If you’re looking for a tropical adventure with lots of outdoor activities look no further than Costa Rica. We went for 9 days and felt that it was more than enough time. We flew from out of LAX to LIB, on United First Class. Don’t get us wrong, first class is nice for a few reasons, more leg room, priority boarding, access to the lounge, checked baggage, meals on the flight, welcome drinks just to name a few perks. We booked our trip under a bundle deal with Expedia which is where we found the best deal. We did a “only need hotel for part of my stay”. It ended up being about $100 cheaper per traveler to fly first class. Now if you’re reading this thinking WHAT??? Yes, it was cheaper for us to book the first class because we had a LAY OVER. It was cheaper to do a layover with first class rather than a direct flight on Alaska airlines. We thought we’d give it a try. Now, this is where a person needs to weigh the options and do their homework. Our flight options were to take the red eye flight on first class, have a 3 hour lay over in Houston and land in Costa Rica around 11:00 am, our other option was to take a direct flight getting us into Costa Rica around 5:00 pm. For us we wanted to get in earlier to make our way to our resort.
After arriving in Costa Rica we caught a shuttle to our rental agency. We rented through Fax Rental cars. Now one thing to be aware of, when you make your reservation it is going to seem really cheap like crazy cheap pricing, once you get there they “force” you to buy their insurance which ends up being more than the cost of the actual rental car. Yes, we have the Chase Sapphire card and it covers rental cars, but this just seemed weird the whole set up and they really do a scare approach it really wasn’t worth it to us especially since the location was shady. We ended up just doing the insurance and was glad we did. At the rental agency when they give you your paper work they give you a paper that says if you have a flat tire and you notice someone following you, keep driving to a safe place such as a business etc.. to change the tire because people sometimes let the air out of tires and then rob people.
After getting past that shock, we were on our way to our hotel which was the Nayara Resort & Spa. This hotel claims its #2 in the world, it is defiantly nice hands down, but not sure its #2 in the world. Upon check in we see our first wild life a huge sloth up in the trees. The staff was great, very warm and welcoming. They gave us a quick tour around the property driving us around on golf carts. We stayed in the Springs Villa, which was HUGE 1500 Sqft. huge. The nice thing about staying in the Villa, adults only, private plunge pool, 2 showers one is outside and its legit. Another things we LOVED about this resort is they do your laundry (its already included in your price) they get it back to you quick as well. Staying in the Spring Villa, you have your own private butler so if you’re in need of anything after making a call they are right there. We tried out the spa got a facial and a couples massage. It was relaxing. The massage rooms are 3 sided walls so you’re in the actual rainforest. It started to rain and we could enjoy the sounds of the rain and animals. Breakfast was included our options was one restaurant with a breakfast buffet the restaurant in the adults only section we were able to order off a menu.
We went Zip lining near our resort at a place called Costa Rica Sky Adventures. Our tour was about 2 1/2 hours. The lines we zip lined ranged from small to large. We felt safe and had a great time. We drove ourselves there so that when we were done we didn’t have to wait to be dropped off by a tour bus.
Another activity we did we rented ATV’s from Power Wheels Adventures. This place was legit, full on riding through the mud go as fast as we wanted, riding past cows great view of the volcano. The staff was nice, kept checking to make sure we were okay. Upon arriving they give you boots to wear since you’ll be riding through the mud. We were a group of 4 and had our own private tour. We would for sure do this tour again.
Our next stay was at the Westin Playa Conchal this resort is located near the beach with beach access. This resort is HUGE like you really need to call to be picked up to get to dinner, breakfast etc.. The Westin is an all-inclusive, not adults only although they do have an adults only pool and tower. We upgraded to the adults only tower, it was nicer, but not worth the money in our option. The room was nice, we had 2 bathrooms which is always a plus. The bathtub is on the balcony which was different but still nice. The food at this resort was the same as most all inclusive resorts.
The spa was really big and we got massages while here which did make us feel relaxed. They offer spacious hot and cold pools
We horseback riding and booked this tour with the company at the hotel. This tour was off the charts, it was just us and our friends and tour guide. Our guide let us have free reign with the horses. We ran with the horses along the beach in the water it was like a scene from a romantic movie hahaha. We were on the horses for 2 hours.
Another tour that we did was we rented sea doo’s with a guide, we each had our own. From the beach, there are little island/rocks about 6 miles out in the ocean and we told the guide we wanted to ride out around the rocks, we went all the way out. We stopped for about 15 minutes to go snorkeling which the equipment was all provided.
So here’s the thing about Costa Rica, everyone we had talked to about Costa Rica said they LOVED it, or knew someone who LOVED it. But when asked what was so great about Costa Rica, people couldn’t be more specific about what was so great about it. Here our are thoughts, Costa Rica is a fun place to go one time, fun to do outdoor activities. We were there for 9 days, we would have been happy being their 6 nights. 3 nights at each place would have been fun, and that way one is still getting a feel for the rain forest and the beach.
