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

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

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

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 click here.

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/accommodations_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

Bond with Your Kids Surrounded by the Magic of Costa Rica - Small Distinctive Hotels open the door to the family adventure

San Jose, Costa Rica, January 1st, 2010 – Tired of your kids paying all their attention to the TV or computer screens? Not sure what where to go for your next family vacation, as kids get easily bored and you really need your rest? Imagine a place providing you with the pampering and relaxation you deserve, and giving your whole family an opportunity to bond through a real-life adventure as you are surrounded by rich, lush nature, exotic wildlife and idyllic beaches. Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica and their special tours will create unforgettable experiences for your whole family.

Small Distinctive Hotels, located in the most beautiful parts of the country, offer unique experiences for the whole family, including tours and adventures in the jungle, rainforest, mountains and gorgeous beaches in one of the world’s most biodiverse places. In Costa Rica, options are unlimited and can include horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, white-water rafting, watching numerous species of exotic birds, monkeys and other wildlife or simply relaxing on untouched beautiful beaches.

Below please find information on some tours and packages offered by a group of Small Distinctive Hotels that cater to families:

Grano de Oro, San Jose. Located in the capital city, Grano de Oro hotel is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city and also close from the airport. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. You can choose Grano de Oro as your first stop in Costa Rica or your base for exploring the country. The hotel offers many day tours, such as Rain Forest Aerial Tram, whitewater rafting, volcano tours, coffee plantation visits and more. Rates start at $139 per night. Additional person would pay $10 per day. For more information, please visit www.hotelgranodeoro.com.

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacific coast. Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is located in Manuel Antonio, 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. Choose among horseback riding, white water rafting, early bird watching, night animal watching, sunset or sunrise sailing tours, and more. 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. It is a $50 fee per night for every additional person. Kids below 6 years of age stay for free. For more information, please visit www.arenasdelmar.com.

Casa Turire, Turrialba. Casa Turire is a gracious, charming hotel built in the colonial style and set in the verdant, agricultural interior mountainous region of Turrialba, which also an ideal base camp to explore many aspects of Costa Rica, including the rich interior. At Casa Turire, your whole family can ride horses or bicycles, go canoeing or kayaking on a lake, go whitewater rafting or visiting nearby volcanoes. The whole property is kept as a country house, complete with a farm that has horses, goats, water buffalo and other animals, vegetable garden and very helpful staff. The farm can be visited by the guests. Rates start at $135 per night during the high season (Jan 6 – April 30). The rates are based on two adults per room. It is a $25 fee per night for every additional person. Kids below 6 years of age stay for free. For more information, please visit www.hotelcasaturire.com.

Peace Lodge, La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and one hour from the San Jose International Airport, Peace Lodge encompasses the rustic past and natural beauty of the rainforest. Located on top of a mountain in a cloud forest and surrounded by La Paz Waterfall Gardens, this hotel is ideal for you and your family to get immersed in the magic of Costa Rica: the lush tropical rainforest, flowing white rivers, cascading waterfalls, birds, butterflies, flowers and wildlife. Rates start at $415 per night during the high season (Jan 4 – April 30). The rates are based on two adults per room. Each additional adult pays $40 per night, and it’s $20 per child. For more information, please visit www.waterfallgardens.com/lapaz-peacelodge.html.

Villa Caletas, Jaco Beach, Central Pacific. Villa Caletas is a luxury property, palace-like, but boutique, inspired by the tropical Victorian architecture and offering spectacular panoramic views, with a private beach and first class service. There are many attractions in the area, such as hiking in the rainforest, canopy tours, horseback riding and visits to national parks. Rates start at $178 per night during the high season (Nov 15 – July 31). The rates are based on two adults per room. For more information, please visit www.hotelvillacaletas.com.

Capitan Suizo, Tamarindo Beach. Located by one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and adjacent to Las Baulas Marine National Park, 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. Children from 4 to 12 pay $25 per night. For more information, please visit www.hotelcapitansuizo.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.

Cena de Navidad, Hotel Casa Turire - Turrialba

Cena de Fin de Año en Hotel Villa Caletas, Jacó.

1st International Guitar Meeting at Villa Caletas

Hotel Villa Caletas will host 4 concerts of international guitarists.
Music close to heaven....

 

www.villacaletas.com

Conde Nast Travel – Readers choice Awards 2009.

On October 16th, Conde Nast Travel announced the winners of its 22nd annual reader’s ´choice awards where more than 25,008 readers voted this year on more than 10,000 properties and destinations. This evidences that there are thousands of experienced travelers who are still discovering the most spectacular places in the world and the coolest experiences.

Small Distinctive Hotels group is glad to share with all of you that 5 hotels in Costa Rica were awarded this year as the best hotels in Central America. But what is really important to mention is that from these 5 hotels 3 properties are members of Small Distinctive Hotels:

1) Hotel Villa Caletas – Central Pacific
2) Hotel Grano de Oro – San José
3) Hotel Capitán Suizo – Tamarindo Beach

This recognition shows our commitment to provide excellent service, outstanding facilities and sustainable practices.

To get more information, please visit the following website.

Thanks to all who voted for these hotels!

Mother´s Day - Celebration at Hotel Casa Turire

Hotel Casa Turire will celebrate "Mother´s Day". On August 15th Casa Turire restaurant will serve a special dinner and on the 16th a special lunch. Both dates there will be life music.

Casa Turire is a charming hotel located in Turrialba Valley, just 2 hours from San José. Escape from San José to celebrate this occasion.

Cost of the dinner: $40 pero person (includes entree, main dish, dessert, glass of wine and a rose for mothers)

For more information: http://www.hotelcasaturire.com/ - tel. 2531-1111

*******************

Hotel Casa Turire celebrará el Día de las Madres. El 15 de Agosto, el restaurante de Casa Turire servirá una cena especial y el 16 un almuerzo. Ambos días habrá música en vivo.

Casa Turire es un encatador hotel localizado en el valle de Turrialba, a tan solo 2 horas de San José. Escápese de la ciudad y celebre esta ocasión.

Costo de la cena: $40 por persona (incluye, entrada, plato fuerte, postre, copa de vino y una rosa para las madres)

Para más Información: http://www.hotelcasaturire.com/ - tel. 2531-1111

Menú

 
Entradas
Ensalada Turire (mejillones media concha con ensalada mixta con frutas de la estación napado con una vinagreta de fresas.
Crema de zanahoria con una guarnición de terrina de camote, crema batida y crotones dulces.
 
Platos Fuertes
Costillas de cordero al costrón de hierbas con una salsa fresca de remolacha y menta y acompañado de palmito, tomate y albahaca con cebollas caramelizadas con vinagre de fresa.
Rollo de pollo relleno de chile morrón y queso italiano napado con una salsa de kiwi acompañado de puré de camote y vegetales de nuestra eco huerta.
 
Postres
Pastelillo mousse de vainilla con salsa de guanábana y nueces caramelizadas.
Mil hojas de mousse de chocolate con crujientes de macadamia y salsa de chocolate.
 
MUSICA EN VIVO.
15 DE AGOSTO: GRUPO GENERACIONES DE 7:30 PM A 9:30 PM.
16 DE AGOSTO: RICARDO JIMENEZ DE 1:00 PM A 3:00 PM.

Credomatic Music Fest at Villa Caletas

Música Frente al Mar

XIX Credomatic Music Fest

I Concert:
Saturday, August 1st, 5:30 p.m.
Ganssi Group, Early Music, Costa Rica.
Italian Baroque and colonial American
Soprano invited Nell Sanidas, USA

Kattia Calderón, flute

Montenegro Samaria, flute

Eduardo Madrigal, viola da gamba

Maria Clara Vargas, clavichord

Tania Vincent, tiorba Andres Chavez, percussion

II Conciert:
Saturday, August 8th, 5:30 p.m.
Duo-Hunfeld Hengst, Netherlands

Music by Beethoven, Schumann and Ravel

Auspices of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Sanne Hulfeld, violin

Maarten den Hengst, piano

III Concert:
Saturday, August 15th, 5:30 p.m.
Merlin Ensamble Vienna, Austria

Works by Haydn, Schubert, Schumann, Lanner, Strauss

Sponsorship of Kulturinstitut and of the Embassy of Austria

Inge Hager, viola

Martin Walch, violin

Marie-Thérèse Nawara, violin

Christoph Marks, violoncello

General Public: $18.00
Credomatic Cardholder: 2x 1
Villa Caletas Guest: $15.00
V.I.P. or Priviledge cardholder: $15.00

Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Imagine your memborable honeymoon in Paradise!!!

Hot deal... Small Distinctive Hotels

Enjoy memorable vacations in the best luxury boutique hotels of Costa Rica. Discover nature and choose your destination among Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Dominical, Turrialba, Vara Blanca and San José.

Visit http://distinctivehotels.com/index.html and check the banner to get a 20% descount.

COSTA RICA ANSWERS THE AGE-OLD QUESTION – WHAT IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS?

By setting forth a philosophy of peace with nature and the world, Costas Rica proves to be the happiest place on Earth

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, July 9, 2009 – Costa Rica, the world’s foremost leader in sustainable tourism practices, has begun to reap the rewards for its commitment to social and environmental preservation alike. The country’s philosophy to being at peace with humanity and nature have now set the stage for a country that is recognized internationally as one of the most stable, most ethical, one of the cleanest and consequently, the happiest place on Earth.

Visit this link to read the entire article http://www.distinctivehotels.com/articles/key_to_hapiness.html

La PazWarterfall Gardens Opened!!!

Five months later since the Earthquake of Vara Blanca, this magical place full of verdant sceneries, views to the Poás volcano and attractions such as a butterfly observatory, aviary, hummingbirds garden, ranarium, serpentarium, and a trail for the two first waterfalls, has opened its doors recently.

This was a huge effort from the owners and all the staff, who depend of their jobs in Waterfall Gardens, all helped to paint, to organize, to take care of animals, to restore the buildings, to clean, etc … all of them became in an united family who achieved to reopen it and start activating the local economy.

On July, Peace Lodge will be opening 8 of its beautiful rooms. During these months, special rates are available for national and international tourists.

Don´t miss the one day tour while you are in San José… you will be impressed by the beauty of nature!!!

Restaurante Grano de Oro

The restaurant of Hotel Grano de Oro is very prestigiuos among cuisine experts. Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica congratulates Grano de Oro for getting the maximun calification in the Escargot´s Evaluation.

Buen Provecho!

Article in Spanish

http://www.elfinancierocr.com/ef_archivo/2009/mayo/03/estilos1942155.html

Costa Rica is the 5th cleanest country in the world according Forbers Magazine!!!

Costa RicaScore: 90.5
No. 5 Overall; No. 1 in the Americas

Costa Rica's economy relies on a robust ecotourism industry, and the care it takes for its environment shows. The Central American country ranks fifth in the global Environmental Index, a rating that should only improve as it strives to become carbon-neutral by 2021. Costa Rica has avoided the deforestation that ravages some Latin American countries: the country earns a score of 97 or better in the categories of forestry, air pollution and climate change.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/15/worlds-cleanest-countries-business-energy-clean-countries.html

1. Arenas del Mar Hotel is Awarded the Prestigious Blue Flag

On Tuesday March 24, 2009, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award, receiving a flag and a star for its efforts to keep the beaches surrounding its property clean and pristine. The event was held at the in the offices of the Ministery of Water and Acueducts in San Jose. Attendees of the event included the President of the Republic of Costa Rica, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Tourism, and other important government officials.

A special thanks to the Arenas del Mar team, who has coveted this award for three consecutive years in a row (2006 to 2008) and has maintained a strong commitment to be a role model in the community of Manuel Antonio. To learn more about Blue Flag Certification at Arenas del Mar, click here: www.arenasdelmar.com

Eco Tourism Destination - TIES

Costa Rica selected as “Eco-Tourism Destination” for its stand on Carbon Neutral Gas EmissionsThe International EcoTourism Society – TIES, one of the most revered ecotourism organizations in the world; last month named Costa Rica an “EcoTourism Destination” as a result of the country’s program to mitigate carbon gas emissions into the atmosphere. Each month TIES selects a destination to be promoted worldwide for its contribution to nature. Last February, Costa Rica was selected due to its “Clean Travel” program; a tool that will allow visitors to donate funds to offset their carbon gas emissions on flights to the Central American nation.“Clean Travel” is a Costa Rican Government initiative to enable visitors to the country to contribute to the preservation of forests, watersheds and biodiversity by offsetting those carbon gas emissions with environmental services.

http://www.centralamericagrapevine.com/php/note_detail.php?id_edicion=35&id_nota=308#contenido

Relax your body and soul... close to heaven!

Villa Caletas in its eagerness to adapt to the world-wide tendency that demands the hotelkeepers to offer different health services, offers to its guests as a complementary service, Aqua – fitness lessons, Stretching, Pilates, Kick Boxing & Yoga for beginners “

All of these lessons will help our guess by different ways :

Improves balance and coordination

Increases flexibility and strength

Tones & shapes muscles

Reduces stress

Improves Posture

Increase energy

Improves circulation

Improves concentration

Aids injury recovery

Strengthens immune system

Improves sleep patterns

Detoxifies body

Promotes overall wellbeing

A new member in Small Distinctive Hotels

Small Distinctive Hotels, the most exclusive collections of boutique hotels in Costa Rica, each of its 8 hotels are unique and different in style, character and experience. Each committed through quality and service providing truly unforgettable memories.

Recently, Small Distinctive Hotels decided to include Hotel Cuna del Angel, which is a cozy and charming property located in Dominical Beach, , South Pacific. Cuna del Angel shines like a jewel in the middle of lush forests, this exclusive hotel offers 25 rooms, pool, one of the best restaurants and SPA in the area, besides has facilities to organizes special events and weddings, also owns 3 boats for sport fishing.

“Astonishing views, all along the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, are the red carpet that leads the way to this intimate and warm construction in Colonial and Native Costa Rica’s style; a celebration of the encounter of cultures, where the best of both worlds meet, keeping the glamour and elegance of a modern and civilized world, and evoking the spiritual world of the indigenous cultures that inhabited our small yet rich country”

Come and visit Cuna del Angel and let your soul float away!

http://www.cunadelangel.com/ -info@cunadelangel.com - Tel. (506) 2787-8012