Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Special Offer by Peace Lodge!

Peace Lodge
Green Season Special
Until May 31, 2011


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.

During this entire month of May, the Peace Lodge offers a special Green Season offer!! Have a look at the offers below and enjoy a rejuvenating stay at this peace-ful place:


  • 50 minutes in room massages for only $30 per person.
  • Stay 3 nights and get a Free Waterfall Gardens Guided Tour
  • Stay 3 nights and get half price on our Poás Volcano and Doka Coffee Plantation Tour

For more information about Peace Lodge, visit: http://distinctivehotels.com/our_hotels_peace_lodge.html.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hotel Villa Caletas en Canal 7 (Habitat Solutions)




  • El 7 de Mayo 2011, Hotel Villa Caletas fue representado en el programa Habitat Solutions de Canal 7.
  • On May 7th 2011, Hotel Villa Caletas was featured on the program Habitat Solutions of Canal 7 (only available in Spanish)

QUIZ: Sustainable Tourism

 How green do you travel?



This quiz is part of our latest newsletter, the Green Issue, and will test your knowledge on sustainable tourism!

The answers and explanations will be provided with our next newsletter, in case you are not yet subscribed, simply send your name and e-mail address to info@distinctivehotels.com

We hope you'll enjoy!




1.  Which of the definitions below best describes sustainable tourism?


2.  Sustainable travel is only possible when choosing specific niche tour-operators that specialize in green- or ecotourism.


3.  Select three countries that are known internationally for their sustainable tourism efforts
 

4.  Several countries worldwide, have begun their own certification system in order to set and control standards in sustainable tourism. Does Costa Rica have such a certification system?

5.  Which of the following activities can be recommended to make your holidays greener?

Thank you for participating in our online-quiz!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Small Distinctive Hotels Member certified with “4 leaves” for sustainable tourism.


 Hotel Capitan Suizo, one of Tamarindo’s most enchanting accommodations and member of the hotel group Small Distinctive Hotels, officially received its Sustainable Tourism Certification by the responsible committee of the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT). As the first hotel in the Tamarindo area, Capitan Suizo has managed to be certified with 4 out of 5 leaves.


It has been a long and sustained effort to achieve the level of sustainability which has now been officially rewarded by the ICT. As the hotel’s manager Vinicio Hidalgo states, “Our team is proud and satisfied about this result; it is a great motivation since everyone has worked extremely hard to obtain certification at this level. We have learned along the way that these positive results with the CST can only be attained in team work and our gratitude extends to each member.

In order to achieve this certification, a balanced development needs to take place in 4 areas:

The interaction of the hotel with its physical environment, the dissemination of information to raise awareness among guests, as well as the socio-economic involvement in the community and efficiency of its facilities. For more information about the certification, please visit:

http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/en/

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL CAPITAN SUIZO

Hotel Capitan Suizo is a luxurious boutique hotel, located directly on one of the most attractive swimming beaches of Tamarindo.

The beach-setting along with the exuberant tropical gardens, discreet elegance and Swiss quality provide a rejuvenating atmosphere, which is reflected in its 22 rooms.

Various Good Practices implemented at Hotel Capitan Suizo

The hotel prepared for two years before officially applying for the CST evaluation. The first year focused on generating a positive change regarding the employees’ attitude in order to ensure a joint effort in achieving its sustainability goals. The second year consisted in the implementation of important changes in a wide variety of areas.

Environmental and Social Activities

Hotel Capitan Suizo participates in a project for protecting wildlife, especially the impressive howler monkeys that have lost parts of their habitat due to touristic developments in the area. The hotel is part of the Blue Flag program committee and supports a primary school which offers education to children from families with scarce economic resources. Moreover a co-operation with the non-profit organization CEPIA promotes culture, health, sports and education in the coastal communities of Guanacaste. Finally, since three years the hotel organizes a Christmas celebration for children of a close-by refuge.

Infrastructure Enhancements

In order to further enhance sustainability efforts, a range of enhancements have been made in terms of infrastructure: hydrometers have been installed in various sectors of the property to monitor water consumption as well as solar panels in order to heat water. Solid- and organic waste management has been significantly improved; part of the organic waste products are now used to produce organic fertilizers for the garden, since chemical fertilizers have not been applied since many years. Incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with high-efficiency bulbs and high-efficiency minibars are gradually replacing the original ones.

For further information on Hotel Capitan Suizo and its sustainability efforts, visit our website here.

__________________________________________________________


CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Hotel Capitan Suizo
Tel. (506) 2653-0075
Eduardo Vinicio, General Manager
Email: Vinicio@hotelcapitansuizo.com
Sonia Fuentes, Sustainability
Email: fuentes@hotelcapitansuizo.com

Contact Small Distinctive Hotels
Hellen Campos, Marketing Manager
Email: hcampos@distinctivehotels.com 
Tel: (506) 2258-0150

Why visit Costa Rica in the Green Season?

When green season approaches and the tropical rains slowly get stronger and more frequent, a whole different side of Costa rica seems to come alive. The trees and plants seem to suddenly shine in the most diverse shades of green. The greenness of Costa Rica can be truly and literally be experienced during this time of the year!

But what does this entail: Will we still be able to travel around freely? Will it rain every day? Will we still be able to explore all Costa Rica has to offer?? Are probably some of the questions that come up when reading about the green season. We can assure you there is no need to worry, below we will explain why traveling  to Costa Rica during this time of the year can often lead to an even more special experience of the country!  

The green season seems to be a time of the year, where all of Costa Rica's nature truly comes alive, everything seems more vibrant, radiantly green. Since there are more fruits on the trees, animals are more active and abundant, so your chances to encounter Costa Rica's typical  and beautiful widlife such as toucans, monkeys or sloths are greatly increased during this time of the year. Moreover, since the majority of tourists visit Costa Rica during summer months, this time of the year  is more quiet in many parts therefore making it easier to experience the 'real' Costa Rica.

Although usually around October, when rainfall is highest, some venues may be closed, generally speaking most activities can as easily be undertaken during the rainy season as in the summer season. Especially when keeping in mind that mostly rains occur in the afternoon, one can plan accordingly. The same applies for transportation within the countries, during most of the green season it will be possible to explore the country in a rental car. Only around October, when rainfall is more heavy, it is advisable to consult with locals before driving certain roads, and to calculate additonal time in reaching your destination.

One of the other advantages of traveling to Costa Rica in the green season, is that many accomodations as well as other venues offer special rates. Moreover availability at Costa Rica's most beautiful hotels will be easier to get during this time of the year.

Alltogether it can be said that green season is the perfect time to visit Costa Rica in all its green splendor!





Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Small Distinctive Sustainability

 Costa Rica has long been known as one of the  world's "greenest" countries, and is often referred to as an ecotourism pioneer. Indeed, preserving the precious natural environment of this magnificent country has long been on top of the agenda of the Costa Rican government, governmental as well as NGO organizations. Moreover the travel industry in Costa Rica recognizes that succesful tourism is dependent on an intact environmental as well as socio-cultural environment, and therefore engages avidly in its protection.
In line with Costa Rica's sustainability efforts,Small Distinctive Hotels prioritizes sustainability not only by supporting a variety of Costa Rican social and environmental organizations, but also by promoting sustainability among its member hotels. An example for this is that each hotel upon entry, must commit to the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (CST) process.

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) is a product of the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). The program seeks to categorize and certify tourism companies according to the degree to which its operations comply to a model of sustainability, for which 4 fundamental aspects are evaluated: 
1. Physical-biological Parameters
2. Infrastructure and Services
3. External Clients
4. Socio-economic Development

Accordingly, each of our nine hotels has either gone through the process of certification, is still within the process, or is currently renewing it's certification. Within recent months, the continous and dedicated efforts of our member hotels have begun to show rewards, as positive certification results were being awarded as shown below:

Hotel Casa Turire in Turrialba - 4 out of 5 leaves
Hotel Grano de Oro in San José - 4 out of 5 leaves
Hotel Cuna del Angel in Dominical - 4 out of 5 leaves
Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa - 4 out of 5 leaves
Hotel Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo - 4 out of 5 leaves

The other hotels likewise rank generally high in the sustainability certification:

Arenas del Mar Resort in Manuel Antonio- 5 out of 5 leaves
Playa Nicuesa Lodge in Osa Peninsula - 4 out of 5 leaves
Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca - 2 out of 5 leaves (currently upgrading)
Hotel Villa Caletas in Jacó - 2 out of 5 leaves (currently upgrading)

At Small Distinctive Hotels, apart from offering a collection of the most beautiful hotels in Costa Rica to journey to, we see sustainability as a journey in itself to which we are continuously committed.

Surfing South - Hotel Cuna del Angel in Dominical

Algún surfo? O interesado en aprender a surfear? Uvita se considera como nivel intermedio para realizar la actividad del surf, seguidamente de playa Hermosa, la cual es la playa más cercana al hotel y subiendo el nivel avanzados estaría playa Dominical. Nunca es tarde para empezar!Adelante, que pensás?

Do you surf? Or are you interested in learning how to ? Uvita is considered intermediate level for surfing activites, followed by Playa Hermosa, which is the beach closest to the hotel. Further up the scale, Playa  Dominical, which is also in close proximity to the hotel, is considered advanced level for surfing. It is never too learn to start, what do you think?

For more information, have a look at Hotel Cuna del Angel here.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hotel Casa Turire in Turrialba: Recent Events

A stay at Hotel Casa Turire is always as relaxing as it is entertaining...
Una estancia en Hotel Casa Turire es siempre relajada y entretenida...


Saturday 23 April 2011: 
BBQ Lunch at Casa Turire!
Almuerzo Parrillada en Casa Turire!








Sunday 24 April 2011:
A goat was born at Casa Turire !!
Nacimiento de una cabra el día hoy en Casa Turire !!




Saludos!
Greetings from Casa Turire!
Saludos de Casa Turire!



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Hotel Casa Turire: BBQ Menu // Menu Parrillada!



This Saturday Hotel Casa Turire will be offering a BBQ Menu!
In order to reserve your spot, simply call the hotel: (506) 2531-2244
 
El Hotel Casa Turire ofrece un Menu Parrillada para el Sabado!
Para reservar, simplemente llama: (506) 2531-2244

Hotel Cuna del Angel in Dominical - New Video!!


Hotel Cuna del Angel, located in the lush green setting of Dominical, is truly a heavenly paradise as it's name (translated: Angel's Cradle) suggests. The peaceful atmosphere is reflected througout the entire hotel with all rooms named after an angel, deliciously divine food, a rejuvenating spa... the perfect ingredients for a relaxing holiday!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A Stay at our Newest Member Hotel: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge


 Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge brings a rejuvenating stay in nature to a whole new level… This article will give you an impression of what to expect at this special place! 
 
The fun and adventure begin upon arrival at the dock, where a small boat brings you to the lodge. With a little bit of luck the sight of a dolphin welcomes you to this natural paradise. Accompanied by the guide and welcomed by the sound of birds and cicadas as well as the first sights of scarlet macaws and bright blue morpho butterflies, your holiday can begin! 

As you sip your delicious welcome cocktail, manager Stephen explains the workings of the lodge, since this is certainly not your usual holiday resort; the secluded location combined with a small number of guests (maximum 25), provide a personal atmosphere which is enhanced by the three daily meals which are prepared locally and enjoyed socially around the long table. Moreover the feeling of being a guest not only at the rainforest lodge, but especially of the rainforest, adds to the magic of this place. 

An array of activities is available to those who care to leave the comfort of their hammocks or beach chairs planted under the almond trees right at the Pacific Ocean with its mild temperatures:

One of the most easy and exciting activities is a hike through the trails which are literally located in the backyard of the Nicuesa Lodge, either self-guided or guided by naturalist guide Jonathan, these trails will quickly introduce you to the impressive flora and fauna of Costa Rica. From colorful birds and butterflies, to howling monkeys, crawling lizards, impressive spiders, insects, frogs... all wildlife inhabiting this dense rainforest has its natural place and function in the jungle. Since the property of the lodge consists of 165 acres and is reserved only for guests of the Nicuesa Lodge, each hike in the rainforest becomes an intimate encounter with Costa Rican nature and wildlife. 

For those who wish to spice up and ultimately cool down their rainforest hike, a guided tour to the property's waterfall is the perfect activity. Another adventurous way to cool down is by taking a kayak tour to the adjacent bay for snorkeling, where blue parrot fish and tropical striped fish are some of the colorful attractions. Another way to explore the lodge's closer surroundings is by means of the sustainability tour, where the lodge's environmental practices are introduced. From solar panels to recycling stations, tree-planting to a solar drying station as well as sustainable water solutions and much more, this tour answers many questions and also inspires to make changes in your daily life back home. 


A shorter kayak outing, which can alternatively be made by boat, leads to the close-by Orchid Garden. A beautiful tropical garden filled with exotic plants, trees and flowers and either of the enthusiastic couple who own this paradisiacal place will give an interesting and refreshing tour with a wide variety of edible herbs, flowers, seeds, lettuce and tropical fruits to be enjoyed.

Another half-day tour leads to a cacao farm where the passionate owner gives a delicious tour, followed by a second stop for an exciting zip line adventure! Fishing, surfing or horseback riding trips, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, daily yoga classes and massages are among the countless other activities that can be undertaken here. 

Finally, at the end of an exciting day, over a delicious fresh meal, you will meet your fellow guests to exchange your daily adventures, wildlife sightings, activities, tips and ideas. An experience at Playa Nicuesa offers activities for everyone, and the secluded location in the middle of a tropical rainforest will relax even the most exhausted visitors!









Arenas del Mar Resort in International Lifestyle Magazine

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort has recently been featured in the award-winning international lifestyle magazine Joomag as "the perfect base to explore the area around Manuel Antonio and Quepos on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica." The magazine goes on to describe all the exciting as well as relaxing activities that can be enjoyed at this astonishing and sustainable resort. 

To read the entire article, please click here and continue to page 16-19.


Habitat Solutions - Reportaje de Florblanca Resort



  • El 9 de Abril  2011, Florblanca Resort fue representado en el programa Habitat Solutions de Canal 7.
  • On April 9th 2011, Florblanca Resort was featured on the program Habitat Solutions of Canal 7 (only available in Spanish)

Monday, April 18, 2011

Arenas del Mar - Special Facebook Offer!!

Special Facebook Offer!!
Oferta Especial Facebook!!
Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio

We're offering a great special for our Facebook friends from now until June 30th! Stay 5 nights, pay only 4 and take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park! Contact us at info@arenasdelmar.com for more information.

Ofierta Especial para Facebook amigos desde ahora hasta ell 30 de Junio! Quedarese 5 noches, pagar solamente 4 noches y ademas un tour al Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio! Contáctanos a info@arenasdelmar.com para más informacion!

Hotel Casa Turire: Typical Breakfast // Desayuno Tipico

On Saturday April 16th, Hotel Casa Turire in beautifully green Turrialba , invited to a traditional breakfast event, guests and visitors enjoyed a typical Costa Rican Buffet Breakfast accompanied by live marimba music! 

El Sabado 16 de Abril, Hotel Casa Turire en Turrialba invitaba a un evento de desayuno tradicional donde huespedes y visitantes pudieron disfrutar de un desayuno estilo buffet tipico de Costa Rica y acompañado por musica vivo de marimba!

Santa Teresa among Top 25 Beaches in the World

Santa Teresa PhotosSanta Teresa, home to Small Distinctive Hotels Member: 
Florblanca Resort, has been ranked the world-wide number 10 beach by TripAdvisor! This beach was therewith ranked higher than those in Hawaii, Maldives, Thailand and more...

"Surf’s always up in the Costa Rican beach town of Santa Teresa. Bright sun and gleaming sands make the perfect backdrop to hang ten in the crystal-clear waters, and fishing, snorkeling and kite-surfing are popular among vacationers. Yoga and spa services are a must for the ultimate relaxation, and, at night, catch a glorious sunset on the same beach where earlier you caught a wave." 

(Traveler's Choice 2011)

Friday, March 18, 2011

Wellness Tourism in Costa Rica





Costa Rica is internationally renowned for its stunning natural environment as well as its efforts to conserve these natural treasures for future generations. Thousands of visitors are attracted yearly to this beautiful country, frequently opting for eco-friendly holidays, which is why over the past years Costa Rica has built a worldwide reputation as ecotourism pioneer.

Recently however, a new tourism trend has begun to emerge in Costa Rica, which can be summed up under the term of wellness tourism. The prevailing types of wellness tourism in Costa Rica can be summed up as Medical-, Spa- and Yoga Tourism.

Medical tourism is the increasingly popular practice of traveling internationally to obtain health care, frequently combining this medical treatment with a holiday. The benefits of this type of vacation abound, and so do the reasons for choosing Costa Rica:          


Medical facilities in Costa Rica are modern, medical staff is oftentimes trained in the United States, the travel time is shorter compared to other countries, while at the same time the prices are affordable (30-70 percent of US prices) and the country practically guarantees an unforgettable vacation. Moreover, a ranking of the world’s health systems by the World Health Organizations rated Costa Rica even above the United States and New Zealand. Currently there are three
Joint Commission International accredited (JCI) Hospitals all of which located in San José, Costa Rica. And last but not least, a medical journey to Costa Rica. Besides, from April 26 through 28, the second Latin American Global Medicine and Wellness Congress will take place in San José. (http://www.globalmedicinecongress.com/)

The other two popular forms of wellness tourism in Costa Rica are Spa- and Yoga Tourism. 

There are different types of Spa Tourism such as medical spas, day spas as well as hotel or resort spas, latter of which are most prevalent in Costa Rica. The presence of a spa at an accommodation is a decisive criterion for a growing number of travelers, to which Costa Rica caters increasingly well. 

Yoga tourism is another type of tourism that has become increasingly popular in Costa Rica. From one- or two week retreats to occasional classes at the accommodation of choice, Costa Rica’s peaceful natural surroundings provide an excellent setting for rejuvenating retreats, or simply occasional yoga classes. As the official world’s happiest- and one of the “greenest” countries, Costa Rica has moreover become home to many international yoga teachers, who now share their yoga skills and experience at local hotels and resorts.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Costa Rica’s rejuvenating wellness offer, its peaceful natural surroundings as well as its relaxed inhabitants!