After working for so many months nonstop, the only thing you can think about is your holidays. At that time of the year, you feel tired and exhausted. So what you need is a nice place to relax, away from your hectic life, where there is no rush, no traffic jams, and no timetables. You picture yourself walking by the sea, looking at the sunset and listening to the songs of the birds. But you also want to have fun: go to parties until dawn, go to some out of the way places, and, why not, take part in some adventurous activities. Because, after all, during your holidays, all you want to do is relax and enjoy. Is there a magical place on Earth that fits the above description? Of course, and it is called COSTA RICA.

Costa Rica is famous for its beaches, its turquoise water and its breathtaking tropical rainforests. So one of the things you can do in this amazing country is to walk along the beach, lay in the warm sun, swim or practice sports, such as windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling and kayaking. Besides, you can hike through the tropical rainforests, where you will be able to see numerous exotic plants and trees, as well as over 150 species of birds, monkeys and iguanas, among many others. This is the perfect opportunity to be in contact with wildlife and to listen to the sounds of nature.

Moreover, if you are a sportfishing fan, Costa Rica has a place for you. By taking a charter boat in the port, you will be taken to inshore fishing, where awesome species await you, namely, mahi mahi, yellow fish tuna, snapper, mackerel and rooster fish. If you are a more adventurous person, Costa Rica will also accommodate you. When you travel to this incredible country, you have the possibility to enjoy more than 65 different activities that will rush your adrenaline and increase your heartbeats. Canopy tours, volcano tours, river rafting, horseback riding and crocodile tours are the most popular ones among tourists.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Costa Rican people are amazing. They are always ready to help you and to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you are not sure about the activities you can do or the places you can visit, there are very useful tourist information centers, where a nice lady or gentleman will be willing to point out the best places to visit in the country.

To sum up, stop thinking about the possible cities or countries where you can spend your holidays; choose Costa Rica vacations. It is the perfect place to not only relax and forget about your hectic life in the city, but also to enjoy and have fun. Without any doubt, Costa Rica is a paradise surrounded by crystal water.

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 our Costa Rica vacation website as the original source).

The first splash of the river after hitting that first monster wave inducts you to this wild river adventure.  You’ve read the blogs, seen the reviews, but, as the cliché goes, nothing quite prepares you for that.  One thing does comply with what you’ve Googled, and that is that the Pacuare River lives up to its prestige as one of the top whitewater rivers in the world as mentioned in National Geographic.  As a part of Costa Rica adventure, it is a “must-do” during your Costa Rica vacation.

Venturing down the river, a cool 108 km stretch starting from the Cordillera de Talamanca and flowing out to the Caribbean, the scenery by the river is as you’ve seen in the movies: virgin rain forest with an occasional glimpse of wild animals going about the river banks.  If you keep an eye out, it is not unusual to see toucans flying over ahead or anteaters and raccoons sipping by the river shore, and if you listen, you’ll hear the cries of howler monkeys from a not so distant tree.  The river path passes through the Braulio Carillo National Park, where lies an Indian reservation, you might get the chance to see the indigenous people from the Cabecar tribe fishing by the river. If you wave at them, they might wave back at you, if they didn’t happen to have their hands full from an earlier catch.  The beauty of the Pacuare River is that it is divided into sixteen parts, where some parts, as my previous river guides had described them to me before, were “plateaus” and the rest varies between Class III and IV level kind of waters.  These plateaus, the calmer parts of the river, allow you to enjoy the river scenery and give the paddling a rest.

There are many whitewater rafting companies throughout the country, reputable ones includes Rios Tropicales with its 25 years of experience in the industry, Aventuras Naturales in which provides lunch by the river’s edge for day trips,  and Serendipity that offers a more luxurious and catered service such as personalized treatment and gourmet meals.  For most, the package tours are, in essence, the same.  Variations are in the quality and presence of certain facilities and service.  The usual package includes pick up and drop-off transportation service, breakfast and lunch, free use of the rafting equipments, and places to change for One Day tour packages, and accommodations for overnight packages.  The overnight packages, varying between two or more nights of stay, usually includes lodging by the river where guests are able to fish by the river or to take on trails along the rainforest.  The lodging itself are airy cabin looking structures that overlook the river, and they include the basic commodities such as bathroom, bed, and electricity. If you should be staying at Los Suenos, their Diamond Concierge team can easily organize an exciting all-day whitewater rafting trip for your family or friends. It’s also a great option without all the fuss of having to organize your own trip.

The adventure on the Pacuare River is a memorable experience and can be shared for those on a Costa Rica family vacation, providing that each family member meets the required conditions.  It is a treasured experience that can be done alone (they will include you in a group that needs more people in a raft) or be shared in a group or your family.

From the first splash to the last, the ripples of Pacuare river journey will stay with you as far as you can remember. As you step off that raft at the end of the trip, wet and dripping, you couldn’t help feel some sort of triumph and accomplishment. As your clothes dry, those memories remain, and those memories will make a great story as part of the highlights in your Costa Rica adventure.

So your friends have planned a destination wedding in Costa Rica here at Los Suenos Luxury Resort. They’re real nature enthusiasts and have used the expert wedding planners on staff to take care of all the important details. From the sunset-drenched ceremony on the sand, where shoes are forbidden, to the reception on one of Los Suenos Marina’s premiere cruising yachts, this destination wedding is sure to be one of the most memorable you have ever attended.

Your friends have put so much thought into making their wedding—as well as the days leading up to and following it—a special time not only for themselves but for all of their guests. Why not thank them with a thoughtful gift that enhances their Costa Rica experience and suits their tastes perfectly.

A Day at the Spa

Just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean the happy couple is returning home right away. More than likely, they’ll be spending at least a few days at Los Suenos Luxury Resort to enjoy all of the honeymoon touches that have been arranged at our condos and villas. Why not enhance the couple’s relaxation with a day at our private spa. Contact our wedding planners in advance or when you arrive at Los Suenos to put together an individual spa package for your friends. Massages, facials, yoga sessions, and much more can be incorporated into their luxurious pampering session. They will have full access to our private outdoor pools, lounge areas, Jacuzzis, and swim-up bars, all against a stunning background of lush rainforest, exotic wildlife, and tropical flowers and fauna.

Conquering the Surf

The athletic couple will probably appreciate something with a little bit more of a kick. Nearby Playa Jaco is the ideal location to book your friends a series of surfing lessons. If they love the beach, they’ll love the chance to get in the warm crystal blue waters that Costa Rica is so well-known for. And they’ll especially enjoy the challenge of riding the waves. Jaco is known world-wide for its surf conditions, which are conducive for beginning surfers to the more advanced and everyone in between. A private surf instructor will help them pick out the best board for their level and body-type and will take them to the best spots for them to learn. Ask the wedding planners when would be the best time to book this very special gift during your friends’ stay at Los Suenos.

Swing with the Monkeys

For the couple with a lot of gumption, consider sending them on a canopy tour. Canopy tours are not for the faint at heart! Visitors are securely strapped to a harness that is then fastened to a series of cables which are strung high above and sometimes through Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. Your friends will be swinging from the trees with the monkeys, quetzals, and toucans and will be able to see Costa Rica from a whole new perspective.

So many more gift options are available that will help you take a special part in making your friends destination wedding into an extraordinary Costa Rican getaway. Consult the wedding planners for other ideas, including whitewater rafting trips, kayaking, nature hikes, and bird-watching tours, all nearby Los Suenos Resorts.

A corporate retreat or team meeting can be ineffective if it’s held in the wrong location. Not only do you need a facility that can provide the proper technologies, sufficient space, and high-class accommodations for your staff, you also need to consider the surrounding environment aesthetics and activity offerings. You want your team to unwind and feel inspired in a new, unique setting away from cramped desks and the office routine. The ideal location will make your staff feel like valuable members of the business and result in greater efficiency.

At CR Luxury Rentals, we can provide everything you need for your next corporate gathering here in Costa Rica. There’s no reason to spend month after stressful month arranging the retreat yourself. Our expert planners will work with you to ensure your event is one of the most memorable for your staff.

Every detail will be taken care of before guests arrive in our tropical destination. A limo will transport your staff to our luxury villas and condos. After a long day of travel or in between meetings, guests can enjoy a relaxing getaway in our comfortable accommodations. Within our gated community, they can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, which include pools, swim-up bars, Jacuzzis, and barbeque areas for your staff to mingle and get to know one another outside the confines of the office.

For the duration of the event, we will make sure your sessions run smoothly. We have a variety of presentation rooms to accommodate small or large groups. All of the audio-visual equipment, along with internet connection and projection-ready computers, will be set-up in advance for your group, and our technicians are available at all times in case of any difficulties.

For break-out sessions, we have designated rooms where teams can brainstorm and communicate openly. Meals and snacks are prepared by our internationally trained chefs, and the menus are always fresh and can be tailored to special dietary needs. You can show your staff just how valuable they are and plan a special night in our sophisticated ballroom. Keep it intimate or invite in a band or DJ. We can arrange it all.

For even more incentive to host your corporate retreat in Costa Rica, CR Luxury Rentals has a health and beauty spa, casino, and golf course on the grounds. Guests can treat themselves to some much needed pampering, enjoy the nightlife, or book a golf lesson or an 18-hole round. A variety of shops and restaurants line the beautiful Los Sueños Marina and guests can enjoy a stroll along the shoreline.

For guests who plan to extend their stay beyond the meeting or for a unique bonding experience for your staff, Los Sueños offers over 65 adventure tours and activities. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting, nature hikes, fishing excursions—you can find it all in Costa Rica.

Your corporate event set against a background of rainforest, blue waters, and exotic wildlife, plants, and flowers is sure to boost your staff’s morale and in turn your business’ productivity.

Costa Rica is known for its wild, scenic rivers, and whitewater rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in the country. Rafting is the ideal way to experience a pure adrenaline rush while at the same time savoring all of the natural wonders the country has to offer. Float peacefully amid unexplored tropical wilderness and take in the lush, green surroundings, with only the songs of indigenous birds echoing in the background. Or tumble through the dense jungle alive with panthers, monkeys, and boas hanging from tree branches. Whether you’re experienced rafters or this is your family’s first time navigating white waters, you will find the perfect level of excitement during your Costa Rica vacation.

Your tour guides will provide you with helmets, life jackets, and security cords, as well as a first time education or a refresher on how to handle the boat and the rapids. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, sneakers (which will get wet), and some sunscreen. The waters are warm, ranging from approximately 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may also want to pack an extra change of clothes for the end of your tour and a sweatshirt or light jacket in case you get cool if the wind kicks up when you’re wet.

The Rio Corobicí (Class II)

The Rio Corobicí is the perfect river for the inexperienced family to wet its toes. The float trip on calm waters offers superb wildlife viewing the entire way. The river flows through Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s northwest region, into the Gulf of Nicoya. It’s suitable for rafting year round.

Rio Pacuare (Class III-V)

Although not the calmest of rivers to navigate in spots, the Rio Pacure is considered one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country. The river runs through one of the most important protected areas in Costa Rica, spanning about 25,000 acres. The Pacure is quite accessible and provides some of the most spectacular scenery along the way. Your family will marvel at the Toucans, monkeys, and jaguars living in the vegetation-packed gorges. Seemingly endless waterfalls drop down from the cliffs above directly into the river. June and October are the best months to take on the Rio Pacuare and it’s a great addition to your Costa Rica adventure.

Rio Chirripó (Class III-V)

Recommended for whitewater experts only, the Rio Chirripó offers some of the most challenging rapids in the country. The massive volumes of water and giant waves will definitely get you and your family wet during the tour. The river is ideal for longer trips of two or four days. The best runs are available from late August through early November, at the peak of rainy season.

Rio Reventazón (Class II-V)
The Rio Reventazón flows through the Orossi Valley down the Atlantic slope, and into the Caribbean Sea. The various sections of the river offer something for the beginners as well as the experienced rafters. Mid-sections are surrounded by breath-taking tropical forest and waterfalls, while the most difficult sections require you to navigate around boulders and through gorges. The area receives constant rainfall so tours are available year round, with the best rapids in June and July.

Not only can whitewater rafting be an exciting part of your Costa Rica vacation but it also gives your whole family the opportunity to spend time together in a fun and absolutely stunning environment. This will be one of those unique family moments that everyone will remember for years to come.

Costa Rica is something of a mecca for sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Blessed with an abundance of coastline on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, as well as a large number of freshwater lakes and rivers, whatever your chosen bait, fishing Costa Rica is bound to grab you hook, line and sinker.

However it is the pursuit of the really large game, the world record breaking fish and the tantalizing opportunity that every angler dreams of – the “grand slam” - that really captures the imagination when it comes to a Costa Rica vacation and sport fishing. For the uninitiated amongst us, the Costa Rican “Grand Slam” consists of catching 3 different types of Billfish that are common in these waters. So that can be any three of; Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish or Swordfish, and before you ask, yes, sports fishermen claim this prize all year round in Costa Rica.

It is in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, which are abundant with nutrients, where marine life gets big as well as varied. Along with the three species of Marlin and the swordfish and sailfish, the warm blue waters here also contain Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado (otherwise known as Dolphin fish or MahiMahi), Snapper and Rooster Fish as well as many, many more.

If size is really your interest then it is the female Blue Marlin that will be your quarry of choice. The legendary fish from the Hemingway novel, The Man and The Sea, this fish can reach over 1000lbs in weight and give even the most battle hardened Sports Angler a serious fight.

Costa Rica’s advanced ecological approach to its Marine life has resulted in a largely catch and release policy. We are sure that when you feel the power and see the majesty of the greatest creatures of our oceans, just the experience, a few photos and some incredible stories will be more than enough to take home with you, after all releasing a great animal back into its home can be just as rewarding as bringing it in.
When picking the perfect Costa Rica resort for your Sports Fishing adventure it is important to consider a number of things, quality of fishing charter service, likelihood of a catch and of course how you spend that downtime. After all you are going to need some rest if you plan on taking home the Slam.

Los Suenos resort is situation at the mouth of the Golfo Nicoya which is one of the premium Sports fishing locations in the whole of Costa Rica so a bite is almost guaranteed. With a 250 berth yacht marina and many excellent fishing charters operating from here you can take your pick of service with all bait and tackle included, a captain and mate, this guarantees that you and your buddies can concentrate on the serious business at hand and enjoy a great day out. With the 5 star resort on site you can be assured of a luxurious and well needed rest on your return, where you can have a Jacuzzi, massage or relax in the bar with a tumbler of whiskey and recount your stories of the day.

So what are you waiting for, book your trip, strap yourself into the fighting chair and see if your next cast could be a record breaker!

There are many factors to take into consideration when organizing a successful corporate retreat whether it’s in your local Lion’s Club center or in a tropical destination such as Costa Rica. Wherever you may be the same standard rules apply and your event will only be as successful as the connections you make with your employees and guests during your corporate retreat. Here are a few tips you may want to consider when planning your next event.

1. Find the Right Location
When planning your corporate event you must remember that location is a key factor. Ideally you’d want to take your employees/guests to a place that sparks creativity and provides relaxation. You wouldn’t want to stuff your guests into a sterile room with bright lights unless you’re looking to interrogate them. We realize this all depends on your budget but that’s no excuse for not providing your employees with a memorable experience.

2. Organize Activities In Line With Your Mission
Each corporate retreat has its own mission or goal whether it be to develop leadership skills, open lines of communication, reward top employees or simply to kick back and have fun. Whatever your goal may be make sure you organize activities that will reinforce your ultimate goal. For example, if you are looking to improve team building skills you may want to consider white water rafting, sportsfishing or even bowling. The point is you’d want to organize activities that allow your guests to work together and build stronger relationships.

3. Remember That Most Major Venues Offer Event Planning
If the venue you have chosen for your executive retreat offers an event planning service by all means use it. Event planners often come with many years of experience behind them and know the ins and outs of planning such events. They are also very much familiar with the area and can offer you fresh ideas that maybe you hadn’t considered. For example if your event is planned overseas, event planners can make special arrangements for guests bringing their families and may offer finding family accommodation such as condos instead of hotel rooms.

It’s important to take care of all the little details that can help make your corporate retreat a success and we all know that small forgotten details can often lead to a big mess in the end. You want your guests to leave your event recharged , relaxed and ready for the next challenges to come so don’t be afraid to ask for help because most large venues have the proper staff in place to make your corporate event a success.

For the adventurous family who appreciates the outdoors and time on the water, sports fishing makes for the perfect group activity. Costa Rica’s 800 miles of coastline has a reputation for some of the most spectacular fishing of anywhere in the world. Some of the most fertile fishing grounds lie off Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. The water surrounding Los Sueños Marina and Herradura Bay is not only a beautiful crystal blue but is home to the hottest fishing spots in the country.
Whether you choose to book a half-day, full-day, or a multi-day fishing excursion, you’re whole family will enjoy the experience and learn about the sport as well as all of Costa Rica’s marine inhabitants. Most of the bilingual captains and mates are local and have been fishing these areas for years, so they know their stuff. The kids have never been fishing before? No problem. The mates will take time to explain all of the basics of fishing to the little ones—from how to bait their own hooks, to how to cast safely, and finally how to successfully reel in the big one.

Novice and expert anglers alike flock to the popular Los Sueños Marina for its short run to these calm seas packed with a huge variety of fish. You’ve never seen fish this big before! The blue and black marlin can easily weigh 600 pounds, and stories of striped marlin fishing in Costa Rica are told around the world. With their power, size, and persistence, they put on an awesome show. Marlins will fight you to the finish, diving down into deep waters, and continuing to dance for you for hours. The beautiful sailfish spend more time in the air than they do in the water during their fight. Have your camera ready to snap some priceless pictures of the fish and the expression on your kids’ faces! The Dorado, or mahi mahi, is an extremely fast-moving fish that can be recognized by its vibrant colors. Out of water, its hues visibly and dramatically change, from their sparkling golden tones and bright blues and greens on their sides and back through muted yellow-grey, giving rise to their Spanish name, Dorado Maverikos or “Golden Maverick”. It’s been estimated that they can reach speeds of 50 mph in short bursts. As if you’re not enticed enough, you’ll also have your chance to land Yellow-Fin Tuna, Roosterfish, Wahoo, and Snapper in these same waters.

Don’t worry about lugging along any of your gear on vacation. The chartered tours provide state of the art big game fishing equipment, including Penn Int and Shimano. Environmentally conscious hook designs allow hooks to set without jerking the rods–an effective method of hooking fish while causing the least amount of damage to the fish for a safe release.

Chartered trips on our luxury vessels also include drinks, snacks, beverages and beer, and lunch (during full day trips). All the planning is done for you. So sit back, relax, and catch the big one you’ve only dreamed about.

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 wedding costa rica wedding planners costa rica wedding planner costa rica 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.

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.