Thursday morning we slept right through the birds singing. A day of rest and relaxation at the FS. The FS property didn?t seem to have many guests while we there. Therefore, it made for a peaceful, relaxing environment. Plus, the staff was very accommodating and helpful, and the grounds were tranquil.

Friday morning, I hardly even notice the birds any more. I?m feeling very much into the ?Pura Vida? spirit. Ricardo picks us up at 09:00am to go ride ATV?s at Borrinquen, which is at the base of Rincon De Le Vieja. Borrinquen is a huge spa resort that had only 1 couple staying there. The property had quaint little houses for guest and a full staff and restaurant. I couldn?t believe we had the whole place to ourselves. The beef tenderloin I had for lunch there was the best meal I had the entire week. Also, the ATV rides was fun and exhilarating especially after I flipped my ATV going up a hill. Not the smartest decision of the trip. All in all it was another great day.

Saturday was another day of rest and relaxation at the FS.

Sunday morning Ricardo picked us up with another couple at 06:00 and we all headed to Arenal. Another 4 hour drive one way with lots of bumps and curves. There my girlfriend and I rode horses to a waterfall while the other couple did a canopy tour. The waterfalls were nice but the hike up was about 500 steps and humid. After our tours we had lunch at the bottom of the volcano. It was a clear day and we just sat there starring at the entire volcano with awe. Then we headed to Tabacon to soak in the pools and eat dinner. Tabacon was beautiful, but I wasn?t much for getting in hot water while being in such a hot and humid climate. We left around 07:30pm and got back to our rooms close to midnight. It was a long day and our last trip with Ricardo. We were going to miss seeing him after just spending 4 days with him. I never thought we would develop such a strong friendship with him. He was like family.

Monday we relaxed at the FS and prepared for our departure on Tuesday.

Our flight out was at 02:00pm, so we left the hotel around 11:30. We paid our $26 exit tax then stood in the customs line. Every other person was having their suitcases completely emptied and gone through. Luckily we were not one of them. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with friendly people and a lot of bad roads. Plus, we had a great time immersing ourselves in their culture and landscape. There are 3 things that have stuck with me from our trip, which I hadn?t expected. One was the amount of exotic wildlife we saw. Secondly, was the quality of their beef. And, finally was the friendship of Ricardo. What a great vacation!

Great report and it's always fun to hear of good experiences! I am especially excited about my trip in Aug as we will be in Playa Hermosa a few days and I have already been in touch with Mike Mills. We are considering the Palo Verde trip or Borrinquen or Rincon. How long did it take to get to Borrinquen? Thanks for your help, Joyce

It took us about 2 hours to get to Borrinquen. Also, it's in the Rincon area. The ATV trails we took were through fields of cattle. I would have liked more of a jungle trail, but the restaurant and grounds were great. The best thing I liked about Palo Verde was stoping in Ortega. Plus, all of the wildlife.

Quantum -- Thanks for posting the trip report. We will also be going from the Four Seasons to the airport. How long did the drive take? How much did you pay for the trip? Ddid you arrange it through the FS or the driver you had been using?

Any other tips about the FS, like which rooms might be best to request?

Thanks.

I'm glad to hear that someone stayed at the FS and still got out and explored as much as you did. I always had the impression that with the high cost needed to stay there, most would be content to never leave the property.
You really got around. Good for you!

Will be at this hotel in August, looking for suggestions in terms of room location. Also, it seems that all the excursions were far from the hotel, did you do any closer? I will be with young kids, and 4 hours in a van is not an option.

Any thoughts on the grounds, restaurants, etc would be helpful. Did you dine off property at all?

mstraveler: Drive to the airport from FS was about 35 minutes and cost $25 each, 1 way. We arranged both trips with FS.

joeschmo: Yes, staying at the FS doesn't mean lazy, but I could have stayed there for 9 straight days too.

ellene: As far as room choices, I really liked any of the 4th floor rooms. The closest tour we took was Palo Verde it wasn't far from the resort and would be great for kids. Witches Rock is closer to the FS, but I dont' know about the kids. Congo's at the FS served great mango jucie poolside, and their Monday special of Casada (typical Tico meal) was really good. Also, Di Mare and Papagayo had good sea bass.