Luxurious Destinations in Costa Rica

For almost as long as people have been traveling, Costa Rica has been known to be a backpacker’s destination. It is one of the eco-friendliest countries in the world which is designed and maintained by its sustainable tourism programs. But if you think that this puts Costa Rica more on the granola, dreadlocks, and hemp category than on one that promises sun, sand, and a whole lot of pampering, you couldn’t be further away from the truth if you tried.

In the last decade and a half, Costa Rica has been popping up on lists that promise luxury vacations to its many travelers. It now boasts opulent golf courses, luxurious gastronomic fiestas, gorgeous marinas, and facilities ready to sweep you off your feet and into the arms of sheer comfort and pampering. In Costa Rica places to stay include magnificently opulent resorts and villas. So, if you have been planning on taking a luxurious vacation of your own, here are some places where you can get the best of sun, sand and some good old pampering

Santa Teresa

If you have always dreamt of running into your favorite celebrities while on vacation to a luxurious destination, Santa Teresa might just make all your wildest dreams come true. The chain of glimmering white sand beaches that makes up Santa Teresa has recently become very popular among celebrities all over the world. What makes these beaches even more glorious is how isolated it is from the rest of the world, with the only way to reach it is to take a ferry or a small plane to its shimmering heart.

With a collection of posh oceanfront boutique resorts and hotels with glorious views, this beach has often been voted Central America’s most beautiful and is a favorite among vanguard surfers and professional jet setters.

Gulf of Papagayo

One of the poshest places in Costa Rica, Papagayo is a string of sparkling gold beaches cradled in the north-western province of Guanacaste.

Once known for its equestrian delights, it is now a destination known for its luxurious delights, from restaurants that plate up classy gastronomic delights to its opulently lavish rentals. Being central America’s sweetheart when it comes to luxury, it even boasts of its own airport that is based but moments away from Liberia, the regional capital.

And if the glimmering green golf courses at your resort and the deep sensuous massages and good wine cannot tickle your fancy for long, you can head to the national parks that are teeming with wildlife and local and rare fauna. Explore the festivities amongst the beach communities or spend the afternoon undisturbed on a white sand beach, the flavors of wine dancing on your tongue as the wind caresses your hair and plays with your spirit and the pages of your favorite book.

Arenal

If you are a fan of luxuriously warm spring waters that lap against and caress your skin, this is not a spot you should miss. Up until the year 2011, Arenal was one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, making guest appearances in all its fiery glory in the many tourist brochures of the area. Recently though, the fire seems to have faded, with bits and pieces of leisurely puffs and smoke rising from its once fearsome depths. But do not let this faze you. The lava might have dried up but the hot springs remain as glorious as ever. Properties here have rivers of luxuriously warm waters feeding beautiful spas and gardens, making this the perfect spot for honeymooners looking to get pampered amidst gardens of gorgeous flowers.

And, if you decide on visiting, definitely do no miss out on the day trips to the numerous hot springs that come cascading down Arenal’s slopes and douse the bathers in its warm, mineral-rich embrace.

Manuel Antonio

If you are not just here for the sensuous massages the hot baths and flavorful delicacies, you might want to head to the heart of the rolling deep jungles that surround the little national park of Manuel Antonio. Originally one of Costa Rica’s most upscale destinations, this little park comes alive with the cries and trilling of the wild fauna that roam amidst the many-hued fauna of this land. It remains one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the world, ensuring that you return with fond memories of chance meetings with its many tropical birds, and countless species of monkeys and sloths.

All this also means that it is better to make your bookings in advance, especially if you are planning on visiting here anywhere between December to February, which is technically high season here.

The area is not just rich with wildlife but has a boomingly vibrant night culture, has a breath-taking collection in its many art galleries, and offers up plenty of options to couples that wish to spice up their romance with a little adventure.