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Message
Talk to me about Costa Rica
Posted on 10/24/24 at 7:28 pm
Posted on 10/24/24 at 7:28 pm
Looking at booking something through Costco Travel, which I have never done before, and going to Costa Rica, which I have also never done before, for our 25th anniversary. JW Marriot looking like the best option. Any experiences welcome - hotel choice, Costco Travel, excursions, etc.
FTR, I've traveled to most of the free world + China, but have never veered of South Orlando.
FTR, I've traveled to most of the free world + China, but have never veered of South Orlando.
This post was edited on 10/24/24 at 8:27 pm
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Posted on 10/24/24 at 7:33 pm to TigerHornII
Westin playa Conchal is great if your looking for an all inclusive.
Posted on 10/24/24 at 8:36 pm to TigerHornII
Why did you choose to go to Costa Rica? Are you looking for adventure, or relaxation?
Posted on 10/24/24 at 9:09 pm to GOP_Tiger
quote:
Why did you choose to go to Costa Rica? Are you looking for adventure, or relaxation?
Good question. Adventure - not so much. We're old, as you might guess by the anniversary. We married late.
We don't really drink for recreation any more, in fact, we just don't drink at all. Mainly want to see some natural beauty, eat some great food, and relax.
Posted on 10/25/24 at 8:27 am to TigerHornII
We did Papagayo and stayed at the Andaz. The whole area is gated, but never felt unsafe when traveling out of the gated area, and there's a ton to do inside the walls. The Four Seasons has a property there as well, which has a golf course.
I've never done Costco Travel, so I'm no help there. That said, Costa Rica was great.
I've never done Costco Travel, so I'm no help there. That said, Costa Rica was great.
Posted on 10/25/24 at 9:36 am to RummelTiger
quote:
We did Papagayo and stayed at the Andaz
Have done this as well. It's a beautiful property with plenty to do but if you want to adventure out, you can rent a car or book a day trip and not have to worry about driving.
Posted on 10/25/24 at 4:18 pm to TigerHornII
Posted on 10/26/24 at 6:21 am to TigerHornII
We’re headed to Rio Perdido in a couple weeks. It’s not the coast and not the rainforest, just relaxing nature stay.
Our first trip down there, will have to check out other regions on subsequent stays.
Our first trip down there, will have to check out other regions on subsequent stays.
Posted on 10/26/24 at 9:03 am to TigerHornII
I don’t think you can go wrong by going through Costco Travel but those options are pretty limited. You may be able to do it yourself, save money over Costco Travel and do better. Both Casa Chameleon properties are incredible places.
Posted on 10/26/24 at 9:20 am to TigerHornII
quote:
Looking at booking something through Costco Travel, which I have never done before, and going to Costa Rica, which I have also never done before, for our 25th anniversary. JW Marriot looking like the best option. Any experiences welcome - hotel choice, Costco Travel, excursions, etc.
FTR, I've traveled to most of the free world + China, but have never veered of South Orlando.
Why the heck would someone downvote this?
For everyone else, appreciate the insights.
Posted on 10/26/24 at 9:20 am to Finnish
quote:
We’re headed to Rio Perdido in a couple weeks. It’s not the coast and not the rainforest, just relaxing nature stay.
Would love to hear your feedback on this when you return!
Posted on 10/26/24 at 5:53 pm to TigerHornII
We went last year and stayed in 3 different locations over 9 days.
First 3 were at the Westin Playa Conchal all inclusive. It was our first time doing an AI. The grounds were lovely, lots of monkeys, and a very nice beach. There is also a tour operator who works off of that beach who has some great google reviews and options for adventure tours. I can't remember his name but he wears an obvious google shirt and offers surfing, deep sea fishing, ATVs, ziplining, waterfall visits etc.. (We just did these ourselves because we had a car). The food was very meh, but the grounds, beach and activities were nice. I don't think I would do an AI if I didn't drink though..
Next we spent 3 nights in a treehouse style airbnb in Monteverde. The drive was treacherous, but we stopped at an incredible waterfall that we saw a sign for off of the road on the way. Absolutely beautiful and a great way to spend a few hours. The Monteverde treehouse had some amazing views and the area was really remote and peaceful. We did Cloud forest hikes here and a lot of relaxation. This was a much slower pace town.
Last three nights were at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Fantastic boutique property right on the amazing blue Rio Celeste River. We tubed here and more hiking. Food was very good too.
We felt safe the whole time and everyone was incredibly friendly. Not sure I would recommend renting a car as the roads were the worst I have experienced. (And that is coming from a New Orleans resident).
Next time we go back, we plan on visiting Manuel Antonio and Uvita. It is a really great country and feels like you can't go wrong whichever region you choose.
First 3 were at the Westin Playa Conchal all inclusive. It was our first time doing an AI. The grounds were lovely, lots of monkeys, and a very nice beach. There is also a tour operator who works off of that beach who has some great google reviews and options for adventure tours. I can't remember his name but he wears an obvious google shirt and offers surfing, deep sea fishing, ATVs, ziplining, waterfall visits etc.. (We just did these ourselves because we had a car). The food was very meh, but the grounds, beach and activities were nice. I don't think I would do an AI if I didn't drink though..
Next we spent 3 nights in a treehouse style airbnb in Monteverde. The drive was treacherous, but we stopped at an incredible waterfall that we saw a sign for off of the road on the way. Absolutely beautiful and a great way to spend a few hours. The Monteverde treehouse had some amazing views and the area was really remote and peaceful. We did Cloud forest hikes here and a lot of relaxation. This was a much slower pace town.
Last three nights were at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Fantastic boutique property right on the amazing blue Rio Celeste River. We tubed here and more hiking. Food was very good too.
We felt safe the whole time and everyone was incredibly friendly. Not sure I would recommend renting a car as the roads were the worst I have experienced. (And that is coming from a New Orleans resident).
Next time we go back, we plan on visiting Manuel Antonio and Uvita. It is a really great country and feels like you can't go wrong whichever region you choose.
Posted on 10/26/24 at 7:04 pm to TigerHornII
White water rafting on the Rio Reventazon.
Posted on 10/28/24 at 12:52 pm to TigerHornII
Depending on how long you go for, you may want to make a couple of stops. The classic three stop trip is Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste and Arenal.
We are big travelers and absolutely love the Nayara resorts. The original one is in Arenal: Nayara Gardens. They added on Nayara Springs (adult only) and Nayara Tented Camp. They are building new properties in Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste, although I don’t know when they will open.
We like Nayara for incredible service and great food (Costa Rican “typical” food is pretty basic — chicken, rice and beans, and a simple salad). It’s great to have an early breakfast, then head out for an activity: zip lining (skytrek is best), canyoning, rafting, lake fishing, coffee tours, horseback riding, etc. head back to the resort for lunch and a spa break or hang by the pool. Springs and Tented camp have private volcanically heated plunge pools at each villa. No hotel style rooms; all private villas and surprisingly affordable given the quality.
It’s the rainforest so expect a few tropical showers. Keeps everything lush and green.
I like the Andaz and Four Seasons in Guanacaste as well. The only downside is they are really generic. Generically beautiful and luxurious yes, but not much sense of being in a foreign country. Once you cross the security gate every inch is immaculately landscaped, you might as well be in Hilton Head - except it is mountainous.
Bottom line. Wherever you start, end your trip at Nayara. You won’t regret it.
We are big travelers and absolutely love the Nayara resorts. The original one is in Arenal: Nayara Gardens. They added on Nayara Springs (adult only) and Nayara Tented Camp. They are building new properties in Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste, although I don’t know when they will open.
We like Nayara for incredible service and great food (Costa Rican “typical” food is pretty basic — chicken, rice and beans, and a simple salad). It’s great to have an early breakfast, then head out for an activity: zip lining (skytrek is best), canyoning, rafting, lake fishing, coffee tours, horseback riding, etc. head back to the resort for lunch and a spa break or hang by the pool. Springs and Tented camp have private volcanically heated plunge pools at each villa. No hotel style rooms; all private villas and surprisingly affordable given the quality.
It’s the rainforest so expect a few tropical showers. Keeps everything lush and green.
I like the Andaz and Four Seasons in Guanacaste as well. The only downside is they are really generic. Generically beautiful and luxurious yes, but not much sense of being in a foreign country. Once you cross the security gate every inch is immaculately landscaped, you might as well be in Hilton Head - except it is mountainous.
Bottom line. Wherever you start, end your trip at Nayara. You won’t regret it.
Posted on 10/28/24 at 3:06 pm to SpringBokCock
my favorite area in costa rica was monteverde. perfect temps and one of the most unique places imo.
Posted on 10/28/24 at 3:13 pm to Toss_Dive
quote:
Westin playa Conchal is great if your looking for an all inclusive.
I second this. Good golf course too.
Posted on 10/28/24 at 4:41 pm to TigerHornII
quote:
We don't really drink for recreation any more, in fact, we just don't drink at all. Mainly want to see some natural beauty, eat some great food, and relax.
Food is great if you like seafood and fruit...otherwise..
I second the Manuel Antonio area. Volcano in the mountains that has some natural springs. (I've stayed in MA, but never ventured up to the volcano)
I've been several times, but never too far from Quepos (MA is nearest Quepos), Jaco area staying in Los Suenos resort.
Its a beautiful country and relaxation comes standard.
CR changes from region to region. So depends on where you want to go. People are nice and friendly and laid back (not at all like Mexico)
Posted on 10/29/24 at 9:15 am to Finnish
quote:
We’re headed to Rio Perdido in a couple weeks
Just pulled up their website ... looks awesome.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 11:25 am to TigerHornII
Although I didn't downvote, it may be because you are mentioning JW Marriott and similar AIs. You say you've traveled all over. Costa Rica to me just isn't the place to stay in an AI. I felt it was easy to get around, safe, and folks were really friendly. I felt it was a step up from a 3rd world country as we saw lots of houses with AC. I didn't mind driving there, but there were some roads that were really bumpy. We just went really slow on those.
I would go to either Arenal (La Fortuna) and Manuel Antonio or Arenal and somewhere in the Tamarindo area. Monteverde is fabulous, but really hard to get to. It is very unique though as one of the few places in the world like it. If you only go to an AI in Costa Rica, you might as well just go to Mexico instead. In Arenal, you have the beauty of the volcano and you can do some excursions to see amazing wildlife or go to one of the places with the hot springs. You could even stay at the springs. Guanacaste (Tamarido and beaches near there) do have some nice AIs and you could end your trip there relaxing on the beach.
I would go to either Arenal (La Fortuna) and Manuel Antonio or Arenal and somewhere in the Tamarindo area. Monteverde is fabulous, but really hard to get to. It is very unique though as one of the few places in the world like it. If you only go to an AI in Costa Rica, you might as well just go to Mexico instead. In Arenal, you have the beauty of the volcano and you can do some excursions to see amazing wildlife or go to one of the places with the hot springs. You could even stay at the springs. Guanacaste (Tamarido and beaches near there) do have some nice AIs and you could end your trip there relaxing on the beach.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 12:16 pm to LaLadyinTx
quote:
If you only go to an AI in Costa Rica, you might as well just go to Mexico instead.
Why do you recommend going to an AI in Mexico as opposed to Costa Rica? They are very different.
This post was edited on 10/29/24 at 12:47 pm
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