Are you packed and ready to start your Los Sueños luxury getaway?

The slow pace of Costa Rica is part of the charm and intrigue but getting to this exciting destination in half the time is a huge bonus!

If you are flying in to SJO or just escaping your cubical or office in San Jose when you’re headed west to Los Sueños you’ll be hopping on the new San Jose-Caldera Highway.

The days of those long and winding2 or 2 ½ hours over windy mountain roads are over…. Now it’s just a quick zip over a smooth, straight, well marked highway headed for the sun, sand and the Pacific Ocean and you can jump-start your Los Sueños getaway in about an hour!

Now, you can enjoy more time ON your fabulous, long weekend or that well-deserved, luxury vacation rather than getting to and from your destination.

On Wednesday, January 27th, President Oscar Arias officially declared the opening of the highway in an inaugural ceremony that millions of Costa Ricans and visitors alike had anticipated for so many years. No too long after the project was approved to move forward a surprise came announcing that the road would be open about 4 months ahead of schedule!

Following the inauguration, the President toured the city of Puntarenas on the Gulf of Nicoya  and remarked that he made it there in about 45 minutes and had never arrived there before in less than about 90 minutes.

The first modern highway in the country, keep in mind that the Caldera is a toll road and will initially cost around $2.80 or  1,930 Colones to cross from the Capital to Caldera.

Heading to Los Sueños  Resort and Marina plus all the nearby fun and adventure with easy access from the Central Pacific coast, just got better!

The sooner you arrive at the Central Pacific coast the sooner you can begin your time off and your break from reality.

As the saying goes “build it and they will come.”  Well they have.

You’ll find our little slice of the world more irresistible and closer than ever.

Plan your destination wedding, family vacation and Guys’ or Gals’ Getaway well in advance or just hop in the car and head for the Pacific coast at the spur of the moment.

Settle in to your luxury condominium, dine at sunset and take a romantic moonlight swim.

Paradise awaits so get ready…it all starts in just about an hour! -

Look at this article that The New York Times published on January 7, 2010 that was written by Nicholas D. Kristof.

We wanted to share it with you!

The New York Times

Op-Ed Columnist
The Happiest People

By Nicholas D. Kristof
Published January 06, 2010

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica

Hmmm. You think it’s a coincidence? Costa Rica is one of the very few countries to have abolished its army, and it’s also arguably the happiest nation on earth.

There are several ways of measuring happiness in countries, all inexact, but this pearl of Central America does stunningly well by whatever system is used. For example, the World Database of Happiness, compiled by a Dutch sociologist on the basis of answers to surveys by Gallup and others, lists Costa Rica in the top spot out of 148 nations.

That’s because Costa Ricans, asked to rate their own happiness on a 10-point scale, average 8.5. Denmark is next at 8.3, the United States ranks 20th at 7.4 and Togo and Tanzania bring up the caboose at 2.6.

Scholars also calculate happiness by determining “happy life years.” This figure results from merging average self-reported happiness, as above, with life expectancy. Using this system, Costa Rica again easily tops the list. The United States is 19th, and Zimbabwe comes in last.

A third approach is the “happy planet index,” devised by the New Economics Foundation, a liberal think tank. This combines happiness and longevity but adjusts for environmental impact — such as the carbon that countries spew.

Here again, Costa Rica wins the day, for achieving contentment and longevity in an environmentally sustainable way. The Dominican Republic ranks second, the United States 114th (because of its huge ecological footprint) and Zimbabwe is last.

Maybe Costa Rican contentment has something to do with the chance to explore dazzling beaches on both sides of the country, when one isn’t admiring the sloths in the jungle (sloths truly are slothful, I discovered; they are the tortoises of the trees). Costa Rica has done an unusually good job preserving nature, and it’s surely easier to be happy while basking in sunshine and greenery than while shivering up north and suffering “nature deficit disorder.”

After dragging my 12-year-old daughter through Honduran slums and Nicaraguan villages on this trip, she was delighted to see a Costa Rican beach and stroll through a national park. Among her favorite animals now: iguanas and sloths.

(Note to boss: Maybe we should have a columnist based in Costa Rica?)

What sets Costa Rica apart is its remarkable decision in 1949 to dissolve its armed forces and invest instead in education. Increased schooling created a more stable society, less prone to the conflicts that have raged elsewhere in Central America. Education also boosted the economy, enabling the country to become a major exporter of computer chips and improving English-language skills so as to attract American eco-tourists.

I’m not antimilitary. But the evidence is strong that education is often a far better investment than artillery.

In Costa Rica, rising education levels also fostered impressive gender equality so that it ranks higher than the United States in the World Economic Forum gender gap index. This allows Costa Rica to use its female population more productively than is true in most of the region. Likewise, education nurtured improvements in health care, with life expectancy now about the same as in the United States — a bit longer in some data sets, a bit shorter in others.

Rising education levels also led the country to preserve its lush environment as an economic asset. Costa Rica is an ecological pioneer, introducing a carbon tax in 1997. The Environmental Performance Index, a collaboration of Yale and Columbia Universities, ranks Costa Rica at No. 5 in the world, the best outside Europe.

This emphasis on the environment hasn’t sabotaged Costa Rica’s economy but has bolstered it. Indeed, Costa Rica is one of the few countries that is seeing migration from the United States: Yankees are moving here to enjoy a low-cost retirement. My hunch is that in 25 years, we’ll see large numbers of English-speaking retirement communities along the Costa Rican coast.

Latin countries generally do well in happiness surveys. Mexico and Colombia rank higher than the United States in self-reported contentment. Perhaps one reason is a cultural emphasis on family and friends, on social capital over financial capital — but then again, Mexicans sometimes slip into the United States, presumably in pursuit of both happiness and assets.

Cross-country comparisons of happiness are controversial and uncertain. But what does seem quite clear is that Costa Rica’s national decision to invest in education rather than arms has paid rich dividends. Maybe the lesson for the United States is that we should devote fewer resources to shoring up foreign armies and more to bolstering schools both at home and abroad.

In the meantime, I encourage you to conduct your own research in Costa Rica, exploring those magnificent beaches or admiring those slothful sloths. It’ll surely make you happy.

A version of this article appeared in print on January 7, 2010, on page A31 of the New York edition.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Come to Costa Rica this holiday season where “going green” is more than the latest trend…it’s our way of life!

With a tremendous average annual rainfall, we’ve been green almost since the dawn of time.

 

Each holiday season there are new toys, gadgets and warm things to wear that are on wish lists everywhere. There are

numerous frantic shopping days and over-spending to find just the right gift for each family member.…only to find those

very items too small, broken, on the closet shelf, techno-obsolete or at the family garage sale next Spring.

 

This year, start a new holiday tradition!

 

Families everywhere are recycling, saving a tree or two where they can, using less fuel, conserving water and remodeling

their homes with materials derived from renewable resources.  You are working hard to save the planet….Come to

Costa Rica and live the thrills, excitement and adventures of one of the richest places on earth!

 

Experience prehistoric volcanoes, the wonders of the rain forest or become  “Hands-on Volunteers” helping to protect

and save baby sea turtles…assisting them to arrive safely into the ocean allowing them to grow and thrive!

 

This is no simulation, not a zoo, a wild animal park or exhibit; it’s not even a “Café” with exotic décor and a Rainforest

theme. It’s all real, all pure, all the time!

 

Family travel is best enjoyed when everyone is together and when the accommodations are spacious and comfortable.

Much like home, a luxury vacation rental can provide a home environment accommodating up to 6 people. You can reap

the benefits of comfort and space while having the most access to the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

 

The wildlife thrives in the green foliage and tropical climate of Costa Rica.  So imagine the looks on your kid’s faces when

they see monkeys, iguanas or exotic birds right outside your door with their own eyes!

 

Protection of the environment and its wildlife is highly important to the country and its citizens.  This magical place of

amazing tropical foliage, mountains and valleys with many different climates all sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean

and Caribbean Sea with all its wonders is just waiting for you to explore.

 

Zig Zag from tree to tree and fly through a cloud with a breathtaking view of Herradura Bay on Zip Lines under the

canopy of the rainforest one day… then ride on horseback climbing into the foothills, across a creek to an amazing

waterfall the next.

 

Can you imagine starting your morning with a view of the slopes of jungle covered mountains splashing into the sea on the

Pacific Coast  then watching the lava flow as it illuminates the night sky from the slopes of the perfect Volcanic cone called

Arenal all in the same day?

 

Many of the adventures you may choose may begin only a few minutes away from the comfort, luxury and convenience of

your home base.

 

Tomorrow you may then be enjoying the white sand and turquoise waters of the pleasures of the Caribbean before

returning to your base on the Central Pacific coast.

 

A family vacation brings people together to rejuvenate, relax, play and become reacquainted.  Enjoying life with those

they love the most while temporarily leaving the rest of the world behind.

 

All Costa Rica is now very easily accessible from most U.S. and Canadian gateways, all available at your fingertips.

You’ll all enjoy so much for so little…it’s an incredible family value!…and we all like that!

 

So, eliminate the shopping, forget the hectic trips to the mall in the rain and snow. There’ll be no need for parking or the

endless hours of catalogue shopping. You may even save a tree from becoming just another roll of Santa covered

wrapping paper.

 

This season, wrap up the gift of togetherness on your first trip to a genuine paradise and you can also feel great about

doing your part for the planet!

 

It may be hard to imagine but it’s all right here in Costa Rica…with “No Artificial Ingredients” as they say.

 

Truly, “Go Green” in Costa Rica… this Holiday Season…turning those family dreams into lifetime memories.

 

Now it’s easier than ever to Live PuraVida (the Pure Life) together!

 

 

If you are planning a holiday with your family and want to stay at a resort, you want to be sure it is family friendly.  There are plenty of resorts in Costa Rica that are family friendly, but unless you know what questions to ask, you can’t be sure it will have what you are looking for.  Here is a short guide to the things to look for in a family friendly resort:

1.       Is there an activity program dedicated totally to the children?  If so, what ages does it cater to, and what type of activities are offered?  You’ll also want to know the qualifications of the personnel running the program.  Ask about the costs for the program if you think you will want your children to participate, as this will help you factor these activities into your vacation budget. If you plan to include some adult outings, does the resort have an affordable reliable and in-room babysitting service?  Ask for details about the providers and their experience.

2.       Next, you will want to look at the resort itself.  Does it have amenities that will be enjoyed by the whole family?  Things your family can do onsite such as mini golf or paddle boats can be fun, and don’t forget to ask about a child friendly pool and outdoor playground.  Are there movie or video game rentals available?  Try to think of things your children will want to do at the resort between outings.

3.       Be certain to find out what restaurants are on site.  Are they family friendly and do they offer child sized portions as well as child sized prices?

4.       Check the resort’s website or brochure for photos of the units so you can be sure you will have enough room for sleeping, eating and playing.  A kitchen or kitchenette is invaluable for breakfasts before heading out for the day or for cooking your own meals if you’re trying to save money.  Another family perk is ensuite laundry facilities.  This can be a lifesaver, especially with young children.  While doing laundry when you’re on vacation doesn’t sound like fun, it can mean that you’ll be able to pack a lot fewer items and at the very least, you can pack clean clothes for the trip home.

5.       One other item that we don’t like to think about, but we must, is the proximity of a medical treatment center or hospital.  Accidents and illness do happen even on vacation, and it is always best to know where help can be found quickly.

By searching out the answers to these few things, you are sure to have a much happier, more satisfying family holiday.

One of the greatest adventures of any family vacation is trying out the food of the region.  Educating yourself a bit before travelling will help make this part of the visit something to plan for and look forward to.  If your children are older, you could consider borrowing some cookbooks from your local library and actually cooking up some authentic food of your destination.  That way, when you eat the real thing, you can compare your culinary skills to those of the locals.

Like most countries, the food in Costa Rica is influenced by several cultures. European, South American and even some African influences can be found depending on the region to which you are travelling.

Food and dining is an important part of the social make up of Costa Rica.  It is considered an important time to meet and chat with family and friends.  Perhaps this explains why appetizers play a very important role at every meal and are often provided free with meals.  Some of the most common appetizers include salads, often made with seafood or beans, empanadas and tamales.  Salads are served with most meals and are generally made of cabbage, tomatoes, peppers and onions dressed with lemon juice and herbs.

Beans, particularly kidney beans are a favourite among Costa Ricans and are included in many of the salads, soups and main dishes of the region.  They are often combined with rice, beef and chicken to create very hearty and healthy dishes.  If your family enjoys stews and pots of thick nourishing chilli, they will most likely enjoy these dishes of Costa Rica.  Some of the most common soups include cod soup, bean soup, meatball soup and tortilla soup.

One of the most interesting foods to enjoy in Costa Rica is Yucca.  It is used there much like potatoes are used here.  The kids are sure to enjoy Yucca chips, Yucca fries and even mashed Yucca with gravy to accompany a chicken dinner!

Your Costa Rica vacation doesn’t have to be without a sweet indulgence or two, either.  Let the kids try chewing on a piece of sugar cane for a new twist on dessert, and many varieties of sweet thick native fruit juices are readily available.

A somewhat lesser known fact that can be interesting to the grownups on vacation is that Costa Rica also produces some of the world’s most flavourful coffees.  So now that you know, you can sit back and relax after a hearty local meal with a cup of rich aromatic java!

Most important of all, be adventurous and be willing to try something new.  You may just discover a new favourite dish that you’ll continue to make even after your vacation is over!