Costa Rica
Where to Stay- Where to Play
Costa Rica is a county of five million people located in Central America. Capital: San Jose.
Flights
Numerous European and American airlines fly to San Jose or Liberia. From Europe there is generally one connection.
Places to Stay
Costa Rica Marriott San Jose: Hacienda style Four-star resort. A short distance from the airport, Conde’ Nast considers it one of Central America’s finest hotels. A wonderful selection of dining experiences including Bar 10 and the Peruvian influenced, La Isabela. www.marriott.com
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, Herradura: Golf course, marina with beautiful swimming pools. Close to many outdoor attractions. Two wonderful new restaurants, Zoe and Hacienda Kitchen compliment the fine variety of food choices. www.marriott.com
Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal: Located between beautiful forests and the beaches of Costa Rica’s North Pacific Rivera. This secluded all-inclusive hotel provides all that any one would wish for the ultimate get away. The Royal Beach Club is adult only and offers private pools and concierge. Walk along a shell-strewn beach, hike the forest, play tennis or golf on the championship golf course. www.marriott.com
Where to Eat
Costa Rica offers endless dining choices that suit every style and budget
San Jose Region
La Isabela: Located in the striking Marriott San Jose. Reasonably priced with an excellent menu. Well-plated food and perfect service with a very good wine list- taste the flamed scallops and cheese or the ceviche appetizers.
El Novillo Alegre, Escazu: There are three locations in the country. Had lunch at the Escazu location in San Jose. The service is top notch and the food is amazing. If you enjoy steak it is “melt in the mouth” delicious. www.restauranteeInovilloalegre.com
Graffitti Restro Café and Wine Bar, Jaco: This restaurant scores a “ten” out of ten. Considered by many as one of the country’s finest restaurants. Loved the crusted sea bass. Perfect wine pairings
Los Suenos Marina Restaurants: A beautiful location along the promenade on Herradura Bay www.lossuenos.com
The Hook –Up: An inexpensive casual sports oriented restaurant with 270 degree views of the Bay and local mountains.
Bambu: If you enjoy Asian food and fresh seafood this location by the water is perfect. Reasonably priced. If you enjoy sushi Bambu is the place to go.
Lanterna Italian Steakhouse: Steaks cooked over an open grill and house made pizzas. Great value
Zoe Beachside: New open air dining restaurant. Mediterranean inspired fire-grilled seafood. Perfect for casual or a romantic evening
Conchal
If you are staying at the all-inclusive The Westin Golf Resort and Spa there are numerous dining choices – all of them attractive in their décor and setting. www.marriott.com
Cauri Lobby Bar and Bistro: A perfect place to go following your day of golf or just to have a casual meal or drink. The “Evil Geisha” made from sake, Grand Marnier and passion fruit juice will have you feeling more relaxed.
Spirula Pizza Bar: Open air, very casual located near the pool. The pizzas are all house made.
Faisanela: Northern Italian cuisine. Overlooking the pool the vaulted ceiling adds grandeur to an already sophisticated setting
Manglar: Open kitchen, dark wood provide a wonderful ambience to this restaurant. Try their signature sangria.
Catalina’s: Dinner reservations are required as this is one of the Resort’s most popular restaurants chef’ hand select ingredients from local markets.
Quepos, Guanacaste and Tamarindo Region
Café Agua Azul, Quepos: Very relaxed atmosphere, reasonably priced. Stunning ocean views. Food is very fresh. The tuna tostadas were exceptional. www.cafeaguaazul.com
Pangas Beach Club, Tamarindo: Lunch, dinner or drinks on an amazing beach. Super relaxed with super service. Amazing menu choices, the ultimate in casual dining, music and soft lights on a star lit evening. Incredible sunsets, this is Costa Rica! www.pangasbeachclubcr.com
Spectacular Views:
There are few places I have travelled as impressive than the view from Villa Caletas Hotel. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and tropical jungles This luxury boutique hotel is located 1150 feet above the blue waters of the Pacific and tropical rainforest. Whether dining on the veranda or a swim in their infinity pools spectacular views and magnificent sunsets make this a must visit. www.hotelvillacaletas.com
Things to Do:
Britt Coffee Plantation Tour, San Jose: Costa Rica produces some of the world’s finest coffees. Truly entertaining and informative half-day tour, Café Britt is Costa Rica’s first and premiere coffee roaster. www.coffeetour.com
Jose’s Crocodile River Tour: Wondrous tour along the Rio Tarcoles. I didn’t realize crocodiles grew so large? Informative and friendly staff. Tiger Herons, Howler Monkeys and Pelicans. Crocodile Bridge over the Rio Tarcoles: park your car and walk along the narrow sidewalk and look down. Don’t lean to far over the railing! www.crocodiletour.com
Manuel Antonio National Park: Obtain the service of one of the guides who carry large telescopes. They spot wild life well before you would ever see it. Take your smartphone they will take photos through their lens of toucans, macaws and monkeys providing a “National Geographic” photo. You may even discover miniature frogs camouflaged as leaves. www.manuelantoniopark.com
Golf Tours:
Tee Times Costa Rica: Fabio Solano is the ultimate host! He can provide access to most golf courses and accommodations what ever your needs require or the size of your group. He will arrange side tours as well as memorable golf. From the moment you arrive at the airport everything is looked after.
