“1 week in Happy Planet Index #1, Costa Rica”
For most the travel to central America is a longer than preferred flight. And like most you are limited by holiday time. We sought out a comfortable 1 week tour that included as much of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
After a long flight you are ready to settle at a close-by hotel and enjoy some first night comforts. We also believe if you are visiting a country for the first time you MUST experience the capital city.
San Jose international airport (Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in full) has a regular flow of international travellers, mainly from the US, and they are set up to accommodate visitors. Official taxis are marked and there are either fixed prices to San Jose centre or meter readings. Easy!
San Jose centre is overwhelmingly small and doesn’t offer much beyond taking a nice stroll around the sights and observing the culture over a cold drink. Whilst location wasn’t the best the hotel itself was fantastic – Gran do Oro (www.hotelgranodeoro.com). The bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails and spirits, and the restaurant served up some fabulous local dishes within a historical building.
With only a week we wanted to be in control of our travel and optimise our time. We did our research and selected a private transfer company with the best overall ratings. We booked online, made a payment with a credit card for insurance, and had immediate contact from their customer service team via email.
Our transfer took us from San Jose centre to Arenal Volcano in the north (about 3 hours) and then down to Pacific side, Manuel Antonio, and then back to San Jose airport (3 hours). Our driver pointed out everything, planned a stop around our request (“somewhere local for lunch”), plus surprised us with stops for “the best coffee”, selfie spots and wildlife (Crocodiles and Sloths – a baby one!). We were really impressed with this service offered by ILT Premium Service Costa Rica.
We left San Jose at 10:00 am so to arrive at the Volcano’s and hot springs just after midday. A quick stop for a traditional roadside (early) lunch and a short stop to see a baby sloth (See below). Whilst the sloth was a tourist trap you do get a sense of the countries respect of their wildlife and the well being of the sloth taken into consideration. The journey through the meandering roads cutting through the dense greenery of the plantations and tropical forest was a real treat for the eyes.
As you reach Arenal you see the volcano the distance and the hotels start to show by the road side. During our research we read the “Kardasian’s” had stayed at The Springs Resort and Spa (www.thespringscostarica.com). We planned 2 nights so wanted a hotel that offered everything – The Springs was our bench mark and we didn’t find better online. To say we were impressed as we pulled up to the hotel was an understatement.
A quick check in, alcoholic punch and cold towel, and we were off to the room. And wow what a room with the most magnificent view of the volcano. We soon realised the whole hotel was engineered around this. A massive bathroom, Jacuzzi bath, huge walk in shower and a terrace with seating and a hammock, really showcased the hotels prowess. After a cold beer on the balcony we set off to explore the numerous hot pools, waterfalls and bars surrounding the hotel.
The hotel gives you a map of the resort including all activity centres, restaurants and the various pools – which are numerous and all different temperatures. All stress dissipates as you sit under the forest canopy in bath temperature waters, watching the birds of prey circling above.
“The Springs" quite simple offers the best in all-in-one option with the highest in quality. After a morning of tubing on the rapids and horse riding at sunset, all wrapped up dense plant life, you are primed for a cocktail. “The Springs” offers a plethora of spots to eat and drink, more than you need for a 2 night stay.
The 3 hour journey south from Arenal to the west costs Manuel Antonio was distinctly different. Suddenly major roads and the beautiful wavy Pacific Ocean. You pass estuaries covered in Crocodiles and beaches famous for hosting major surfing events. Ask a local and Manuel Antonio is a tourist spot. As you approach you see the hotels and apartments poking through the tree canopies.
