Costa Rica is a Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the Southeast. One of only a handful of nations that can claim the Pacific Ocean on the west coast and The Caribbean Sea on the east. A rugged and rich interior with the Arenal Volcano and large rainforests, Costa Rica is a prime eco- tourism destination with hundreds of animal, plant, and flower species, many exclusive to the area. The climate is diverse with the coastlines offering sunny beach days, while the interiors are cooler located within the rainforests.
We toured a few properties in Guanacaste on the west coast and these are our recommendations of where to stay for a family, friends, or solo vacation or to plan a destination wedding and honeymoon.
The Riu Palace in Guanacaste is a 5 star all-inclusive located on the edge of Matapalo Beach. A family friendly resort with 4 pools, beachfront location, multiple dining options, Renova Spa, and quality nightly entertainment for kids and adults.
Room categories range from Jr. Suites with garden views to Jacuzzi Suites, perfect for honeymooners to 2 bedroom family suites big enough to accommodate a larger family.
The hotels offers beach activities like snorkeling, diving, fishing, volleyball, kayaks, windsurfing and sailing. The very friendly staff was very eager to make guests happy and encouraged participation in daily and nightly activities.
The hotel offers a varied amount of excursions to eco-parks, volcanoes, rainforests, and golf near by.
For more info and to book click here: Reserve your stay
The Occidental Papagayo is an Adults-Only 5 star all inclusive also located on the Guanacaste Coast that caters to adults who want a more relaxing experience with a focus on romance and honeymooners. Set on the dramatic Gulf Of Papagayo the views are magical and the lush natural surroundings are true to Costa Rica.
The all inclusive program allows guests to choose from 2 a la carte restaurants as well as an international buffet and snack bar.
Rooms vary from deluxe modern standard rooms with all needed amenities to Premium level luxury concierge rooms, where specialized customer service will make the most discerning customers feel special.
Activities offered include diving, cycling, kayaks, outside excursions or just lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand. A relaxing spa and fitness are available for guests to enjoy.
The dedicated hotel Wedding department can help prepare the special day from A to Z so that guests can start their honeymoon early and leave all the worries behind.
For more info and to book your stay click here: Occidental Papagayo
One of the most highly recommended activities when visiting the Guanacaste coast is a visit to Diamante Eco- Adventure Park.
Located about 10 minutes away from The Riu Palace this park offers the longest dual zipline in the country, horseback riding on the beach, and ATV Rentals. The “Superman” zipline is a mile long course over looking the ocean ending with with a free fall and the Tarzan swing. The guides are highly trained with quality equipment and top safety standards to make this a safe enjoyable experience for guests with any amount of experience.
The Diamante Animal Sanctuary is the largest on the Guanacaste coast. Conservation is very important to the park and the region. There are species of sloths, monkeys, jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, and toucans along with a wild cat habitat. The animals are rescued and brought to Diamante by MINAE, The Costa Rica Ministry of Wildlife.
Getting to Costa Rica:
AeroMexico 737-800
While many think that only US airlines offer convenient daily service to Costa Rica, we were pleasantly surprised that Aeromexico offers daily service from JFK and other US cities to San Jose, Costa Rica through its Mexico City Hub. We always prefer the gracious service and staff of international airlines, like Aeromexico with full meal service and complimentary alcoholic beverages even in Economy. Class Premier offers an enhanced flight experience with top notch cuisine and on board entertainment.
The recently renovated Salon Premier in Mexico City Airport provides passengers a comfortable VIP experience while waiting for their connecting flights. Offering a variety of food, drinks, WIFI, satellite TV and reading options the enhanced space now has greater capacity, private relaxation spaces, spa, and showers in the international salon. An experienced staff caters to guests who expect the best from their airline when they travel either for business or leisure. Aeromexico premier lounges are located in 10 airports within Mexico.
FashionsWeek: Beauty, Fashion, Travel, Tech & Dining By Maya Litovsky 