Name of Advisor
Lizzie Alex
Destination
Costa Rica
Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site
Namu Travel/Jacamar Tours and Index Select
Nayara Tented Camp
Origins
Casa Chameleon
How to get to
Flew in/out LIR
Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)
Nayara Tented Camp - families, couples, celebrations, more 5*
Origins - families, couples, celebrations/, something special! More rugged experience.
Casa Chameleon - adults only, couples, bachelorettes
Nayara also offers Nayara Gardens (families, more 4*) and Nayara Springs (adults only). All the Nayara properties are on the same larger property. Recently re-did all rooms. All come with plunge pools and essentially the same set-up.
Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity
Mistico Park Hanging Bridges - "touristy/Disneyland-esque" design at the entrance, but wide open and stunning inside. Take you through all 3 layers of the rainforest. HIGLY suggest a guide to help find animals. They bring binoculars and scopes for viewing.
La Fortuna Waterfall - very touristy/crowded with 500 steps down and back up (for setting expectations), but one of the only waterfalls/rivers people can swim in. Would not send higher end clients here. It's run by the community and all the ticket sales go towards community services efforts (roads, schools, etc). Good combo with hanging bridges, ~25 min.
White water rafting on the Tenorio river! 10/10 recommend. 8+ yrs and up. River was low, 2.5hr experience where when the river is higher can be done in 45 min. Unpaved roads to/from river.
Rio Celeste - the most incredible blue you have ever seen. More stairs down and people cannot swim in it. Open to the public and there were a decent amount of people. Small wait for photos at the bottom. 100% WORTH IT!
Catamaran in Las Catalinas - Flamingo Marina ~10 min from Casa Chameleon
Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region
Origins has INCREDIBLE food. Michelin-trained Chefs in a casual atmosphere. 4 course meal each night. No menu, they cook what is fresh from the garden/farm.
Chef Jose at Casa Chameleon was wonderful. We had a wine and food pairing with him present. Later that night, he brought us into the kitchen for a ceviche demonstration/class while our entrees cooked. He is big into sustainability and works with all local vendors.
Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region
Yoga and spa at Origins was really special. 1 Laka Tii Spa Suite that can accommodate up to 2. Private "hut" with restrooms, patio over looking the property and personal hot tub. They make all their own products on site (furniture, shampoos, soaps, etc) from the farm/property. Originally built as a residence, the property and main "restaurant/living are" is cozy and inviting. You definitely feel at home here.
Favorite amenity
Personalized water bottle, rash guard, and Pura Vida bag at Casa Chameleon.
Kudos to: *refers to a guide, chef, member of hotel team, etc. that went out of their way
Cannot speak highly enough of both Origins and Casa Chameleon staff and hospitality.
Additional Remarks
Note on Casa Chameleon, Las Catalinas has a decent amount of construction going on which will continue the next 20+ years. It's not construction of the hotel, but of the town down below. Several advisors were on the "sunset" side and did mention the noise. I stayed on the "sunrise" side and it was very quite and peaceful. Plus side, the main square of Las Catalinas is 2 min golf cart ride down the hill. Restaurants, a brewery, shops, and the beach access are all right there.
Please list the Virtuoso amenities and any other special touches they add for our clients
Nayara Tented Camp:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Origins and Casa Chameleon are NOT Virtuoso, but offer similar amenities. Connect with property for offerings.
To plan a trip, contact hello@travellustre.com