New York, New York - Romance comes with adventure and relaxation, pampering and gastronomy in two innovatively designed honeymoon packages introduced this year by Memorable Costa Rica. Flexibility is this creative tour company's great strength, allowing travelers to book the package programs as presented, or to use them as building blocks for styling a custom honeymoon that will perfectly fit their own special preferences. The packages are Best of Both Worlds (May - August 2006) and Romantic Adventures (May - November 15, 2006).
Best of Both Worlds: San Jose, Corcovado and Conchal (8 days/7 nights)
Combining the thrill of a deep jungle experience in Corcovado with extreme pampering at three of Costa Rica's top all-inclusive beach resorts makes indelible memories. Couples spend the first night at the five-star Costa Rica Marriott in San Jose, then travel a scenic route to Corcovado. The journey itself is a thrilling highlight of the trip, involving a 40-minute flight and a 90-minute guided boat ride through the mangroves of the Sierpe River estuary, followed by an ocean transfer to Corcovado.
Accommodations are in beautifully appointed bungalows at Casa Corcovado, an ideal spot for adventure, compelling excursions and romance.
Corcovado is a land of contrasts with diverse micro climates and fascinating flora and fauna. Tour choices here include trips into the rainforest and Corcovado National Park, home to an abundant wildlife. National Geographic has described this as the most biologically intense place on Earth, with residents that include tapirs, anteaters, scarlet macaws, two species of toucans, howler and spider monkeys, three-toed sloths and iguanas, plus a spectacular collection of tropical bird species. Cano Island is a great spot for snorkeling and hiking, and the hotel operates a boat for dolphin- and whale-watching tours. When relaxation is a top priority, guests will enjoy the property's lush gardens and landscaped pools; and ending the day with romantic private dining by the Pacific Ocean.
Returning to San Jose by boat and air, guests pick up a small-size SUV and begin the scenic drive to the Guanacaste Pacific shore, traveling through the Central Valley, past rural towns and crossing savannah, dotted with cattle ranches, tilapia farms and agricultural farms. La Amistad Bridge takes travelers across the Tempisque River to the Nicoya Peninsula. The journey ends at the popular resort area of Tamarindo / Conchal in Northwest Guanacaste, with luxury accommodations in a junior suite at the five-star resort, Paradisus Playa Conchal, a Leading Hotels of the World member.
Activity choices in the Guanacaste Region are wonderfully diverse. A visit to the Palo Verde National Park incorporates a boat tour of the dry tropical forest; and the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a must-see, set in a region famed for its mud baths and hot springs. Popular choices include horseback riding, tubing down the river, canopy tours and sea kayaking through the mangroves. Visits to the Tenorio Volcano are breathtakingly dramatic, and sunset cruises set the scene for romance as the day winds down. Golf is excellent at Hacienda Pinilla at Playa Langosta, or at the Garra de Leon golf course at the Paradisus in Playa Conchal. Of course, a day at the beach is always an option, and there are many great location choices. Memorable Costa Rica will facilitate decisions and help couples build the honeymoon of their dreams.
Romantic Adventures, Tabacon, Punta Islita and San Jose (7 days/6 nights)
Rainforest, high adventure, beach life and romantic lodgings set the pace for this honeymoon package. A drive from San Jose to the Arenal Region crosses the northern mountains of the Central Valley, then down towards the flatlands of San Carlos, an area known for its agriculture, forest and cattle industries. Continuing through a series of charming old towns, the journey ends at the award-winning Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa, set amid lush gardens and hot springs, perfect for outdoor spa treatments and alfresco dining, with views of the Arenal volcano.
Choices are truly exhilarating. Nearby are the Fortuna River Waterfalls, cascading into the rainforest; hiking and swimming are wonderful here. The Sarapiqui River offers classes III and IV rafting, plus Floating Safari Class II rafting at a gentler pace for nature lovers. Canyoning is one of the country's top adventure activities, and rappelling down five waterfalls within the rainforest is an unforgettable experience. Kayaking is fun on Arenal Lake, home to an interesting local wildlife. Couples can view the forest from the Hanging Bridges on a tour that includes an impressive hike in the rainforest over a series of suspension bridges. For a major thrill, zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest is breathtaking on the Sky Trek and Aerial Tram. Guided hikes to the volcano can also be arranged.
At the resort, relaxing activities include visits to the hot springs and thermal pools, a guided tour of the botanical gardens, yoga lessons in the rainforest, luscious pampering in Iskandria Spa and couples' spa therapy in a private bungalow set amidst the gardens. A highlight of this program is a private three-course dinner prepared by a personal chef and served in a magnificent bungalow nestled in the gardens.
A 40-minute flight takes guests to Punta Islita, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World and a Virtuoso property. This secluded beachfront hotel features stunning ocean views from all rooms, two swimming pools, a lavish spa and a wide range of water- and land-based sports and activities. Optional tours include snorkeling, surfing lessons, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and a canopy tour. A couples' spa treatment at the spectacular Punta Islita spa can be a relaxing indulgence before a three-course dinner catered by a private chef and wait staff on Islita beach. Candlelight and a starlit sky set the mood for romance.
The final night is spent at the Costa Rica Marriott in San Jose, where recommendations are offered for a romantic dinner in the city.
