American World Traveler Winter 2020-21 Issue

ountry Inns...Luxary Safari Camps...Ecolodges...Ice...Cave...Treetop... Hotels
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ture of the region. A genuine connection to
this off-the-beaten-track region was owner
Rolando Campos’ dream when he opened
the lodge four years ago. “I wanted to show
people how beautiful it was here,” says
Campos. “But I didn’t want the place or people
who visited to be separate from the community.”
And so, the lodge’s restaurant caters as
much to locals as to visitors, and highlights
typical Costa Rican food, including the traditional
breakfast, Gallo Pinto. The soft cheese
served with the eggs, rice and beans is particularly
good, and I’m told that it’s a speciality
of the region and is from the farm up
the road. For guests who want to further
immerse themselves in the country’s culinary
heritage, Chayote Lodge offers a unique
opportunity for a hands-on cooking class
with a local.
Immerse Yourself in the Beauty and Culture of
Costa Rica at Chayote Lodge
With its lush rainforests, Caribbean
and Pacific beaches, towering
mountains and exotic wildlife,
Costa Rica is an exceptionally beautiful destination
wherever you go. But Chayote Lodge
raises the bar even higher. Located in the
outskirts of the mountainous central valley,
less than an hour away from the San Jose
Airport, this small resort features twelve bungalows
on the edge of a cloud forest almost
5000 feet above sea level. Each spacious
accommodation has a private patio with a
panoramic view of the valley, volcanic mountains
and on a clear day, the ocean.
Perched high above, you can hear the
sounds of nature: the high-pitch clattering of
the toucans, the bugle-like hum of the insects
by Jennifer Merrick
and even the howling of the monkeys and
coyotes. Large blooms cover the grounds; a
small trail leads you into the forest, and a
yoga platform with a built-in water centerpiece
beckons those inclined to meditate.
The décor is inspired by the surrounding
nature and the coffee culture of the region,
especially the tradition Recibidores, coffee
receiving stations. Whimsical but tasteful coffee-themed
touches include coffee sticks
hanging from the ceiling, coffee sacks on the
walls and even a hand-crafted coffee table
that’s shaped like a coffee bean.
Though you’d be forgiven if you just want to
stay on the property, activity options encourage
guests to experience the authentic cul-
“Welcome to my house,” says Eldida, a
proud abuela (grandmother) who leads us
to her kitchen. The large brick oven is the
focal point and the homey décor, like the
embroidered curtains and table cloth shows
the care and love of the owner. Elida
demonstrates how to prepare some Costa
Rican staples, including fried plantain, potatoes,
chicken, rice and beans. Our favourite
dish though is the Coliflor Envuelto en
Huevo (cauliflower in egg batter). Like most
Costa Rican food, it isn’t particularly spicy,
but comforting and tasty.
An excursion to the Toro Waterfall is another
experience the resort offers, and this 270-
foot waterfall inside an old volcano crater,
surrounded by rainforest vegetation and
bright flowers is truly a sight to behold.
Costa Rica’s ubiquitous beauty is an
onslaught of colours, lushness and grandness.
This is especially true at Chayote
Lodge.
www.chayotelodge.com
www.visitcostarica.com/en
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