Issue 8 June 6th 2021

Hello

We are back from Costa Rica and what a vacation it was!

Our boys have learned where bananas grow, can imitate the sound of howler monkeys, keep asking about waterfalls, and know how to say "Pura Vida". It's amazing what travel teaches even 2-year olds.

We had a very smooth trip and loved every minute of it. We stayed at 11 different hotels and I visited quite a few more along the way.

I had a bit of an unwelcome surprise one day when I woke up with a severe eye infection and was in a lot of pain. But a quick visit to the private hospital in the next town brought relief. I was seen immediately by an English-speaking doctor who gave me an antibiotic ointment and treatment plan, and the next day we continued to sightsee as planned. And you know how much that visit to the emergency room in a private clinic cost me? My fellow Americans, listen up! $108 including the meds! And of course, we had medical insurance for our trip so I will even get that money back.

To make our memories of this amazing country last a lifetime, we hired a photographer who took some fabulous family shots. I have included one of us above. It was taken at the Bahia del Sol Beachfront Boutique Hotel in Playa Potrero, on the Pacific Coast.

In today's news, I am continuing to list our favorite hotels on this journey.

Do you have any questions about Costa Rica or travel in general? Please reach out to me and I'll be happy to answer them.

The world is opening up - be part of it!

Safe travels, Anja

TropiQ Trips Blog

Costa Rica is OPEN! 10 Good Reasons to Travel There Now

Like most countries in the world, Costa Rica’s government had a travel ban in place through part of 2020. The good news is that Costa Rica is now open and waiting impatiently for tourists!

By implementing some key changes and extra precautions, visitors can still experience what makes this country special. Lovely tropical beaches, grand adventures, the wonders of nature and culture, and warmhearted locals – Costa Rica offers all the necessary components of an ideal vacation. No wonder thousands have made Costa Rica their top travel choice in the past!

In this blog post, we’ll share what you need to know to travel to Costa Rica now, during Covid-19. We will cover entry requirements, and let you know what to expect at hotels, in restaurants, and on tours.

Tour Of The Week

Costa Rica Escape

ENJOY AN AUTHENTIC COSTA RICA ADVENTURE WHILE STAYING IN AMAZING RESORTS!

Are you looking for an authentic Costa Rica adventure?

Then this tour is right for you. You will discover breathtaking waterfalls, fascinating volcanoes, and natural adventures before your trip ends with a relaxing beach stay.

Throughout your trip, you will stay in unique lodgings that bring pampering to a whole new level!

Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Along the central pacific coast in the North Puntarenas area of Puntarenas Province sits a Costa Rican paradise known as Manuel Antonio National Park. It is one of the smallest and most popular national parks in Costa Rica.

Visitors to Manuel Antonio can enjoy a relaxing day on one of four pristine beaches or take a hike through the vibrant, green rainforest.

From tide pools alive with crustaceans to endangered monkey species to stunning scenic vistas, Manuel Antonio National Park is a spectacular vacation destination.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge - Manuel Antonio

One of our favorite hotels (who wouldn't be impressed by THIS view):

Located along Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, Si Como No is a uniquely special Manuel Antonio Resort and Wildlife Refuge that sits atop one of the most idyllic hillsides in Manuel Antonio.

The resort's lush jungle terraces and brilliantly vivid gardens overlook the sparkling ocean just above world-renown Manuel Antonio National Park.

Olas Verdes

Set back from the coastline and bordered by the Ostional-Nosara Wildlife Refuge, Olas Verdes is a small Costa Rican boutique beach hotel that provides the serenity you crave with easy access to the sand and surf.

Stay in comfort surrounded by the calming sounds of waves and wildlife; Olas Verdes is an all-suite hotel with a prime location in Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica, and even has an on-site surf school with lessons for all ages!

Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel

Hotel Capitán Suizo is a Four Star Beachfront Boutique Hotel located on Tamarindo beach, one of the most beautiful swimming and surfing beaches on the Costa Rican Pacific coast.

Since its opening in 1992, Capitán Suizo has been very cherished by its guests. In 2009, the hotel was rated by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as among the top ten hotels in Central America and The Caribbean, and even number ONE in 2018!

On the privileged location just outside of Tamarindo town, at the end of the bay and directly on the beach with an informal and cheerful atmosphere, where the food is tasty, the happy staff offers personalized service, and the thoughtful design reflects a touch of Swiss quality, this is where you can find the charismatic oasis of Capitán Suizo.

Bahía del Sol Hotel, Playa Potrero – Beachfront Boutique Hotel

The sunny province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica’s North Pacific hosts the unique, exclusive and romantic Bahía del Sol Beach front and boutique hotel, located just a few steps from the tranquil waters of Potrero Beach, one of the safest beaches of the Pacific Coast.

Hotel Bahía del Sol is a beautiful property with friendly staff who strive to offer an outstanding personalized service, to make all guests feel at home. The hotel is committed to a sustainable philosophy that contributes to keeping nature, community, and economy in balance.

Bahía del Sol Beach offers visitors all the modern amenities, an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, spa, souvenir store, tours all framed in an impressive tropical scenario that includes lush and tropical gardens with native and exotic species and a wide front facing the beach.

Hotel Bosque del Mar - Playa Hermosa

The 32-room Bosque del Mar is an upper-middle-range, contemporary boutique hotel set on the shores of Playa Hermosa in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.

The hotel offers spacious suites with separate living and bedrooms as well as glass walls that open to private wood-deck terraces, some facing the ocean. A soaring, modern treehouse-like structure encompasses three stories of property features, which include an open-air restaurant and a breezy second-floor lounge, both of which overlook the ocean through a gorgeous canopy of old trees.

About

This travel update is brought to you twice a month by Anja Phillips, owner of TropiQ Trips. If you enjoy these free, curated updates and want to help out a small business, please forward our sign-up page and share it on Social Media. Thanks so much.

TropiQ Trips provides customized tours to Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Belize, and other countries in Central America & the Caribbean. We create unique travel experiences - at no extra cost to you!

Tourism is a critical revenue source for nearly every country in the world. We work with local agencies in each of our destinations. When you travel with us, you support small hotels, businesses, and local families, not big cooperations - here and there.

If you’d like to get started with planning your once-in-a-lifetime vacation, please reach out by replying to this email, emailing us, or scheduling a call.

I can't wait to work with you!

Anja