast. We have visited Costa Rica six times over the past decade, and Monte Azul is at the top of our list of places we would recommend to others.
My wife and I visited Monte Azul for the first time in February and were completely charmed, it's a true haven for the traveler who appreciates nature, art, fine food, tranquil surroundings, and understated luxury. Our meals, featuring locally grown and home-made ingredients, were sophisticated and delicious. The architecture blends harmoniously with the immediate natural surroundings, and feature original works of art by contemporary artists in residence. We birded the trails and were graced with views of many species of birds. We also enjoyed a troop of capuchin monkeys chasing away a tyra while we ate breakfast. We have visited Costa Rica six times over the past decade, and Monte Azul is at the top of our list of places we would recommend to others.
D from New York City
I don't like to give all 5-star ratings because nothing is really that good, is it? Well, Monte Azul is.
Imagine an elegant boutique hotel nestled in a pristine mountain valley, bordering an icy-cold river that comes tumbling over car-sized boulders from an untouched nature reserve. You're met with a welcome platter of hand-crafted chevre and fresh, locally-grown fruit. You're escorted, like as not, by one of the owners to your private room, which is really a tiny bungalow surrounded by rich jungle. You'll note that all of your furniture and the soaps are handmade, and you'll marvel at the original art on the walls -- produced by artists attending the hotel's artist-in-residence program -- all of the hotel's buildings double as art galleries, and all of the art is for sale. But wait! There's more!..
Imagine an elegant boutique hotel nestled in a pristine mountain valley, bordering an icy-cold river that comes tumbling over car-sized boulders from an untouched nature reserve. You're met with a welcome platter of hand-crafted chevre and fresh, locally-grown fruit. You're escorted, like as not, by one of the owners to your private room, which is really a tiny bungalow surrounded by rich jungle. You'll note that all of your furniture and the soaps are handmade, and you'll marvel at the original art on the walls -- produced by artists attending the hotel's artist-in-residence program -- all of the hotel's buildings double as art galleries, and all of the art is for sale. But wait! There's more!..
T from Washington DC