Travel is making a ferocious comeback, and if you’re looking for an eco-tourist’s dream destination with beaches, volcanoes, rivers, jungles and exotic fauna, then you want to connect in Costa Rica and immerse yourself into the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
These days Costa Rica is known as a global leader in sustainability. It produces nearly 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources and conserves around 30 percent of its national territory.
Costa Rica has more than carried its weight as a global green pioneer with a strong social conscience, but now the Central American nation is preparing to cross the ultimate environmental frontier with a detailed plan to decarbonize its economy by 2050—a commitment that aligns with the Paris Climate Accords. Costa Rica is one of the first to turn pledges into solid policies and to frame the shift in terms of economic and social benefit.
In recognition of its decades-long commitment to ambitious policies to combat climate change and protect the planet’s natural resources, Costa Rica was awarded the United Nations Environment Program’s Champions of the Earth award for policy leadership in 2019.
Travelers yearn for solace, and 70 years ago, Costa Rica abolished the military and opted to be a country of peace, which is part of a growing reason why many North Americans have built roots there over the past decade.
“Costa Rica has more than carried its weight as a global green pioneer.”
The DNA of Costa Rica flows through the local communities and the people who have pioneered the culture. This place is human-centric, organic, sustainable, experiential and seeks to protect nature and the inhabitants that thrive there. Sustainability was a common practice here long before it was popular.
The country is home to 27 national parks and 5% of the world’s biodiversity—and was even acknowledged as the happiest country by Happy Planet Index.
I believe travel should be an epic experience that is vivid, adventurous and restores the mind, body and soul. I need more than a beach or pool to make me happy.
Hospitality is synonymous with service, and this is my Costa Rica story.
Ciro, our tour concierge from Tam Travel, was a living history book. He educated us, made us laugh and fueled our curiosity to see more. He was authentic and socially connected to the vibe of the country.
First stop the JW Marriott in Guanacaste. The landscape of this property is breathtaking and inviting. From the people-centric staff to the unexpected surprise of being registered in our room, I knew that I had come to the right place.
The feeling of safety and security was met with the entire staff wearing masks. The property protocol asked guests to wear their masks while indoors, but most everything takes place outdoors where freedom reigns. Water bottles are slowly being phased out in exchange for branded bottles and water stations throughout the property.
All restaurants and room service use QR codes only. Hand sanitizers are available throughout the property, as well as in your room. There are two spectacular culinary experiences to choose from: sushi fusion (Tamarine) and mouthwatering steaks (Sabenero). The wine selections are vast and tasteful. There is a plan underway to initiate an interactive fish experience that will invite local fisherman to the property with their catch of the day.
After dinner you can enjoy the Rum Bar, and while sipping, you will be entertained by a master mixologist who is highly educated on the origins of this beverage. Of course, if Rum is not your flavor, then this mixologist is ready to shake, stir or pour something else.
Mornings are a java lover’s dream. I enjoyed the cappuccinos while looking out over the lush and beautiful pool area that leads to the ocean. My favorite afternoon snack by the pool was tropical ceviche, and the mojito bar was a fan favorite.
“I believe travel should be an epic experience that is vivid, adventurous and restores the mind, body and soul.”
Watching the sunset is therapeutic, and at 5 p.m., everyone gathers on the beach or at the infinity pool to observe. Music fills the beach as people dance in the sand.
I could literally write a book on Costa Rica, as there are more things to explore than any other destination that I have visited.
Hiking in Ricon De La Vieja, which is known as “the old ladies’ corner,” where we spied on the iguanas, bird watched, followed monkeys and watched the boiling hot water bubble below our feet—a natural connection to the beauty of this volcanic area. The vast variety of trees and plant life made me feel alive. This locale offers zip lining, mud baths, hot springs or waterfalls to soak in.
They say it is your heart that takes you places but setting out to Santa Cruz with Alejandro Castro exposed us to natural wonders that many have yet to explore. This young man returned home to his roots during the pandemic to reimagine his family’s land while encouraging urban wellness and unconventional adventures yet to be experienced by travelers. We set out to see the center of Santa Cruz, with our first stop being the ancestral eats pioneered by locals who use corn to make tortillas the old-fashioned way. This craft sustains the local community.
Moving on to an unexplored area of this region, we drove to a lush, green hideaway, where rivers flow high and low depending on the time of day and creatures paint the backdrop of what feels like an outback experience. You need bug spray, a hat and hiking boots for this trail.
“We were invited to taste the farm-to-table culinary connection by a green thumb hired out of school who grew a vegetable garden where many said he could not.”
They say that the best is saved for last, and it is true. We arrived at the property pioneered by Alejandro’s grandfather, where we were taught how to make tortillas and then indulged in a traditional lunch. A colorful dance duo impressed us, followed by the sounds of the marimba.
The authenticity, hospitality and sincere passion for these lands made me grateful for having been treated to an unforgettable day.
Have you ever seen a labyrinth? I had not until my trip to La Senda to meet Griet, who built the largest labyrinth in the world—a 1.7-mile circular path lined with cacti, a meditative walk that fills your essence of being.
We were invited to taste the farm-to-table culinary connection by a green thumb hired out of school who grew a vegetable garden where many said he could not. The chef who works with Griet both at this location and her boutique hotel in Tamarindo satisfied our appetite with fresh flavors, ideas and combinations that were locally curated.
Last but not least was our trip to Tamarindo with the digital nomads. The locals, out of towners and residents brought me back to the 1960s and 1970s, when hippies and the bohemian lifestyle were really a thing. From surfers to horseback riding on the beach, the retail shops, restaurants and bars were all pulsing to the energy and enthusiasm of the inherent culture. We took a river cruise through the estuary, which is where you find crocodiles, monkeys and osprey that inhabit the area under protection of the government.
My day ended at Dragonfly, owned by two Canadians from Lively, Ontario. The atmosphere, service, menu (including vegan options) and unusual beverages left me wanting to go back.
Leaving Costa Rica after 10 glorious days made me sad. If I could choose another place to live six months out of the year, this is the destination I would be happy to call home. What more can I say than Pura Vida.
