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The secret is out…Renting a condo or a villa is the new way for independent travellers to vacation! People are surprised that this is an available and feasible option in Costa Rica. They are even more surprised when they see … Continue reading
Rio Perdido exceeded my expectations. Whenever I feel the need to disconnect for the day…this is the place I run to.
Opened two years ago in August. To give you an idea of the facilities, the developers are the same people that developed Tabacon near Arenal. Absolutely amazing!!! They offer various activities such as hiking, zip lining, mountain bike trails, etc.
To be totally honest I haven’t actually taken advantage of Rio Perdido. Whenever I am lucky enough to get there we spend the day soaking in the pools, getting massages, eating like royalty and having a few cold ones.
They just opened up a boutique hotel that I plan on visiting soon. I’ll be sure to let you know how it is 🙂
Be sure to check it out on your next trip to Guanacaste!
Pura Vida,
Cheryl
Pacifico Beach Club Restaurant
Pacifico in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica offers so much more to our renters than other gated communities in the area. One extra amenity it offers is access to their members only Beach Club located on the north end of Coco Beach.
Two pools for guests to enjoy while either spending the day soaking up the sun and listening to the waves crash in at high tide or simply reading a book in the shade of one of the cabanas. There is a restaurant onsite with a great reasonable menu, so you can drink one of their delicious specialty drinks or a cold Imperial to cool off from the Costa Rican heat.
Once you arrive let the concierge know your name and condo number. They will provide you with oversize towels for the day. The guest memberships are available when renting in Pacifico for $50/week/condo or $100/month/condo for longer stays. Please note, they only accept debit and credit cards at the club.
There are four complimentary shuttles from Pacifico to the Beach Club daily. The shuttle leaves from in front of lifestyles building 11 near the front entrance of Pacifico.
They like to keep things interesting and make changes every month from cooking classes, stand up paddling, live music, movies, etc. They celebrate wined down Wednesdays and thirsty Thursdays.
Most importantly…Don’t forget your sunscreen!!!
I’ve been wanting to do a blog post about why I love Costa Rica so much, but frankly … It’s really hard to put into words.
My good friend and real estate guru, Mike Simons from ReMax Tres Amigos in Playa Hermosa put this short video together. I think it explains it better than I can…
What are you waiting for check it out!!!
Afterwards, have a look at his blog. It’s hilarious and full of priceless information. http://www.tanktopsflipflops.com/
I’ve also attached his website. Not nearly as funny, but full of information.
http://www.remax-tresamigos-cr.com/
Hope to see you soon 🙂
Pura Vida,
Cheryl
Cheryl Grant
Owner
Costa Connection
Costa Rica (011) 506 8315 5800
Canada (001) 403 800 8618
Skype: cherylgrantincr
Email: costaconnection@gmail.com
Blog: https://cherylgrantvacationrentals.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/costaconnection
Website: http://www.mycostaconnection.com
http://www.cherylgrantvacationrentals.com
It’s funny as I sit on my balcony admiring my blinking Christmas lights on December 23 in shorts and a tank top at 7pm and it’s still 26 degrees Celsius. One would think for a Canadian girl it wouldn’t feel much like Christmas.
Christmas in Canada was by far my favourite holiday. I loved the snow, christmas carols, family, days off, shopping, food, friends and the hustle and the bustle that came along with it. However, things have changed as I haven’t been “home” for Christmas in 6 years. I went to San Jose last week to shop for supplies and run some errands…I lasted 6 hours in the “hustle and bustle” and was dying to get out and back to my sleepy beach town.
It’s funny because now when the winds that blow in during December in Guanacaste it begins to feel like Christmas for me. They have “Festival de la Luz” where the bands march and the girls (and occasional guy) dance. Even the smallest houses have some sort of decorations whether it is a small lit up tree or one strand of lights. I love the fact that Christmas isn’t as commercial here as it seems at home. One small thoughtful gift is more than sufficient for most people here. And when it comes down to it…that is what Christmas really is suppose to be about.
Don’t get me wrong, this time of year I definitely do miss being surrounded by my family and dear friends at home. However, I do get “skyped” into most of the dinners to say hello, see everyone again, show off my tan and drool over their food. Fortunately, this is my busiest time of year so I guess I don’t have much time to think about what I’m missing at home.
My Moms’ Tree Last Trip Home!
This year I’ll spend Christmas with some of my closest friends here in Costa Rica. They have become “my family away from family”. I’m feeling incredibly blessed this year and I am excited for to start 2013. The idea behind writing this post was to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and only the best in 2013! Thank you to everyone for all their love and support through 2012 … It’s been a great year 🙂
Hugs,
Cheryl
Hotel Luisiana At Night
Every once in awhile you find a hotel that you just don’t want to leave when it’s time to go home. Hotel Luisiana is one of those hotels for me. What makes it so great? First and foremost, the beds and linens are heavenly. The layout of the hotel makes you feel like you are just staying in a really big house and the staff is family. Mix all of the above with the cooler temperatures of the central valley and it makes for an amazing sleep.
Heaven on Earth!
It’s a charming bouqtiue hotel just outside of the centre of Santa Ana. It’s close to Escazu for your shopping, dining and nights out. It’s easy to get to even for the most weary drivers. The hotel also offers transportation with their private driver; Alejandro can take you anywhere. The airport transfers were very reasonable in price.
The staff is amazing and kind. The front desk is open 24 hours, free coffee, internet and computers in all the rooms, 32″ flatscreen smart tv’s, mini fridge and large bathrooms. Did I mention how amazing the beds are??? Yes…I already covered that. lol There is a small restaurant at the hotel, which I haven’t tried yet. They focus on Italian and Japanese food.
I’ve stayed at various other hotels when I have visited San Jose including Barcelo San Jose Palacio, Parque Del Lago, Hotel Torremolinos and Hotel Indigo. Without a doubt Hotel Luisiana is the best value for the money! (Book online with Expedia to get the best rates)
It had been years since I had visited Sugar Beach Hotel. It’s a sweet little beach that hardly anyone knows about. This weekend I was invited to stay at the eco-friendly hotel for my first time. Sugar Beach is just north of the small community of Potrero and south of Coco.
The 24 acre beachfront property is precious. The grounds are full of larger than life trees and palms. Iguanas and coatis peruse the gardens. The small beach is amazing and carries the prestigious blue flag, which is awarded to only the cleanest beaches in Costa Rica. The turquoise bay occasionally has a swell large enough to surf, but generally is calm.
Ahhhh…Paradise Found!!!
The boutique hotel can handle up to 80 guests. They have 28 guest rooms/suites as well as a 5 bedroom beach house to offer guests. The rooms have been recently renovated and ours was extremely clean. The beds are comfortable, rooms are spacious, large bathroom and come complete with a 32″flat screen tv and mini fridge. My favourite part of the room was the patio that over looked the ocean and grounds.
Rooms are nestled in the hills around the property.
You can enjoy your morning costa rican coffee from the patio of your own room or as you sit in the restaurant enjoying the view and listening to the waves crashing on the beach just below. The restaurant has a large menu and a very friendly staff.
View from the restaurant.
I loved the infinity pool at the hotel and the beach was serene. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a quiet private retreat. If you were coming in a large group and wanted to have a resort on the beach all to yourselves I think this hotel would be absolutely perfect.
I recently set off for a mini getaway, as requests for overnight trips to Arenal Volcano begin to spill in for high season. I decided to pay a visit to Arenal Springs Resort & Spa as my clients have been looking for a mid range accommodation with great views.
From the moment we arrived for our inspection the staff was amazing. They greeted us with welcome drinks and lead us to check in, which was surprisingly quick and painless.
They helped us to our room. It was perfect. The walkway arrived at a large patio with rocking chairs. The room was full of natural light. Two queen beds, large bathroom complete with a 1/2 outdoor shower. There was a mini fridge, coffee maker and flat screen tv. The best part of the room was the breath taking view of the volcano.
I could have stayed here all day!
Like a kid in a candy store I was torn between heading to check out the hotel spa vs the hot springs first. Tough life … I know! lol Figured I better get booked in for a little TLC so I walked down to the spa. I booked a facial and massage and then carried on down to the hot springs. Good thing I booked them for the following day as once I got in…there was no getting out of the springs.
The property has their own thermal waters, so no need to head to another place to soak in the famous benefits of hot springs. They have 4 different pools, a jacuzzi, 2 cold pools including one for the kids. Now that I think about it … I didn’t see one child there. I would recommend Hotel Los Lagos for people travelling with children. There is a little more to do there for them.
We finally got out to go have dinner. We found the food at the Ti-Cain restaurant at the resort pricey, but good. Breakfast was included in our stay and the buffet had something for everyone. During our couple days we also wandered out to eat a couple meals as well. The locals told me the best steak was found at Don Rufino. I’m an Albertan that has lived in Argentina so I’m pretty picky about good steak. I wasn’t impressed with Don Rufino. I usually head to Restaurante La Parada infront of the park for a good cheap meal, with plenty of people watching included.
My spa treatment was great. The massage and facial lasted almost 2 hours. The setting is serene as the wood treatment areas are surrounded by lush gardens and a Koi pond.
Heading To The Spa
Treatment Room
For anyone interested in doing yoga, they have a beautiful area for your practice. GORGEOUS!!!
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Arenal Springs and Resorts to anyone looking for an overnight trip to Arenal. Great Place!
p.s. I was to busy in the hot springs and spa to take my own photos…these are compliments of the hotel 🙂
Everyone always asks “Cheryl, what is your favourite all day adventure tour?” I can tell you hands down without hesitation you can’t leave Costa Rica without a trip to Hacienda Guachipelin.
Hacienda Guachipelin is a privately owned working ranch that they have opened up to tourists to come and enjoy. It is located at the base of the Rincon De La Vieja Volcano just north of Liberia. Once you get away from the beach and up in the untouched area you will quickly notice that the temperature cools off in comparison to the beach. The wildlife around the ranch is amazing as it backs up to Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Three species of monkeys, beautiful birds including toucans if you are lucky, coati (like a raccoon crossed with an anteater), lizards, snakes (pretty hard to see…don’t let this scare you lol), etc.
Coati … As a friend of mine says “like a racoon only friendlier”
The owner Jose Tomas and his crew are amazing hosts. They are always flexible and client satisfaction is their first priority. I’ve been going for years and sending almost every client that comes and the only complaint I have had is that they had to come back home. The options of activities are endless and the staff is able to tailor the day to everyone. I recommend the all day adventure pass. This way you can pick two of the main activities and then they sneak everything else in.
You can choose two of the activities from two different zip lines, waterfall repelling and/or tubing down the river. Last time I went, we arrived around 8:15 in order to miss any big tour groups that arrive during day. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, but hate having to be herded like cattle all day. Hence, why I recommend renting a car or going in a small tour group.
We started out getting in our zip lining gear. I was with good friends and was joking about the last time I went and someone fell. Stupid joke…I then spent the next 15 minutes explaining the safety protocols they have to follow. In the end no one bailed and we finished the mini zip lining for dummies course they give you. Everyone got over their initial jitters and we were off and there was no looking back. Even people who are scared at first get over it by about the third platform.
I love that this canopy cuts through a canyon. It’s completely different from the other zip-lines here. Rock walls on both sides with the river down below and the monkeys are the only ones cheering you on. This particular canopy includes a “mission impossible” drop, which I did upside down. I felt like Tom Cruise. It was awesome. Basically, instead of going across on the zipline…you plunge down to the platform at the base of the river. You then swing across the Tarzan swing to the other side. I then felt like Jane. Then I was at a rock wall. They wanted me to climb it. I laughed and said “You want me to what???”. Soooo…then I felt a little like an overweight Spiderman. Thank god there is a guy up top to hoist you up once all your muscles give out. From there are a series of other cables and small rock walls.
One of the small rock climbs between platforms.
After that…I was ready for a drink, but not yet. We rounded up some horses and headed for a swim under one of the waterfalls with turquoise blue water on the property. We trotted back for lunch. The lunch alone is reason to go back over and over again. I’m not going to lie. I’m not a huge fan of the famous “Gallo Pinto“, I do eat the odd chicken casado or arroz con pollo. But this buffet style meal is amazing!!! It’s full of delicious typical food and fresh juices. My advice … Eat Up, because you’re going to need it for the rest of the day.
We got back in the saddle and rode horses down to the river to the start of the tubing activity. It’s 5km down a river that runs down the side of a volcano in the jungle. You pass by beautiful trees, a waterfall, birds, lizards and troops of monkeys. Depending on the time of year the tour changes. It gets ridiculously fast in the rainy season because the river is much higher. Other times it’s a nice leisurely float with a few rapids. Make sure you bring some old running shoes because sandals are not going to cut it. For women, shorts are a better option than a bikini. After falling out a few times and laughing at other people falling out we proceeded back to the lockers in an old bumpy school bus.
Although, most people then head off to the natural hot springs and mud baths. We changed into some dry clothes and headed to the little bar there for a couple of cold ones before heading home. (Another reason to hire a driver) There is also a hotel if you decided to stay the night. I’d recommend it as there is so much to see and do. A hike around the National Park is amazing and you could do that the following day.
So there you have it…This day trip is the one I don’t think anyone should miss!!!
MY COSTA CONNECTION 