Costa Rica beach rentals Villas Estival are ideal vacation getaway

The North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica is known for beautiful beaches. You can pretty much find it all here – white sand, gold sand, gray and black sand, and even pink sand. Some beaches are rocky; others wide and sandy. Some are bustling beach towns, and others are so untouched it may seem as if you are the first person ever to visit. Playa Prieta (Prieta Beach) is one of those beautiful beaches. With a little village and leafy, shaded beach, Playa Prieta stays isolated from the hustle and bustle of other beaches, creating a tranquil holiday paradise. The beach is very pretty with white and black sand curved around a small, clear blue bay less than one-third of a mile long (500 meters). From the beach, you have marvelous views of nearby Flamingo Bay and its surrounding beaches and islands. Prieta’s protected beach is ideal for swimming, body surfing and lounging in the sun.

This is the location of Costa Rica vacation home rentals Villas Estival. These Costa Rica beach rentals are a fantastic place to vacation on a small, uncrowded beach with all the amenities of a modern home. Twelve villas, or individual vacation homes, are exceptionally placed right in front of beautiful Prieta Beach. Managed by All Costa Rica Rentals, fully-equipped villas either have two or three bedrooms, and two or three bathrooms, in one or two-story villas. Villas have capacity for between six and eight persons, and there is wireless internet in each villa. Villa Romantica, or Villa 09, features direct ocean views and is the closest to the ocean. This one-story villa offers three bedrooms and capacity for seven persons.

The villas are spaciously distributed in a lush garden, all with direct access to the beach. Besides the refreshing and fun waves of Prieta Beach, there is a large swimming pool for adults and a smaller one for children. A children’s playground is near the pools, on grass, and under the shade of palm trees.

Nearby Villas Estival there are many other beaches worth exploring, including Pan de Azúcar Beach, La Penca Beach, Playa Potrero and its small village Puerto Potrero, Playa Flamingo, Playa Brasilito, and the spectacular Playa Conchal, whose white sand is formed by millions of fragments of shells.

Vacation rentals in Costa Rica are very popular, and often the most economical travel option for families and groups of friends. Staying in vacation rentals that are rented by the day, week or month give you more space and amenities at a lower price than a hotel room. Things to do in Guanacaste include scuba diving, snorkeling, world-class sportfishing, boating, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and zip lines. Only 20 minutes from Playa Prieta is the Las Baulas National Marine Park at Playa Grande, where you can see nesting sea turtles.

Contact All Costa Rica Rentals to reserve your Costa Rica villa rental today. Great discounts can be found from now to December in Costa Rica low season.


Article by Shannon Farley

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Enjoy two best restaurants in Monteverde Costa Rica at Hotel El Establo

One of the great aspects about visiting the famous cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is all of the fantastic restaurants in the area. Whether it is because so many international residents from all over the world live here, or that Monteverde is a popular tourism destination in Costa Rica, the result is the same – excellent gourmet cuisine at dozens of restaurants in the high mountain jungle. Two of the best restaurants in Monteverde are located at the luxury Hotel El Establo. Located very near the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, El Establo Mountain Hotel features the casual dining restaurant Las Riendas and the elegant gourmet restaurant Laggus.


Las Riendas Restaurant at Hotel El Establo in Monteverde

With a nod to the hotel’s history as a stable, Las Riendas Restaurant – the name means “the reins” in Spanish – is easy to find right by the hotel’s entrance on the main road leading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The expansive two-room dining space seats 140 persons, and can be used for events and wedding receptions. A small, cozy “sports bar” is off to one side. Las Riendas offers a varied gourmet a la carte menu in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. The breakfast buffet – included in guests’ rates – is ample, made to fill you up for hiking in the cloud forest all day! The delicious, all-you-can-eat spread includes a variety of tropical fruits, granola, cereals, yogurt, gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans), eggs, sausages, breads, jams, muffins, juices, tea and coffee. Restaurant hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Laggus Restaurant at Hotel El Establo in Monteverde

An elegant and inviting restaurant, Laggus is an excellent option for fine dining in Monteverde. The formal restaurant features an international gourmet menu, and is open only for lunch and dinner. Laggus is located in the center of Hotel El Establo’s property in a modern, two-story building with balconies on both floors. The spacious restaurant offers seating for 80 persons and a top-notch wine selection. From inside the dining room or out on the open decks, you can appreciate spectacular views of the hotel grounds, a small lake just below, the Nicoya Gulf in the distance, and on clear evenings, you are treated to stunning sunsets.

On the second floor there is a lounge bar area where you can relax before or after dinner, with flat-screen televisions playing music videos, or you can enjoy a game of billiards. In the high season they offer live music. There is a Happy Hour every day from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., when you can enjoy two-for-one selections of drinks before you dine.

Meals by the very talented and creative Costa Rican chef Oscar Vargas and his team are fabulous, and well worth the trip to Monteverde alone. A recent dinner selection included an Oriental salad with shrimp and vegetables as a starter, beef with caramelized strawberries and pesto potatoes for the main course, and passion fruit cheesecake for dessert. Restaurant hours: Monday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are required.



Monteverde, Costa Rica Monteverde is located in Costa Rica’s Central Highlands, approximately three hours from San Jose, the Arenal Volcano, and Pacific Coast beaches of Guanacaste. Monteverde’s cloud forest is renowned as one of the most extensive cloud forests in Central America. Monteverde’s climate is called “eternal spring” due to its elevation range from 4,662 feet (1,440m) to 5,900 feet (1,800m) that keeps it cool and misty, with pockets of warm sunshine, rainbows and forever green.

 
Where to stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica Located very near the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, El Establo Mountain Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region. More than 150 comfortable and well-appointed rooms feature either a private balcony or patio with magnificent views over the Monteverde forest and across to the Nicoya Gulf. On the property you can take advantage of hiking and mountain biking trails, the Tree Top canopy zip line tour, the Night Walk tour, a Spa, and two heated indoor pools in addition to other activities. El Establo Hotel is part of the Enchanting Hotels collection in Costa Rica.



Article by Shannon Farley

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Protecting the coral reefs in Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

Coral reefs are considered one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems that exist on the planet. Perhaps one quarter of all ocean species depend on these unique marine ecosystems, teeming with life, for food and shelter. For this reason, coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea”. They grow in shallow, clear water to a depth of 60 meters (197 feet) in tropical and subtropical seas. live animals related to sea anemones. Stony corals – the most popular coral in the tropics – build structures out of calcium carbonate that form tropical reefs.

Coral reefs are very important to humans, providing food (all the fish species), protection of shorelines, jobs based on tourism, and even medicines. Unfortunately, people also pose the greatest threat to coral reefs, which are being destroyed at an alarming rate by pollution, overfishing, accelerated coastal development, sedimentation, and other factors. One-tenth of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed and nearly a third of them are in serious danger, according to scientists.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin rescues Costa Rica food traditions

Wouldn’t it be nice to dine in a restaurant that only served freshly-made meals made with locally-sourced ingredients, vegetables picked that same day, sauces that didn’t come from a jar or can, bread hot out of the oven, juices that only a moment ago were whole fruit, and desserts loving crafted by an on-site pastry chef? In fact, you can. This is what is cooking at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The renowned Costa Rica eco-adventure hotel at the base of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano recently renovated its restaurant and kitchen to be bigger, better and fresher! Known in the USA as “Farm-to-table” style, this is the real deal at Hacienda Guachipelin, using ingredients found in Costa Rica and always freshly made.



How fresh is fresh? A large portion of Hacienda Guachipelin’s fruit, vegetables, spices, eggs, milk and cheese are harvested daily from the working horse and cattle ranch’s 3,400-acre farm. Eggs come from 300 free-range chickens in a huge henhouse. Milk arrives in the kitchen at 6:30 every morning, hot and steaming from just-milked cows at the cow barn. Kitchen staff makes its own farmer’s cheese, served at breakfast. The restaurant also keeps almond milk and soy milk for persons with lactose allergies. 







































 In a large area of fields and livestock enclosures, long rows of tomatoes, bell peppers and celery grow organically in the sunshine. Lettuce, basil, cilantro, jalapeno chilies and cucumbers fill an organic hydroponic greenhouse near the kitchen and restaurant. Out in the aromatic spice garden in front of the greenhouse you can find dill, parsley, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, and two kinds of oregano.



Natural juices and marmalade jams are made fresh at the hotel from oranges, lemons, guanabana fruit, cas, guayaba, passion fruit, watermelon, papaya and pineapple that is either grown on the property or bought from small regional farmers. There are no processed sauces from jars or cans, no MSG, nor any boxed juices or pre-prepared foods. Breads and desserts are made on site by Hacienda Guachipelin’s pastry chef, and all baked in wood-burning ovens (the wood comes from the farm). The restaurant even has many gluten-free bread options for people with gluten allergies, including gluten-free pizzas. At breakfast, corn tortillas are handmade in the traditional Costa Rican style.



Hacienda Guachipelin has its own bees and is producing honey. Drinking water at the hotel is natural spring water produced on the property. Coffee served in the restaurant comes from a small farm in Naranjo, Costa Rica that is owned by a friend of Hacienda Guachipelin owner, Jose Tomas Batalla. Tilapia fish comes from a local farm in the nearby town of Canas.



“We don’t cut corners. We make as much as we can homemade,” commented hotel owner, Jose Tomas Batalla. “We want to run our hotel with mindfulness.” Hacienda Guachipelin focuses especially on using typical Costa Rican fruits, vegetables, breads and meals. “We want to give people an authentic experience of being in Guanacaste and Costa Rica,” said Batalla. “We are rescuing the culinary traditions of Costa Rica and Guanacaste.” The Hacienda Guachipelin restaurant has been expanded to seat 250 persons, with a dedicated area for groups, hotel guests and day tour visitors. When the hotel is busy, meals are served buffet style; however, there is always an a la carte menu available.



Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin You can dine at the best restaurant in Rincon de la Vieja when you visit award-winning eco-hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. Recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2015, Hacienda Guachipelin offers some of the best adventure tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and nature tours at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.



Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Not only hotel guests get to enjoy Hacienda Guachipelin’s popular Costa Rica adventure tours; many day visitors staying in other Guanacaste locations come too.

Article by Shannon Farley

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Visit the beautiful Montezuma Waterfalls in Costa Rica

A fun day trip from Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is to visit the Montezuma waterfalls. It is an easy 40-minute drive from Santa Teresa to get to the picturesque beach village of Montezuma on the southeastern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The bohemian, artsy community is known for its beautiful beaches, jungle covered hills, and waterfalls and pools. Natural geography tips most of the rainwater near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula toward Montezuma, creating an abundance of waterfalls in the area.

The Montezuma Waterfalls – three cascades along the Montezuma River – are the most well known. The tallest part of the falls is the lowest tier, tumbling 79 feet (24 meters) into a large pool at the river bottom that is great for a refreshing swim. To reach the waterfall, start at the main beach road just outside the village center, near Hotel Amor de Mar; there are signs and a parking area there. A rough trail leads up the river for approximately 20 minutes. Be sure to wear sturdy, water-resistant shoes as you will wade through the river and climb over slippery rocks and roots. At this first largest cascade, there are usually lots of people. It is not recommended to dive or jump off the rocks here, because if you fall, you’ll probably hit the rocks instead of the water. Thrill-seekers who want to jump from heights into a waterfall pool can do so up above at pools two and three.

To get to the upper pools, continue uphill on a small difficult trail at the right side of the lower waterfall. There is a rope swing at pool three. Another way to get to the upper pools that is much easier is on a path starting at the Montezuma Canopy tour; the tour company charges a $4 toll for using their bridges and trails. See a map of the Montezuma area.

Another beautiful waterfall in the Montezuma area is at Cocalitos Beach (Playa Cocalitos), five miles (8 km) north of town. The “El Chorro waterfall” cascades off a cliff at the edge of the beach into lava rock pools and the ocean. The falls are beautiful, often reflecting rainbows, and the beach cove by it is incredibly scenic with white sand and transparent turquoise water. It’s just like a travel poster! To get there, you can either hike two hours one-way down the beach from Montezuma, or go on a horseback riding tour from Montezuma.

Where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica Hotel Tropico Latino on the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is an unforgettable place to stay. Very private guest bungalows, suites and rooms are scattered along the beachfrontand in beautiful gardens shaded by huge, old trees. You can enjoy beachfront yoga classes, a spa, and delicious meals at the beachside restaurant at this Santa Teresa beachfront hotel. Named one of the top 10 beaches in Central America for 2015, Santa Teresa is most popular for surfing, stand up paddling, yoga and relaxing. Read more about some of the top things to do in Santa Teresa Costa Rica. Reserve your visit today.

Article by Shannon Farley

10 Yoga Poses to Help Relieve Traveler’s Back Pain

Yoga can help.
There are several easy yoga poses you can do almost anywhere to help ease many of the common symptoms of traveler’s back pain. You can do these poses at the airport, in your hotel room, on the beach or at a beautiful outdoor setting when you get to your destination. No mat required – you can use a towel, sarong, jacket, carpeted floor, grass, etc. You will feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to enjoy your trip.

When traveling to Costa Rica, take a yoga class on vacation at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat right on the beautiful Santa Teresa Beach on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Pranamar Villas specializes in Costa Rica yoga vacations and was named a Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica by Travel & Leisure Magazine.
Public yoga classes at Pranamar Villas are held Monday to Saturday in the hotel’s beautiful oceanfront Yoga Shala for students of all levels. See the schedule of upcoming Costa Rica yoga retreats at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas, including the inspirational retreat “Embracing Totality” led by Pranamar Villas’ yoga director and co-owner, Nancy Goodfellow.

10 Yoga Poses to Help Relieve Traveler’s Back Pain

Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

Forward Bends stimulate blood flow to your brain, stretch your hamstrings and lower back, and lengthen your spine. This is perfect for relieving back pain from long periods of sitting and from hefting luggage.






Half Forward Bend (Ardha Adho Makha Svanasana)
This yoga pose opens your chest, shoulders, back, and hamstrings. It is great for easing lower back pain after hours spent sitting on planes, trains, buses or cars.






Standard Hip Opener / Quad Stretch
To help get blood flow moving again in your legs after sitting, stretch your quads and hip flexors with this yoga pose.









Cow-Cat Pose (Bitilasana - Marjariasana)
The gentle up-and-down flowing posture of Cow-Cat pose brings flexibility to your entire spine, especially stretching and lengthening your back and neck. Synchronize with your breath for 7 to 10 cycles, and you’ll start to feel relaxed already.






Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s Pose helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental tension. It is a deeply restorative pose that relaxes tightness in the neck and back. You should remain in child’s pose, breathing easily for anywhere between 30 seconds to several minutes.




Seated Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) or Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Twists stimulate your digestive system, help improve digestion, and are cleansing for the body. Maintaining a healthy digestive system when you travel is essential for your well-being. Twists also can relieve lower back pain, a common complaint after long travel days. You can do either a seated twist, making sure to twist (not crank) your spine slowly and comfortably. Or you can do a supine twist lying on the ground, if you have a clean, safe place to do so. Be sure to twist on both sides of your body.


Ear to Shoulder Pose
The ear-to-shoulder pose is easy and can be done almost anywhere. The pose stretches the neck and down into the shoulder and trapezius muscles. You can do this pose sitting or standing, just remember to keep your spine straight. Be sure not to pull your head over; just allow its weight to softly move it down.



Supine Thread-the-Needle Pose
After sitting for long periods, usually your hips and gluteus muscles will feel tight and stiff. This pose helps you to open those muscles and release the tension, including in your lower back. You can also do a seated version just about anywhere – even on a plane, train, bus or car. Your hips, bottom and lower back will thank you.




Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
Legs Up the Wall pose is a gentle inversion that lets the body fully relax while calming the nervous system and improving circulation, thereby rejuvenating the entire body. This pose also helps relieve mental stress, and can help alleviate headaches, boost energy, and relieve lower-back pain. You can use a folded blanket, towel, jacket, etc. to place beneath your hips for comfort and support. Remain in the pose from 5 to 10 minutes.





Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Also called relaxation pose, Corpse Pose is the most restorative yoga pose because it helps you experience deep peace for your mind and body, letting everything relax. Remain in the pose from 5 to 15 minutes.



Article by Shannon Farley

Helpful tropical climate tips for building a home in Costa Rica

Building in Costa Rica is very different from North America and most of Europe. Located between 9 and 11 degrees latitude above the equator, Costa Rica’s tropical climate comes with its own special considerations.

There are four constants in Costa Rica: sun, rain, wind, and … more sun, rain and wind! Unlike Northern Hemisphere homes designed for freeze-thaw cycles, Costa Rica’s eternal tropical climate deals mostly with varying levels of humidity. Then there is all of that amazing tropical biodiversity – think: termites, ants, beetles and millions of other insects. Of course, being bisected from top to bottom by a chain of volcanoes, and sitting on top of shifting tectonic plates makes for a great deal of seismic activity.

Here are some top points for building a home in Costa Rica. The country’s microclimates vary greatly depending on location; these tips are focused on the Central Valley area, specifically in Atenas, Costa Rica. Learn all about Atenas in this super handy guide to living in Atenas from Costa Rica realtors Pure Life Development of Atenas.

• Construction in Costa Rica typically uses cement cinder block, because it fares better with high humidity and reduces the risk of termite infestation compared to wood. Homes built mostly with wood also require higher maintenance with a humid climate.

• Steel framing lasts longer than wood, but must be galvanized steel or have several coats of anti-corrosive lead paint.

• No need for insulation or central heating. In hot tropical Costa Rica, you don’t want heat trapped in your house, and you definitely don’t need a heater!

• Use drywall sparingly. High moisture levels in Costa Rica lead to mold with drywall. Interior finishes that withstand high humidity include high-gloss paint, concrete, stone, and treated hardwoods. However, add realtors Easters and Gonzalez, this is a tropical country, so mold will grow, period!

• Ceramic tile floors keep your home cool, don’t suck up humidity like carpet, and are easy to clean.

• Cross-ventilation for air flow is the key. Tropical homes use breezeways, French doors and lots of windows to keep air circulating for cooler temperatures and to evaporate moisture. Be sure to have screens and screen doors to prevent bugs from entering your home at dusk, and at the time of year right after the first rains when they suddenly populate by the millions. Houses also should include ceiling fans for additional cooling and air flow.

• Cool your house with lots of shade. Extended roof eaves, wrap-around porches and plenty of plants create natural shade and are ideal for tropical living.

• Swimming pools can be built with concrete and beautifully tiled – for a much lower cost than in the USA. Or the latest trend is pre-fabricated fiberglass pools, which are low-maintenance and flexible – perfect for a seismic country like Costa Rica.

• Eco-construction options in Costa Rica: use sustainable woods like teak; roof tiles made from recycled plastic banana bags that look like terracotta tiles; solar power and especially solar hot water heaters.
• 

• Traditional Costa Rican construction is solid. The foundation, walls and roof are all tied together with rebar and concrete with seismic plates for better stability.

• Whole-house voltage surge protection is a valuable investment to prevent high-tech electronics and appliances from being easily damaged during electrical storms.

Build a custom home in Atenas, Costa Rica

With an ideal location, Atenas, Costa Rica offers everything for a comfortable tropical life. Atenas is located between the capital city of San Jose and Pacific Coast beaches. Atenas claims it has the “Best Climate in the World;” while that may or may not be true, Atenas’ elevation from 2,200 to 4,000 feet and its many ridges and valleys give the town a moderate climate. Atenas Costa Rica realtors, Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez Porras, have been successfully helping customers buy homes for sale in Atenas Costa Rica, and do home construction in Costa Rica for 10 years. Call or email them today to discuss your Atenas Costa Rica real estate needs.

Article by Shannon Farley