Creatures & Comforts in Costa Rica
Day Note:
Wake up early for the buffet breakfast at Aranjuez, then take a tour of Cafe Britt's plantation, which ends with a nice meal at their cafe.
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Hotel Aranjuez
Contact:
- +506 2256 1825
- visit website
Location:
- Street 19, Avenida 11 y 13,
- South from the Santa Teresita Church.
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Map
Description:
Hotel Aranjuez is a great value for accommodation in San Jose. The hotel is actually a sprawling old house built in the 1930s that has been beautifully maintained and modernized to meet American and European standards. Each room is unique and nicely decorated, and "deluxe" rooms have flat screen TVs. The showers are hot, and the hotel has wi-fi as well a small computer room. The highlight of this hotel is the buffet breakfast, served in the indoor/outdoor garden. A chef will whip you up an omelet to go with your homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and gallo pinto, and the coffee is good and plentiful. The drawbacks are these: The hotel is not located within walking distance to much, and there is nowhere to eat on the premises at night. The rooms are small and the walls are thin, and quaint may feel like cramped when trying to maneuver luggage through the maze of rooms. Hotel Aranjuez is Costa Rican owned and operated and the customer service is excellent. The price is right, starting at $40 including breakfast.
Day Note:
Enjoy breakfast at the Lizard King, and spend the day getting familiar with Puerto Viejo.
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Lizard King Resort
Contact:
- 2750 0614
- visit website
Location:
- Calle Principal
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Map
Description:
The Lizard King Resort is a cozy bed and breakfast style hotel in Puerto Viejo. A five minute walk from the center of town, "The King" is an incognito retreat just far enough away from the hustle and bustle, an ideal base for exploring the region, and a fine place to hang out rain or shine. Beautifully constructed of precious Costa Rican hardwoods, the two story courtyard design overlooks a cool square pool. The rooms are polished, clean and charming, if somewhat modest in size. Some have cable television and air conditioning, but the basic rooms have ceiling and table fans. Breakfast, included for guests, is generous and delicious. Excellent value. Rates for two from $45.
Day Note:
Bring a picnic and have lunch on one of Cahuita' National Park's stunning beaches, and be home in time for happy hour in Puerto Viejo,
Day Note:
This horseback adventure needs to be planned in advance, by at least a month!
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Horseback Riding on Costa Rica's Caribbean with Seahorse Stables
Contact:
- (506) 2750-0468
- visit website
Location:
Description:
Horseback riding in the Caribbean of Costa Rica is an experience unlike any other. Seahorse Stables is located near Cocles Beach, between the Gandoca Manzanillo National Refuge and the Kekoldi Indian Reservation. Choose from several tours on horseback for all level of rider, from an easy 2 hour beach tour to an intense 4 day excursion into Punta Mona, a wild and rugged botanical perma-culture farm at the southernmost tip of Costa Rica. In some tours there is an opportunity to swim side by side with the beautiful Costa Rican horses, called "Criollos" in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Seahorse Stables is owned by an Argentinean who is not only an expert horseman but also an accomplished sailor and big wave rider, whose adventurous attitude is contagious. Beach Tour: $75.00 per person + tax Jungle-Beach Tour $99.00 per person + tax Manzanillo Tour $155.00 per person + tax Punta Mona Gandoca Tour 4 days $250.00 per person + tax/day, accommodations and all meals included
Day Note:
This day is more for the ladies, but couples will also enjoy getting pampered together at Pure, and who doesn't need to pick up some original souvenirs?
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LuluBerlu Art Gallery
Contact:
- 2750 0394
Location:
- 100mts Sur del Cafe Viejo, Calle a La Derecha
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Map
Description:
LuluBerlu was created in the year 2000 by a French artist whose mosaic mirrors and chairs were some of the first items in the gallery. Now, the gallery is also a well-stocked shop with a diverse collection of art, crafts, home decor and clothing, including some handmade garments and Euro inspired designs.
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Pure Jungle Spa
Contact:
- 506 2756-8413
- visit website
Location:
- Cocles Beach
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Map
Description:
Pure Jungle Spa is just reopened in a new location in Cocles, just south of the town of Puerto Viejo. It's the perfect place for solo travelers, but also appropriate for couples. The amazing chocolate facial and body treatments are decadently indulgent, and the menu includes a simple yet tempting list of facials, massages, and body treatments using all natural, tropical, and locally grown ingredients, like virgin coconut oil, organic cacao, sweet papaya, and fresh lemongrass. The experience is relaxing, therapeutic, and a luxurious treat for the senses enhanced by the lush setting.
