Kauai north shore in January or Costa Rica for Grandma's getaway?

St. Lucia, at a place between the Pitons.
Then take a water taxi to the market at Soufriere, lunch at Rodney Bay, snorkeling on the way back, to the black beach at Anse Chastanet. Take a jeep tour to the rainforest and volcano. Maybe a zipline. Hiking.
I used to love the Hilton Jalousie but it's not a Hilton anymore. I'd do 4-5 nights at the Jalousie (with private cottages with plunge pools) and the last two nights at the amazing, romantic Ladera.

Sorry, not what you asked for but based on what you described it's what came to mind.

http://www.jalousieplantation.com/
http://www.ladera.com/

Oops! I just looked at the January prices.
maybe not

It IS the rainforest, adventure, relaxing, gorgeous combination you describe though.

I'll be returning to the N. shore of Kauai in January -- so that gets my vote. But there's no way to predict the weather. Last January there were quite a few rainy days -- but usually not the entire day -- and there were some lovely, sunny days, too.

I remember meeting a couple who were miserable because it was raining when they wanted to lie on the beach all day. I was having an amazing time.

PS. Poipu doesn't do it for me either -- but if it is exceptionally rainy on the North Shore -- and sunnier in the South -- you could drive down for a day, or explore the drier West side.

Bosque del Cabo is really awesome. People go back there year after year. One day from the front porch of our cabin, I saw a troop of spider monkeys go by, a troop of howler monkeys, a troop of capuchins, and then two scarlet macaws. It's really unbelievable and beautiful. Gorgeous views of the water and great food too. If you just want to relax or hike, it's a great pick for you. It will give you that whole unspoiled thing that you're looking for. It is an isolated property, not even locks on the doors, so if you're looking for local cafes and all that, that will be harder to find. Most people eat all their meals on the property. The wildlife is just unbelievable.

We love Hawaii too, so I think it just depends on what you're looking for. In Hawaii, we did different activities every day like a helicopter tour, volcano hike, snorkeling, sunset sail, etc. Tons of restaurant and tour choices. Both are good choices, just up to your own personal preference. Another place you might consider is Belize, and doing a split between the jungle and the beach. It's another good option.

Starrs, when was the last time you were on St Lucia? I haven't been to Ladera in many years. I do recall that the weather was a bit chill our last day at Ladera. I have no idea what the island is like now.

I adore Hanalei/Kauai northshore all seasons, but the odds are it will be a bit rainier then other seasons, and the surf will be up. But the whales will be visiting. I've never been to Costa Rica, so have no idea what January is like.

Good luck

I'm a very partial fan of Kona Village Resort, so much so that i put up my own website to describe it in great detail. Go to www.davidskvr.net and see if it's something you might like to experience. It's laid back, informal, and kind of retro, in the sense that it's more like the way Hawai'i used to be. Tthe bungalows are very nice (but no TV, radio, telephones, or AC--which we devotees look at as plusses). The food in all included, and it's award winning and very plentiful. You wanted subjective answers--this is mine.
David

http://www.bosquedelcabo.com/home/index.html is the link to the BdC video; it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

You definitely should go to the Osa peninsula. I've been there multiple times and it cannot be beat. It is exactly what you described you're looking for (natural, not too touristy).

When I went there, I stayed at Drake Bay ( http://www.costaricabeauty.com/viewprofile.aspx?i=1&n=Drake-Bay-Wilderness-Resort ). It looks like Bosque del Cabo is a little further south, but it looks like a great spot that's also near Corcovado.

THANKS everybody! I'm getting excited about both Hawaii AND Costa Rica! I have been walking around day-dreaming about the lovely green northern shores of Kauai, and the incredible Bosque del Cabo in Costa Rica. Lovely decisions to make...

starrs: Thanks for the suggestion of St. Lucia. We had a brief stay on stunning St. Lucia over 20 years ago. I hope to return one day.

Songdoc: I'm delighted to hear you're returning to Kauai in January...sounds like you did enjoy the trip despite some rainy days. What do you love about the northern shores of Kauai? Do you recommend any particular accommodations for a week in Kauai? I guess it would mainly bother me if the whole day was rainy...since partly why we travel in January is to escape our January rains here in San Diego. One year it seemed to rain every single day in January in San Diego...it made me feel quite gloomy. So we started traveling to sunny spots in January. But I don't mind a bit of tropical rain...unless the sun fails to shine all day... If I can have a few hours of sun each day I'm happy. Thanks for your vote!

volcanogirl: I've had my eye on Bosque del Cabo for a couple years! It looks like such a gorgeous, unique place... Since you provided the link of course I had to look at their website again and fall in love with the place again. We've never been there...yet! I'm so happy for you that you saw all those monkeys and scarlet macaws, all from your porch! Thanks for sharing about that. Have you been to Bosque d. Cabo in January? Since its the dry season I'm hoping the trails aren't too muddy.

Volcanogirl, I'm also wondering whats your favorite spot in Hawaii? Is it on Kauai?

Kealalani: I appreciate you commenting that you adore Kauai northshore/Hanalei all seasons! Do you have any recommendations regarding accommodations?

mumpsimus: thanks, I'll have a look at the Kona Village Resort. We usually try to avoid having all the food included, as we like to explore different places to eat. But I'm glad to have a look at the web-site. (With Bosque del Cabo in Costa Rica you can't avoid having the food included because its an isolated location!)

patrigringo: When you go to the Osa...do you go into the Corcovado national park? It sounds like quite an adventure. I think on my first trip to the Osa I won't make it into the park, but I'm curious about your experiences.

THANKS EVERYBODY! Anybody else, please feel free to join in the discussions above, if you have just come upon this post. My husband and I are choosing between Hawaii and Costa Rica for a week in January. (Northern coast of Kauai, or Bosque del Cabo on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica.) I think we will do BOTH trips eventually, but can choose only 1 for now! I'm getting excited and I don't even know where I'm going yet!

If we choose Kauai, we will stay on the northern shore, and rent a car to explore the island. Not sure whether we would need to split our stay in order to have access to the Waimea canyon as well on Kauai... On our first trip to Kauai 20 years ago, we spent some time in the Poipu area in order to have access to the Waimea canyon...but we didn't really care for staying in the Poipu area. We preferred the greener northern shore of Kauai.

I have tried to consider the Big Island of Hawaii which we have never seen...but its complicated enough without adding a third option. I can be sure we love Costa Rica and Kauai since we've been there. (Haven't been to the Osa peninsula or Bosque del Cabo though!) And I haven't seen Kauai for 20 years!

Hi Melissa,
I'm glad you're a St Lucia fan. I hope you get back soon. Heck, I hope I get back soon

You asked needing to split your time for Waimea canyon. It's not necessary to do so, but IF you do so I highly recommend the Waimea Plantation Cottages. I watched every configuration of Samantha Brown's Hawaii series a few years ago and fell in love with WPC from her show. When I had the chance, I moved the cottages to the top of my To Do list. We had a weeklong stay on the Big Island planned and then were lucky enough to have the chance to stay at the Four Seasons for 4 more days. In between we flew over to Kauai JUST to stay at the Waimea Plantation cottages.

I fell absolutely in love and will go back one day. Here's one review that describes them pretty well -
http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/kauai/hotels/2345

It's like going back in time to Old Hawaii. The cottages were built for the plantation workers and are simple. They aren't fancy but that's part of what I love about them. They are spread out on a beautiful property with lots of trees, a swimming pool, a beach and the Waimea Brewing Company next to it. LOVE the WBC too - stop there on the way to/from the canyon even if you don't stay at the cottages. Open air dining, great local brews...just paradise.

Most people stay elsewhere on Kauai and dismiss this location on the island. The beach is not a great swimming beach - although we enjoyed an afternoon sunning on the beach and cooling off in the water. Some will say it's not the best location on the island, although we loved it and loved being near the Canyon. It was just so very relaxing...the kind of place where you slow down a bit, read a good book, fall asleep and wake up to stroll to a cold bottle of beer and good food at the restaurant next door. To me it's paradise. It's not hilly like Jalousie on St Lucia. It reminds me a lot of Chenay Bay on St Croix. The Big Island is still my favorite Hawaiian island but the Waimea Plantation Cottages are probably my favorite place to stay in Hawaii - especially if I'm picking up the tab.

Google it and read some of the reviews and/or check out tripadvisor reviews. It would be great if you could see Samantha Brown's piece on the resort. It's the only place I've ever gone because a TV travel personality said it was great, and boy am I glad I did. We hit the jackpot on that one!

http://www.waimea-plantation.com/
http://www.waimea-plantation.com/dining.php

ps - I had to laugh. I just tossed a load of clothes in the washer and the Pakala Porter tshirt from the Waimea Brewing Company was at the top of the basket. Its one of my favorite designs and I wear it often to remind myself of being there.

I found it! Here's Samantha Brown!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys33iOk7Pe8
It starts out with the Four Seasons on the Big Island.
At about 8 minutes, she flies over to Kauai.
Then she walks around the town of Waimea, shows a flyover the canyon and then shows the Waimea Plantation Cottages (about 10:15) and the Waimea Brewing Company (10:50). It's beautiful coverage and she asks WHY people come to that location vs the big resorts elsewhere on the island.

If you don't want to watch all of the video, fast forward to about the 11:10 point. When I saw that, I knew WPC was for me. It may or may not be for you, but I wanted to share the idea.

Melissa, yes, if I had to pick a spot in Hawaii, it would be Kauai for sure. The Na Pali coast is the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life.

For me, there's something magical, spiritual, and extraordinarily beautiful about Kauai's North Shore.

I always stay at Sealodge (condos w/amazing views) and I can't imagine loving anyplace more than Hanalei Bay and Ke'e Beach.

As others said, you don't need to stay near Waimea Canyon. I love it there. Did the moderately easy "Canyon Trail" for some incredible views last time. It'll take you around an hour & 45 minutes to get to Waimea Canyon from the N. Shore.

Here's my idea of a perfect day ...

Leave early and pick up sandwiches and goodies at Foodland for a picnic later; stop for banana/macadamia nut pancakes at Kountry Kitchen in Kapa'a (heaven!!!); pix at the canyon overlooks; visit the Kalalau Lookout and Pihea Lookout; picnic on the lawn near the Koke'e Lodge; walk the Canyon Trail; stop at the Kauai Coffee Company on the way back (great gift shop); dinner at Hamura's Saimon.

But I will say that Bosque del Cabo looks BEAUTIFUL, too!!! Ohh ... if Kauai had monkeys ...

Songdoc was one of our go-to guys planning our Kauai anniversary spectacular. We stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort in a condo, very similar view to his Sealodge. That view every morning, eating breakfast on the lanai, all memories of the stress of home faded away. The people are friendly and glad to have you visit. We did helicopter tour, Na Pali catamaran cruise, Kipu Ranch jeep tour, and got fogged in on our trip to Waimea. The food is good, please consider going back to Kauai.

starrs: Thanks for recommending the Waimea Plantation cottages. My husband (biologist) does want to visit the Waimea canyon...although I'll have to look up the weather in the canyon in january...our last trip to Kauai was in June 20 years ago! So...we would either stay on the north shore of Kauai the whole week..or else split between the north shore and maybe the Waimea plantation cottages...I'll check them out. I'm curious about why the Big Island is your favorite? Can you share? Which part of the Big Island is your fav, and would it be good in January? Thanks! You have given me an excellent summary on the pros and cons of the location of the Waimea plantation cottages. I'm going to check out your review.

volcanogirl: How did you choose to see the Na Pali coast of Kauai? Helicopter, boat or hiking? My tender feet are up for a short hike but not a long one. As for the boat...I do get seasick and wondering if the boat could still be enjoyable. As for the helicopter...sounds tempting...but in Switzerland in the alps we were so annoyed when people flew by on helicopter tours because they ruined the peaceful silence of the alps...and we told ourselves we wouldn't take helicopters because of that...however, there are places in Kauai you can't see without a helicopter I hear! Curious about your experience. On our first trip to Kauai 20 years ago...we saw just a little of the Na Pali coast taking a very short hike...we had the kids with us.

songdoc: You had me hooked as soon as you said magical, spiritual, and beautiful! Thanks for sharing your best experiences of Kauai! I can totally see us having a great time. I'm going to look into the Sealodge condos...on the north shore...is there only 1 Sealodge? I don't want to look up the wrong one...what's the location so I can be sure I'm looking up the one that you recommend? How long did you spend on the Canyon trail at Waimea canyon? On our first visit to Waimea canyon I let my husband plan that part of the trip and I have no idea which trail we took but it was June, it was muddy, and the vegetation was creepy and scary... I actually turned back with our 2 youngest kids... So surely there is a better trail than the one we took! I don't remember any great views. I'll look up info on the Canyon trail. Thanks!

rncheryl: Your Kauai anniversary spectacular sounds like it was great! Thats what we want, all stressful memories fading away as we escape together for a week somewhere warm and wonderful and GREEN and sunny. (Rain is ok for me as long as the day also gives me some sun!)

Thanks everybody...My plan is to flood myself with info and impressions...and make a decision this week as its late to be planning a January trip. Since I have looked into Bosque del Cabo and Kauai before, that helps.

starrs, perhaps it would also be helpful to share how many times you have visited Kauai and Hawaii and how many days you spent there and what year you were there.

Like Ladera in St Lucia, you do have a tendency to offer advice about places long remembered in your very distant past.

oooopsyyyy - I meant to say without adding your limited experience. Nothing wrong with suggesting places from yore, just be honest about it. Like perhaps saying, 'well I haven't eaten there in years, but what a wonderful experience it was. . . . blah blah blah. . .

Melissa, don't let my comments distract you from Kauai. You've got two great options to choose from. That should be enough. Save the Big Island for another trip

I do like Costa Rica but was there for work and had limited time for leisure. The local person I was working with, his wife and young daughter served as tour guides over the weekend, but I didn't get a chance to visit any resorts. I hope to make it back there someday too. I loved the country, the people and the food. I came home with some great souvenirs that were ridiculously cheap but lovely. I use a tray almost daily and a Nativity every Christmas. You can't go wrong with Costa Rica OR Kauai. Looking forward to finding out what your decision will be. Enjoy the process!

starrs: I want everyone to feel free to share their experiences however they wish. I'm glad to hear about them. The great thing about this forum is I can always click on someone's name if I want to learn more about the wonderful places they have visited.

I don't want anyone to feel like they can't share unless they are an "expert". We are all experts at knowing which places have stayed close to our hearts.

Thanks Melissa. Some of my trip reports are under a previous screen name. Some I haven't written But I love certain places a lot*. I'm sure you'll make a good choice. With those options, how could you go wrong

*Waimea Plantation Cottages = one of those places

Yes, we saw it by helicopter. As we were flying over the water, a beautiful rainbow appeared. It was so gorgeous that it almost didn't seem real. We also saw it by boat via a sunset sail, and while I liked that and thought it was great, the helicopter was one of our favorite vacation memories ever. Several people on our boat got seasick because it was kind of rough when we went. The helicopter was wow, wow, wow!! We also flew over some waterfalls. Just stunning.

Hi Melissa, having been to both I feel somewhat qualified to give you our opinion. Our first trip to Kauai was to the north shore. Nothing has beaten it since! We stayed in a house (detached condo) in the Princeville area. Every morning I took a long walk by myself to a different area. Our balcony overlooked the mountains and the golf course, our front yard was across from the scenic overlook onto the ocean. I want to go back there in the worst way. I have no connection to the owners and no ulterior motives except to pass on the information about this beautiful place:
http://www.kauaivilla.com/
As you can see, it is extremely reasonable in price as well.

We loved our trip to Costa Rica as well, but I wouldn't describe it as relaxing. It was more of an adventure. I wouldn't, for instance, walk in the jungle by myself there. Too many dangerous things to watch out for. We took a guided tour and our guide pointed out all kinds of things we hadn't noticed with our untrained eyes. The roads on Kauai are better and the scenic spots are more accessible than in Costa Rica.

Just my two cents, Melissa. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have fun planning!
Maggi

Fly into Liberia, Costa Rica, and drive 45 minutes to Flamingo Beach. Stay at the Flamingo Beach Resort.. Very nice area and very relaxing. Or rent a nice ocean front condo at the Palms in Flamingo.

volcanogirl: Wow the helicopter ride over Kauai must be fantastic as its one of your favorite vacation memories ever! I've never done a helicopter ride. Did you do the one with the doors off the helicopter, or with the doors on? Did the helicopter seem noisy while you were flying? That is very tempting.

Maggi It's interesting to read about how you felt in both Kauai and Costa Rica. I agree Costa Rica was more adventurous for me too. But I do love them both, they are just different experiences. Since my husband is a biologist I automatically have my very own nature guide! How nice that you could see the ocean and the mountains in the Princeville area from your accommodation.

There's only one Sealodge complex on Kauai. Check VRBO.com and www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com.

Our hike on the Canyon Trail was 2 - 3 hours (probably closer to 2). I've copied in the link to my Kauai pix below. The Canyon Trail pix are included. You'll also be able to see the take-your-breath-away views from Sealodge, and some of my other favorite spots.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=995070206506%3A1616964043&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee

My only concern is that there are no guarantees about the weather. It could be great -- or you could have some very rainy days. When I return in January I'll stay for 3-1/2 weeks -- so if I do get a rainy spell, I won't mind. But you've only got one week.

I don't know what the weather would be like at that time in Costa Rica -- but that might sway me.

PS. Thanks for the comments on my trip report and the recommendation. I've been to the Alps. Gorgeous! This coming year my travel schedule is locked in from May thru the end of the year. Won't be squeezing in any Alps this year .

Songdoc: Thanks for the recommendations and the links. I'll check them out. The weather down on the Osa peninsuala in Costa Rica will be dryer in January...but probably hotter than Kauai. Also no A/C in the place in Costa Rica I have my eye on. Wow I wish I had 3 1/2 weeks for our January trip! I'd probably be tempted to go to New Zealand if I had 3 1/2 weeks. But we only have a week. I will probably eventually return to both Kauai and Costa Rica, so whichever one I pick now, I will still get the other one someday! You know, Songdoc, I keep wondering if you take care of songs that need doctoring.

(You know, Songdoc, I keep wondering if you take care of songs that need doctoring.)

Actually, that IS part of what I do. I'm a songwriter and author and I teach songwriting workshops around the world, doing surgery on sick songs whenever necessary. (Of course, for some songs, it's best to put them out of our misery and euthanize hehehe.)

My work brought me to New Zealand, Australia, Kauai, Liverpool, Ireland, Wales, Mexico, and Los Angeles--all this year. I'll be adding Scandinavia next year. Life is tough -- but somebody has to do it.

Kauai remains my favorite place and it's where I go to get away and do my own writing.

Mel, we did the helicopter tour with doors on. If you do it and want to take pictures, wear dark clothes so they don't get reflected in the windows. Our tour company recommended that. The helicopter is loud, but they have you wear noise canceling ear phones with a little mouthpiece, so that's how you talk to each other and hear the pilot. It was awesome. That was definitely one of our favorite vacation memories every, but another one was sitting on the front porch of our cabin on the Osa and seeing multiple troops of monkeys swing right in front of us. It's just so amazing to see monkeys! I think you have to be a bit tougher to do the Osa though since it's off the grid. Hawaii was relaxing, but on the Osa, I definitely got sweaty with no a.c. and I had wet hair for several days because there's not enough power for a blow dryer. Definitely worth it, but a totally different kind of vacation. As a biologist, your husband would be in heaven.

volcanogirl Yes you are right Kauai and the Osa seem wildly different and yet both beautiful! Thanks for the details of your helicopter flight. If we do that I think we might as well do it with the doors off. I think?! I'm curious...was Bosque del Cabo romantic, would you say? I'm NOT very tough, but my husband is, so sometimes I can do more adventurous things as long as I tag along with him!

Songdoc You are very fortunate! How great to have an interesting job that takes you to great places! I did look up the Sealodge you recommended. There are a bewildering number of choices. It seems there are also more than one agency to book through...that was confusing. How do you recommend booking? Do you have any particular units you would recommend? Or a particular view that is best from a unit? There also seemed to be downstairs and upstairs units. Which would you recommend? How was Wales, I'm curious? THANKS for letting me ply you with questions!

When we were in our cabin, it was romantic. We had a great cabin with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Ours was one of the few with an outdoor bathtub. I loved taking a bath outside. The food there is awesome, but the dinners are communal. If you want to, you can dine alone, but most people eat together to share details of the day and animal sightings. Also good for sharing the cost of tours if you want to. Hiking around together was amazing, but maybe not that romantic. I don't feel like I even looked like myself. I was sweaty with wet hair and didn't wear any makeup. People back home probably wouldn't recognize me. It was kind of cool to let all that stuff go and just enjoy nature. I've never really done that on a vacation before.

You can book Sealodge units several different ways. You can book directly through the owners by browsing at VRBO.com and by googling "Sealodge Kauai." I've also been happy working with www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com. I've never had any problems no matter how I booked.

The Sealodge units are virtually identical although some might be in slightly better condition than others, or have furnishings that you prefer. Some have WiFi; others flat screen TVs. But I have stayed in at least a half dozen different units over the years and have been happy with all of them. The big issue for me is the LOCATION of the unit -- which determines your view.

IMO, the very best views and breezes are the units facing the Kilauea lighthouse & Anini reef. Any unit that has this view will advertise it -- and you'll pay a bit more for it. When these are not available I've also been happy with any ocean FRONT (as opposed to oceanview) view.

Upstairs versus downstairs is a matter of personal preference. Upstairs units have balconies; downstairs have patios. There are pros and cons. Upstairs is more private--in that no one can walk past you. They're more secure -- but I've never felt the least bit unsafe downstairs. And some might prefer the views from upstairs. But I prefer downstairs so I can walk out of my condo and right to the edge of the cliff. The truth is that it doesn't matter much.

On to a different continent ... Wales was FANTASTIC. Absolutely gorgeous--and a big surprise. We were only in North Wales and were blown away by the natural beauty and the history. The castles were phenomenal. I hear that's the prettiest part of the country and having perfect sunny days and snow-capped mountains certainly helped. It was highlight in a year of amazing travel and I'd go back in a heartbeat. I have photos and a trip report posted.

Woo-hoo, we made a decision! We are going to Kauai in January! (We will get to Bosque del Cabo another year.)

Songdoc: That's weird, I could have sworn I left you a reply yesterday but now its gone. Oh well. Thanks for the great info on Kauai. If you only had a week (7 or 8 nights) in January, would you still book all your nights on the northshore? Or would you split between the north and south shore?

Songdoc, I looked at Sealodge units...looks like an amazing view! I am considering a 3rd floor unit with the view you mention of the Anini reef and Kilauea lighthouse...but I looked over some tripadvisor reviews, and some guests were unhappy when they had to shut all the windows at night due to rainy and windy weather in January. Do you think that's a big problem? (Naturally I'm picturing a tropical Kauai with the windows open at night...to hear the ocean...) We really preferred the north shore of Kauai on our previous trip over 20 years ago...but that was a June trip...so the weather was mild. We split our stay between the north and south shore. but this time its a January trip... What do you think? I just want to relax and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere and have some romance...and get inspired to write poetry...but my husband is more active and to keep up with him I will end up exploring the whole island including going up to Waimea canyon.

Usually I like to stay at an accommodation that is right on a beach where swimming or snorkeling are possible. But this seems more iffy in January due to weather & surf conditions.

Sealodge really seems like a beautiful location.

We changed our minds and decided to book Bosque del Cabo if they still have space available for January 2011. Cannot resist the call of the warm green rainforest, sunny days , the wild call of monkeys, scarlet macaws flying by, meals included so we don't have to argue about where to eat... Paradise! Since I haven't booked anything for Kauai (nor have I even made any inquiries yet for Kauai) its still easy to switch plans.

We will head for Kauai a future year, for either a January trip or a June trip another year.

So I've written to Bosque del Cabo and asked if they have a deluxe cabina for us for 4 nights in January. Here's keeping my fingers crossed!

Although my husband has been cheerfully willing to go to Kauai this January, he really had his heart set on Bosque del Cabo. Also when I continued to research both Bosque del Cabo and Kauai I realized that Bosque del Cabo will have warmer sunnier weather in January, and in San Diego our worst weather is January...cold rain, gloomy skies, in a bad year it can rain every week or even every day one year...I hate it...it's a cold rain... So the weather in January at Bosque del Cabo will be a welcome relief!

So as soon as I hear back from Bosque if there's space I'm booking it! Okay here's holding my breath... My husband is excited!

YES! I heard back from Bosque del Cabo and they do have space for us January 2011 so we are in the process of booking for this January 2011! Did I mention we always take our wedding anniversary trip in January? What a great place to celebrate our wedding anniversary...in steamy hot paradise in green and wild Bosque del Cabo on the gorgeous Osa peninsula in Costa Rica!

I should probably put this particular post to rest as it will confuse people...we aren't going to Kauai this time. We are booking Bosque del Cabo. THANKS SO MUCH for everyone's opinions! (I know we will get back to Kauai another year, but probably for a June trip.)

Hope you'll have a great time. I'll look forward to hearing about it.

It does sound like Paradise. Enjoy!

Songdoc: Thanks. I have a file for Kauai and I've stored all the great info you shared in it. Kauai will become a future January or June/July trip for us. I LOVE having several trips cooking on the front burner or simmering on the back burner. And I will definitely post a nice long trip report on Costa Rica when we return.

starrs: Thanks...yes I'm headed for Paradise in Costa Rica!