By Alexandra (Alex) Algiere
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September 22, 2023
Recently I had an opportunity to visit Costa Rica. This country has been on my bucket list for years, as one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the Americas, and I longed to experience it for myself. Fortunately, I not only had the opportunity to do so, but also to experience and review two unique resorts along the Pacific Coast. This gorgeous country has been having something of a Renaissance recently, with new hotels and tourism developments. The increase in tourism is being driven by a number of factors, including the country's strong safety record, its natural beauty, and its assorted range of activities and attractions available for people to enjoy the sun, sand, and rainforest. The diverse wildlife of the country, from sloths, tapirs, monkeys and an astounding array of birds, can be found along the trails in the National Parks, or even in the trees at your resort. My journey began with a drive from the Liberia airport to Dreams Las Mareas. A family friendly resort, Dreams is located at the base of a mountain in La Cruz, bordered by the ocean on one side and farmland on the other. About an hour and a half from the airport, the resort is well worth the drive with lush foliage, stunning décor, and adorable spider monkeys playing in the trees. The resort’s 17 pools trail from the main building to the beach, and along the way to the water, you may be witness to the resort’s little tribe of mischievous, white faced monkeys. At the secluded beachfront, lounge chairs and a bar serving limitless drinks await. For anyone seeking activities the beach offers kayaks and snorkeling equipment for water adventures. The cove perfectly frames the sun as it sets, creating the perfect backdrop to dinners in the sand. The greenery around the hotel serves aesthetic and practical purposes; helping to muffle the sounds from other parts of the resort, while creating the feeling that the resort is truly interwoven into the forest. The food was impressively delicious at every restaurant. Options include five à la carte restaurants, a buffet with a menu that changes daily, a grill and a café. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible and cooked to perfection. Each restaurant features specially planned menus to showcase the unique flavors of the region and is designed to create the perfect atmosphere. Lunch options include a seafood restaurant near the beach, and two poolside grills, one with a wood fired pizza oven. For dinner, further options open, such as Mexican, Asian, and an adults only Italian restaurant. A new French pop-up is offered several nights a week, serving enticing options on a secluded patio. With no reservations (except Hibachi), you can pick what fits your cravings, and if the restaurant is full, you can wait at the bar with a beeper, or amble over to the next option. Secrets Papagayo is the adults only sister resort to Dreams Las Mareas. Closer to the airport and the main tourism areas in Guanacaste, the Secrets Papagayo is set along Arenilla beach. This all-suite resort boasts 202 spacious suites, each with a private balcony or terrace. The rooms and casitas of the resort are nestled throughout the property, offering a variety of views from the lush tropical foliage to panorama over the bay. The suites with beach views are close enough for the sounds of crashing waves to lull you to sleep. The main building offers the main pool, most dining and bars, and is where most of the organized activities are hosted. A smaller and more intimate resort than the Dreams, the resort offers a romantic getaway or a quiet trip for friends. A short walk along the volcanic beach, where black and golden sands create a mottled effect, brings you to the Secrets Spa by Pevonia. The spa offers massage, body and facial treatments in 13 treatment rooms and a full-service beauty salon. They also offer the Fish Spa experience for those looking for a more uniquely tropical treatment. Here, your feet are placed in an aquarium with little fish which nibble away at the dead skin to leave smooth, healthy skin behind. Of course, Costa Rica is a country which merits true exploration, not just a place to relax on a resort. A safe and hospitable nation, Costa Rica is easy to delve into. Whether it’s on an organized excursion with a tour company, or driving on your own into the wilds, this eco-tourist's dream has become synonymous with an unspoiled tropical paradise just waiting for exploration! I wanted to have both experiences. I drove to Dreams, stopping in Santa Rosa National Park on the way, although the nearby sloth sanctuary, Diamonte Eco Adventure Park, and Rincon de La Vieja Volcano National Park are also popular options. Both resorts have a car rental office onsite for easy renting, and the roads in Costa Rica are well marked and well maintained, although a satellite GPS is highly recommended to avoid getting lost if your data drops. Driving on my own was a fun experience. I have driven in several countries, but the experience of being surrounded by lush greenery dotted with expansive farmlands full of well cared for animals, and how courteous the other drivers were, made the experience one of the better ones. On tours, you can relax and have the logistics handled for you. With trips to hot springs, sunset cruises, snorkel and dive trips, hanging bridges, even coffee and chocolate plantation tours, and more available, the hardest thing will be picking just the ones you have time for. For those indecisive among us, there are combo tours to give you a taste of everything. I did a 4-part combination tour which includes zip-lining, horseback riding, hot springs and a cultural demonstration with a few food tastings. The experience was incredible. Ziplining through a mountain pass, feeling weightless as you glide through the canopy was something I will never forget. On our horseback ride, we were accompanied by a “sabanero” or Costa Rican cowboy, who taught us the commands and whose fluidity in the saddle was beyond impressive. What impressed me most during my trip to Costa Rica was the hospitality and genuineness of the locals. If you want to translate the national catchphrase, pura vida, it means “simple life” or “pure life,” but in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, goodbye, everything’s great, and everything’s cool, or even the things that are not cool, but happened. As if saying: “Ok, but what can you do about it? That’s life!” If you are looking for more than just a beach on your vacation; if you would like to see and experience a welcoming culture, taste incredible cuisine, and hike in search of wildlife, Costa Rica is your destination. Whether you are looking for a tour of the whole country, or an enhanced seaside getaway, I would love to help you plan the trip of your dreams and customize the ultimate travel guide for your interests and budget. Alexandra (Alex) Algiere Alex@globaltravel1.com