Ask.CostaRica

nylalany, Here's the thing, for Xandari, you have to go thru the middle of Alajuela town, going up is quicker that coming back to the airport. Finca Rosa Blanca is on a side road that gets to the airport and in distance definitely closer.

Binzer, Finca Rosa Blanca is a beautiful place, yep, about 20-30min from the airport. Same owners as Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio. Nice views of the Central Valley. Rooms are inside a big house sort of with some separate rooms in the gardens. You should ask for the top floor honeymoon suite in the main house. Breakfast is something to look forward to with the view you will have. A bit out of the way if you want to plan activities during the day. Xandari has spectacular gardens (probably every flower and herb in the book), it is up high in the Alajuela mountains, 35 min from the airport. Their rooms are separate bungalows, unique architecture (the owner is an architect from Nothern California) They are all spread out on the property facing the valley view. Pool is facing Poas Volcano. Very good food. Healthy. You might get some rain, you'll be in the "green belt" coffee countryside. They are a bit pricey. I tried thinking of some cheaper suggestions but for your last nites, do it style, get some rest and good food. Either one of these are great along with Grano de Oro.

FLgator, Don't worry, usually the strength of the rainy season is later (after august). Actually the nothern part of the country is barely starting to receive rain. You may encounter more in the Central Pacific area but nothing like washed out roads etc. This happens in September when we (locals) flock to the Atlantic Coast (bone dry). Don't worry, you're good to go!

elizamaria, Hey there, awesome place! Don"t forget to have dinner at Kapi Kapi, one of the best restaurants in town - it is a little pricey but you will get CR fusion gourmet dishes. The Vanilla Farm is something that is a little under rated, but an inexpensive, interesting tour. Dont take valuable things down to the public beach, leave them in the hotel if you are thinking of a dip. There is also Monchados in town, live music on thursdays (check it always changes) and order "Casado Whapin" and "Rondon" it is a typical dish from our Caribbean Coast.

lylalany, I just noticed that you will be in San Jose for a few nites. Definitely go to the Mercado Central (8min) and have breakfast Gallo Pinto, fresh cheese and tortillas, a coffee tour (Cafe Britt), dinner at la Cascada (in Escazu 15-20min taxi - $10), not much for decor but a restaurant that is practically National Patrimony. A day trip to Irazu Volcano and lunch at Linda Vista or down below Restaurante 1914.

In San Jose, definitely Grano de Oro (25 min fromairport), it is one of the prettiest boutique hotels we have. Excellent CR fusion food! Superb service. I dine there once a month (sunday brunch). Lots of photos in hallways to see what Cr was like in the early 1900's.

Indigo Hotel just opened in Pozos de Santa. It is not isolated, lots of restaurants and shops. If not, stick to the Hampton Inn 3 min from the airport. Are you looking for something with more character? B&B? I have some suggestions but let me know if you just want a place to spend the nite and leave the next morning. I also have some great suggestions for dinner in San Jose. Glad to help.

Thanks everybody for your good vibes!!!

Hello Kelly, You sound like a Dominical kind of girl. Secluded, away from the more touristy part of Costa Rica. A 35km bad road divides Dominical from Quepos, this sort of filters some of the crowd (try looking into Rancho Pacifico). You will also have Osa Peninsula within reach. If you want to be really adventurous head that way (Corcovado). I'm costarican and I cross the Peninsula once a year (4 day hike overnites at the stations in the park)and then stay at La Leona Lodge or Bosque del Cabo. Lots to do out there! I was just in Galapagos and did it aboard the Seaman II 16 passenger cat, very comfortable (5 days). Galapagos is amazing! I did it thru Andean Birding,(I'm a birdwatcher) we then stayed in Hacienda San Agustin de Callo near Cotopaxi (total pampering). Let me know if I may be of more help Kelly

Quote: Originally Posted by ma_ung Hi everyone, We're planning to wed. Feb. 2010 in Costa Rica, but we're having a difficult time deciding on a location. We would like to be married on the the beach and have our reception on the beach or outdoors. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also has anyone heard of "Weddings Costa Rica" wedding coordinator? If so, what have you heard about them? I feel so overwhelmed at this point! Have you thought of Malpais? It is the new hip place in CR. Depending on your wedding size there are rentals you can look at. Casa March is great for beach ceremony and reception. There is also Milarepa, Red Palm Villas. Malpais has great nitelife, many activities you can do and many options in lodging and restaurants. Feb is a good time, breezy, not too hot. WCR, is a good company, well established with a large experienced staff. Whatever your choice, make sure the company doesn't only "paint it with flowers" make sure they tell you the good, the bad and the ugly of a wedding in CR. Lots of luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by binzer It doesn't seem like there are a ton of us, but I thought it'd be good to have an official thread where we can all meet and share our info. I'll go first! I'm getting married May 5th (2009) at a boutique hotel called Rancho Pacifico. We have the whole place rented out, and it's near Uvita which is in the less-touristy southern end of the country (but still somewhat close to Manuel Antonio). Even though my hotel is up on a mountain, we're probably going to get married down on the beach (we get to scope out spots and choose our favorite when we get there). We actually have the hotel booked for 6 nights, and all of our 20 guests are going to be there for the full duration, so it's more of a wedding week. My colors are blue and brown, but I think I'm adding orange! I also have a bit of a starfish theme going. My photographer is Julie Comfort and my flowers are being done by the hotel. My WC is actually just one of the hotel owners, and she is arranging for my officiant and a Calypso band. Anyways, I think that's all the main details! My fiance and I don't get a full honeymoon to ourselves, but we're going to stay an extra 3 days somewhere. It'll probably be in Manuel Antonio (I REALLY want to go to Mal Pais, but it's way too far) and right now we're considering Arenas Del Mar and Issimo Suites b/c both are fairly romantic and have quiet beaches that are accessible. That's it for me! I'm excited to hear everyone else's plans I'm not a bride but want to give you some advice: 1st: Rancho Pacifico is way up the mountain, amazing view just make sure you plan for an earlier ceremony (leaving the hotel by 3pm) to get to the beach by 3:30/3:45. A good spot for you wedding is Dominicalito beach, good even in a very high tide (15min away -North once you get down from the mountain). Of the last wedding I heard of there, the hotel lawyer did not turn off his cel phone, make sure he leaves it in his car (it went off in the ceremony - has a hard time parting with it). Stick to Arenas del Mar, it has everything MA offers; amazing views and private beach (rock barriers on both sides make it private). Malpais is not that far really, from MA to the Ferry you are 2.5 hrs from the Ferry of Punatrenas (which now sticks to schedule) and from there you are another hour to MP. Look into Red Palm Villas in MP, I was just there - simply beautiful, self contained villas right on the beach.

Casa Nova Estate in MA looks amazing! If you want something similar in style right on the beach, take a look at Casa Marrakesh in Tamarindo - right on the beach. Coastal Realty Costa Rica Real Estate in Tamarindo and Coyote - Casa Marrakech You can also negotiate prices with them for rental - Haggle!

Hello there janineg. Langosta Beach has got one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The Barcelo is right on it. Basic rooms, nice gardens. My only comment about it is the pool music seems a little loud. You get more bang for the buck there since it is an all inclusive. Ask about their specials and negotiate prices because you are bringing a wedding to them. Get outside wedding coordination

Quote: Originally Posted by ugakerri Hi! My fiance and I are beginning to entertain the idea of a Costa Rica wedding! I have never been, so I'm pretty green when it comes to Costa Rica locations (no pun intended). I've recently begun looking at two places that have peaked my interest: Costa Verde - in Manuel Antonio Flamingo Beach Resort - in Guanacaste I've also heard about Cala Luna & Hotel Diria in Tamarindo, but the other two are my favorite so far. Does anyone have any feedback regarding any of these resorts? My wedding will likely be around 50-60 people...I really just want a fun, relaxed beach weekend that I can spend with my closest friends/family! I dont want to have to stress about coordination or travel or any of that... I have a couple of suggestions for you. Flamingo Beach Resort: Nice but it is right on the busy beach street. Weekends locals park their cars in front of the hotel. If you are planning a wedding here take this into consideration. It will be hard to have an intimate celebration. Look at your tide charts, if it is high tide, you will be in the front lawn of the hotel with cars blocking the beach view. Costa Verde: Beautiful views. But you will have to get transported to the beach for your ceremony and sunset photos. They have a great events center for larger weddings. Tamarindo Diria: Right on the main public beach. You will have many tourists and locals walking past you ceremony or people around you on theri beach towels, etc. Cala Luna: Quiet. private. It is not on the beach, but steps to it. Walk thru a path to the point. Great location for weddings. Have you looked at Paradisus Playa Conchal? They are right at the beach, the location is private and scenic.

Kind Regards From Costa Rica... Pura Vida!!!