Off The Beaten Path

Day 1:   Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.  Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the recently renovated 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Guests delight in the tranquil ambience of tropical plants and flowers found throughout the hotel. Italian tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water. Additionally a rooftop garden terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a blissful, secluded spot for lounging, sunbathing and stargazing. Once a simple café, the restaurant at Grano de Oro has evolved into one or San Jose’s finest dining establishments, frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Day 2:    This morning a 4 X 4 rental vehicle will be delivered to the hotel.  Today, you will drive about 4 – 5 hours to the Oxygen Jungle Villas located on a stunning mountainside overlooking the Pacific.  Oxygen Jungle Villas is a small-scale and exclusive Balinese style boutique resort hotel. Located in Uvita, in the middle of the Costa Ballena, Costa Rica’s South Pacific hotspot. They guarantee an individual and personalized service and a maximum of 24 guests (adults only) at all times, staying in one of the only 12 one-bedroom villas on the Oxygen estate. All this only minutes from some of the most pristine beaches in the world and centrally located between Costa Rica's most beautiful National Parks.  The villas are inspired by traditional Indonesian architecture and include king size beds, a/c, private terrace, 10’ rain shower, individual flat screen dvd player with IPod docking station and mini bar.  The hotel facilities and services include a gourmet restaurant, bar, infinity pool, sun deck, spa & yoga, private reserve and jungle trails. 

Day 3 – 5:   Free days to explore nearby pristine beaches, relax at the pool or to plan day excursions at an additional cost.  Optional excursions include whale and dolphin tours in Marino Ballena National Park, hiking in Corcovado National Park, snorkeling & scuba diving, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and surf lessons.  Overnight Oxygen Jungle Villas.  

Day 6:    This morning, you will drive approximately 4 hours to the Hotel Villa Caletas, located north of Jacó Beach on the Central Pacific Coast, for overnight. The private hilltop location of this European mansion, more than 1000 feet above the ocean, is one of the most stunning and scenic in Costa Rica. The spectacular 180-degree panorama from this tropical-jungle perch sweeps over the gulf islands of the Nicoya Peninsula to the crescent beaches of Jacó, Herradura and Punta Leona, taking in the majestic mountains. Overlooking a beautiful coastline, the breath taking views bring our country to life. From each side of the mountain, rain forests spread to the sandy, quiet beaches below. The dark, emerald green of this wild, native vegetation contrasts with the blue of the Pacific Ocean. Views of lush tropical rainforests complement some of the most breath taking sunsets you will ever see.

The property features 42 rooms, villas and suites, all with a/c, ceiling fans in bedrooms and living rooms, telephones, Satellite TV, mini bar and luxury bath amenities. This isolated and romantic elegant resort is surrounded by lush gardens and offers two gourmet dining rooms, free form swimming pool, and nearby private beach located only one mile from the hotel, (an hourly transfer will take you back and forth). You can go at any time to this wild, volcanic sand and very private beach, equipped with sun beds and refreshing drinks out of our snack bar to relax under the sun or under the cool shade. Find down here showers and restrooms.

Day 7:    Today, you will drive about 5 – 6 hours to Nosara on the Northern Pacific Coast.  Arrive at The Harmony Hotel for overnight.  Inspired by the old school tropical destinations of eras that appreciated low key glamour and total escape, The Harmony Hotel Nosara is the prefect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm.  All 24 accommodations reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. And the ears do not lie-that is the sound of waves. The path ends nearby at the warm, inviting Pacific Ocean on Playa Guiones, Nosara.  The open air restaurant at the Harmony seats 40 guests in a stylish but casual atmosphere that draws upon 70's surf culture, Brazilian Modernism, and old school tropical resorts. In addition to the main restaurant at the Harmony, La Cafeteria provides vegetarian tapas, fresh squeezed juices and herbal teas. Like the restaurant, they use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Day 8 – 9:    Free days to relax at the beach surf or explore the area.  The Harmony is a stone's throw from the best break on Playa Guiones, home to the best surf in Nosara and for that matter, some of the most consistent year-round waves in the world.   Straight off the Harmony path is a beach break with lefts and rights. Warm air and offshore breezes make for great conditions. Overnight at The Harmony Hotel.

Day 10:   Today, you will drop off the 4X4 vehicle at the Nosara airstrip before departing on a short flight to San Jose.  Upon arrival, you will transfer to Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or do some last minute souvenir shopping.

Day 11:    This morning, you will transfer to the international airport for departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose International Airport Transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, deluxe double room
• 4 X 4 Vehicle (8 day rental) – Includes automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, a/c, insurance and drop off in Nosara. *A $1000.00 deductible applies
• 4 nights Oxygen Jungle Villas, jungle villa
• 1 night Hotel Villa Caletas, junior suite
• 3 nights Harmony Hotel, Cocos room – breakfast daily included
• One way Nosara Airstrip Transfer
• One way flight from Nosara to San Jose  *Max 25 lbs of baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• One way San Jose domestic airport transfer
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Price valid through October 31, 2012