Sunset over the Pacific coast of Costa Rica - photo by Colin Swain, Pura client
We have just had this feedback or review of our Costa Rica Uncovered holiday. I think it’s worth putting up here because it’s really detailed and might be of use to other people thinking of joining our Costa Rica holidays. It also shows what we can do with as little as 3 days’ notice!
I should point out that Rick B. was very lucky that there was availability, we were surprised. Just shows that it’s always worth asking.
“Basically, we had a fantastic time.
We very much appreciated the improvements you made to the itinerary, i.e. not revisiting the same place (e.g. not to keep going back to San Jose for hotel and internal flights). In fact, your involvement in the itinerary was essential, because I would not have wanted to drive back to San Jose just to get a flight to Corcovado.
Also, the number of nights we stayed, and where we stayed, at each place was perfect – I would not have changed a thing. We had absolutely no problems anywhere (including navigation!) and every hotel/lodge was exactly as we would have wished. We didn’t waste a minute.
The rental car people were faultless.
Hotels:
Hotel Bergerac – perfect place to stay in San Jose, for our first night – loved the place and the staff. They voluntarily gave us a double upgrade to the best room in the hotel.
Selva Verde Lodge. Excellent. The rain was intense, but we expected that.
Silencio de Campo. Excellent. Even though it had a severely ugly modern hotel right next door, it somehow did not make the slightest difference difference. We had a lovely bungalow at the far back of the property and just loved the feel of the place, especially the hot-spring. Staff were really helpful and friendly. We actually eat most of our meals there.
Bosque de Paz. Beautiful location, excellent food, beautifully designed accommodation and guest rooms. As an aside, the in-residence proprietor (and owner) was unusually attentive to his guests – particularly at meal times, every meal-time! But I guess he just had our best interests at heart. A sort of ‘world-peace-religion-save-the-planet’ combination I had not quite met before. A 2-night stay here is right length of time.
La Mariposa. An absolute gem. We had room 31, which on the second-floor corner commanded an amazing 260-degree view. Probably the best room in the hotel. Great service, amazing sunsets.
Casa Corcovado. What could I say that hasn’t been said before – top location, perfect in every way. Saw two 15-metre hump-back whales ‘flying’ at close quarters on the way back from the day on the island. Our bungalow was simply magical.
Grano de Oro. The perfect place to end our travels. Loved the hotel, the room, and the restaurant. Staff were really helpful (even when I could not get the room safe to work!).
Last thoughts:
(1) generally, the cost of everything was more expensive than I had expected, but we got used to that
(2) it is harder sometimes to see the wildlife than you would think, given the descriptions in most guides. But we did see a lot, you just have to work at it sometimes!
(3) Lovely country – and the way we saw it, in an independent yet organised way, is definitely the best way to do it!
(4) Your representatives & staff that we met were all really nice.
(5) The internal fight from Palmar Sur was not a problem with respect to baggage weight limits, 12.5kgs. We were a bit concerned about that, but actually no-one even weighed our bags. Cool.
Thanks for what you did for us, particularly at such short notice.”
The view from Arenal Nayara Hotel
Here’s a video I took at the Arenal Nayara Hotel in Costa Rica which is a magnificent spot overlooking the Arenal Volcano in the central north of Costa Rica.
Hopefully the video is self explanatory but this is a gorgeous spot for a romantic getaway. We also send families here and they love it too so that shows you how much I know.
All that I can say is that this is a place is gorgeous if you want a little treat in the middle of your holiday to Costa Rica. Picture sitting in the hot tub, listening to the rumbling volcano, sipping a cool drink.
Find out more about our Costa Rica holidays or go straight to our Costa Rica honeymoon which features the Arenal Nayara Hotel as standard. Or just call us on +44 (0)1273 676 712 and we can talk you through all the options.