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

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 represent 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

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

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

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 en Arte - PDF

ANFITRION de música y natura

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

Have a look of the comments of guests who have stayed at Capitán Suizo; 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 loved 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. 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

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

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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!!!