With its lush forests, sprawling beaches, friendly wildlife, amazing local cuisine and stunning accommodations, I was consumed by the sprawling beauty of Costa Rica on my recent visit to the Guanacaste province and Papagayo Peninsula. Although my visit was during the region’s dry season, the scenery was still bountiful, with green vegetation, vibrant pink florals, and trees as tall as the sky. The Papagayo Peninsula of Costa Rica is the ideal destination for the traveler who embraces nature and craves adventure.
The Guanacaste province is the perfect place to kick off your Costa Rican adventure. I flew directly to the Liberia (LIB) airport, a beautiful modern airport that is a warm welcome after a long flight. There are endless ways to spend your days in this area, including ziplining through the lush treetops in the Congo Trail, white water rafting through the Tenorio River, hiking through the wild jungle to discover waterfalls, or volcanic adventures and hot spring tours. An escape to Tamarindo to experience a fun and laidback surfer’s paradise and catch some amazing waves is the perfect escape for the young, or young at heart.
My favorite way to explore a new culture is with my taste buds, and Costa Rica has some amazing local cuisine, as well as talented chefs that have perfected dishes from international cuisines. Wherever you are in Costa Rica, you’ll see fruit stands where you can hop up on a stool and order your pick of fresh juiced fruits – mango, blackberry, melon, pineapple and other seasonal offerings. Costa Rica is also home to cacao fruit which can be cracked open to reveal tender white flesh encasing the cacao beans (from which cocoa powder is derived), the fruit’s sweet and tangy flavor will surprise and delight you!
While exploring the coast of Guanacaste, I discovered the site for the new Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Resort. The d azzling beach resort is located a quick 25-minute drive from the airport, passing through beautiful farmlands and forest scenery, to a jaw-dropping view of the Bahia Culebra below. Nestled in the curve of the Papagayo Peninsula, Planet Hollywood is perfectly-situated on the hill overlooking the bay, with stunning views from every vantage point. A stretch from the ordinary, Planet Hollywood is the perfect place to stay and play while experiencing all the wonders that Costa Rica has to offer. Opening later this summer, this all-inclusive beach resort boasts amazing dining options, luxury amenities, Vegas-worthy nightly entertainment, and celeb-approved fitness programs. Perfect for the traveling family, Planet Hollywood offers kids’ programs that focus on drawing out the creativity in your little ones with movie-making, acting, dancing and music-making programs offered all year round.
Costa Rica is the ideal getaway for those looking for a playful getaway, surrounded by nature and endless options for adventure.