Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
Previous page: This Nayara Hotel suite offers a stunning open-air view of the Arenal Volcano; local rainforests are home to the red-eyed tree frog. This page from left: Private hot tubs are scattered throughout the Nayara property; La Fortuna Waterfall; toucans are a common sight in Costa Rica. plus private outdoor space with a deck, Jacuzzi tub for two and a hammock. Sway in the latter while exotic birds lull you into vacation mode. A pool with swim-up bar and private hot tubs are located throughout the property, plus a treatment using volcanic mud at The Spa at Nayara is geared towards couples. The Altamira restaurant's themed nights are exceptional with the melt-inyour-mouth tuna tartare, tableside guacamole and passion-fruit margaritas top of the list. The Sushi Amor restaurant here is also not to be missed — super-fresh fish in a fun, colourful setting. Okay, so perhaps after a couple days of honeymoon canoodling, you'll be ready to explore the area. Costa Rica is full-on flora and fauna in the rainforest; home to over 850 species of birds, monkeys, three-toed sloths and reptiles. Desafio Adventure Co. offers various activities, like a lazy river raft with a naturalist who can spot a sloth high up in a tree we'd never notice on our own, or canyoning trips down Lost Canyon for the more adventurous. Don't expect much in the way of training and tips on how to navigate wet slippery rocks rapelling backwards down a waterfall here; this is at-yourown-risk. But for some — a serious rush. Near the Nayara Hotel, is the Eco Termales Hot Springs, where a restorative soak in the pools, which range from 32° to 40°C, might just be what the doctor ordered after a long day of rapelling or paddling. 84 La Fortuna Waterfall, another highlight of Alajuela province, is worth the hike up a steep trail to the 70-metre-tall waterfall, rain or shine. Funds from entry fees pay for various projects and activities in the area. Also in La Fortuna, fans of ziplining will appreciate Ecoglide Arenal Park for its many lines over lush rainforest and offering stunning views. Now for sun and surf. Pack up that rent-a-car and take the scenic drive to Tamarindo on the Pacific coast, in Guanacaste province. It's one of the more developed areas for tourists, but don't let that turn you off — there is still plenty of charm, and it's certainly no Waikiki, thankfully. Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort is located right on the beach, which means dreamy sunsets, romantic strolls — and surfing. The hotel offers lessons with pros that are keen, and once you feel the rush of your first successful "pop-up," you'll be hooked forever. Ready for a bit more adventure? Take a guided ATV trip to Playa Negra for a few hours, or a catamaran cruise with Marlin del Rey Sailing Tours along Costa Rica's Gold Coast. If you're lucky, you may spot some huge tortoises making whoopee in slow-mo on the ocean's surface. I did. Must have been honeymooners . . . . rw PHOTOS Nayara Hotel suite and hot tub, courtesy of of Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, red-eyed tree frog, La Fortuna waterfall and toucan courtesy of Costa Rica Tourism Board. »»»»»If You Go ★ here are no direct flights from T Vancouver to Costa Rica, but United Airlines flies to Houston, Texas, with a four-hour layover, then on to San José, Costa Rica. Travel time is approximately 13 hours. united.com ★ The Sr y Sra Ese souvenir factory in Alajuela includes a retail store and restaurant on site. srysraese.com ★ oom rates range from $245 to R $440 at Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens. arenalnayara.com ★ co Termales Hot Springs offers E four pools and a restaurant on site. arenal.net/tour/eco-thermaleshot-springs/ ★ The La Fortuna Waterfall can be accessed by foot or on horseback. Proceeds from the entrance fee go toward local conservation efforts. arenal.net/la-fortuna-waterfallcosta-rica.htm ★ ocated in La Fortuna, the Ecoglide L Arenal Park currently charges $45 to $55 for its zipline canopy tour. arenalecoglide.com ★ oom rates run from $189 to $270 R at Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort. tamarindodiria.com ★ arlin del Rey Sailing Tours offers M daily sailing charters from Playa Tamarindo. marlindelrey.com real weddings SPRing / SUMMER 2013 p82-85_CostaRica.indd 84 13-04-22 11:41 AM