Quick question – Where do you take a group of travelers that includes a Gen Z’r, an Xennial, two members of Generation X and a Baby Boomer?  We wanted a special birthday celebration for the world’s most youthful grandfather, someplace with adventure (but relaxing), exquisite food (but with local flavor), and a focus on sustainable travel (but still luxurious).  Our solution was visiting three regions of Costa Rica by private plane, boat and car, and everyone came home elated.

• Duration – 8 nights, 9 days
• We love it for: Multi-generation, empty nesters, nature lovers.  The ability to experience three such different landscapes (jungle, cloud forest and beach) in such a short period of time cannot be duplicated easily.  An additional bonus is the locals pride and love of their country and showing it off – the service level and friendliness are off the charts, and you’ll leave with a true sense of Pura Vida!
• Trip Style: an active itinerary, changing destinations every couple of days as you venture between regions; packing light is a must.
• Insider notes from your travel advisor: the commute to Monteverde isn’t for everyone – if you only have six nights; this can be saved for a future trip to the region.

• WHERE TO STAY for five star luxury, even in the most authentic wilderness surroundings:
  • Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park
    • Set in the rainforest with a view of Costa Rica’s most famous volcano, Nayara Gardens (and it’s sister resort, the adults only Nayara Springs) seems like it folded right out of a story book.  The spacious rooms open up to private gardens that make you feel like you are sleeping in the jungle, and every terrace features a sneaky secluded jacuzzi.  While they give the appearance of a safari lodge, inside there is every creature comfort, including all the tech you’d expect, pumping air conditioning for warmer nights, and an indoor/outdoor shower that was positively decadent.  Multiple restaurants on site offer international cuisine, an outrageous breakfast spread, and a little wine bar for wiling away the evening hours.  The pool and spa are five star and feature sweeping views of the forest around you.
  • Senda Lodge, Monterverde
    • The rooms are chic and sleek with views into the cloud forest; super comfortable beds and modern bathrooms.  What really sets the resort apart, however, is the service and feel of the main lodge.  With only 24 suites on property, every guest is treated like a member of the family.  We played board games together as a family in the cozy bar while enjoying happy hour drinks and snacks; and watched families more brave than hours trek in from their nighttime safari.  The food was lovingly prepared and exquisite, and the bartenders and wait staff were amongst the most friendly we have ever experienced.
  • Four Seasons Papagayo
    • The level of luxury and beauty found within this resort are unparalleled.  The rooms are (as you’d expect; it’s a Four Seasons) spacious, sytlish, luxurious and stocked with amenities.  The three pools make sure that whether you’re seeking to play, relax or just take a dip there is a place just for you.  The restaurants are outstanding, service is on point, the golf is remarkable, there is a great kids and teens club as well as a “day camp” of sorts that allow your kids to become tiny adventurers.  But the real dazzler here is the view – stunning from every angle, sunrises over the bay and sunsets over the ocean; there are quite literally views for days.

• THE DETAILS:
  • Day 1: Arrival.  Touch down in Liberia and greeted at the sleeve of the plane by your VIP host from Terranova, who escorts you through customs without any waiting and whisks you onto your private propellor plane for the 25 minute flight to Arenal (for those white knuckle fliers, this drive can be made in a manageable 3.5 hours via private car).  Upon arrival at Nayara, you are created with fresh, cool washcloths and a local craft cocktail.  Settle in, enjoy the view from your private terrace, and take a dip in their pool filled with water from the local spring – or enjoy a drink at the swim up bar!
  • Day 2: ADRENALINE RUSH!  Spend the morning flying through the air on Costa Rica’s longest (and fastest!) zip lines.  If you think your legs have stopped shaking, you’d be wrong – because your next stop is the Hanging Bridges Mistico Park, where you’ll beg your fellow adventurers to stop shaking the bridge as you traverse through the treetops.  Your naturalist guide will point out notable flora and fauna along the way – including vipers, tarantulas and bats, oh my!  Spend the afternoon recuperating with a day pass to Tabacon’s thermal springs – dozens of cascading waterfalls and pools naturally sourced from local springs and heated underground by the Volcano’s magma.
  • Day 3: Getting to know Mother Nature.  Today you’ll spend several hours at Club Rio – first you’ll enjoy some up close and personal time with the sloths, toucans and monkeys in their sanctuary.  Next, suit up!  Time for some white water kayaking.  After a remarkably delicious lunch on the open air terrace overlooking the river and rainforest; it’s time for a quick dip in the hot springs before your 90 minute, private guided sunset horseback ride.  Along the way, you might run into a pack of howler monkeys yelling at you for disturbing their late afternoon nap!
  • Day 4: We’re going to need a bigger boat!  Awake this morning and enjoy a lazy (finally, phew!) breakfast.  At noon you’ll meet your private captain to cross Arenal lake for Monteverde.  Arriving the late afternoon, as you drive up literally into the clouds to arrive at your mountain lodge, you smell a bonfire and toasting marshmallows.  After a relaxed dinner looking down on the clouds (yup, you read that right) enjoy family bonding time in the lodge. PS We highly recommend the bloody mary!!!
  • Day 5: The strangest plants you’ll ever see!  You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Jurassic Park as a seasoned naturalist walks you through the Cloud Forest Reserve.  You’ll see trees that are more than 300 years old; the worlds smallest orchid (smaller than a pencil eraser but perfect and beautiful); the origins of medicine used to treat Parkinson’s, depression and cancers.  Spend the afternoon at a hummingbird sanctuary and marvel at the colors and speed.
  • Day 6: Time to leave Monteverde and head back down the hills to the beach!  Upon arrival at the Four Seasons, you’re greeted with a cold drink served in a coconut, and suddenly feel like you’re at a Caribbean resort, even though just yesterday you were a wilderness explorer! As your whisked to your room by golf cart, you’d be hard pressed not to gasp in marvel at the epic sunset greeting you.  Check into your suite and enjoy the stunning view of the bay – make sure to lock your balcony door or the monkeys will absolutely let themselves in!
  • Day 7: Today, it’s time to get out in the ocean!  Take your pick of SUP, wave runners, catamarans and kayaks.  The water is crystal clear, warm and blue, and the snorkeling can’t be beat!  Spend the afternoon at leisure by the pool (would you like us to polish your sunglasses?  Bring you a fruity frozen drink? How about a pineapple kebab?) and scan through your phone to see all the amazing photos you’ve taken.  Speaking of photos – be ready at 5:30 sharp for your private photography session; after all, what would an epic vacation be without an insta-worthy new cover photo?
  • Day 8: No alarm clocks today.  Wake up to the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore, and enjoy your room service breakfast (compliments of Virtuoso).  You’ll be sad to leave this incredible country tomorrow, so make sure to make the most of today – spend some of it in the spa, some of it with your family, and all of it enjoying the amazing natural beauty of the peninsula.
  • Day 9: Take a short, 30 minute car ride back to Liberia airrport… you can sleep on the plane, and when you do, you’ll surely dream of Pura Vida!