About an hour southeast from the capital city, San José, lies a perfect escape, in the peaceful rural appeal and magnificent beauty of the Orosi Valley.

Dominated by the spectacular views of two volcanoes, the green mountains with breathtaking views, the freshness of the air, and the abundance that the valley conveys, this region, devoted mainly to coffee production, will invigorate even the most exhausted of travelers.

The ride through the river valley is a complete joy not only for the wonderful views it offers but also for the attractions the visitor finds along the way.  You may see charming colonial churches, get pampered in exclusive hot springs, visit the wilderness of Tapanti National Park, and rejoice at the view of Cachí Lake.

You can enjoy it all in a one-day trip, while you fill your senses with the sounds and sights of the valley and savor a delicious cup of fresh local coffee.

You enter the valley from Paraíso, in the province of Cartago.  As you drive, the landscape suddenly reveals the vast valley, covered with coffee fields and sprinkled with little villages, as you descend into its core and to the swirling river below.

The first stop should be the magnificent Orosi Lookout, just 2 kilometers along this road; its green hills are a perfect picnic spot.  From there, you move down to Orosi’s charming colonial town, where the simple yet gorgeous 1743 Iglesia San José de Orosi, the oldest church still open in Costa Rica, lies.  Next to it, there’s a museum of religious art and relics, which used to be a Franciscan monastery.

Orosi is famous for its natural hot springs, which attracted Spanish colonists to the region.  There are two public spas, “Los Balnearios” and “Los Patios”, and if you are of an adventurous nature, you can also try the hot waters along the Orosi River; however, these are popular among the locals, so it can get a little crowded and you may have to be careful.

Without a doubt, the best are the private options, like “Valle Caliente Hot Springs”, where you can enjoy a natural-rock hot spring pool right in the heart of one of the best coffee plantations in the area.  In this exclusive hideaway, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and full service experience with coffee tour included.  You just have to allow your senses to dwell where they have never been before.  This is a private paradise, so you have to make a reservation, because the place is all yours for the day.

Valle Caliente Hot Springs, private getaway

You can visit the Orosi Tourist Information and Arts Café (OTIAC) in town to find out what you can do and about other exclusive jewels in the area.

When leaving the valley you have two options: you can go around it to enjoy the never-ending natural beauty, or you can take a detour and visit Tapantí National Park, a 5000-hectare bird paradise that is considered one of Costa Rica’s wildest cloud forests and the wettest national park in the country, with more than seven meters of annual rainfall.

Back on the road, you cross the river at Palomo village and head north surrounded by gorgeous coffee plantations, the river and Cachí Lake, and the grandness of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes.  The manmade and truly spectacular lake can be seen at its best from “La Casona del Cafetal” restaurant, one of the best in the region.

Orosi is such a rich region that we have only scratched the surface; however, we hope it is enough to inspire you to visit it and feed your soul and body with the pleasures that await you only one hour away from the capital city.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.crluxury.com as the original source).

Costa Rica is quickly becoming the #1 choice for destination weddings
For many creative couples. Whether your dream setting is beach, a mountain top, or hanging from a ZipLine 100 feet above the floor of the rainforest, a destination wedding in Costa Rica will not disappoint.

This tiny Central American country has more variety of environments and desirable settings to offer than almost anyplace on earth. First there is such a wide range of micro climates such as the Rainforest, dry cool Cloudforest or choose from an oceanfront beach ceremony on not just one coast….but your choice of the waves of the vast and mighty Pacific Ocean or the white sand and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Yes, it’s true….one paradise, two oceans.

Many couples seek wild eco-adventure, some are looking for a casual atmosphere and warm weather year-round, some for terrific value in an exotic location…Costa Rica offers them all. The most common thread with most of these couples is to preserve some elements of cultural or religious tradition in their ceremony while still enjoying the exotic scenery, celebrating their raw, adventurous sides and creating one-of-a-kind memories for the whole group that weren’t just popped out of a mold in a factory like many typical weddings.

One very vibrant couple made this dream a reality while creatively combining centuries-old East Indian tradition with a spicy Latin twist.

This was no ordinary East Indian wedding.
The setting was Los Sueños Resort and Marina on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

This particular couple has a passion for a tropical environment and the sea so they also wanted a beachfront wedding. The question was…how do they achieve it all…all in one amazing place?

They really had an interesting mix of requirements and a travel planner in the U.S. recommended they consider Los Sueños, just a 2 hour drive from the capital city of San Jose (soon to be a 1 hour drive when the new national highway opens in early 2010)

The family knew they had some challenges ahead with such unique requirements and it would take a very special, dedicated team to pull off all the complicated and specialized details.

They visited the Los Suenos resort, met with the CR Luxury Wedding Coordinator, explained their requests and requirements, and decided they’d found exactly what they wanted.

A Pre-wedding visit to experience the destination, the resort or hotel is highly recommended. Some venues even have a program allowing a one or two night complimentary visit, site tour and planning meeting.

Many hotels and resorts also offer a special bridal package which sometimes might include items like a complimentary cake, flower arrangement, banquet room and even a honeymoon suite at no charge for the bride and groom with a certain number of condominiums or hotel rooms booked for friends and family.

Check with the group sales department, reservations department, concierge or wedding planner for each venue you are considering and ask what offers they may extend and how much value you will receive for your dollars spent. Always consult a professional when preparing for a destination wedding either through the services of an independent planner or an “in-house” wedding coordinator.

Someone with expert knowledge of the location and great relationships with local vendors can help provide every detail and pull it off without even the slightest bump in the process. Well, almost any event planner will tell you; “there are bumps in carrying out any event…but a true professional will identify issues and find a creative solution to remedy the situation quickly where everyone in attendance will see only a hugely successful, joyful event”. The most important thing in almost any wedding planning process is to minimize the stress and maximize the pleasure of the entire experience from the first visit and consideration of the location, through the return home from the honeymoon.

The couple was amazed at how a team in Latin America, who never previously had any contact with East Indian culture, stepped right in, were happy to assist with every unusual detail and never were flustered by even a fleeting thought, of not being able to deliver every wish .

This well-traveled bride, grew up in Costa Rica and still has family in the country so she knows first hand all the wonders that Costa Rica and Latin America have to offer.  She knew this was the perfect place to bond their relationship and blend the two, vastly different cultures she calls her own.

Once the plans were made they flew from their home in Boston and after a few days in the city it was time to head west toward the Pacific coast to Los Sueños to begin the elaborate 3 day celebration.

The group arrived at Los Suenos Resort, checked in with the CR Luxury Diamond Concierge Team and the family met with their personal “in-house” wedding coordinator who immediately put them at ease ahd had every detail covered. Next stop….AAAAhhhhhhhh!

The bride said“ Once everyone arrived and checked into their luxury condominiums, everyone was so relaxed…..I think this set a great mood for the entire trip right away.”

It was November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving family did not want to miss that tradition either.  The CR Luxury Concierge ordered a full Thanksgiving Dinner that was delivered to the family at their condominium.

This was another great example of the blending of cultures…An American Celebration, enjoyed by an East Indian family across the street from the rainforest, in Costa Rica! This just goes to show what a warm welcome can be found for all cultures in this little Latin American paradise!

The bride also tells us that the luxury condominiums were “such a great decision”. They all enjoyed a beautiful, spacious home that allowed everyone to be comfortable and gather together several times and enjoy each other’s company as a family and as a group.  She also told us that they were impressed at how the units are so well kept. She said that the time shared and closeness would not have been possible if they were all staying in a luxury hotel.

Arrangements were made for the first ceremonial events…the ladies participated in a ritual called Mehndi and they flew in a special Henna artist from Toronto for the event while the family men gathered for drinks at sunset and enjoyed a memorable time.

The next event called Sangeet, began almost immediately afterward…poolside at the private, Los Sueños Beach Club.
Just another example of blending of the scenery of this Latin American paradise and rich East Indian culture.
The Sangeet event began with drinks and appetizers, being served.
While the guests were sipping and dining, there were dance and musical performances, the Newlywed Game and an open mic for speeches from friends.

Then came the wedding day and it was spectacular right from the start!

In a more typical setting the family and guests of the groom would proceed together fully costumed and decorated to the home of the bride for the wedding ceremony. For this creative couple, there was an exciting twist!

With the groom’s dressed in formal East Indian wedding attire, he mounts a horse and the group of family and guests begin the colorful procession, called Baraat winding through the Los Sueños resort toward the Beach Club for Milni where the bride’s family greets the groom’s for the ritual exchange of garlands.

The wedding couple were married on a stage with floral alter specially designed and built right here in Costa Rica of wood with a steel bowl for a special fire just for this particular ceremony.

A tented beachfront reception, decorated in linens and ribbon of white, gold and green followed the ceremony. Drinks and appetizers were served as well as a fantastic, authentic dinner catered by the family’s favorite restaurant East Indian restaurant from San Jose.

This lovely bride commented that every task and request, no matter how unique, strange or unconventional, from a horse for the groom’s procession to a specially built stage and alter was possible due to the “can do” attitude of the CR Luxury Diamond Concierge team.

The beach, rainforest covered mountains, outdoor venues, spacious luxury accommodations and the oceanfront views allowed this modern, young couple to create a very personalized, unique series of events which blended their rich East Indianheritage with their love for the beach and the tropics for a spicy Latin twist!

This was an example of just one couple’s unique creative dream wedding.

Never let your wedding dreams have limits…reach for the sky…right here in Costa Rica!

See what bride and groom had to say.

Treat your special someone to something totally unexpected this Valentines day, book a romantic escape to Costa Rica today! Costa Rica is the ideal location to spend a long and memorable weekend with your loved one.

At Los Sueños Resort located on Costa Rica’s magnificent Pacific coastline, we can help you plan the holiday getaway of your dreams. Our Diamond Concierge Service caters exclusively to the resort’s guests. Let us arrange your stay—you can choose from any of the condos or villas on our lush, landscaped grounds. We’ll take care of all of the details and extra touches in advance so you can relax fully and enjoy every moment with the one you love. Ask for rose petals to adorn your bed upon arrival in a room stocked with chilled champagne and chocolates, or have one of our private chefs prepare and serve a gourmet dinner for you in the privacy of your own room.

You can spend hours—or even days—at our full-service spa located right on the resort premises. Indulge in a sensual couples massage or any of our other beautifying and detoxifying packages, including facials, scrubs, hot stone therapies, and hair designs. Mentally rebalance and connect with your partner during a private yoga lesson right on the sand.

Drinks will be delivered to you in between dips and as your soak up the sun oceanside. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Los Sueños Beach Club amenities—jacuzzis, outdoor pools, and swim-up bars scattered throughout the resort grounds.

With five internationally flavored restaurants to choose from, you and you’re loved one might just not ever want to skip a meal. Contemporary, exotic, and freshly prepared courses are often served overlooking the spectacular Costa Rican sunsets. Go casual at our classic American pub or spice things up with Bambú’s Asian-inspired menu. Also known as a popular nightlife spot, you’ll often be treated to live local music and can dance the night away hand in hand without ever having to the leave the resort.

You and your special someone can even spend quality time together on the green. Take advantage of La Iguana Golf Course during your stay at the resort, with a day of 18-holes on a stunning nature backdrop of monkeys, sloths, pizotes, toucans, macaws, and lush green native fauna. Nearby Los Sueños Marina is also very popular among guests. Chartered luxury sailboats and fishing vessels leave continually from the marina and are an excellent way to explore the country’s clear blue waters with your true love by your side.

We can also help you plan a complete itinerary of activities and tours off the grounds. Costa Rica is known for its wildlife preserves, national parks, and adventure opportunities. Whether you and your partner are nature lovers, looking for an interactive cultural experience, or are thrill seekers, your trip will be packed with fun. Rainforests, cloud forests, colorful birds, volcanoes, horseback riding, surfing lessons, waterfall hikes, these are just a few of the ways you can spend your vacation together.

Time is running out. This year find a new way to celebrate your love in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is often named as one of the top 10 spots for a really romantic honeymoon.  It is one of few honeymoon destinations that offer such a diverse number of opportunities and environments.  From relaxing on a beach, to touring an ancient volcano, or zip lining through the jungle canopy, Costa Rica has something for everyone.  But probably the one thing Costa Rica is most famous for is its beaches.  If you are honeymooning in Costa Rica be sure to check out all the many beaches Costa Rica has to offer.

1. Manuel Antonio

Travel guides will often describe Manuel Antonio as not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, bur also one of the most beautiful in the world.  The amazing scenery surrounding the white sand beaches includes jungle canopy, waterfalls, and lush palm trees.  It offers the most variety of activities as along with sunbathing, you can also surf, snorkel, sea kayak, fish, and surf.

2. Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is not a single beach but a geographical area that includes several beaches along the coastline.  These sandy beaches and warm waters are more secluded and lure fewer tourists than some of the other beaches.  If you’re looking for a quieter Costa Rica honeymoon, this may be the place for you.

3. Playa Tamarindo

This is one of Costa Rica’s most famous beach towns.  The beaches are beautiful and sandy backed by towering palm trees and blessed with eternally warm waters.  It is probably one of the most “touristy” of all the beaches.  It is close to many of the adventure tours of the area if you want to combine beach bumming and new experiences.  There is also plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife.

4. Montezuma

If night life, art, partying, and people watching are your thing, then Montezuma Beach may be suitable for your honeymoon destination.  It is a little more budget-friendly as it is more an area for locals than tourists.  There is always something interesting going on from artisans displaying their wares to musicians entertaining the beach crowd.  It is also one of the best places to experiment with the local cuisine.  There is plenty of adventure waiting nearby as well and the beach itself boasts beachside waterfalls and warm inviting tide pools.

5. Jaco

Jaco Beach was at one time just a sleepy beach town, but in the last few years its popularity has grown as tourists discovered the fantastic surfing opportunities.  This combined with its proximity to San Jose and the night life available there has made Jaco one of the most favoured honeymoon beach destinations.  While it is one of the best for surfing, it is not considered a particularly safe beach for swimming as the waves are high and fast-breaking.  For sunning and swimming, there are other beaches that are better.

Costa Rica is full of luxurious elements for a romantic getaway.  From sand, sun and sea, to volcanoes, waterfalls and rich jungle foliage, there is an indefinite number of ways to combine romance and adventure.  Your resort will most likely provide a planning service to help you select the activities best suited to the holiday you are looking for. 

To be prepared for your romantic holiday there are a few things you must remember to bring along.  Be sure to have beach wear as well as light pants and a jacket for sunset walks along the beach. 

Don’t forget a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent.  There are bugs in Costa Rica!  You will also need shoes meant for walking for any of the adventure tours that you choose. 

Be sure to always have a little cash on hand for incidentals but don’t carry a lot of cash at any time.  Some spas and hot springs require small deposits for towel use.  Afternoon showers are not uncommon during the green season so you might want to have a rain poncho tucked away somewhere.  And don’t forget your camera! 

Now that you have the essentials covered, you’re ready to start planning the romantic things you want to do. Here are some of the must do romantic activities for your Costa Rican holiday.

1 - Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to book a romantic horseback riding trip on the beach.

2 - Hiking in the rain forest is offered by many tour companies and resorts.

3 - Boat tours can be really lazy and romantic.  If you are staying near one of the river areas, this can be a very romantic outing.

4 - Perhaps a little less romantic and more adventurous would be a white water rafting tour.

5 - Plan a day of snorkelling together followed by some sun worshipping or daydreaming together under the palm trees that line all the beaches.

6 - There are numerous hot springs that you can try together for some relaxing warm water therapy. Many of the hot springs areas have on site spas where you could also go for a relaxing massage and some extra personal TLC before meeting up again.

7 - There is plenty of night life to be enjoyed in Costa Rica.  Dance, dine, celebrate, or even try your luck at a local casino. 

8 - If you want a romantic adventure combined with a little adrenalin rush you can take a Canyon Trek and repel into the canyon right through rushing waterfalls.

For a truly romantic holiday, there is definitely no place quite like Costa Rica.  Whatever you choose to do remember, the romance really comes from doing what you love to do together!

From lush rainforests to spectacular coastline – Costa Rica offers everything to satisfy true romantics!  Costa Rica Luxury Rentals offer a wide variety of rental condos to serve as your perfect love nest- with full gourmet kitchens, beautifully landscaped grounds with pools and spas, and well-appointed rooms that are perfect for that special romantic getaway.  Located on the Central Coast, you will be close to all the exotic beauty that Costa Rica has to offer.

Two lush national parks are nearby, as well as the crystal clear Pacific Ocean with sheltered coves, gently lapping waves, and secluded beaches that are perfect for moonlit walks, hand-in-hand. 

Why not enjoy a tour to exotic Tortuga Island as part of your special time together?  Tortuga Island is legendary for its crystal blue waters, sparkling white sand beaches, and green mountain scenery.   Costa Rica Luxury Rentals can arrange this tour or any other adventure tour for you as part of your visit to this magical land. 

Nothing sparks romance like a candle-lit meal – as a guest of Costa Rica Luxury Rentals, you can hire a private chef to prepare a truly memorable meal as the beginning of a special night together.   If you prefer a romantic restaurant meal, the Los Sueños Resort area is home to many world class restaurants with truly gourmet cuisine and outstanding wine cellars. 

Costa Rica Luxury Rentals guests also have use of the exclusive Los Sueños Beach Club, which features a private white sand beach with shade palupas, and a beautiful pool and spa area for relaxing, with a swim-up bar.

To many, a great cup of coffee is pure romance.  Costa Rica is known for the fine quality of its coffee throughout the world.  Located in the Los Sueños Marina area is Dolce Vita Coffee & Sweets, a great place to have breakfast after your perfect evening capped with a truly excellent cup of fine coffee.  

If viewing wildlife creates romance for you – Costa Rica is your perfect destination.  Over 150 species of birds as well as monkeys and other wildlife are abundant on the grounds of the Los Sueños Resort area.  

Whatever spells romance for you – wild adventures, lush rainforest, pristine beaches, or romantic meals – Costa Rica is sure to provide it.  Why not book your great getaway today?