Costa Rica doesn’t have to be all about pinching pennies and staying at hostels. If you are planning a honeymoon to Costa Rica or want a to plan a luxury vacation, then these hotels might be just what you want. From a 5-star hotel with an award-winning golf course to a luxury hotel that rests in the middle of the jungle, Costa Rica has a luxury hotel in any setting you can imagine.

Punta Islita Hotel

Balanced on a rugged mountain outcrop that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, this hotel offers spectacular views and a breathtaking natural setting. Puntal Islita Hotel has a rustic colonial elegance, which you will experience whether you are dining, at the spa, or enjoying the beach. Private outdoor jacuzzis, luxurious plunge pools, and an abundance of beach activities – as well as the Casa Spa – offer a wide variety of options for relaxation. Be sure to check out the on-site restaurant 1492 for a colorful local menu infused with international cuisine options, including fresh seafood.

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Set amid 1,100 acres of rainforest on the Pacific coast, this resort boasts the La Iguana, which is an 18-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson. Also located on-site are a large casino and relaxing spa. Guests can enjoy both water sports and deep-sea fishing, which are easily accessible through the 250-slip marina located at the resort. Jungle crocodile safaris, Tortuga Island tours, and whitewater rafting are also available to guests. Stay connected with the high speed internet accessible anywhere in the resort.

Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort

This is a luxurious Pacific Ocean beachfront resort located on the golden sands of Manuel Antonio and next to Manuel Antonio National Park. This hotel was built with the highest level of sustainability in mind while still encompassing deluxe and luxurious accommodations. The Ocean Breeze apartments and suites have breathtaking sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. Included with the room is a king size bed, spacious open-air deck, mini-bar, and private large jacuzzi. Activities found at and near the resort include white water rafting, ocean kayaking, rainforest hikes, mangrove kayak and boat tours, catch-and-release sport sea fishing, horseback riding excursions, and canopy tours. Arenas Del Mar participates in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism program, which was developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Ministry. The Sustainable Tourism program is a key component to all levels of their hotel operations.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

This resort sits on a slender isthmus in the Pacific and is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Located on the hotel property is an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and a world-class tropical spa, where you can relax and unwind in luxury. Each guest room and suite is turned out with indigenous woods and local stone, and the decor is inspired by the natural surroundings of ocean, sun, forest and beach. State-of-the-art technology allows you to stay connected, up-to-date, and productive while in a beautiful tropical setting. Reservations can be made by calling 506-2696-0000.

The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa

Built on 1.5 miles of pristine white sand beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Peninsula, this hotel is the epitome of luxury. The Garra De Leon Lions Paw golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is located on the hotel property and is surrounded by both native forests and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel villas and facilities resemble an elegant modern village that is surrounded by Central America’s largest free form pool. The entire resort is situated on 2,400 beautiful acres. Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-436-3542.

Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica

This hotel is strategically located across from the Multi Plaza shopping center in San Jose as well as the Entertainment District. An outdoor heated pool and sauna are located on-site, as is a beauty shop, 24-hour workout facility, and tennis courts. Close by the resort are the volcanoes of Irazu and Poas, which are ideal for outdoor exploration hikes. Whitewater river rafting is also located nearby, and is a great adventure tour option. Make sure to check out the multiple dining options available at the hotel, including Azulejos Restaurant, Alfredo’s, and the Factory Steak Lobster Restaurant.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve

This hotel blends modern amenities and natural scenery magnificently into an adults-only 5-star luxury resort near Quepos in the coastal forests of Costa Rica. This hotel is Costa Rica in its most pure state. The luxurious materials of leather, teak, slate and rattan are used throughout the hotel. A private butler is included with each room, as is a private jacuzzi with a jungle view. On-site, you will find a three-tiered infinity pool, a full-service spa, 24-hour gym, alfresco restaurant, bar, and business center. The hotel is built on a reserve dedicated as a refuge for many of the species found in Costa Rica.

Original article can be found here: Top Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been known as a top adventure destination. From surfing to hiking and horseback riding to ziplining and white-water rafting, it seems like there is something for everyone who loves action and adventure. But the country also offers plenty of places to relax, indulge and experience some romance with a loved one.

A vacation in Costa Rica can be as rough and rugged or as languid and luxurious as you like. Though it’s been billed as a budget travel destination, Costa Rica has its share of high end resort that offer state-of-the-art spas, gourmet meals and sprawling pools. Spend a day getting pampered poolside or opt for a multi-course dinner followed by an evening in a steam hot spring. Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a romantic experience in Costa Rica.

The country’s mix of high and low (when it comes to budget and style) means you can scrimp in some areas and splurge in others, all according to your taste.  So if you consider a beachfront candlelight dinner the ideal evening activity, you’re covered. But you’ll feel equally at home if your idea of romantic bliss is simply chilling in a hammock listening to the sounds of the ocean (and seeing as a hammock was listed as one of the best places to make love before you die, it might be!).

So whether you’re looking for high budget or low, relaxation or adrenaline, Costa Rica may be the right spot for you. Just pack your sense of adventure…and don’t forget to check out the best travel hammocks for an added dose of romance.

Photo by brungrrl

Original article can be found here: Discover the Romantic Side of Costa Rica

Want to really get to see Costa Rica? If you go to Jaco and spend a bunch of time with a lot of other tourists who spend their time enjoying the city’s club scene, you may leave and realize that you never truly caught a glimpse of the untamed wilderness of Costa Rica’s “pura vida.” There are many ways that you can really get to see the unspoilt beauty of Costa Rica, but one of the best is to take a Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tour in Tamarindo.

What to Expect

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours have an impeccable reputation for excellence. You have been on those cheap dolphin tours where the boat is old and you never see anything too exciting. Marlin Del Rey Tours blow these chintzy tours out of the water. On the five hour long tour, you will pass miles and miles of beach with literally no signs of civilization! Talk about really getting away from it all!

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tours leave every day at 1:30PM from Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica. The boat that you go in is incredible! It is 66 feet long, and can travel farther and faster than any other boat in all of Central America. This sailing catamaran can reaching speeds of up to 25 knots, and is so large that even with 25 other passengers, you still feel like you have the place to yourself.

The tour takes you past mile after mile of gorgeous beaches and tropical rain forests. It is common for passengers see troops of monkeys from the boat. Then, at one point, the catamaran stops at a serene bay, in which you can get out and swim around. The black sand beach you stop at is incredible, and there is a palatial private house just up the beach which is the only house you will see the whole trip. At this bay, you can decide to kayak through sea caves, snorkel in the bay, or play on the beach. This beach also features a reef, so the snorkeling is actually really good.

While you play, the Marlin Del Rey staff gets a feast of feast of fresh fruit, chips, dip, ceviche and salads ready. The thing that you should know about the Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours is that they have an unmatched reputation for incredible customer service. If you search through reviews, you find nothing but accounts of people who rave about how far the Marlin Del Rey staff will go out of their way to make your trip great. In addition to lunch, you can also get as many homemade smoothies and drinks as you want at any point in the trip for no additional charge. The kayaks and snorkel equipment also does not cost extra.

While you sail, it is common to be able to see dolphin, flying fish, rays, and sea turtles. If you come in the fall, there is also a good chance that you will get to see whales. Finally, at the end of the trip, you get to watch the sun go down over the Pacific. The tours are all around a wonderful experience!

Tips for Visiting

If you are planning on booking a sunse tour with Marlin Del Rey Sailing, you should know in advance that the trip costs $75.00 each person. This price is probably considerably higher than you would think it would be, and may even put you off from going. But you have to consider what you are getting. Endless drinks, delicious food, free equipment, a trip to a deserted beach and reef, over five hours of sailing, and the most helpful staff that you could imagine.

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tours are a great way to really relax, soak up the sun, and really experience the untouched beauty of Costa Rica!

Original article can be found here: Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours

A vacation like no other awaits you at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. There are relaxing and intriguing natural environments for you to explore, and although tourists flock to Tabacon to enjoy the exciting attractions, the amount of tourists will not distract you from recharging your body and your mind. Look forward to a memorable experience due to the unique nature of the hot springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, and stay in the resort the entire time as you explore the fact that the majority of attractions are right within arm’s reach. This beautiful and tropical resort is situated on a volcano, so the hot springs and pools are heated naturally from within. You will find Tabacon in a rain forest setting with many pools, springs, spas, a swim up bar and other relaxing and interesting attractions; there will never be a boring moment.

What to Expect

The hot springs themselves are next to the main lodge of the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa, and you will find that your room overlooks the Arenal volcano. You will actually be able to hear the sounds of the volcano as steam and lava come out of its vents, so be sure to watch it at night for the spectacular display of red lava to be seen from your room window. It is recommended that you come to Tabacon during the dry season so that the Arenal volcano is easy to see. Enjoy the hot springs during the evening, a relaxing retreat from the tropical temperatures during the day, as well as Pina Coladas or other favorites. Tourists enjoy the Tabacon hot springs all year around, and while your first thought may be that playing on a volcano might be something for thrill seekers, this volcano is purely for relaxation.

There are pools of different temperatures and sizes for you to try, all with massaging waters that are mineral enriched, as well as a waterfall and interesting and exotic plants. You will also find some exciting guided tours to locations such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Lake Arenal. You are guided through the Monteverde Cloud Forest by a tour-guide, beginning with the 70 acre Cloud Forest reserve and being informed about old forest and new forest growth.

Then, prepare to be taken up into the tree tops where you will cascade back to the ground safely after listening to educational information about the rainforest and wildlife. Lake Arenal has a 2 hour tour by boat where fishing for trophy rainbow bass and a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano are enjoyed. Watch the eruptions of the Arenal Volcano from the boat – a truly amazing and unique experience to enjoy.

Tips for Visiting

Be sure to plan your trip ahead to book your room at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa, many tourists seek the relaxation of the hot springs and you may be disappointed if you try to book your room on short notice. Spa treatments should also be booked a day in advance to ensure your appointment. Be sure to bring water shoes that will help you walk safely on the rocks inside the hot springs, you will want to take precautions to keep yourself safe while in the water, a smart thing to do at any resort or pool.

Book your trip during the dry season for volcano views. Come alone or bring your spouse, Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica will quickly become one of your favorite vacation spots with plenty to do and see both in the resort as well as out on the town.

Original article can be found here: Tabacon Hot Springs and Resort

Peace Lodge -

If you are looking for pure Costa Rican luxury, look no further than the Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This breathtakingly, beautiful resort is located just one hour North of San Jose. The resort includes everything you imagine when you think of Costa Rica. From waterfalls, to picture perfect views of the rain forest, it can all be found on the resort’s property.

Although the Peace Lodge is only one hour from San Jose, because of its mountain side location it might as well be 100 miles away. As soon as you step foot on the property you are engulfed by breathtaking views, lush and vibrant landscaping, an array of wildlife, and cool mountain mist.

The rooms at the Peace lodge are nothing short of amazing. The standard rooms are far from standard. They include a stone fireplace, huge four post bed, private balcony with jacuzzi, and a bathroom the size of a small house. The showers in the rooms are an enclosed stoned area and include a unique waterfall feature. I don’t mean a waterfall shower head, but an actual waterfall.

Guests of the Peace Lodge get free admission to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens which is on the same property as the Peace Lodge and operated by the same company. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens include a hiking trail with five waterfalls, a butterfly garden, humming bird area, butterfly garden, snake museum, frog exhibit, wild cats, and a huge aviary.

Contact Information

Where: 1 hour north of San Jose
Cost: $355 and up
Reservations: Yes
Phone Number: (506) 2225-0643
Website: Peace Lodge

Amenities

• 5 Magnificent Waterfalls.
• 3.5 Kilometers of Paved Hiking Trails.
• Hummingbird Garden with 24 species of hummingbirds.
• Butterfly Observatory.
• Serpentarium.
• Orchid Garden.
• Ranarium: Open Air Frog Exhibit.
• Casita de la Paz: Authentic Costa Rican Home.
• Trout Lake with Fishing.
• Aviary.
• Lagoon Pool & Jacuzzi.
• Massage Services.
• Wedding Services.

Original article can be found here: Peace Lodge

Silencio del Campo Hotel – Check Dates

If you are looking for a quiet place to stay outside the busy downtown area of La Fortuna, but don’t feel like trekking all the way back into the jungle to do it, pay a visit to the Silencio del Campo Hotel. This hotel is truly an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the touristy area around the Arenal area.

While the Silencio del Campo Hotel is only a few miles outside of town, its easy to feel like you are deep in a lush tropical garden. Its almost as if the loud sounds of the area and pushy tour operators are incapable of entering onto the grounds of Silencio del Campo Hotel. Upon stepping into the reception area, you are greeted by a friendly, bi-lingual staff and a complimentary drink from the bar.

Rooms at the Silencio del Campo Hotel are actually small cabins. The cabins are beautifully rustic and modernly equipped. The rooms have a small porch area, two queen size beds, air conditions, private bathrooms, hot showers, and more.

Contact Information

Where: La Fortuna
Cost: $97 and up
Reservations: Yes
Phone Number: (506) 479-7055
Website: Silencio del Campo

Amenities

• Natural hot springs
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Hot showers
• Air conditioning
• Friendly staff

Original article can be found here: Silencio del Campo Hotel