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

It is really easy to relax in a place like Costa Rica. After all, what isn’t relaxing about being able to sit on the beach all day drinking one dollar beers? Even better than that is that the above mentioned activity is social acceptable, if not expected. But, if by some chance you get tired of soaking up the sun and booze, perhaps one of the amazing spas in Costa Rica will offer a nice change of pace. These spas are great at any point in your travel, but if you plan on doing any long hikes up to waterfalls or volcanoes, I suggest you schedule your spa day after the hikes. That way you can get the most bang for your buck!

Pura Vida Wellness Retreat and Spa

Voted favorite spa in Central America in 2005, Pura Vida is a complete resort spa catered to the entire family which includes accommodations, dining with an emphasis on vegetarianism, eco tours and a huge variety of massage and spa treatments available in their wellness center. The center includes a wide selection of treatments including therapeutic modalities, healthy aging seminars, meditation and workshops to traditional spa treatment and massage. For a limited time you can bring a group during green season, May – November in 2009 and 2010, and receive a complimentary massage and $250 in cash. Phone: 888-767-7375.

Martino Resort and Spa

Known for having the best climates in the world, the central Valley of Costa Rica is home to the Martino Resort and Spa, located just 10 miles from the San Jose Airport. Martino Resort offers a full service spa, entertainment and five star dining. One can take full adantage of the services Spa Cleopatra at Martino has to offer, including stone massages, deep massages and inspirational massages. One of the many spa packages Martino offers is called the Eve package which includes a Thai shower, steam room, salt glow exfoliation, herbal wrap, relaxation massage and a Costa Rican facial all for the price of $210 USD. Phone: 1-888-886-5042, outside the US call (506)2-433-8382.

Arenal Volcano Inn

Located in the valley of the Arenal volcano bordering to the Rio Burio in La Fortuna lies nestled the Arenal Volcano Inn. Along with dining, attractions and sightseeing comes the resort’s Garden Spa which offers a mix of strong and slow maneuver deep tissue massage, traditional massage and essential oil massaging. There mixture of massage and oils will take you to a place of sheer tranquility and total bliss. With very competitive rates all year long, there most affordable dates are during their green season, May 1st to May 31st and September 1st to November 30th . Telephone: 1-877-353-9703.

Spa Uno

Centrally located in the jungle of Manuel Antonio comes this extraordinary day spa, long considered the finest day spa in Costa Rica, Spa Uno. With it’s warm stone massages, deep tissue massages, fassages and traditional massages, everyone is sure to find something to soothe their mind, body and soul here. Spa Uno offers very competitive pricing for those looking for a simple day of relaxation. One of the most sought after packages here is the Canopy Deck Adventure. With a scene set on their treetop observation deck, one will receive an ultra hydrating full body massage, a chocolaty full body scrub and shea butter to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten your skin tone. Spa Uno also offers spa parties and spa vacation packages. Phone: 011-506 2777-2607.
>>More Information on Spa Uno

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Tabacon is a five star resort spa nestled on the bottom of the Arenal Volcano in Northern Costa Rica. In 2007 Tabacon was awarded a membership to The Leading Hotels of the World. Geared more toward a couple’s retreat, it offers great Honeymoon getaways, International fine dining, and their award winning Grand Spa. One can indulge themselves in the Grand spa which offers hydrotherapy therapies, mud therapies and massage and skin-care regimens. The Grand Spa at Tabacon also offers yoga sessions and Temazcal, a steam bath that is intended as a physical and spiritual experience. From February 1st – December 19th, one can take advantage of their special, four nights for the price of three nights. Phone: 1-877-277-8291.
>>More information on Tabacon Hot Springs

AmaTierra Retreat and Wellness Center

Nestled in the central valley comes this warm and friendly retreat, AmaTierra, focusing on yoga and wellness services. AmaTierra offers the perfect atmosphere to escape from the everyday demands life offers and proide you with the rejuvenating energy that most people long for. Along with the wellness and spa services AmaTierra offers, there are a number of other things to enjoy such as shopping and guided tours to some of the best locations the area has to offer. The perfect place to focus on your inner being, this resort offers retreats directed at herbal medicine and holistic wellness. Currently there is an extended special 5 day package through December 25th, 2009 for $750 per person plus tax. Telephone: From the US call 866-659-3805.

Montana de Fuego Resort and Spa

One of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica, La Fortuna, San Carlos lays claim to the Montana de Fuego Resort and Spa. Aside from the fabulous spa offered at this resort, one can take part in other activities such as tours, sightseeing and fine dining. There spa offers many treatments from traditional massages to manicures and pedicures. Currently they are having a green special, one can take an additional 10% off of room rates if they book with GoVisitCostaRica.com Telephone: 011 (506) 2 479-1220 .

Original article can be found here: Best Spas in Costa Rica

Just because many people vacation in Costa Rica because they are on a budget or really want to make their vacation dollars last, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the occasional multi-million dollar mansion here or there. In fact, there are probably a lot more luxury villas and mansion in Costa Rica than you think. Perhaps it has something to do with the real estate boom that happened there years ago. Regardless, here are some of our favorite luxury villas from Costa Rica. We probably won’t be staying at any of them any time soon, but its fun to look.

El Castillo De Esparza

Per night: $2,571 and up

A nine-acre estate ensconced on top of a mountain, El Castillo de Esparza was built for the Countess of Baillet-Latour. The estate has 10 bedrooms and more than 43,000 square feet of air-conditioned living space in the main and guest houses. It can comfortably accommodate up to 22 people.

A full-time staff is on duty to take care of all your needs. You can relax by the pool or revel in the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Nicoya. Features on the fully landscaped grounds include fountains and a waterfall, a swimming pool with a large deck, and areas for playing croquet or practicing your putting.

Palacio Tropical

Per night: $2,142 and up

This eight-bedroom, eight-bath beachfront property is in the Cabo Blanco Reserve. The elaborately decorated house features exterior spaces of equal beauty, including patios, decks, balconies, a swimming pool with a waterfall, and a private beach.

Inside, amenities include an entertainment room with satellite tv, a full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave oven, and coffee maker, and a generator to keep the power going regardless. The staff includes a driver, who can take you around in the 15-passenger van.

Villa Estrella

Per night: $2,000 and up

Villa Estrella is a newly built villa on a private mountaintop, with stunning views of the Pacific and of the mountains. The house can easily accommodate up to 20 guests. Each of the seven bedrooms has its own private bathroom and a safe for storing valuables.

The villa has satellite tv, a free high-speed internet connection, a home theater sound system, and a washer and dryer. Outside, you can swim in the infinity edge pool or lounge on the deck while waiting for your dinner to come off the barbeque. The full-time staff is on call all week long. The price includes three meals per day, alcohol, snacks, and drinks from the espresso bar, and baby equipment.

Guests must put down a security deposit. Pets and smoking are not allowed in the villa.

Casa Oceano

Per night: $1,085 and up

With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, the Casa Oceano can be the home away from home for your entire family. Upstairs, the master suite has a private bathroom and shower with a whirlpool tub for the ultimate luxury. Immediately to the right of the main entrance, is a private entrance to three additional upstairs bedrooms through a vaulted ceiling stairway.

Two more bedrooms have whirlpool tubs and private balconies that overlook the ocean, while one has a view of the spectacular gardens. All the bedrooms are air-conditioned.
The villa has a gourmet kitchen, and a full-time, bilingual staff, including a cook, to look after you. TV, CD and DVD players, a home theater, computer and wireless internet connection, a washer dryer, and baby equipment are all included in the price.

Villa Paraiso

Per night: $1,000 and up

A large and beautiful home, Villa Paraiso is a Guatemalan-style house with five bedrooms and five baths in the Las Olas neighborhood. Up to 10 guests can comfortably relax here and take in the amazing views of the water. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a private bath with shower and Jacuzzi, and a wraparound terrace. The other bedrooms have beds of varying sizes and showers. All bedrooms are air-conditioned.

You can watch a movie in the home theater with state-of-the-art surround sound and graded seating, listen to music on the CD player, or whip up a meal for yourself and your guests in the gourmet kitchen. Outside, the courtyard has a fountain, and the infinity pool has built-in chaise longues and a swim-up bar. There is also an outdoor kitchen.

Services include daily housekeeping, a manager, 24-hour security, and concierge services on-site. A cook is also available at an additional charge.

Children are welcome at the villa, but pets are not allowed, nor is smoking in the house.

Royal Villa

Per night: $899 and up

A three-level, five-bedroom villa, this property is on the beach and offers unobstructed views of the ocean. The villa has a full kitchen, living room, a terrace, and a whirlpool bath. Each bedroom is its own bathroom, a king-size bed, a coffe maker, and satellite tv. Guests at the Royal Villa are free to use the restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and spa at the nearby Tango Mar Hotel.

The Royal Villa can accommodate up to 10 people, with a maximum of four children. Kids over six are considered adults. Children age 5 and under stay free. No smoking or pets are allowed in the villa, and a security deposit is required. Breakfast is included in the price. A cook is also available at additional cost. With 15 days notice and a $100 payment, the kitchen can be stocked to your specifications.

Original article can be found here: The Most Expensive Rental Houses in Costa Rica

Sometimes when you go on vacation, it can feel like it takes you days before you really begin to relax! The stress and strain of life can be hard to get rid of. Even though you are miles away, you still worry about how they will cope without you at work, if you remembered to pay your internet bill, and how much more money you can put on your credit card. Nagging worries like this can bother you your entire trip! The fact that traveling by airplane is not exactly the most stress-free thing in the world does not help. So when you finally find yourself in your hotel next to the beach, you almost don’t know what to do with yourself!

I have found that one of the best things to do when I go on vacation is to go to the spa as soon as I arrive at my destination. There is really no better way to unwind than to lay down and have nice smelling oils rubbed on your tired muscles while you listen to the sounds of the jungle outside. If you are headed to Monteverde or Santa Elena, the best place to go to to help get out all of that pent up stress is the Rio Shanti Spa.

What to Expect

Rio Shanti means peaceful river, and this small little spa is family owned and really hip. Go in for a short hour massage, or for longer treatments. If you are looking for great accomodations in Monteverde, the husband and wife team who own the spa also own a cute little house you can rent called the Casa de Amor.

You will be surprised when you walk into the Rio Shanti Spa. First of all, the spa is located in a really pretty part of Monteverde. And when you go into the spa, it is really peaceful and incredibly well decorated. It looks more like something you would find in a much more posh area of town, and yet the prices are very affordable.

You lay down on a heated table, and a professional and knowledgeable masseur gives you a deep tissue massage using fragrant oil blends. It is amazing how much a simple hour long massage at Rio Shanti can help you relax, so that you start enjoying the rest of your vacation!

The Rio Shanti Spa also offers yoga classes in a newly built modern studio that overlooks the Monteverde River. You can purchase a pass in which sessions get cheaper and cheaper the more often you come. So if you have been doing yoga at home and don’t want to get out of the habit, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to attend classes at Rio Shanti. Finally, there is also a boutique in the spa offering hand made jewelry, clothing, tea, and organic soaps and cleaning products.

Tips for Visiting

If you are planning a trip to the Rio Shanti Spa, you should know that you will probably need to book your spa session in advance. Costa Rica has a really relaxed atmosphere, and businesses do not have the extended hours that you find in the United States. But that is the whole point! “Pura vida!,” meaning pure life, is the famous expression referring to the country’s attitude about how to enjoy life. Contact owners Janet and Michael in advance about the hours yoga classes are held, as well as when you can book a massage.
The Rio Shanti Spa does not offer the huge variety of treatments that you may be accustomed to getting at spas in the States. The Spa is really nice and your massage will be both relaxing and professionally done, but don’t expect to be able to get weird mud treatments or facial wraps at the Rio Shanti Spa.

Original article can be found here: Rio Shanti Spa

Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is home to everything from beaches, to surfing, to an incredible variety of wildlife. With so much to see and do, you may feel like you will have to run to get to do everything! So if you are getting too good of a workout spending your days going down ziplines, kayaking, hiking, and surfing, you might need a vacation from your vacation!

In addition to all the other many great attractions in Manuel Antonio, there is one you may not know about; Spa Uno. Many visitors highly recommend spending at least a half day at Spa Uno to rejuvinate well worked muscles and to really let yourself unwind. For anyone who has visited before, Spa Uno has become one of their favorite parts of visiting Costa Rica. Totally unique from any other spa you have been to before, Spa Uno has a tropical flavor that makes it an absolutely indulgent experience!

What to Expect

Spa Uno is located just off the main road that goes between the cities of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. They have every type of spa treatment you could want from warm-stone massages to cleansing facials, and even treatments that can help you preserve your hard earned tan! But the unique thing about Spa Uno is that the spa’s owner, Molly McBride, has specially-developed her own line of organic products that are unique to the spa. She makes the “Raw Botanicals” treatments herself in small batches. Most of the ingredients are local, but all of them are totally organic. It is actually the very first organic skin care line that has ever been created in Costa Rica. The products utilize the incredible powers of the jungle’s fruits and flowers in a way that has never been done before.

If you decide to get the Canopy Deck Adventure, your massage is actually done outdoors on their treetop observation deck. This is a cool experience because you can hear birds and monkeys play as you get your massage! And the products they use smell so delectable, you will wish you were eating them. During the full body massage, they use their Mango Dream Cream to fully hydrate your skin. Then they do a body scrub made out of organic Costa Rican cocoa powder.

Or, you can opt for the indoor Tropical Treasure Spa Experience. With this package, the masseur will place a vanilla-bean pillow across your eyes and give you a scalp massage. Then, you get a papaya facial, and following that, a deep conditioning banana hair mask. After that, they prepare your hands to get a manicure by giving you a warm mango butter hand wrap and massage. Finally, once your hands are soft and smooth, you get a full manicure and pedicure treatment.

If you are looking into getting a treatment, I recommend the Canopy Deck Adventure. Being outside, literally in the middle of the jungle, is incredibly relaxing and soothing, and it is such a unique experience. After you have this experience at Spa Uno, anytime anyone plays a ‘relaxation tape’ with jungle sounds on it, you can actually imagine that you are really in the jungle. But be prepared, because the disappointment you will feel when you open your eyes and realize you are just in Chicago will also be much more real.

Additional Info

I have never done it, but Spa Uno also has does spa parties. You can invite anywhere from five to thirty five guests with you to enjoy exclusive use of the spa. People do it for bridal showers and bachlorette parties, and it has got to be amazing! Spa Uno also provided brunch and other refreshments, and you and your guests simply lay back and enjoy being pampered all day long!

Spa Uno is a world class spa in which you can enjoy a massage treatment that is like no other. With exclusive hand-made products and services they you cannot find anywhere else, you really have to experience it yourself!

Original article can be found here: Spa Uno in Manuel Antonio

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

With all the bars, prostitutes, and surfing in Jaco; there is certainly plenty to do. But, should you feel the need to purge yourself from the town for a day, you will be happy to know there are a wealth of things to do in nearby areas. Because Jaco is a straight shot from San Jose, it is easy to find organized tours that go all over central Costa Rica.

In case you are visiting other areas of Costa Rica as well, here are some other suggested day trips:
Day Trips from Manuel Antonio
Day Trips from San Jose

Crocodile Safari

Home of one of the World’s largest crocodile populations can be found on the Tarcoles River, which is one of four rivers that flow into the Nicoya Peninsula. A perfect day trip safari while in Jaco Costa Rica.

View crocodiles and their habitat up close while crusing down the river. Some of these magnificent reptiles are up to 15 feet long. In addition, professional tour guides will explain the difficult ecosystem of the Guacalillo Estuary that is home to more than 50 different species of birds with the red macaw among them.

And excellent day trip for the whole family and is safe for children. The main receiving hall is fully handicapped accessible and can house up to 200 people at a time. The tour is a two hour boat trip that will accommodate anywhere from 20 to 60 passengers so be sure to get your cameras and video recorders ready to take hundreds of pictures. Transportation, professional guides and a boat ride are all included in this trip package.

Any vacationer needs to include this safari trip in their plans while in Costa Rica. Crocodiles slithering effortlessly through the water in a lushly beautiful landscape makes for a unique and fun trip indeed.

>>Check out our review of the Jungle Crocodile Safari

Costa Rica Café Britt Coffee Tour

Coffee drinkers will enjoy this favorite day tour. The Costa Rica Cafe Britt Coffee Tour leads the visitor from the beginning of the coffee bean to the processing plant that will eventually make the gourmet cup of coffee that all coffee drinkers crave.

In addiiton to the coffee processing facilities, the tour also includes six acres of coffee fields and tropical gardens. The visitor will discover what a typical day is like and learn how a turn of the century coffee processing business operates and visitors can even purchase dried coffee beans in order to plant their own coffee. Visitors will also be able to create their own groumet coffee if desired.

The visitor will also be able to watch the roasting of the coffee beans and the packaging process which ends in a wonderfully tasting cup of coffee.

A professional acting troupe will guide the visitors in a play of the history and importance of the coffee industry and it’s foundation to the local culture. Dressed in traditional clothing of the area, the play is a wonderful experience for adults and kids alike.

The whole family will have a wonderful time on the Coffee tour and will be a time long remembered as one of the favorite highlights of your vacation.

Buena Vista Rainforest Combo

Looking to spend a day in the rainforest? Take a Buena Vista Rainforest tour. While visiting Jaco Costa Rica, taking this 8 hour tour will guide you through the lush landscape of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a rainforest with several species of monkeys darting through the trees and birds chirping in the air.

There are 3 species of monkey that includes the spider monkey, white faced monkey and the howling monkey. With over 250 species of birds, a tour through this natural paradise is the ideal day trip. Other wildlife that is native to the rainforest are also certain to be seen.

Enjoy the sulphur springs for relaxation and a mud bath facial to experience the health benefits that are available deep in the rainforest. Taking a walk on a bridge or experiencing a canopy ride is a must for the traveller as they wander through ravines, rivers and volcanic springs.

Cameras are allowed so the visitors can take pictures of the natural beauty of the tropical rainforest and preserve memories of a unique vacation day.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Rainforest tour, reservations are required at least 5 days in advance. Book yours today.

Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

Visiting Jaco Costa Rica cannot be complete without visiting Arenal Volcano. Listed as one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal Volcano has hot ash belching from the top with hot lava rocks flowing down the hillside virtually on a daily basis.

While visiting the volcano in the town of Zarcero, visitors can enjoy relaxing in thermal hot springs that are naturally heated by the close proximity of the volcano. While there, be sure to consider staying until after dark to see the spectacular views of the volcano at night.

Other activities can be found around Arenal, so if you are not sure what type of tour you would like to take or would like to take several day trips, Arenal is the place to go. Tours for everything from rafting, horseback tours, agricultural tours, caves and canopy tours can be found. Visitors will be sure to find something for everyone in their party to do.

Rappeling will be a unique experience as you feel the rumblings of the volcano or walking across hanging bridges.

Costa Rica offers a wide, unique experience for any traveller and needs to be anyone’s list as a new vacation destination.

Original article can be found here: Day Trips from Jaco

Tamarindo is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. Tamarindo is often the first stop for travelers to Guanacaste because of its close proximity to the new international airport in Liberia. The town is a great place for backpackers and luxury travelers alike. Tamarindo is a rapidly growing place complete with 5 star dining, accommodations, and activities as well as budget friendly hostels and white, sandy beaches. Aside from swimming, sun bathing, and other water activities there are a variety of entertainment options in Tamarindo. Whether you seek adventure, leisure, or relaxation. The options are endless in Tamarindo.

Things to Do In Tamarindo

Off-Roading
Off-Road Costa Rica is an adventure tour company located in Tamarindo. They offer 4×4 rides in Toyota Land Cruisers through the jungle. Unlike many companies through the country that offer similar tours, with Off-Road Costa Rica you have the privilege of driving yourself (all vehicles have a manual transmission). Although you drive yourself, you still have an appointed tour guide to show you the sites and point out fascinating wildlife. One thing to note however, is that if you are a die hard off-roader this may not be the adventure you seek. There is no treacherous terrain or bouldering in this off-road adventure.

Golf
Guanacaste is home to some of those most pristine golf courses in the country as well as Costa Rica’s noted “best” golf course, Hacienda Phinilla Golf Resort, located just outside of Tamarindo. For more information on golfing throughout Costa Rica check out our ‘Golfing in Costa Rica’ article.

Sailing
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours is a company offering daily trips sailing the Pacific Ocean. This is one adventure that should be enjoyed by all travelers to Tamarindo. Spend the day on a 66 ft. boat soaking in the sun. This is the perfect way to enjoy whale watching as well as the viewing of other marine life. The trip includes an open bar, snacks, and snorkel equipment.
They offer two tours a day. If you choose the afternoon trip you can watch the sunset from the deck.

Private charters are also available.

Original article can be found here: Things to Do In Tamarindo

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