Costa Rica is filled with wildlife!  And recently Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica played host to a different kind of Wildlife - Country Superstar Wildlife!   Grammy Nominated, Billy Currington and his crew performed live on a tropical evening right here in the Marina Village!

This upscale resort village buzzed with activity…what an evening it was!

Take a look at this video recorded during his presentation that night!!

As casual and real as three guys with guitars on your front porch, country superstar Billy Currington and his two talented amigos captured the night.

The boys got up close and personal with music fans (some even sported their best hats) who all turned out for the first Latin American appearance which kicked off the group’s tour, promoting awareness and raising funds for Billy’s humanitarian organization; Global South Relief.

Welcome to the Costa Rica Luxury Vacations Fishing Report Update.

Every 2 weeks or so, we’ll publish the biggest and best news from one of the world’s top Sport Fishing destinations. The Marina at the Los Sueños Resort is also the home of the Marlin Invitational as well as the 1st and 2nd leg of the World Billfish Tournament every January and February.

We’ll keep you informed about what is coming up, what’s been caught and why you want to be here!

Check back often for new reports…See you in the Marina!

Here are the partial  results for December 09

Dorado 1183

Sailfish 228

Tuna 111

Marlin 32

Rooster Fish 7

Wahoo 2

Whether you’re a seasoned birder seeking the world’s top birding locations, an eco    friendly nature lover, or trying to find a way to entertain the kids, birdwatching in Costa Rica is an obvious choice. With over 890 species recorded to date, the neotropical environment boasts the greatest density of bird species of any continental American country. The jungles, rainforests, mountains, mangrove swamps, and coastlines of the country offer a rich birding experience unlike any other. You can book a guided tour or take your sweet time ambling among the vegetation to discover the birds of Costa Rica.

Resplendent Quetzal
Touted as one of the most beautiful birds in the world, the quetzal has a shimmering emerald green body, red belly, and blue back, along with a long blue and green tail, nearly twice as long as its 15-inch body. Representing freedom and wealth, the bird was the Aztecs’ and Mayas’ most sacred symbol, and the tribes often traded the quetzal’s feathers.

Quetzals call the mountainous cloud forests of Costa Rica their home, spending most of the year alone, until they mate between March and June and produce two blue eggs. They feed on fruit–especially avocadoes–insects, and even lizards and frogs. Because the quetzal’s existence is threatened by the destruction of its habitat, Costa Rica’s protected land preserves provide habitat for the birds and give ecotourists and birdwatchers the opportunity to marvel at its magnificence.

Scarlet Macaw
The macaw is a sheer explosion of color: the plumage is mainly scarlet, with light blue tail feathers, yellow and darker blue on the wings, and dark red with metallic gold iridescence on the wing and tail flight feathers.

These birds prefer to live in the humid, evergreen forests of the tropical regions, and can live between 30 and 50 years in the wild. They eat mostly fruits and seeds and generally travel alone or in pairs. Very vocal, you will hear the distinctive loud, low-pitched, throaty squawks, squeaks, and screams of the macaw overhead.

Toucans
Costa Rica has six different toucan species found in the lowlands and tropical rainforests. Each has the hallmark bright-billed beak that it uses to forage into holes within trees and to pick fruit. The color and size of the toucan vary among the species, but all toucans like to eat fleshy fruits such as papaya, berries, and palm.

Toucans are very playful birds and provide hours of entertainment for birdwatchers as they use their bills to tussle with each other in the trees. They nest in tree holes and lay two to four eggs up to three times a year.

Hummingbirds
Currently, there are 51species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica. These birds are often described as tiny high-speed machines. The hum they are named for is made by the beat of their wings, which move so rapidly that the human eye cannot detect it. And they can even fly backwards!

In the tropical lowlands and cool cloud forests, you can find them hovering around flowers, where they extract nectar and insects with their long, hollow tongues. Their vibrant, shimmering colors and ability to magically hover in mid-air for long periods of time, makes the hummingbird a crowd favorite.

Guys and gals alike have been flocking to Costa Rica for years now for the surf spots alone. Currently, surf tourism makes up approximately 20 percent of the country’s annual tourists—this means about 200,000 surfers visit the country each year just to ride some of the world’s most incredible waves.

Surf spots are easily found up and down Costa Rica’s Pacific (west side) and Caribbean (east side) coastlines. Waves on the North Pacific Coast are generally a bit smaller than ones you’ll see in high season (December through April) and during tropical storms on the Caribbean. But the waves are consistently good year-round. During rainy season (April to mid-December), you’ll find the best swells on the Pacific side, but during the dry season on the west coast (December through April), you’ll continuous well-formed waves.

The Caribbean Coast on the east has a notoriously shorter, less reliable surfing season, but the frequent tropical storms and hurricanes often equal killer swells. In general, the surf is best during the hot and dry season (October until April).
Water temperatures don’t vary that much on either side or throughout the seasons—the water is more than comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) all year long.

The more than 800 miles of Pacifc and Caribbean Ocean coastline are home to many of the top international surfing competitions every year. This past August, Billabong hosted the ISA World Surfing Games 2009 in Playa Hermosa. A seemingly endless volcanic, black sand beach just 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jacó (10 minutes south of Los Sueños), Play Hermosa is the ideal location for more experienced surfers. Playa Hermosa is an especially ideal location because its waves break only 13 feet from shore. With steady, 4 to 8-foot-high waves and warm Pacific waters, you can catch quality rides all day long.

Beginner and intermediate surfers don’t fear. The nearby town of Jacó offers surfing lessons for all levels taught by local and international experienced surfers speaking a variety of languages. Spend a day or a week in the water—many different surf packages are available and can be organized in advance or on a day-by-day basis. Surfing is so appealing in this area that Jaco is now known as the “Land of Adventures and City of Surf.” Surf by day and take advantage of all the nightlife, restaurants, and convenience of a bustling, small town during your time out of the water.

For an even more chilled-out vibe, try Mal Pais and Santa Teresa located on the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and just an hour boat ride from Jacó. This very small community is tucked away along golden beaches with a breathtaking backdrop of green vegetation. An ideal location for surfers looking for a remote, individual surfing experience with no frills and just good waves in a beautiful atmosphere. Here you can find your surfing zone and get away from it all.

If you want a true surfing adventure, travel to Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava) on the Caribbean side. This Hawaiian-style reefbreak is known around the world for its size and power. When there is a swell, the biggest waves in Costa Rica break right here. You need to paddle in and out through a small channel in the reef. Experienced and adrenaline-seeking surfers only! If you want more variety, a mile or so south you’ll find Playa Cocles, a consistent beachbreak, and a few more miles south of that is Punta Uva.

Wherever you and your board go, don’t forget your rash guard and lots of sunscreen to protect yourself against the Costa Rican sun.

Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a serene, sophisticated, luxury residential and resort development created right at the edge of rainforest, mountains and shoreline of the Central Pacific of Cost Rica in a small part of the world where nature still runs wild.

Earlier this month in a gathering at Los Suenos Resort and Marina interested benefactors met with the Playa Hermosa, Sanctuary Administrator, Sr. Belfort Cubillo to learn as much as possible about the plight of the sea turtles and the most immediate and long term needs of the sanctuary. Sr. Cubillo previously served as Administrator protecting and sharing the natural beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Sr. Cubillo now focuses his full attention on repairing and replacing the dilapidated facilities at Playa Hermosa and especially dedicates 7 days a week to saving the various breeds of turtles that instinctually choose this tiny, 10 km slice of Costa Rican coastline.

There is much more hope now for the survival of the 4 different breeds of turtles who annually return to Playa Hermosa (just a few minutes south of Playa Jaco in the province of Puntarenas bring together many concerned citizens and professionals

A dedicated local group is now spearheading a campaign to assist in every way possible to ensure the long-term survival of these amazing, endangered creatures.

The group has solidified an official alliance with the sanctuary that they hope will help bring volunteers from many corners of the globe to encourage attention from the scientific and worldwide media communities, global environmentalists and contributions from local community members and construction professionals.

They will put out a Call to Action and ask volunteer forces to help patrol the beaches for nests, protect them from poachers, care for the incubating eggs and help provide funding for much needed supplies which are vitally necessary in order to rescue, incubate and release the hatchlings back into their natural environment of the sea.

Adults and families with children visiting the area will now have the ability and the privilege of volunteering their time.

Out of a total of 8 breeds of sea turtles in the world, 6 migrate to Costa Rica and an astonishing 4 breeds choose Playa Hermosa. December through March is breeding and egg laying season for the Negra del Pacifico turtles who migrate to Playa Hermosa. So, instead of more shopping, wrapping  and fighting the rain and snow choose a : “Go-Green Christmas” in one of the greenest places on earth.

This Holiday Season, Volunteer families and friends can share their time together doing something different… something wonderful…something truly giving this year, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

What most of us don’t see every day are the struggles of some endangered species who choose Costa Rica as one the few places on earth perfect enough to mate and hatch their young.

Predators, both wild animals and humans even further endanger these few remaining turtles….there are very few natural threats in the sea….most of the danger for the turtles in the sea comes from getting caught in nets or being killed on purpose and sold for a hefty profit.

Many hatchlings never make it from the nest to the sea to grow and thrive….Poachers steal and sell the eggs. A few wild animals like Raccoons and Pizotes  steal the eggs and the hatchlings. Poachers kill both baby hatchlings and adults for their shells….Between lost eggs, hatchlings who do no make it to the sea, man-made dangers and other preditors in the sea…for some breeds, only about 1 in 100,000 survive to adulthood!

The “poaching”, or stealing of these eggs, hatchlings and adults turtles is a national crime, however, there is only a very small fine that thieves gladly pay…..that cost is much less than the profits they will make.
But, the cost to the turtles means everything including a very serious threat of extiction!

Those who step up to the challenge of volunteering may be asking themselves “How can I help? How can I say “no” to helping those baby sea turtles and their families…especially during the holidays?”

By volunteering your time and efforts to the Refugio Nacional Playa Hermosa this holiday season or during any sea turtle egg laying season throughout the year, you will be doing your part to help protect the planet and it’s  creatures from extinction, help a sea turtle family to survive and form holiday memories that will last a lifetime!

Now, with your help, the Baula (Leatherbacks, the Negra del Pacificos, the Tortugas Carey and the Carpenteras will all be on earth a little longer and a little stronger, in greater numbers.

We challenge you to get back to the real roots, of the spirit of Christmas. This year, promote family togetherness; for your family and the turtle families of the sea.

Los Sueños Resort and Marina was the perfect setting for this amazing 4 DAY WEDDING CELEBRATION!

The list of almost 250 guests began to arrive at the Los Sueños, Costa Rica Resort on Wednesday, November 11^th from countries around the globe. The bride, Katharina Valentiner (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) whose mother is from Germany and the father of the bride from Venezuela made up only the beginning of this truly international event.

Immediate family members include multinational corporate moguls in both the Pharmaceutical and Oil Industries.

The bride Katharina and the groom, Michael Merlob (also born in the United States) currently live in Los Angeles, California. Katharina works as a middle school teacher and Michael works in the entertainment industry.

The list of celebratory events was sparked by a cocktail and appetizer reception on Thursday evening at the lovely Terrace Lounge atop the warmly lit Los Sueños Marina Village.

Friday morning was a day for sporting challenges and exciting adventures!

Immediate family and closest guests participated in a golf tournament at Los Sueños’s famed La Iguana Championship Golf Course followed by awards ceremony and lunch at the 19^th Hole.

The remaining wedding guests chose between an array of pure Costa Rican activities. Some guests headed out for a beach & jungle nature tour only one hour south at Manuel Antonio National Park

Some daredevils took to a nearby river for the rush of Whitewater Rafting while others headed just 10 minutes away to Herradura and experienced the thrill of climbing high into the canopy of the Costa Rican Rainforest for exhilaration of high-flying, tree to tree adventure on the Zip Lines!

After a brief rest it was time for a bit of tradition and elegance to begin.

The Friday evening sunset was observed by guests under a tented dining room decorated with fresh tropical leaves and white orchids in the gardens at the Marriott Los Sueños. On the lighted stage, a traditional German performance, the Polteraban, was performed. Guests also enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dancing to conclude the evening.

On Saturday most guests enjoyed rest and relaxation at the exclusive, private Los Sueños Beach Club. Some simply enjoyed the comfort of their luxury condominium.

As the bride’s maids and wedding party were busy preparing the bride, the Diamond Concierge Team from Costa Rica Luxury Rentals (who planned and produced all of the events) was hard at work coordinating the set up of the Beach Club location along with the Los Sueños Marriott catering crew.

The bride and groom were joined by their nearly 250 guests for a tented ceremony officiated by Attorney/Notary Public, Marcelo Galli, who has performed many weddings in Costa Rica including some for celebrity couples tying the knot including Grammy-winning recording artist, Pink.

Music played a role in many elements of the big day.

Several musical groups were flown in for the festivities. 3 Venezuelan bands, including 2 Big Bands, a Calypso band who opened the ceremony and a Caribbean band who helped introduce the new Mr and Mrs. Merlob.

Of course, cocktails and appetizers were served beachside, while

well-wishers and wedding party mingled as the sun set over Herradura Bay.

The lavish reception was held in the grand Herradura Ballroom of the Marriott Los Sueños. The room was draped in elegance in white and muted natural hues, sported a raised stage set up with lights and sound and a very trendy, all white Martini Lounge flanked the opposite side of the stage.

Big band filled the air both indoors and out.

The candle light and old world brick of Patio Almendros was a more casual atmosphere for guests to gather for an after dinner drink and to enjoy the music and a freshly hand-rolled cigar.

This selective couple and their nearly 250 guests chose the most desirable location available in the region to enjoy every moment of this special celebration .

The Costa Rica Luxury, Diamond Concierge Staff planned and produced the entire 4 day schedule of events. They accounted for every detail of the first class luxury experience for this Costa Rica event at a cost much lower than you may expect.

Sunday was a day for some relaxation and reflection.

A day of true, “Pura Vida”.

Bridal party and guests alike wrapped up a wonderful celebration filled with a rare combination of excitement, adventure, elegance and natural beauty that may only be found here in this unique, Costa Rica resort destination.

Enjoy what the father of the bride said about the wedding