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 If
you are like many couples, a period of intense
relaxation right after your wedding is definitely
in order. You’d prefer not to lift a finger,
move a muscle or worry where to find an excellent
dinner. But, while this is appealing, you might
find yourselves a bit antsy after a few days,
and you’d like to get out and about, try new
experiences, get a bit dirty, and still have
a great lodge to return to in the evening. If
this sounds like your idea of a honeymoon –
read on!
You’ll start by flying into the town of Liberia
in northern Costa Rica. After a short 45 minute
drive in an air-conditioned 4x4, you’ll arrive
at the new Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula
Papagayo. Undoubtedly the most luxurious and
full service resort Costa Rica has seen to date,
 the
property offers the international caliber experience
you are hoping for as you embark on your honeymoon
– gorgeous rooms, world class dining, exceptional
levels of service, and facilities at your fingertips
including two beaches, a full spa, and an Arnold
Palmer signature golf course, among others.
Your days here will be lazy, if you want them to
be. Or, when the urge sets in, take to the seas
on a picturesque catamaran, raft down a gentle
river, visit volcanic thermal springs, or hike
to a waterfall. But after a few days, you feel
it’s time to transition, to feel a bit more
immersed in the natural environment. It’s time
to move to the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s last
bastion of true jungle wilderness.
 To
reach Osa from the north, you’ll fly to San
Jose, where you’ll stay overnight in the charming
Grano de Oro Hotel. An early evening with a
terrific dinner in their restaurant is in order,
because your flight to Osa leaves bright and
early tomorrow! If you'd like to explore the
Central Valley, it's easy to add another day
or two to this location.
You’ll feel the excitement as you watch the
scenery en route to Osa. First you’ll cross the
mountains, then you’ll follow the coastline
south, and finally the rugged peninsula and its
wild shoreline will captivate you. When you
arrive, the first adventure will be the journey
to your lodge – the roads on the peninsula are
not developed (and in many cases barely exist),
so get ready! Your driver will be using that
4-wheel drive.
 Ah,
but it’s worth it when you arrive at Lapa Rios
Lodge. Terraced into a hillside and set among
the trees, this fine eco-oriented lodge is about
as luxurious as it gets in the middle of the
jungle. Your bungalow is waiting, and as you
relax on your terrace you spot 3 of the 4 species
of Costa Rica’s monkeys, without having left
the lodge! This is going to be exciting.
 The
Osa Peninsula offers so much – there is an excellent
network of trails, and to reach the beach, there
is an enjoyable 20 minute hike. Pack a picnic
lunch from the lodge and enjoy your own stretch
of beach away from humanity. Or, go deep sea
fishing one day, stopping at an orchid garden
on the way home. Do a bit of craft shopping
in a nearby community. Explore the many waterfalls
in the area, or try to spot a jaguar on a night
hike. And when the day is done, go for a dip
in Lapa Rios’ pool, enjoy a fine dinner by candlelight,
and retire to your bungalow, listening to the
romantic sounds of the jungle by night.
Finally it’s time for this unique and enjoyable
journey to end. You’ll have a morning flight to
San Jose, connecting to your flight back home.
But now you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and richer
for all of the experiences you’ve had and
discoveries you’ve made in Costa Rica together.
Who
will enjoy this trip
Those seeking the maximum amount of luxury
they can have while enjoying the ruggedness
Costa Rica offers. Couples who enjoy a variety
of experiences. Adventurers who value pampering
at the beginning and off-the-beaten-path
locations later on.
Who
should avoid this trip
Those seeking 5-star luxury through the entire
trip will need to temper their expectations in
the jungle (or avoid it altogether). Those who
need to be near a city our town environment.
Those who don’t want to see insects – Costa Rica
offers a jungle environment and 6-legged
creatures are part of the ecosystem.
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Peninsula
Papagayo