Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica

Casa Turire obtains 4 "leaves" in the sustainable tourism certification

2010-08-26T18:17:00.003-06:00

Hotel Casa Turire, one of the most distinguished hotels in the Turrialba region and member of the exclusive hotel group Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica, is celebrating the fruits of its arduous work, in order to become one of the few luxury boutique hotels in the country, which are committed to sustainable tourism.

Sustainability is a philosophy which needs to be worked on each day; new goals need to be set, ranging from community trainings to large investments in the improvement of the infrastructure in order to use electricity and water as efficiently as possible. Nevertheless, Hotel Casa Turire hopes to continue strengthening its efforts and remain an excellent example within the Turrialba region.

In order to obtain the certification one needs to prove a balanced development within the 4 areas of evaluation: the interaction of the hotel with its biological surroundings, the dissemination of information to create awareness among guests, the social-economic development of the community as well as the efficiency of its installations.

Some examples of the good practices developed by Casa Turire:

* Recycling Program - This is a process of separation of wastes, including organic waste from the hotel and farm are treated to convert into organic compost.
* Local and sports sponsorships as well as organizing activities for educational and social boards that give support to the community.
* The hotel belong to the Cámara Nacional de Ecología (CANAECO), promoting and supporting the nature conservation and cultural values of the country.
* Hotel has reforestation area (12 hectares) and trails area.
* In our farm we produce a lot of fruits and vegetables that are fertilized using compost that is produced by organic waste to the hotel and farm, besides these products the hotel produces eggs, marmalades, cheese and are used in the kitchen to serve the different dishes that are offered at the restaurant.

* Casa Turire works with Jenaro Bonilla Aguilar School of Turrialba supporting the Ecological Blue Flag Program, giving talks and training to school staff.

For further information, please visit the following websites:

Hotel Casa Turire
or
Small Distinctive Hotels - Casa Turire

Sustainable Tourism at Small Distinctive Hotels

2010-08-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Sustainability is defined by the Costa Rican National Board for Tourism (ICT) as a “balanced interaction between the use of our natural and cultural resources, the improvement of the quality of life among local communities,

and the economic success of the industry, which also contributes to national development (…)”

At Small Distinctive Hotels we are aware of the fact that we depend on our social and natural environment as much as it depends on us. This awareness is reflected not only in the sustainability projects supported by Small Distinctive Hotels, but also in the numerous sustainability activities undertaken by our members.

Projects supported by the Small Distinctive Hotels Group
· Casa Luz
· Proparques
· Piensa en Arte

Moreover, all of our hotels are either in the process of being certified by the renowned national Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) or have already been awarded the CST certification. In fact, Arenas del Mar is one of the rare hotels in Costa Rica which have been awarded the highest possible certification level, which consists of five “leaves”.

Tourism provides a unique opportunity not only for relaxation or adventure, but also for growth. Learning about responsible travel can open one's eyes and make us more aware of the deeper levels of nature, and incorporate these new behaviors upon returning home. We actively encourage this learning process by providing information on
resonsible traveling on our website, as well as how to apply this newly learned information back home. For more information about sustainable tourism at Small Distinctive Hotels, please visit the sustainable tourism section on our website.

Please stay tuned for part two of this sustainable tourism series, where we will be introducing the specific activities undertaken by each of SDH’s member hotels.

Honeymoon Video

2010-07-20T12:58:00.003-06:00

Most of you have probably already heard of Costa Rica as an ideal country for adventurers, nature lovers, families, etc... We would now like to introduce to you another motive to put on the long list of reasons to visit this amazing place: Spending a honeymoon in paradise!

Your Honeymoon with Small Distinctive Hotels

2010-07-20T12:33:00.010-06:00

Costa Rica combines the ingredients most couples look for on their vacation: beautiful nature, tropical beaches, abundant wildlife as well as enough variety of activities to suit everyone’s taste. With options ranging from zip line tours over the jungle canopies, swimming with dolphins and whales, hiking in lush rain and cloud forests, white water rafting, horseback riding on beaches or in the mountains, surfing, golfing and of course simply lying on a tropical beach...

Small Distinctive Hotels offers the best to couples looking for both romance and adventure and every couple should be able to find an activity that is just perfect for them.

Our eight luxurious boutique hotels offer comfort, high quality of service, and very personalized service. When choosing Small Distinctive Hotels, you are guaranteed a one of a kind experience in Costa Rica’s most impressive sceneries. In addition, you are supporting hotels that engage in sustainable practices and understand the importance of preserving Costa Rica’s special mix of natural ingredients.

The eight hotels are scattered among some of Costa Rica's most special locations:

Grano de Oro is located on a quiet street in the centre of San José forming a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. The award-winning restaurant is one of the best of San José.

Hotel Capitan Suizo lies on the popular beach of Tamarindo, providing the high standard of service and quality the Swiss are famous for.

Villa Caletas thrones on top of a hill, stunning its visitors with exquisite views to be especially enjoyed from its Greek style amphitheatre which is also an excellent location to watch amazing sunsets. The quiet beach and elegant decoration complete the experience.

Florblanca Resort sits right on the beach of Santa Teresa which is increasingly popular for its surf. High standard yoga classes are offered daily at Florblanca, and with its Bambu Spa and highly appraised Nectar restaurant, Florblanca offers relaxation for all senses.

Casa Turire, embraced by the tranquil Angostura Lake and with the impressive Turrialba mountains in the background, this colonial style hotel makes a countryside dream come true.

The Peace Lodge provides a unique and close encounter with nature. Situated in a rainforest, with astonishing waterfalls and a sanctuary of seized Costa Rican animals, guests receive a true taste of Costa Rican nature.

Arenas del Mar is situated in the national Park of Manuel Antonio providing a uniquely luxurious combination of beach, flora and fauna.

Hotel Cuna del Angel translated as = cradle of the angel, for a honeymoon in the angelic realm with its unique ambiance and friendly service. Cuna del Angel is located on the South Pacific

Each Small Distinctive Hotel has its own unique advantages while they are simultaneously united by their excellence in terms of luxurious comfort, quality, and service combined with strong sustainability efforts.

Honeymooners can rest assured that they make the right choice when opting for one of Small Distinctive Hotels.

Costa Rica as a Honeymoon Destination

2010-07-20T12:29:00.002-06:00

The honeymoon is a special, romantic and passionate once-in-a-lifetime-experience and therefore deserves to be beautiful, memorable and simply perfect. Costa Rica with its lush nature, abundant wildlife, tropical dream beaches and friendly inhabitants, offers the ideal setting for such a trip.
Whatever preference couples have, the choices are endless:

The adventurous can take zip line tours offering spectacular views over the lush canopies, set out for a white water rafting trip or try surfing on one of the many suitable beaches. Nature lovers will find a paradise in this country which hosts 4% of the world's biodiversity and offers countless presents to the eye such as exotic birds, brightly colored frogs, sloths and depending on the season, whales and dolphins. The flora is just as impressive with tropical rain and cloud forests and endless exciting possibilities for hikes.

Relaxation is written in capital letters in Costa Rica and couples will find that this is lived here. The national slogan "pura vida" reflects the worry-free lifestyle of taking things slow and easy. Apart from enjoying the beautiful beaches from a comfortable beach chair, yoga classes are frequently offered and each Small Distinctive Hotel has a spa for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. In the end there is nothing to think about, except perhaps what to have for the next delicious dinner...

Romantic moments are easy to create among peaceful settings of exotic nature, spectacular sunsets, beautiful beaches and warm weather. Couples choosing Costa Rica as a destination for their honeymoon choose to have an unforgettable experience that they will remember long after their tan has gone... with a big smile!

Video of Small Distinctive Hotels

2010-07-13T15:46:00.005-06:00

Immerse yourself in the world of these eight special hotels in Costa Rica...

Small Distinctive Hotels unites Costa Rica's most luxurious boutique hotels, which are located throughout the most beautiful, diverse, and exciting regions of the country.

All Small Distinctive Hotels members provide first class service, peaceful, romantic and private ambiances as well as environmentally conscious operations. Small Distinctive Hotels provides ideal options for both honeymooners and families.

Small Distinctive Hotels presents the truly best Costa Rica has to offer.

Florblanca’s restaurant Nectar featured in the Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine

2010-07-13T14:14:00.014-06:00

Florblanca Resort was featured with its open air beach restaurant “Nectar” in the summer issue of the Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine.

The magazine starts off with naming Florblanca Resort as one of the Country’s finest hotels and as “home to a hidden treasure” when referring to its restaurant Nectar. It goes on to describe the experience of enjoying the creative, culinary and above all tasteful expressions of the Costa Rican lifestyle made by Nectar`s young and talented chef Spencer Graves. The New American cuisine with Latin and Asian influences consists mainly of fresh seafood and locally grown organic produce and is presented as artistically as it tastes.

An emphasis is put additionally on the peaceful setting, the restaurant being embraced by green surroundings and located in close proximity to the beach, providing the ultimate views and background sounds for a relaxed meal or drink. The atmosphere and decoration of the restaurant are furthermore described as “laid back, yet refined” and matching the “chic design and style of the hotel” with details such as chairs made of sea grass and candle lit tables.

All in all the conclusion is that the Nectar Restaurant of the Florblanca Resort is the ultimate place to go for an “unforgettable tropical dining experience” and a “true taste of Costa Rica”!
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To read the entire article, visit:
http://www.pagegangster.com/p/RT5Sp/116

For more information about the Florblanca Resort, visit:
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_florblanca.html

Grano de Oro chosen 2nd best restaurant for business in San José center by Costa Rican managers!

2010-07-13T09:31:00.008-06:00

The Costa Rican magazine Eka states how experimenting with restaurants might be fun at times, however there are occasions at which it is important to know what to expect in terms of taste and service. Since lunches and dinners are frequently-used occasions for business purposes, the importance of a certain standard becomes ever more crucial For this reason Eka, the magazine for managers and entrepreneurs, has started a survey among its readers in order to find Costa Rica`s best restaurants. A total of 173 readers have responded.

The result being very positive for Hotel Grano de Oro`s public restaurant. In the category of best business restaurant in the center of San Josè, this location is the 2^nd favorite of Eka readers consisting mainly of top level executives.

So the next time you find yourself in San José center for business purposes you know the place to go… enjoy your meal!

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The complete article can be found at:

EKA La Reviste Empresaria.
Ekaonlinea.com
No. 360 / Julio 2010-07-12
Especial de Restaurantes, Pagina 21.

For more information about Grano de Oro, visit:
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_grano_de_oro.html

Yoga at Florblanca - For a peaceful start of your holi-day!

2010-07-13T09:16:00.007-06:00

Imagine yourself relaxing in a peaceful and serene setting, listening to the calming sounds of the tropical birds, watching out into the blue of the ocean and the green of the lush nature... To complete that image of total relaxation, now imagine yourself stretching your body as well as your mind and soul…

Florblanca Resort offers the ultimate surroundings as well as the perfect location for yoga. Not only is it located in Santa Teresa which lives the yoga (and surf) lifestyle, but especially with its specifically des

igned ocean front yoga dojo, it becomes nearly effortless to flow into the vinyasa postures (or ashtanga/ashtanga flow for the more advanced) like waves in the ocean. This will ensure a fresh and calm start into another holi-day!

In the gift shop you will find the corresponding yoga attire as well as special jewelry items in order to complete the experience.

The internationally trained and certified instructor Stefano will help guide you to that state of inner peace, offering yoga lessons every day! He has trained with some of the world’s most recognized yoga teachers. Additionally, if you prefer to practice on an individual level or with your partner, this too is possible and Florblanca is glad to schedule these extra classes.

Moreover yoga retreats in which you may bring your home yoga group are possible at any time of the year. Florblanca`s planning staff is there to assist you in designing special programs, times, meals and accommodations in order to ensure a unique retreat.

In all its varieties, yoga at Florblanca is part of the lifestyle and will enrich you and your holiday in many ways. Let yoga be one of the highlights of your stay!

For more information about Hotel Florblanca, visit:
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_florblanca.html

Visit the Turrialba Cheese Market and stay at Casa Turire

2010-06-28T17:16:00.004-06:00

When thinking about cheese, there are probably many countries that come to your mind… but did you know that Costa Rica has actually got some delicious cheeses? Especially the Turrialba cheese is one of the most popular ones in Costa Rica. So it comes as no surprise, that Turrialba will host the “Feria del Queso” (cheese market) for the ninth consecutive year.

The aim of the market is to introduce not only its milk products, but also the excellent tourist services of the regions. This means that there are many stands with cheese and related products, as well as local foods and crafts. The last Sunday of the market will be the traditional event of the introduction and tasting of the biggest Turrialba cheese of Costa Rica, symbol of the market in order to acknowledge and honor the pioneers of the cheese producers of the region.

So if you were thinking about visiting Turrialba, the weekends of the 3rd and 4th of July as well as the 10th and 11th of July, are excellent times to be there.

And if you were wondering about where to stay during the cheese market, look no further. Hotel Casa Turire is a highlight in Turrialba, with the gracious charm of a colonial plantation home, surround by the La Angostura lake and enveloped by the Turrialba mountains to complete the picture, this hotel is an idyllic dream. The many activities which can be undertaken here include kayaking, whitewater rafting, cycling, canopying and many more.
Visit: http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_casa_turire.html.

For more information on the cheese market, how to get there, activities as well as some delicious recipes with Turrialba cheese, visit: http://www.feriadelqueso.co.cr/

Costa Rica Awarded Top Beach & Spa Destination by Tripadvisor Awards

2010-06-28T16:43:00.011-06:00

Costa Rica has won top spots in the beach and spa categories of this year’s TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Three out of ten places in the top 10 are located in Costa Rica: Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo.

Now what would be a better way to discover these, as well as many more exciting and naturally beautiful places Costa Rica has to offer, than in the most luxurious boutique hotels? Small Distinctive Hotels offers eight such hotels in the most special areas of the country.

Manuel Antonio received the 3rd spot in the top ten of the best beaches in Costa Rica. If you would like to visit this beautiful national park with its pristine beaches, then Hotel Arenas del Mar is an ideal place to stay. Located right at the beach, this hotel does not only offer top quality, comfort and service, it also offer top sustainability being certified at the highest level by the national certification. This hotel is a choice to feel good about in every sense.How about the winner of the beach category: Santa Teresa?

If you would like to visit this beautiful beach, surrounded by abundant nature and wildlife, in a comfortable, high quality and service-oriented resort, which additionally takes care of the natural and social environment, then Florblanca is the perfect place to stay.
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_florblanca.html

Regarding sun, sand and relaxation, Costa Rica made up almost half of the reader`s choices in

the TripAdvisor Awards. Then why not enjoy all of these in a five-star hotel, located on top of a beautiful mountain with amazing views, a private beach as well as a Greek-style amphitheatre from which to enjoy the most amazing sunsets? Hotel Villa Caletas offers it all.
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_villa_caletas.html

Another beautiful beach hotel, located in the South of Costa Rica is Hotel Cuna del Angel. Translated as “cradle of an angel”, this hotel will sure take you to angelic realms with its unique ambience, beautiful surroundings authentically friendly service. http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_cuna_del_angel.html

Of course one of Costa Rica´s most popular beaches, Tamarindo, is always a good choice. Hotel Capitan Suizo offers a charming and relaxed atmosphere with the high quality one can expect from a Swiss owner. Moreover the hotel is environmentally conscious enabling you to enjoy with a good conscience.
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_capitan_suizo.html

For more information on these, as well as the other unique hotels we have to offer in Costa Rica, visit: http://www.distinctivehotels.com

________________________________________________________________

Costa Rica`s ranking in the TripAdvisor Traveler´s Choice Awards 2010:

Beach
1. Santa Teresa
3. Manuel Antonio
4. Puerto Viejo

Relaxation and Spa
1. Arenal
4. Manuel Antonio
6. Santa Teresa

For the complete results, visit:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations-cBeachSun-g13

Enjoy Your Stay at Florblanca while Enjoying a Good Conscience

2010-06-21T14:28:00.004-06:00

Sustainability at Florblanca

Hotel Florblanca is located in Santa Teresa, one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Visitors to this hotel will not only be able to enjoy the natural beauty, tranquility and biodiversity this area has to offer, but especially can enjoy their holiday with a clear conscience, knowing that Florblanca has many efforts in place to sustain its natural surroundings. For instance monthly beach clean-ups are organized as well as a recycling and waste program as well as resource conservation. Apart from environmental activities, the social aspect of sustainability also plays a big part at Florblanca; sponsoring English classes for the local school, organizing a first aid course, salsa classes, sponsoring uniforms for the local soccer team are among a few of the various activities undertaken. Read more about Florblanca`s interesting sustainability philosophy and activities below:

At Florblanca we understand that we can´t be simple observers, we need to become involved. We have been inspired by a phrase of Albert Einstein “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

The more we get to know and relate to this environment, the more we understand how deeply fragile it is. We don’t have all the information nor all the answers, but we are sure thirsty for knowledge and very enthusiastic of every step we make.

We are constantly brainstorming for new ideas that come from everywhere; our guests, our partners and mainly our staff. We get great joy in every step we make forward on this endless but exciting journey towards sustainability.

Auto analysis

Understanding the patterns of our behavior, the way we do business and our environment has become a fundamental roll of this process. On this area we are:- Measuring our water and energy consumption:
• Weighing the amount of waste
• Analyzing each month our waste water
• Enlisting data on all the electric equipment, its working schedule and its maintenance
• Implementing emergency plans
• Investing in training for our employees
• Carefully analyzing the comments of our clients, and trying to implement their ideas with regard to sustainable tourism
Being evaluated through the most serious certification program for Sustainable Tourism in
• Costa Rica, called CST. http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/

Recycling and Waste Management Program

• We are aware that pollution is one of the main threats to our environment and to our society; therefore, we have decided not only to implement a large effort in the waste management program of Florblanca, but to be promoters of this program in our commun ity: We clean daily our beach in front of the hotel and once a month we do a beach clean up of one kilometer.
• Complete recycling program in the hotel and in the beaches nearby.
• Recycle our organic waste through composting or arranging with pig breeders of the community to take advantage of our “left overs” to feed their animals.
• Help create a recycling business owned by a local member of the community who picks up the community recyclable goods (glass, aluminum, plastic bottles and tetra brick packages), to sell them to the recycling companies.
• A system of recycled paper from our office paper waste to present messages for the staff on sustainability subjects.
• Installation of water filters in different strategic locations and giving our guests biodegradable drinking devices to diminish water bottle consumption.
• The construction of a water treatment plant for the hotel is about to start, meanwhile we have built a bio-filter to treat the residual waters from the kitchen.
• We are using biodegradable cleaning products and reusable containers for soap, shampoo and rinse throughout the hotel.
• The packaging of “to go” food in the restaurant is with biodegradable containers.

Resource Conservation

• All villas offer an infrastructure that invites natural light into restaurant and villas.
• Sola tube technology on the roofs to lighten the offices with natural light.
• Energy efficient light bulbs and equipment.
• Messages and friendly reminders throughout the hotel to create awareness of light and water conservation.
• Dimmers to manage different light intensities.
• Giving the option to all guests of changing the linens and towels every three days rather than daily in the villas.
• Special devices to diminish water use in toilets.
• Kitchen faucets with pressure to reduce water consumption.
• Electric cars to transport laundry and merchandise.
• Encourage our clients to visit the National Park Cabo Blanco, the Wildlife Reserve Arío-Caletas and the Animal Shelter Rainsong Sanctuary. http://www.rainsongsanctuary.com/
• We have supported the “Bandera Azul Ecológica Program” for Santa Teresa and Hermosa Beach through our participation on the Environmental Commission of Malpais-Carmen-.Santa Teresa-Hermosa. http://www.comisionambiental.net/

• Our security guard, located at the beach entrance of the hotel, has instruction s on how to protect the turtle nests.
• Grounds lights are installed taking into consideration turtle nesting and wildlife.
• A system of rock drains manages rain water runoff on the property.
• Trees and palms on our property are properly named for a self-guided tour.

Interaction with the community

• Provide uniforms to the local soccer team of Bello Horizonte Community.
• For the past three years on Christmas, the Florblanca staff donates money to buy presents for the most humble families of the community.
• We have a bulletin board that has become a communication channel where the local community can invite staff and guests to social and recreational activities
• English classes have been provided to the staff
• A teacher sponsored by Florblanca has given the English course at the Public School of Santa Teresa

• We have organized activities to collect money to pay for the English books the children use in the Public Santa Teresa School.
• With the Hermosa Valley School, we have organized different events for the community:
• Sports Fair Recycling Fair Community Security Fair
• First aid course with the Red Cross
• Training to the staff on using extintors and other trainings to prepare our emergency plan
• We offer Sunday Salsa Classes during some seasons.
• We contribute with the Harmony Music School of Pochote Beach by donations, and by hiring its orchestra to host a concert at our hotel. http://escuelademusicaharmony.blogspot.com/ and http://cim-pochote.blogspot.com/
• Certified organic coffee and teas are offered in the restaurant and gift shop. We also always strive to sell certified organic produce, free-range chicken, local pork, and sustainable fish in our Nectar Restaurant when available.
• With the proper assessment, we offer our help when we find injured animals.
• We signed the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. http://www.protegiendoles.org/codigo.htm

“We want to use our webpage not only as source to present you a glimpse of what we have been working on, but also we want to use it as a tool where you can get to know our amazing initiatives that are enriching our community and are helping to preserve our environment.”

For more information on Florblanca and its sustainability efforts, visit:
http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_florblanca.html

Tours and Activites offered in Tamarindo by Hotel Capitan Suizo

2010-06-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

Wondering what to do in and around Tamarindo?
Hotel Capitan Suizo offers a wide range of tours and activities

Hotel Capitan Suizo is one of the few beach resorts located directly on Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica`s most beautiful and popular beaches. But even though Tamarindo is famous for its beach life, there are a plenty of other activities to undertake during your stay here... Capitan Suizo offers a variety of exciting and fascinating tours which can be booked directly from the hotel. For the activities offered in and around the hotel, you can directly scroll down to the bottom. Have fun!

Explore Costa Rica`s national park in surprising new ways and get acquainted with its typical wildlifeEstuary Tour at Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge
This two-hour boat ride will take you through waterways surrounded by mangrove vegetation, water birds, monkeys and iguanas. Turtle nesting at Marino Las Baulas National Park (during season). This tour takes place at the Marino Las Baulas National Park and it focuses on the natural
history and protection of the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the largest reptile on the planet.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park (Hiking)
Hike through the foothills of the nearest active volcano in the province of Guanacaste and admire the secondary activity of this volcano such us fumaroles, mud pots, and bubbling hot water.

Canopy and Hot Springs at Rincón de la Vieja
Check out the tropical forest in a different way by riding through the canopy of the forest on sliding cable lines connected to platforms built in the treetops. Experience a volcanic mud bath and enjoy the thermal water of the natural hot springs surrounded by tropical scenery.

Palo Verde National Park
This tour consists of a boat trip on the Tempisque River at Palo Verde National Park. It focuses on watching and learning about the species that inhabit this area such as water birds, crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys.

Tenorio Volcano National Park
The main attractions of this national park are a blue water waterfall and other sightseeing spots such as: hot water springs, forest crickets, a blue water lagoon and a blue river originated by the discharge of sulfates and other chemical substances.

Barra Honda National Park
Pure adventure and nature: in this park there are a lot of underground caves; there is one cave open to the public with many stalactite and stalagmite formations. You will also hike in the dry forest with panoramic views of the Tempisque River and Palo Verde National Park.

Corobici Floating Tour
This tour is an easy ride through the Corobici River on a rubber raft where you will have the opportunity to see the characteristic vegetation of the area as well as interesting wildlife like monkeys, iguanas and wading birds.

Scuba Diving Tour
This exciting tour will take you to the Catalina Islands that are a 45 minutes boat ride north of Tamarindo. You may see large manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins, turtles and hundreds of species of tropical fish. And is there a more beautiful way to end an exciting day with a spectacular sunset?

Other outdoor activities offered:
- Biking
- Catamaran Tour
- Golf (A beautiful 18 hole golf course is just 20 minutes by car from the hotel).
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking (tours or rental)
- Sailing
- Quad (ATV) tours
- Snorkeling
- Sport fishing
- Surfing (lessons or rental)
- Tennis (Tamarindo Tennis Club)

Available free of charge:
- American Football
- Badmington
- Beach toys
- Boccia
- Boogieboar d
- Football soccer
- Ping Pong

- Volleyball

For more information on tours and activities, have a look at the website of Hotel Capitan Suizo:
www.hotelcapitansuizo.com

Yoga and Nutrition Retreat at Villa Caletas

2010-06-14T09:39:00.000-06:00

The last weekend Villa Caletas was the scenery of its first Yoga and Nutrition Retreat with the expert Holly Hay. All participants lived a great experience to full of energy, positive vibes and interior peace. During two days the assistants participated in Yoga classes, hiked in the middle of the forest, time to meditated and enjoy healthy food.

The last weekend Villa Caletas was the scenery of its first Yoga and Nutrition Retreat with the expert Holly Hay. All participants lived a great experience to full of energy, positive vibes and interior peace. During two days the assistants participated in Yoga classes, hiked in the middle of the forest, time to meditated and enjoy healthy food.Villa Caletas is a luxury boutique hotel, inspired by Tropical Victorian Architecture with a touch of Neo Classical influence shining like a jewel among resorts, prized not only for its location, design and décor, but also for its outstanding facilities and first class service.

Villa Caletas expresses a truly unique combination of mountain and seaside resort. Nestled 1150 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this unique hotel overlooks the Nicoya Gulf to the crescent beaches of Jacó, Herradura offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views.
Small Distinctive Hotels hopes that all the participants have enjoyed this retreat!

www.distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_villa_caletas.html

Yoga Class, Villa Caletas
Central Pacific, Costa Rica

Meditation, Villa Caletas
Central Pacific, Costa Rica

Healthy Food, Villa Caletas
Central Pacific, Costa Rica

Hiking to the beach, Villa Caletas
Central Pacific, Costa Rica

Productos Orgánicos y Fusiones son el secreto del Restaurante Casa Turire.

2010-06-09T12:57:00.001-06:00

El Hotel Casa Turire cuenta con el más reconocido restaurante del área de Turrialba, sus fusiones son la tentación de sus huéspedes y visitantes de la zona. El restaurante es dirigido por el Chef Ejecutivo Roberto Salazar, quien aprovecha la versatilidad del nombre “fusión” para crear sus recetas de Autor, aprovechando todos los productos orgánicos, con los que cuenta en la zona. El mejor ejemplo es la creación de una elaborada receta de Helado de Caña de Azúcar proveniente del Trapiche Orgánico Cañaveral.

En el restaurante se destacan las recetas típicas de forma gourmet, deleitando los más delicados paladares con recetas de alto nivel gastronómico como lo es la exótica sopa de Banano al Curry y el Helado de Azafrán.

Es muy importante mencionar que el 80% del consumo de hortalizas y vegetales son producto de la Eco huerta, elaborada por el personal de Casa Turire. Dicha huerta se mantiene de forma sostenible, siendo fertilizada con un sistema de compostera natural con los residuos orgánicos generados y separados en el hotel. Además, gran parte de las frutas, mermeladas, vegetales y esencias provienen de la misma huerta así como los huevos provienen de la granja.

Visite El Restaurante Casa Turire y viva una experiencia gastronómica exquisita.

www.hotelcasaturire.com

The Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Discover a Treasure!

2010-06-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

The award winning Peace Lodge introduces its guests to a symphony of purely Costa Rican experiences celebrating the natural wonders of the rain forest and the splendid creatures that inhabit this magical environment. Nowhere else on earth can guests feed toucans and hummingbirds by hand, release newly hatched butterflies into their first flight, look straight into the eyes of a jaguar, or observe the brilliant colors of a red eyed leaf frog from just inches away. These experiences and many more create irreplaceable memories of a journey you wish to take again and again.

Located within the private wildlife refuge of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park the Peace Lodge’s ultra upscale accommodations are uniquely themed to complement the inherent beauty of its rain forest setting. The detailed architecture exudes a natural elegance and sophistication with every room boasting a Jacuzzi tub and stone fireplace along with showers that transform into waterfalls with the turn of a knob.

Our dedicated and friendly staff eagerly invites you to enjoy this special blend of nature and luxury that defines the Peace Lodge experience.

Our guests are welcome to exclusively enjoy the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park before the park opens and after it closes. The park includes three kilometers of paved Trails with Five Waterfalls, an Aviary, a Butterfly Observatory, Sloths, Monkeys, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cat exhibit with five species of felines, Casita de La Paz, Frog Habitat, Trout Lake, Insect exhibit and Orchid Exhibit.

The Peace Lodge was featured on the Travel Channel’s Honeymoon Hotspots International as one of the ten best hotels in the world to spend your honeymoon and La Paz Waterfall Gardens was nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica by the readers of La Nacion newspaper.

For more information visit www.waterfallgardens.com

www.waterfallgardens.com

Hotel Casa Turire continues towards sustainability - Hotel Casa Turire continúa en su camino hacia la sostenibilidad

2010-05-31T13:04:00.002-06:00

This boutique style hotel, located in Turrialba Valley, shows one more time its compromise with sustainability. Hotel Casa Turire is proud of its contribution to the local school “Jenaro Bonilla” which obtained Ecologic Blue Flag prize for third year in a row.

Part of Casa Turire´s philosophy is to keep and representing a colonial style farm. For this reason besides to avoid the acoustic pollution and gas consumption, Casa Turire picks the garbage up inside its property with an cart.

On May 22nd, Hotel Casa Turire made a donation of materials and staff of its maintenance department worked voluntarily to improve La Marta Wildlife Refuge´s facilities.

On the other hand, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health organized a Emergency Simulation to be prepare its employees in case of an emergency.

Hotel Casa Turire continúa en su camino hacia la sostenibilidad

Este pequeño hotel, estilo boutique localizado en el Valle de Turrialba, demuestra una vez más su compromiso con la sostenibilidad. El Hotel Casa Turire está orgulloso con la colaboración brindada a la Escuela local Jenaro Bonilla de Turrialba la cual obtuvo por tercer año consecutivo la Bandera Azul Ecológica.

Como parte de la filosofía del Hotel, de mantener y representar una finca colonial, Casa Turire recoge la basura de su finca con una carreta para evitar la contaminación acústica y el uso de combustible.

El pasado 22 de mayo, el Hotel Casa Turire donó materiales y personal de mantenimiento trabajó voluntariamente en el mejoramiento de la infraestructura del Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Marta.

Además, como parte del compromiso con los colaboradores y clientes del Hotel, el departamento de salud ocupacional realizó recientemente un simulacro de emergencia (evacuación).

Emergency Simulation

Ecologic Blue Flag prize

to avoid the acoustic pollution and gas consumption

La Marta Wildlife Refuge

Arenas Del Mar Obtiene la Más Alta Certificación para el Turismo Sostenible

2010-03-23T12:45:00.002-06:00

Marzo 2010, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort ha alcanzado su sueño de lograr conseguir la calificación más alta para el turismo sostenible con solo 2 años de operación al ser premiado con cinco “hojas” la semana pasada por el Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), siendo así el primer hotel en alcanzar esta distinción tan rápido luego de abrir.

Creado por el ICT, el programa de Certificación del Turismo Sostenible fue diseñado para diferenciar empresas turísticas basadas en un modelo sostenible de manejo de recursos naturales, culturales y sociales. La participación en el programa es totalmente voluntaria y está disponible para todos los hoteles de cualquier tipo, así como también, tour operadores y agencias de viajes en Costa Rica.

Administrado por Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, Arenas Del Mar se une a una lista de 4 propiedades las cuales poseen cinco hojas, incluyendo Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, Lapa Rios Ecolodge y Harmony Hotel.

Además, Arenas Del Mar, el cual abrió en el 2008, fue premiado con 3 estrellas (puntuación más alta) para el programa de la "Bandera Azul Ecológica". Implementado en 1996 e inspirado por un programa similar desarrollado en Europa, la Bandera AzuI apoya el desarrollo mientras que evita el impacto negativo de turismo en masa. Esta impulsa a la comunidad local a reducir la contaminación y a proteger el ambiente. El programa evalúa la calidad ambiental de las áreas costeras, en términos de calidad de las playas y agua de mar, acceso y calidad del agua potable, manejo de desechos, seguridad, y educación ambiental.

Arenas Del Mar fue creado con la sostenibilidad en mente al empezar con los planes y la fase de construcción. El total de la construcción del hotel cubre menos del 25% de la propiedad misma; el resto se ha convertido en una reserva natural que actúa como corredor ecológico para expandir los alrededores del Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Desde que el hotel abrió sus puertas, ha participado en un extensivo plan de reforestación, plantando alrededor de 7000 especies nativas de árboles en la propiedad. Una de las metas era que Arenas Del Mar casi no se pudiera ver entre el ambiente natural de bosque lluvioso.

Otras características sostenibles de Arenas Del Mar incluyen:
• Trabajo en la conservación y reforestación del Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.
• Programas de reciclaje extensivos.
• Un avanzado programa de compostaje a base de lombri-cultura para reciclar desechos orgánicos.
• Paneles solares para calentar el agua junto con sistemas auxiliares que ahorran energía.
• Sistemas eléctricos subterráneos que no interfieren con la vida silvestre de los alrededores.
• Sistemas de ionización libres de cloro para limpiar el agua de la piscina.
• Iluminación y alumbrado eficiente en toda la propiedad.
• Sistemas avanzados para el tratamiento del agua que aseguran que el agua que sale de la propiedad no afecte las nacientes de agua natural de los alrededores.
• El uso de carritos eléctricos en la propiedad que reducen significativamente las emisiones de carbono.
• Tejas del techo hechas de bolsas plásticas desechadas por la industria bananera.
• Producción interna de jabón hecho a base de sobros de aceite de la cocina del hotel.
• Productos de limpieza no tóxicos y biodegradables.
• Esfuerzos de educación ambiental en las comunidades aledañas.
• Promoción y motivación hacia las celebraciones locales culturales incluyendo:
- Anfitriones de artesanos tradicionales para promocionar su trabajo.
- Patrocinadores de un grupo tradicional de baile.
- Incorporación de platos locales, sabores e ingredientes en el menú.
• Promoción del concepto del desarrollo sostenible entre los vecinos y miembros de la comunidad local.

Los inspectores del ICT quedaron impresionados de cómo Arenas Del Mar involucra a sus huéspedes en aprender acerca de la sostenibilidad y el hotel. El Tour de Sostenibilidad de Arenas Del Mar permite a los huéspedes ir detrás de escena para ver como el resort ha incorporado elementos hacia el ambientalismo y responsabilidad social en sus operaciones de día a día. Calificaciones altas también fueron dadas al compromiso de los colaboradores en el manejo de las operaciones de sostenibilidad en el hotel mientras se crea un balance en mantener la propiedad en una condición apta que la define eco-lujosa.

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort: Arenas Del Mar Achieves Highest Certification for Sustainable Tourism

2010-03-18T14:38:00.003-06:00

Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort has reached its dream of achieving the highest rating for sustainable tourism within two years of operation, and was awarded five “leaves” last week by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the first resort to achieve this distinction so soon after opening.

Managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, Arenas Del Mar joins its portfolio now of four properties which have all received five leaves. In addition, Arenas Del Mar, which opened in 2008, was awarded three stars (highest ranking) under the "Bandera Azul Ecológica" (Ecological Blue Flag) program.

Arenas Del Mar was created with sustainability in mind beginning with the planning and construction phase. The total construction of the hotel covers less than 25% of the property itself; the rest has become a private nature reserve that acts as an ecological corridor to expand the area surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. Since the hotel’s opening, the resort has been participating in an extensive reforestation program, planting over 7000 native species of trees on the property. Another goal was to have Arenas Del Mar “blend into” the natural rainforest environment.

Small Distinctive Hotels Apoyando la Cultura

2010-03-15T11:18:00.003-06:00

Desde hace un año, Small Distinctive Hotels ha colaborado con la cultura costarricense. Nuestro grupo hotelero apoya el programa "Piensa en Arte", el cual es administrado por la Asociación Acción Arte y el MEP, dicho programa desarrolla el gusto y la crítica del arte en los niños de las escuelas de Costa Rica ¡Los invitamos a apoyar esta iniciativa!

Pueden ver el brochure digital sobre la labor en el 2009.
Piensa%20en%20arte.pdf

ANFITRION de música y natura

2010-03-08T12:17:00.001-06:00

Domingo 11 de agosto, 1996
AURELIA DOBLES

El francés Denis Roy es uno de los puntales del Festival Internacional de Música
Cierta vez, sobre una almohada lejana en la región de Cognac, Francia, un pequeño niño soñaba con tortugas que subían a las paredes blancas de una casa grande a la orilla de un mar del trópico. Era un sueño recurrente.

Sucedió, como suele suceder, que el niño estiróse en hombre, y el sueño quedó guardado en los confines de la infancia hasta que, al cabo de muchas rotaciones de la Tierra, una tortuga se volvió a mirarlo a la vera de un camino, a la entrada de un predio, y al instante el hombre sintió cuajar la premonición.

Denis Roy decidió que allí, en esa colina con cuatro frentes hacia el mar, adonde lo llevó la huella de la tortuga fortuita -a miles de kilómetros y océano de por medio de su patria-, él construiría una gran casa abierta para los amigos, síntesis del proyecto de la segunda mitad de su vida, y, como aprendió en su vida de la primera mitad, solo el bien estar (así, en dos palabras) ameritaría el esfuerzo.
Este francés, dueño y señor del Hotel Villa Caletas, es uno de los puntales del Festival Internacional de Música, que se realiza en nuestro país en estos días, y un hombre cuya cultura se forjó de modo fascinante.

París, París...y los países árabes
Roy proviene de una familia de agricultores, aunque su padre se dedicó a la mecánica. El hijo se alejaría aún más en su quehacer, pero conservando el amor por la naturaleza.
Por largo tiempo, París fue la punta de la flecha que lo lanzaría al mundo. Cuando pisó por primera vez la Ciudad Luz, Denis ya había estudiado hotelería en Bordeaux.

"Mi primera meta era salir de la casa de mis padres con 100 dólares y jamás tener que pedirles dinero", cuenta este hombre delgado, de rasgos finos, con su indiscutible acento francés.
"París es... París: la ciudad más increíble del mundo, la más bella -complicada también, a veces-. Cuando uno tiene veinte años está fascinado con la idea de vivir en París... Si uno sale de una familia de clase media es lindísimo superarse, poniendo el mundo en sus brazos, y París es el corazón del mundo."

Denis viró allí sus intereses y estudió arquitectura de interiores, trabajando al mismo tiempo en una boutique de lujo de muebles y decoración.

"Tuve la suerte de entrar en una de las tiendas de decoración más grandes de París: Architectural Gallery." Avanzando en la empresa, llegó a ser director y luego gerente general.

En esa época creció intensamente merced a un trabajo en equipo que lo llevó a los países árabes, donde los jeques querían sus palacios a la manera versallesca. De ese modo, conoció la forma de ser y de vivir de países como Arabia Saudí, Katar, Egipto y Marruecos, pero también Gran Bretaña, Italia y Alemania.
"Esos años fueron determinantes, un empujón para mi personalidad: aprendí a enfrentarme a los deseos de clientes para quienes los límites no existen..."

Más tarde se dedicó a una empresa más pequeña, pero donde gozaba de mayor libertad. "Fue otra experiencia, pues la clientela era distinta, más difícil y precisa, con mejor gusto."

El descubrimiento
Con los ojos destilando mundanidad, ¿cómo hizo para descubrir Costa Rica?
Su amigo y socio, José Molleda, quien estudió psicología en la Sorbona, le presentó a nuestro país. Varias visitas le fueron abriendo el pequeño mapa.

"Aprendí a descubrir la sensación de libertad, la naturaleza, el encanto de no tener el peso de una ciudad muy grande. Fue un placer descubrir este país con tanto cariño en su manera de recibir."
Luego de un viaje por la India, Denis consideró que, ya próximo a los 40 años, sería interesante un cambio de rumbo.

"Yo había llenado mi vida de trabajo, de placer, de viajes por el mundo, pero quería despedirme del viejo continente."

La idea era comprar un terreno, y esto tomó su tiempo viendo opciones por toda Costa Rica, hasta la señal premonitoria de la tortuga, precisamente a la entrada de lo que es hoy el Hotel Villa Caletas.
Aquella colina pedregosa se destinaba a las vacas, desdeñosas del grandioso panorama; pero Denis vislumbró atardeceres y placeres. "Yo quería hacer una casa de amigos, donde pudieran venir a soñar como yo, a descansar, a disfrutar de la naturaleza. Sin embargo, tener una casa así es muy costoso. La única posibilidad era transformarla en un hotel, para que los amigos participaran de los gastos de operación de ese sueño."

La tierra elegida no tenía agua, electricidad ni calle; además, empezar una construcción en plenas lluvias, fue tremendo para alguien que salía de Le Marais, el barrio más antiguo de París. El diseño de Caletas, con todos sus detalles, es obra de Roy: estilo tropical victoriano, mezcla de la corriente europea con el Caribe, presente la influencia oriental.

Poco a poco, con el presupuesto sobregirado en dos veces y media el cálculo inicial, surgió la primera etapa con la casa principal y las ocho primeras habitaciones. Hoy consta, además, de las villas y del anfiteatro, resumen de su amor por las artes y la naturaleza.

El anfiteatro griego
Las columnas helénicas, con el mar de fondo, son la apoteosis del paisaje en Villa Caletas. En ese escenario al aire libre se puede esperar cualquier milagro.

"Desde el principio de la construcción descubrí que los atardeceres en Caletas y el silencio de la selva en ese momento preciso, eran una fuerte sensación del poderío de la naturaleza sobre el hombre." Entonces Denis quiso agregarle el contrapunto de la música. Él había trabajado también como asistente en dos festivales de música en la Provence (en dos ciudades antiguas del Midi francés: Vaison La Romaine y Carpentras). "Repetir esa experiencia en Costa Rica fue un deseo".

No tardó el encuentro con Jordi Antich y los organizadores del Festival Internacional de Música: hace cuatro años, el Caletas es uno de los anfitriones de este acontecimiento artístico.
En el futuro, estos espicúreos planean realizar, paralelo al de música, un festival de gastronomía: música del menú o menú de la música, armonizando junto a los manjares, épocas, estilos y nacionalidades.

Anfiteatro estilo Griego - Escenario de Música al atardecer.

Vistas espectaculares.

Playa Caletas

Capitán Suizo - Tamarindo, Costa Rica

2010-03-02T11:54:00.003-06:00

Take a look of the comments from our guest who stayed in Capitán Suizo. It is a highly recommended beachfront Hotel!

"This place reminds us of our cabin in the lake. We loved waking to the sounds of nature and having a early morning coffee with the monkeys, squirrels, raccoons etc. we truly enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to our many friends. Dennis Mayberry, BC, Canada
One of the best Hotels of its kind we have ever stayed at" Dodd, England

"Everything and everyone was absolutely faboulos. We definitely stay here when we return and will recommend to our friends and family. It was our pleasure to have met such kind and friendly people. Our stay was very relaxing. Thank you."Room 23 Linda Steward, Texas, USA

"We have enjoyed our stay in this comfortable hotel and hope does not change or expand. A lovely place". Carne, Hampton, England

"We love our stay at Capitan Suizo. Every staff member was extremely kind, helpful and so friendly. You all looked after us so well, you are like family. Take car and God bless you" Terrence and Myrna Campbell, Alberta, Canada.

"We enjoyed our stay, really appreciated the effort. The reservation staff made to accommodate our 4 nights stay. Even though we had to change rooms 3 times, it was well worth the stay! Love the monkeys. The staff had a great attitude and good sense of humor. One of the most memorable hotels we have stay in. Can’t say enough good thing, we will be back!" Small, NY , USA

"We had a wonderful time. The service we received was consistently excellent. Extremely friendly and helpful staff. 22/12/2010 Room 22 Garry Pejski, Toronto, Canada
We will return next year! CS is a wonderful place, run by to notch staff. We specially thank Leonilda, Over, Emerson and Rosa. We must commend your restaurant staff too, because they we always friendly and provide consistently top notch service. Thank you." Ana and Richard Valsamis, Toronto, Canada

In Costa Rica, Tropical Architecture Blends Luscious Nature and Sophisticated Design

2010-02-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica combine nature with sophistication.

February 9, 2010, San Jose, Costa Rica. Starting from the tropical Victorian and finishing with relaxed beachfront architectural style, Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica manage to maintain a balance between natural surroundings and upscale elegance. Located in the most beautiful parts of the country, eight hotels that form this well-known luxury boutique group give relaxation a new meaning.

The journey throughout Small Distinctive Hotels and their individual, but equally luxurious tropical architectural style starts in San Jose, the capital, with Grano de Oro hotel, the classic jewel that breathes sophistication with every corner of its Victorian atriums and corridors, filled with the ambiance of old days, and decorated with heavy armchairs, Persian rugs and crystal chandeliers. The Grano de Oro restaurant, central to the hotel, is considered to serve one of the best cuisines in town.

The next stop on the journey through Small Distinctive Hotels takes you two hours away from San Juan, to the central agricultural region of Costa Rica, where Casa Turire hotel, surrounded by farms and mountains, awaits visitors who arrive through its wide palm tree alley and get immediately immersed into the gracious charm of the property and its surroundings, reminiscent of a colonial plantation home. Casa Turire distinguishes itself with pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and private balconies overlooking manicured gardens and lawns, where you can spot wild birds or farm animals.

From there, if you continue towards the Pacific side of the country, Villa Caletas is a must-see property, perched on a high cliff like a fantasy castle, where tropical Victorian style gets elevated to the new heights with a touch of neo-classical décor and design details. The hotel offers 360-degree panoramic views from its white terraces hanging on cliffs and disappearing into the blue swimming pool water that seems to suddenly drop down into nowhere and is only stopped from flowing by red majestic columns that integrate into the atmosphere of relaxed majestic atmosphere. Each room and suite at Villa Caletas has different theme and décor, with each item personally picked by the owner, Dennis Roy.

Not far from Villa Caletas, down the Pacific coast, is Arenas del Mar hotel, located in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Arenas del Mar gives a different twist to luxury tropical architecture: here, it is very intimately intertwined with the nature, staring with its thatched roof, and finishing with breathtaking views of Manuel Antonio National Park and Pacific Ocean. Every guest room makes you feel a part of the nature, as each spacious terrace has a big outdoor Jacuzzi, the shadow of palm trees and a company of visiting monkeys. The feel of luxury and sophistication is preserved even in the middle of spectacular nature.

Continuing down the Pacific, you would arrive to Cuna del Angel, nestled in the remote area of southern Costa Rica, and unique in its tropical colonial style permeated by statues of angels and colors of sky and clouds. Elegance and tranquility of hotel’s architecture and décor blends in with the astonishing natural world that surrounds it, as this is one of the most remote, untouched areas of the country. Cuna del Angel combines native and Costa Rican styles. Palapa, the central building of this unique hotel, was designed as an area of homage to local ancestors. Its architectural design is based on the “Boruca” traditional ceremonial dwelling, a symbolic expression of this Costa Rican indigenous culture. Its circular shape generates was designed to project energy towards the sky through its conic roof. Every detail in the décor of this unique hotel is related to peace and harmony.

Capitan Suizo, another beach hotel, is located at the northern part of the Pacific, in Tamarindo, showcases a distinctive style of relaxed beach architecture. Built right on a white sand beach, and surrounded by multiple species of local animals and birds that call hotel’s grounds their home, Capitan Suizo offers elegantly decorated bungalows and rooms, lost in lush tropical gardens, with a centrally located pool and restaurant.

Traveling back to the interior of the country, this architectural journey inevitably takes us to Peace Lodge, a hotel that combines rustic luxury with natural surroundings of a cloud forest and the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Surrounded by mist and moist leafy greenery flourishing at this mountaintop location, Peace Lodge hotel features handcrafted canopy beds, original stained glass, illustrated artwork, fireplaces and custom Jacuzzi tubs, all in the setting of natural stone and wood.

And finally, for some truly unique experience on how sophisticated tropical architecture blends in with diverse, luscious nature, the path goes to Florblanca, located by the Pacific on the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Designed for privacy and exclusion, this hotel features open air villas, built from natural stone hidden amongst verdant nature, and covered with natural wooden roofs. Elegant integration with nature continues at the sophisticated open air restaurant, yoga studio and sparkling pools. Florblanca was designed in Balinese style, which permeates its every details of décor and general feel of the place.

ABOUT SMALL DISTINCTIVE HOTELS OF COSTA RICA
Small Distinctive Hotels unites Costa Rica’s most luxurious boutique hotels, located throughout the most beautiful, diverse and interesting regions of the country. The hotels in the group include: Grano de Oro, Villa Caletas, Peace Lodge, Casa Turire, Cuna de Angel, Florblanca, Capitan Suizo and Arenas del Mar. Costa Rica is a perfect combination of tropical weather, exuberant nature, adventure activities, friendly people, and a stable democracy, and this hotel group makes it easy to visit its most amazing parts, such as Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste, Corcovado and other jewels. Small Distinctive Hotels are located by active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, and offer such activities as horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain hiking, jungle zip-lining and more. To find out more, please visit www.distinctivehotels.com.

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
www.arenasdelmar.com

Hotel Capitán Suizo
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
www.hotelcapitansuizo.com

Hotel Casa Turire
Turrialba, Costa Rica
www.hotelcasaturire.com

Hotel Cuna del Angel
Dominical Beach, Costa Rica
www.cunadelangel.com

Florblanca Resort
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
www.florblanca.com

Hotel Grano de Oro
San José, Costa Rica
www.hotelgranodeoro.com

Peace Lodge
Varablanca, Costa Rica
www.waterfallgardens.com

Villa Caletas
Central Pacific
www.villacaletas.com

Visit the new website of Small Distinctive Hotels

2010-02-16T13:35:00.006-06:00

Small Distinctive hotels has refreshed its image on line, take you time to visit the new website of these exclusive properties

http://www.distinctivehotels.com/

"Small Distinctive Hotels unites Costa Rica’s most luxurious boutique hotels, which are located throughout the most beautiful, diverse, and interesting regions of the country."

Magical Wedding and Honeymoon Packages in Costa Rica - Press Release

2010-01-19T12:50:00.001-06:00

Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica offer unforgettable weddings and honeymoons in spectacular settings

San Jose, Costa Rica, January 7th, 2010 – Are you looking for a magical place for your wedding or honeymoon with a warm climate, amazing nature and easy accessibility from the US? Costa Rica, a short 4 hours away from the US, is a tropical paradise with lush vegetation, romantic sunsets on secluded beaches, numerous species of exotic wildlife and incomparable views. Small Distinctive Hotels, a group of luxury boutique hotels located in the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica, offer unique experiences, including sunset weddings on a private white sand beach, honeymoons in secluded tropical jungle, and memories of a lifetime.

Below please find information on rates and packages for weddings and honeymoons offered by Small Distinctive Hotels:

Peace Lodge is located on top of the mountain, in a cloud forest and surrounded by La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It appeared on the Travel Channel’s “Honeymoon Hotspots International,” making it the perfect place for the wedding or honeymoon in the rainforest (http://www.waterfallgardens.com/lapaz-weddings.html). Peace Lodge encompasses the rustic past and natural beauty of the rainforest and the essence of Costa Rica. La Paz Waterfall Gardens’ park has been created to preserve and showcase the amazing nature of Costa Rica. While strolling down its winding paths surrounded by lush nature and cascading waterfalls, you will see wild rescued animals, multiple species of birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, snakes, and frogs. Rates start at $415 per night during the high season (Jan 4 – April 30). The rates are based on two adults per room.

Florblanca is located in Santa Teresa, in a remote corner of untouched, spectacular nature. Weddings at Florblanca are intimate and set in the midst of the most incredible scenery of jungle, beaches and mountains. Florblanca features a special package for honeymooners: during any season, if you stay 6 or more nights, the 6 night is free. The honeymooners are greeted with wine and fruit basket, and have special nightly dinners set by the ocean, poolside and at other intimate, romantic locations. The new Spa Bambu offers couples massage, exotic baths and many treatments to enhance anyone’s honeymoon. Rates start at $475 per night during the high season (Jan 11 – August 31). The rates are based on two adults per room. Please visit www.florblanca.com to find out more.

Casa Turire is a gracious, charming hotel built in the colonial style and set in the verdant, agricultural interior mountainous region of Turrialba, which is also an ideal base camp to explore many aspects of Costa Rica, including the rich interior. At Casa Turire, you can ride horses or bicycles, go canoeing or kayaking on a lake, visit nearby volcanoes or enjoy the best whitewater rafting in Costa Rica on Reventazón and Pacuare Rivers. The whole property is kept as a colonial plantation house, complete with exotic gardens. Vegetables grown in the hotel’s garden are used in its kitchen. It’s ideal for couples looking for a colonial setting for their wedding or honeymoon. Rates start at $135 per night during the high season (Jan 6 – April 30). The rates are based on two adults per room. For more information, please visit http://www.hotelcasaturire.com/english/hotel_casa_turire_honeymoon_wedding_seminaries.html.

Villa Caletas, located on the Pacific coast, offers weddings on their amphitheater that has awe-inspiring views of the ocean: http://www.hotelvillacaletas.com/special_events_weddings.html. With its luxury rooms and suites, private pools and Jacuzzis offering magnificent views, two upscale restaurants and a very helpful staff, Villa Caletas is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets for weddings and honeymoons. Villa Caletas offers a special Honeymoon Package, which includes 3 nights in a luxury Suite with a private swimming pool, sunset cocktails, one candlelit dinner with a bottle of champagne, breakfast every morning, a couples’ massage, and a special gift from the boutique. During the high season (Nov 15 – July 31), the price per package starts at $1,300. Here is more information about the package: www.villacaletas.com/accom

modations_packages_honeymoon.html. Those looking for a complete luxury can choose the property located next to Villa Caletas, called Zephyr Palace, located on top of the hill. Zephyr Palace is a stunning mansion with breathtaking sunset views. All rooms at this hotel are suites, each of them with its own theme, with rates starting at $550 per night. The whole mansion could be rented for a spectacular wedding, complete with your own disco room, dining room, private pools, spa and so on. To find out more, please visit www.zephyrpalace.com/English/about/about.html

Capitan Suizo, located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast, offers beautiful beach weddings with some of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see: www.hotelcapitansuizo.com/index.php?english. Adjacent to Las Baulas Marine National Park and close to Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge for those looking for nature adventure, Capitan Suizo offers private bungalows, rooms and a 4-bedroom apartment, all located right on the beach. The hotel offers multiple tours and packages, such as volcano hikes, canopies and hot springs, river floating, kayaking and more. Rates start at $190 per night during the high season (Jan 11 – April 2). The rates are based on two adults per room.

Arenas del Mar is located in Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, which is one of the most famous National Parks in Costa Rica that offers spectacular ocean views, idyllic beaches, and is surrounded by jungles inhabited by howler, white-faced, and squirrel monkeys, sloths and parrots, among other forms of exotic wildlife. Arenas del Mar seeks to demonstrate that a world class resort can be successfully combined with the highest levels of sustainability. Surrounded by nature and lulled by the ocean´s breezes, guests enjoy all of our luxurious facilities, plus the opportunity to hold the ceremony right on their secluded white sand beach with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean (www.arenasdelmar.com/honeymoon.html ). Rates start at $290 per night at Ocean Breeze Superior Room during the high season (Jan 6 – April 30). The rates are based on two adults per room.

Cuna de Angel is located in the south Pacific region of the country, close to Dominical beach. Surrounded by luscious, green nature and close to the beach, the property invites weddings and honeymooners with special packages. Honeymoon with the Angels Package includes: 3 nights, welcome drink, a bottle of sparkling wine and a fruit basket, first morning breakfast in bed, daily buffet breakfast, 1 candlelit dinner for 2, whale and dolphin watching or horseback riding and relaxing massage for two. The package rates start at $827 during the high season (January 8 – April 30). Your Dream Wedding Package includes a 4 night stay in a Deluxe Angel Room, welcome drink, fruit basket in the room, daily breakfast, a relaxing massage or facial for her and him, manicure & pedicure for her, wedding ceremony performed by lawyer and witnesses and all ceremony expenses, special a la carte wedding dinner for two, wedding cake, a photo session (a CD plus 20 prints), whale and dolphin watching or horseback riding. During the high season, (January 8 to April 30), the package price for couple is $4,390. To find out more, please visit www.cunadelangel.com/eng/packages.php

Grano de Oro is located in San Jose, the capital, and features one of the best restaurants in the city. Restaurant Grano de Oro merges Costa Rican tropical with European cuisine under the expertise of French chef Francis Canal. Once a simple cafe, this restaurant has evolved into one of San Jose’s finest dining establishments, frequented by locals and tourists alike. Grano de Oro hotel might be a great option for a wedding if you want to be located minutes away from the International Airport, so it is very accessible for all your guests. Then you can continue with your honeymoon at a different part of the country, at another Small Distinctive Hotel of Costa Rica. Rates at Grano de Oro start at $139 per night. For more information, please visit www.hotelgranodeoro.com

ABOUT SMALL DISTINCTIVE HOTELS OF COSTA RICA
Small Distinctive Hotels unites Costa Rica’s most luxurious boutique hotels, located throughout the most beautiful, diverse and interesting regions of the country. The hotels in the group include: Grano de Oro, Villa Caletas, Peace Lodge, Casa Turire, Cuna de Angel, Florblanca, Capitan Suizo and Arenas del Mar. Costa Rica is a perfect combination of tropical weather, exuberant nature, adventure activities, friendly people, and a stable democracy, and this hotel group makes it easy to visit its most amazing parts, such as Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste, Corcovado and other jewels. Small Distinctive Hotels are located by active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, and offer such activities as horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain hiking, jungle zip-lining and more. To find out more, please visit www.distinctivehotels.com

For more information, or to get high or low resolution images, please contact Raminta Tsopelas at raminta@lilas-pr.com