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SOUTH PACIFIC - HOTELS
(Dominical & Uvita, Corcovado & Drake Bay)
DOMINICAL & UVITA
CRISTAL BALLENA, DOMINICAL &
UVITA – Uvita & Surroundings
The Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort is located in Playa Ballena at the Ballena Marine National Park, 25 km/15.5miles south of Dominical and 7 km/4miles south of Uvita. It is a 3½ - 4 hour drive from San Jose and 30 minutes from the Palmar Sur Airport, south of the Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel, with a bar, restaurant, 19 fully equipped and spacious suites, 4 Adventure Lodges and a huge 400 square meter (1,300 square foot) pool, is situated in a 12 hectare (30-acre) garden area on a hill between the Pacific Ocean and a rainforest-covered mountain. Each room has breathtaking ocean views, and the area offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
The 14 spacious, connectable suites and 5 master suites, feature a balcony and breathtaking ocean views. All rooms have air conditioning in addition to a ceiling fan, hot water, private bathroom, hairdryer, satellite television, telephone, refrigerator and safety-deposit box. The 4 charming Adventure Lodges are situated in a colorful garden, surrounded by exuberant tropical forest with a terrace, separate tiled bathroom, king size bed, electricity and ceiling fan. The café-style bar and "Pura Vida!" restaurant, located next to the swimming pool, features international and Costa Rican cuisine and serves a variety of refreshing cocktails and beverages. The multipurpose conference room accommodates groups of up to 60 people, and can be used for a variety of activities, such as seminars, meetings, weddings and conferences.
Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, bird and whale watching, walking tours, horseback riding, ultralight flying tours and boat tours are some of the tour options available at Cristal Ballena.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $78 to $272.35 (Until December 14, 2008)
Taxes & breakfast included
CUNA DEL ANGEL, DOMINICAL &
UVITA - Dominical
Overlooking the treetops in the direction of the crystalline Pacific waters, this exclusive and luxurious boutique hotel, Cuna del Angel ("Cradle of the Angel") is located in a private and remote area. It is 9km / 5.62miles south of Dominical along the coast road, just 500 m from Costa Rica's southern Pacific Ocean, and a 3½ - 4 hour drive from San Jose (212 km / 133 miles).
The hotel has 16 rooms all named after an angel and decorated with colonial and Asian details. Rooms are facing the infinity swimming pool overlooking the forest and the ocean. They offer either one queen size bed or one queen and one double bed. These furnished rooms have air conditioning, ventilators, TV with DVD, hairdryer, Mini-Bar, safe, coffee maker, balcony or terrace. The Hotel facilities and services include a magnificent pool with infinity edge and sun deck, high-powered telescopes for stargazing and wildlife viewing and spa services.
Some of the activities the hotel offers are deep sea fishing, whale-watching tours, wildlife photography tours, bird watching, diving and snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, river-rafting, horseback riding and canopy tours.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $136.1 to $209.5
(Until November 30, 2008)
Taxes & continental breakfast included
VILLAS GAIA, DOMINICAL &
UVITA – Uvita & Surroundings
Hotel Villas Gaia is located in Playa Tortuga, 35km / 20 miles from Dominical, and 75 km / 47 miles from Quepos, a 3 and a half hour (210 km) drive from San José. The region is a bird watcher's paradise and has a magnificent coastal rainforest.
Hotel Villas Gaia features 14 colorful wooden bungalows and 2 casitas for 4 and 7 persons nestled in a lush tropical garden accented with the vibrant colors of the tropics. Each separate bungalow has orthopedic queen and single beds, reading lamps, bedside tables, ceiling fans, safety deposit box, built-in closet, bathroom with solar hot running water, and a private terrace with comfortable chairs, table, and bench. Almost all the bungalows also offer air conditioning. Hotel facilities include: hilltop swimming pool with the opportunity of witnessing spectacular ocean sunsets from the sundeck and poolside rancho bar, a gourmet restaurant specializing in European cuisine fused with Latin American flavors, and a private jungle trail leading direct from the sundeck to Tortuga beach, just a 10 minute walk away.
Among the activities in the area are: rainforest hiking, bird watching, sportfishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, canopy, boat excursions to nearby national parks and reserves, including Corcovado National Park, Ballena Marine National Park, Caño Island and the mangrove swamps.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $75.65 to $151.31 (Until December 31, 2008)
Taxes & continental breakfast included
VILLAS RÍO MAR, DOMINICAL
& UVITA - Dominical
Villas Río Mar is situated 21 miles (35 km) from the town of San Isidro del General on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, approximately 25 miles (40 km) from Quepos, a short walk from Dominical Village, and only 500 meters from the beach. It's a four-hour drive (162 km) (on a well-paved road) from San José, through an incredible landscape, containing several microclimates and wide-ranging flora.
The hotel has 52 thatched roof bungalows with open terrace living room, king size beds, hot water, hair dryer, fans, a mini fridge and hammock. There are 20 Standard Bungalows accommodating up to 2 guests, 8 Junior Suite Bungalows that accommodate up to 4 guests, and 4 Junior Suite Superior Bungalows with additional Jacuzzi and bathtub. The Junior Suites and Junior Suites Superior also feature air conditioning, safety deposit box and cable TV. Grounds also include: large swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and swim-up bar to cool down, safety deposit box at the reception, a tennis court & mini golf area, massage service, nature trails, a unique and beautiful "palenque" restaurant that serves international and local specialties that will surprise even the most discriminating gourmets, and a cozy bar where you will be able to find a variety of delicious tropical cocktails.
Activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, boat trips and canopy tours are available. Manuel Antonio National Park, Isla Caño, Nauyaka Falls, Corcovado, Drake Bay, and Sierpe Estuary are all easily accessible. In addition Villas Rio Mar offers an open air Conference Center hidden in the jungle, (capacity of eighty people) ideal for nature and health oriented meetings/seminars, or business conferences.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $58.20 to $203.7
(Until December 14, 2008)
Taxes included
WHALES & DOLPHINS ECOLODGE, DOMINICAL & UVITA
– Uvita Surroundings
The Whales & Dolphins Ecolodge is located in Playa Hermosa overlooking Ballena Marine National Park. It is located 17 Km / 10.5 miles south of Dominical on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, 30 minutes from the Palmar Sur airport (a 50 minute flight from San Jose) and four and a half hours (184 km) by road from San José. The lodge supports and encourages local conservation efforts, advances energy and environmental conservation and community involvement and awareness. It has 4 suites and 16 standard rooms, 1 equipped for guests with disabilities All rooms offer a private balcony, an ocean view, AC, fan, private bathroom, safety deposit box, minibar, phone, satellite TV and hairdryer.
Facilities and services include two swimming pools, one for adults and one for children, a restaurant serving international and regional meals, a rainforest bar, observation deck, gift shop with local and international products, internet at reception, parking and laundry. Further activities available in the area: birdwatching, whale and dolphin watching (these can be seen from August to October and from December to April), hiking along nature trails, diving, visits to waterfalls, horseback riding, mangrove tours, sportfishing, snorkelling, kayaking and mountain biking.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $133.85 to $215.32 (Until December 14, 2008)
Taxes & tropical breakfast included
CORCOVADO & DRAKE BAY
BOSQUE DEL CABO, CORCOVADO -
Cabo Matapalo
Five hundred feet above the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean, nestled in the unspoiled jungles of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, rests Bosque del Cabo. It is located 200 miles from San José and 22 kilometers south of Puerto Jimenez (about a 45 minute 4-wheel drive ride), an ideal place for nature lovers with its secluded and romantic cliff-top bungalows. This private 300 acre/121 hectare forest reserve is located at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula in Cabo Matapalo. The most common means of transportation used to reach Bosque del Cabo are a combination of airplane and car.
The hotel offers 7 standard rooms with 2 double beds, indoor bathroom, outdoor garden shower, hammock and easy chairs, solar-powered electricity, and double folding doors, which open up to an amazing view of the stunning blue Pacific, and 6 deluxe bungalows, 3 of which are tropical hardwood and thatched-roof construction, and all feature king-sized beds, larger bathrooms with dressing area, expanded outdoor garden showers, hot water, solar-powered electricity, fans, hammocks and easy chairs for lounging, and wraparound porches which step down into observation decks cantilevered over the cliff. The other three deluxe bungalows are stucco and tile construction, and a little larger than the rest of the bungalows. These bungalows also feature king-sized beds, larger bathrooms with dressing area, expanded outdoor garden showers, hot water, solar-powered electricity, fans, hammocks and easy chairs for lounging, and wraparound porches.
In addition there are three fully equipped houses, Casa Blanca, Casa Teca and Casa Miramar. Casa Blanca has 2 well-appointed bedrooms, 2 bath, 2000 square feet/186 sq meter house features a fully equipped kitchen, living room area, large wraparound porch with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean, and 2 large bedroom suites on either side of the house. Casa Miramar has three bedrooms, 2 baths, living area room, fully equipped kitchen, and many porches with great ocean views. And finally Casa Teca is a two-bedroom house. The houses also include hydroelectric power, hot water and maid service. The lodge offers restaurant service, and activities such as deep-sea fishing, sailboat trips, snorkelling, massages, and horseback riding, among others. Guests can hike along the trails that lead through the forest to deserted beaches and an abundance of wildlife.
Prices per person based on double occupancy range from $145 to $485
(Until November 15, 2008)
Taxes & all meals included
CASA CORCOVADO LODGE, CORCOVADO – San Pedrillo
Casa Corcovado is located on Drake Bay, in the Osa Peninsula which is graced by several miles of deserted beaches, as well as tropical forests and about a 8 hour trip by ground and boat, or a 40 minute flight (330 km) from San Jose. The hotel is next to the Corcovado National Park - a short distance from the ocean - and is surrounded by virgin rainforest and fruit trees attracting birds, monkeys and other animals.
There are 10 deluxe bungalows, 4 Junior Suites, all with a private bathroom, hot water and ceiling fans. The restaurant offers interesting meals, Nouvelle Costa Rican cuisine (elegantly served), an observatory bar, and two swimming pools. There is also a reception center in Sierpe "La Hacienda" (an hour from the hotel) where the guests arrive. This property has bathrooms and offers guests a welcome cocktail. Since it is in a very remote region of the country, access requires a combination of ground, air and boat transportation. The entire journey lasts around 4 hours. The lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation, and supplied by mountain spring water. Electricity is provided 24 hours a day by hydroelectric power and a solar system.
Activities at Casa Corcovado include: snorkeling at the Caño Island, guided tours to Corcovado National Park (where there is a beautiful little waterfall), Sportfishing, Horseback riding, kayaks, birdwatching and diving tours (PADI diver's license required).
Prices per person based on 4D - 3N package on double
occupancy range from $930 to $1090 (Until August 31, 2008)
Air transportation San José - Palmar Sur - San José, land transportation Palmar Sur - Sierpe - Palmar Sur, boat transportation Sierpe - Casa Corcovado - Sierpe, 3 nights lodging, tour to Corcovado National Park & Caño Island, bird watching tour, hiking in the Casa Corcovado trails.
A all meals and taxes included.
ESQUINAS RAIN FOREST LODGE, GOLFITO – Piedras Blancas
Immersed in the lush vegetation of the South Pacific Coast, and bordering Piedras Blancas National Park, 6 hours away from San José and 30 min from Golfito Airport, Esquinas aim is to preserve the natural diversity of the area and to promote the community's development.
The lodge offers 14 wooden and rustically Cabins, with 1 single and 1 double bed, or three single beds, private bath, hot water, fan and terrace. An open thatched ranch houses a restaurant that offers visitors an impressive variety of dishes. There is also bar service 24 hours a day, a natural pool - fed by water straight from the mountains-, safe-deposit boxes and free transportation from Golfito to the lodge. Activities such as horseback riding, visit to the botanical garden, kayaking and walks in the national park's trails are available from the lodge. The funds raised by the lodge are used for the upkeep of National Park's trails.
Prices based on double occupancy range from $170 to $210
(Until October 31, 2008)
Taxes & all meals included
LA PALOMA LODGE, CORCOVADO –
Drake Bay
La Paloma is a small nature-oriented lodge located in Drake's Bay, near Corcovado National Park and about an 8 hour trip via ground and boat transportation or a 40 minute flight from San Jose. Sitting on top of a cliff, the lodge is blessed by a refreshing sea breeze and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Caño Island. It features 5 deluxe ranchos (large thatched roofed cabins) that comfortably hold from 2 to 5 guests, 4 standard rooms, and 2 with sunset ranchos all spread out amongst lush vegetation. All accommodations have their own private bathrooms, large balconies, orthopedic queen and single beds and great views. The standard rooms have, single orthopedic beds and great views. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Wilderness adventure abounds on the Osa Peninsula. La Paloma Lodge offers tours to Corcovado National Park. A combination of hiking and beach exploration is offered on the excursion to the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Other activities include sea kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, sportfishing and scuba diving.
Prices per person based on 4D - 3N package on double occupancy range from $ to $
Round trip air & boat transportation San José - La Paloma , 3 nights
lodging,
tour to Corcovado National Park & Caño Island,
all meals and taxes included.
LAPA RÍOS, CORCOVADO
– Cabo Matapalo
Comprises part of the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve and is set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres/405 hectares of one of the most extensive lowland tropical rainforests in the area, Lapa Rios overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment.
All 16 thatched bungalows have an ocean view and are surrounded by the rainforest. Each bungalow features a private deck, patio garden, and an outdoor shower. Interior baths are tiled and two washbasins are set in cristobal wood. Two queen size beds are draped with mosquito netting. The hotel offers a restaurant serving international cuisine, as well as activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, a tropical garden tour, sports fishing, boat tours, and bird watching (over 300 species). Other optional tours on offer include: waterfall tours, night walks, therapeutic massage, and tree planting in the "Volunteer Rainforest", among others. Regular 50 minute flights depart daily to and from San José/Puerto Jiménez, and the lodge offers transportation to and from the Puerto Jiménez airstrip.
Prices per person based on 5D - 4N package on double
occupancy range from $1018 to $1450
(Until October 31, 2008)
Round trip Puerto Jiménez - Lapa Ríos, 4 nights lodging,
3 tours: Rainforest Waterfalls hike, medicine walk & night walk,
all meals and taxes included.
PIRATE COVE HOTEL, OSA PENINSULA
– Drake Bay
Pirate Cove is a small hotel, consisting of comfortable cabins and bungalows, located on the Osa Peninsula (about 330 km from San Jose), the least developed and most bio-diverse area of Costa Rica. Its 3 cabins and 4 bungalows have great ocean and river views and are hidden among rainforest trees. The hotel is a few meters of the beach (those who like deserted beaches will be able to enjoy about 2-3 kilometers of beach). The rooms are connected by elevated wooden walkways and the beds all have orthopedic mattresses. Every cabin and bungalow at Pirate Cove Hotel has a hot water shower, private bathroom, ceiling fans and 24-hour electricity.
The Bungalows are made of a very sturdy fabric, and each has a door and screened windows. Inside, the floors are polished wood, two of the bungalows have one double bed and 2 single beds and the other two have one double bed and one single bed. Outside, there are small balconies with hammocks directly overlooking the beach. The Cabins are perfect for couples who require more privacy and for families. Each contains one double or three single beds. Outside, there is a large private terrace that overlooks both the Pacific Ocean and Drake River. The Bungalows are slightly cooler than the cabins during dry season (January-April). Pirates Cove is also highly praised for the European-Costa Rican style cuisine, homemade breads and deserts. Vegetarian meals are also available. Pirate Cove is a PADI International Resort Association member, offering first class diving at Isla del Caño. The following activities are also on offer: guided tours to Corcovado National Park, snorkeling tours and special packages for families. Guests have free use of kayaks in order to explore the Pacific Ocean.
Prices per person based on 4D - 3N package on double
occupancy range from $520 to $570.
3 (Until November 30, 2008)
nights lodging, one tour per day of your choice, all meals and taxes included.
Corcovado & Caño Island subject to availability.
Air and boat transportation are not included
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