Name of Advisor
Alicia McCarthy
Destination
Costa Rica
Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa,
Nantipa, Hotel Presidente
How to get to
For my experience, flying into and out of San José worked best but Liberia is also an airport you can fly into. Then transfers by either private car/ferry or domestic flight.
Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)
Perfect for families, couples, honeymooners. Definitely those who like adventure and being outdoors.
Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity
A nature walk to see sloths in their natural habitat is a must!
Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region
Definitely start the morning with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican beans and rice), eggs, plantains, homemade tortillas and a little hot sauce.
Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region
The Spa at both Tabacon and Nantipa were excellent, but relaxing in the thermal pools at Tabacon were the highlight - both morning and evening. Fun fact, the river that feeds the pools was cold until the nearby Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968 opening a fissure that heated the river.
Favorite amenity
The bathrobes at Tabacon - you basically live in them at the resort, to go to the hot springs and even when dining at Ave Restaurant next to the thermal pools.
Kudos to: refers to a guide, chef, member of hotel team, etc. that went out of their way
Definite shout out to Hugo at Jacamar Naturalist Tours in La Fortuna who took us on a Sloth & Birds tour. He has been leading tours for 25 years and knew exactly where to look for all different types of animals and share information on them.
Second shout out to Emanuel, our frequent serve at Nantipa's restaurant who was so friendly and always remembered our names and preferences.
Additional Remarks
Absolutely fell in love with Costa Rica! You definitely must have a sense of adventure to visit - the road infrastructure is not the best so there can be many bumpy and unpaved roads along your journey. Mountain roads are often very curvy so if a client is prone to motion sickness, definitely recommend Dramamine. But everyone we encountered was so friendly, the food was phenomenal and the scenery is gorgeous - can't wait to return!
Please list the Virtuoso amenities and any other special touches they add for our clients
All resorts include daily breakfast (not always available if clients book direct) and Tabacon will include Virtuoso amenities as well.
To plan a trip, contact alicia@travellustre.com