Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sustainable Tourism at Small Distinctive Hotels


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.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Honeymoon Video

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

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 member 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

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!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Small Distinctive Hotels - Video

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

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”!


To read the entire article, visit:

For more information about the Florblanca Resort, visit:

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

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 2nd 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!


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:

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


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 designed 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

Monday, June 28, 2010

Visit the Turrialba Cheese Market and Casa Turire

When thinking about cheese, there are probably  a few specific countries that come to mind… but did you know that Costa Rica actually makes 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: Casa Turire.

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

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 Arenas del Mar Resort 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.



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 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.

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.

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. 

For more information on these, as well as the other unique hotels we have to offer in Costa Rica, please visit the website of Small Distinctive Hotels.
________________________________________________________________

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

Monday, June 21, 2010

Enjoy Your Stay at Florblanca while Enjoying a Good Conscience

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:

Friday, June 18, 2010

Tours and Activites offered in Tamarindo by Hotel Capitan Suizo

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.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Yoga and Nutrition Retreat at Villa Caletas

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!


Yoga Class, Villa Caletas
Central Pacific, Costa Rica
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

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

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

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.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

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

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
www.waterfallgardens.com