Our job as destination wedding planners tends to exceed the act of simply planning and orchestrating the actual event. We are our clients eyes and ears on the ground in Costa Rica and this is a job that we take very seriously. In an effort to become a complete resource for our clients, we constantly travel the country to uncover the most beautiful and romantic honeymoon locations. We tend to prefer smaller and more intimate hotels ourselves, which is reflected in our selections. Here are our top five.
1.) Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort: When we visited this hotel it really struck us as a the perfect first honeymoon stop in Costa Rica. The rooms are all well appointed with all of the luxury amenities of a 5 star hotel including a large Jacuzzi soaking tub, quality king sized bed and gorgeous furnishings. What really sets this hotel apart from others, however, is its location. As you might gather from its name, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort contains some of the most gorgeous hot springs on the planet. The resort is situated in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of the 10 most active volcanos in the world. On a clear night, the volcano can be seen spewing fire and ash from its crater.
2.) Los Altos de Eros Luxury Inn and Spa: If you have been a follower of our blog in the past, you will know that we are big fans of this small hotel (check out our previous blog post). Los Altos de Eros is unique in that it is located high up in the hills, overlooking the Guanacaste countryside and pacific ocean in the distance. With its location, the owners of the hotel have struck a balance between complete serenity and close proximity to surrounding tourist hotspots like Playa Tamarindo and Avellanas. They have several full time drivers on staff that will take you from the hotel to the destination of your choice. Spa de Eros is an opened air, but completely private area that allows for ultimate relaxation. We highly recommend the couples spa package, which includes your choice of three spa treatments and a delicious lunch.
photo: Bi-drop
3.) Ylang Ylang Beach Resort: This beach front hotel is actually comprised of several private stucco bungalows and is located in Montezuma, one of our favorite towns in Costa Rica. The resort has gorgeous manicured tropical gardens with paths that lead guests from the main facilities to the individual bungalows. The town of Montezuma is charmingly small with several restaurants and shops throughout. One of the largest attractions to this area besides the beaches are the Montezuma waterfalls. Located walking distance from town, these falls are a must see for cliff divers and nature lovers alike.
4.) Hotel Capitan Suizo: Located on the more private south end of Playa Tamarindo, the impeccably manicured grounds of this hotel are a jungle oasis in an area surrounded by dry forrest. Howler monkeys, flocks of birds and curious iguanas call this small sanctuary home. Capitan Suizo is a swiss owned boutique hotel with arguably one of the best beachside pools in all of Tamarindo. The honeymoon bungalow is tucked away on one of the many winding paths that line the grounds. It has a spacious living space with a patio that faces the ocean, a large Jacuzzi soaking tub and a very comfortable bed. Every friday night (from December to May), Capitan Suizo hosts a beach side barbeque where guests can feast on a large assortment tasty food. After dinner, everyone is treated to the traditional dance and music of the Guanacaste. There is a marimba band that plays throughout the evening.
5.) Hotel Punta Isleta: Located in the decidedly less touristy area of Samara, this beautiful hotel provides all the privacy that one might want in honeymoon destination. We recommend staying in one of the casitas (spanish for little house). Each casita is beautifully furnished with rustic, but elegant furniture. Step outside and you will discover a private patio and plunge pool where sunbathing and general relaxing can take place. What is unique about this property is that, while it is perched in the hills overlooking Samara bay, the hotel also has a beachside facility with an amazing pool, swim up bar, private lounge area and a casual restaurant. This hotel truly captures the best of both worlds!
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