costa rica

 

I apologize for lack of posts over here.  I've been pretty sick for almost a week; something I can't seem to shake.  Anyway, the sky has been a relentless shade of gray so I thought it would be fun to visit a sunny spot.  I thought I could put my tripadvisor contributions to good use here.  We went to Costa Rica two years ago for our honeymoon.  As our second anniversary nears, (13 days away... unbelievable how time flies) it got me thinking about our time spent there.  We didn't plan very much and ,lucky for us, it's perfect for that. 

    We landed in San Jose and rented our little engine (I can't stress enough that paying extra for the GPS is a necessity here). We then drove to the most amazeballs spot for relaxing: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort.   We spent four incredible days there.  The resort is built around the heart of Arenal volcano which springs fountains of thermomineral water running at a soothing 39C (102F), forming cascades and natural pools through tropical gardens, and finally resting at the resort's secluded pools.  Once you need to cool off, there is a pool with a handy swim up bar (atleast we found it handy).  It also boasts a four star spa onsite so we splurged for some pampering.  Edward tried massage for the first time and I tried temazcal which is a native purifying and detoxifying ritual performed in a sweat lodge.  I'm not sure what the temazcal did for me aside from the interesting experience but Edward certainly discovered something he didn't know he would enjoy so much!  Lastly, this place boasts some pretty incredible fresh food at both restaurants: Ave del Paraíso Restaurant and Los Tucanes.

We finally had to leave and soon we were eager to explore the Pacific coast.  This is where I need to warn you that the road conditions are extremely tough and headache inducing at times.  Once you get to the coast however (somewhere around the Liberia airport) the conditions improve.  We also ignored the fact that May is considered their "rainy" season which brought about some excellent discounts at all the places we stayed.  Our first stop was Playa Hermosa which was very vacant so we decided to move on after a day of snorkeling. We landed ourselves in one of the more popular spots: Tamarindo.  There are plenty of places to stay there and we found this great b&b Villa Alegre run by a retired couple from California. We stayed in the Russian inspired villa which was a little pricey for our budget but nothing we're not used to back home. It had a private beach as well as a pool.  Again, due to the off season, we shared in most of the amenities by ourselves. Tamarindo Beach is a short walk but not my favorite beach that we went to visit in Costa Rica.  The owner was really helpful in arranging surfing lessons, kayak tours, in house laundry service and giving us directions to a local pottery village.  All in all, it was a good time.

    We stayed there for four days and then decided it was time to go farther north.  We soon landed on Samara Beach which is still yet to be as commercialized as Tamarindo.  It makes me think of what California might have been like in the fifties.  We found another perfect b&b this time run by a couple from Canada. We spent three days at Lodge Las Ranas and really couldn't have asked for better hospitality than we had at the Lodge. It was quiet, romantic, secluded and just a short drive down to both Samara Beach and Carillo Beach. The breakfast was always great and one morning we awoke to find howler monkeys right near our window. Not to mention the view itself from the window is simply stunning!

Writing all of this down makes me a little wanderlust on top of being sick!  I hope you enjoyed the flashback as much as I did.  Are you interested in more travelogues like this?  Have a lovely week if you don't hear from me, I might be in bed.

Comments

[joslyn]

it sounds amazing and these photos are gorgeous.

p.s. i didn't realize that photo i posted yesterday in the loving list was of you... your hubby is an amazing photographer!

[OldBrandNew]

I feel like I just stepped into an oasis. Your photos are beautiful! Especially the snapshot of the group chilling on the beach—timeless. And happy almost anniversary! You two are too cute!

[Alice]

that first picture is to-die-for. oh, wanderlust...

[jessica]

gorgeous shots as always! Hope you're feeling better, enjoying some royal wedding fever, and headed off for a great weekend in good health!

[Brad Anderson]

I absolutely Love Samara Beach! www.villasplayasamara.com