4explore

Adore BdC but been twice and prob need to save money for a new stop. Enjoyed the areas around: Banana Azul in Puerto Viejo, surfing Dominical before the recent built up, Arenal Observatory Lodge while the volcano went crazy, Quetzal scouting in San Gerado de Dota area, Orosi Valley area and even littleTapanti Nat'l park .
Have avoided the Tamarindo area because we aren't into the whole dev area thing (at least not in CR), no big hotels, golf courses etc, just not our thing. Also skipped Manuel Antonio and MonteVerde since we had the jungles of Osa and the other areas, and we drove mostly. However, now wonder if we shouldn't check out those area of the country, as well as the Nicoya, maybe Malpais. Other ideas welcome please!
Last 2 trips were with our teens, once in June and once in Jan. This time just us, 25th anniv in Feb.

Thanks CR pros!

volcanogirl

I think you'd enjoy Monteverde - really beautiful green rolling hills, and we did see quite a bit of wildlife there, not so developed as other areas, and we loved seeing the quetzals. We loved Tortuguero too, but we were there during turtle season, and that was part of what made it so wonderful. Tortuga Lodge is an amazing place to stay if you go. I think MA might be too built up for you based on what you've mentioned, but it does have a gorgeous beach inside the park and easy access to fairly tame wildlife.

I have my eye on a place called Casa Chameleon, but we haven't made it there yet - looks beautiful!

mad

We stayed at Tulemar Bungalows (villa mot mot) last year and it was amazing. Although Manuel Antonio is developed, it didn't feel like it. We were surrounded by amazing wildlife and the beach was virtually empty, as it's only available to guests. Also love Playa Samara if you want a laid back, relatively inexpensive beach vacation. we stayed at Villas Kalimba years ago and can't say enough about it and its owner (who will cook amazing italian meals for you)- good, relatively easy surfing there too.
We're on our 4th trip in february and are going to head over to Puerto Viejo this time.

RAC

Sarapiqui area has great ecotourism and wildlife, with very reasonably priced jungle lodges. And it's very convenient to both Arenal and the San Jose areas.

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is an amazing experience--like being on your own deserted tropical island.

RAC

Ylang Ylang is in Montezuma in the Nicoya Peninsula, to clarify.

4explore

thanks for the ideas!

xelas

La Carolina Lodge in Tenorio NP area; and Sarapiqui area including Tortuguero.

Monotiti

We have been going to Manuel Antonio for several years now and it is a very beautiful area. It has grown over the past years but not so much that it has destroyed the natural beauty of the area. The Park is a wonderful place to hike and swim -- the beaches there are beautiful. There are also MANY tour activities in that area (Canopy Tours, 4 Wheel adventures, White Water Rafting, Parasailing, etc.). During our last visit we found a nice little Villa on Homeaway.com called Villa La Vista. We had an awesome view of the ocean and were close to the beach and restaurants. Go to www.Homeaway.com/317280 for information and pictures. We have visited other areas of Costa Rica but keep returning to Manuel Antonio.