We're looking to plan a vacation in late May/early June to celebrate my husband's graduation and our birthdays. We have traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean but this will be our first trip to Central America. My husband and I are in our lower 30's and are looking to take a trip for 7-10 days.
A little of what we're looking for-
Wildlife-birds, monkeys,slothes and the possibility of seeing a wildcat(rare I know).

A good mix of activity and relaxation.We are not the types to sit on the beach all day drinking fruity drinks but I learned on my last vacation to Alaska that I need to have a little down time to just chill in addition to all my activities. For activities we are looking for hiking,zipline,rafting or kayaking and possibly horseback riding. For relaxation a spa or thermal springs would be nice to have available at least 1 day on the trip.
Accommodations-we tend to go for nicer properties that reflect the area we are in.I'm sure the Four Seasons is great but I'm also sure it looks like any other high end property in a warm beach location.

Good food and coffee.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

There are many areas in CR I would suggest, I would look into them more online or a guidebook and see what appeals to you. The Arenal area is always popular, as is the Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio & Guanacaste area.

Some hotels to look into - Bosque del Cabo, Buena Vista Villas, Lost Iguana, Xandari.

Oops! I forgot to mention that for CR that I am interested in doing an Arenal/MA and the Osa area.Is the quetzal something I could see in Arenal or is much more prevalent in Monteverde?

I had been looking at Costa Rica for a little while now but I have recently read several articles on Panama that have really piqued my interest.

For CR it will most likely be Arenal/MA and for Panama I'm looking at Boquete/Bocas del Toro. Which would be better for the time of year and what we're looking for? Any input is always appreciated.

Quetzals would not be found at MA or Arenal. If you would like to consider a slightly 'off the beaten path' location you might consider the Savegre area south of San Jose. Landscapes here [above 7000 feet elevation] are very different from what you would find elsewhere on your trip, and it is the best area in Costa Rica to see Quetzals and lots of other wonderful birds. You also have the opportunity to explore primary oak - bamboo cloud forest and meet some of the friendliest people in this remarkably friendly country. Great for a two night visit.

Jerry

Costa Rica,Manuel Antonio has many of the things you are looking for,kyaking in the pacific,manuel antonio national park [monkeys,sloths,horseback riding on the beach etc.] suggest you stay at a place on the beach as hiking back up the hills after using the beach is a bit much. hotel "verde mar" is oceanfront and a short walk to downtown manuel antonio.
we ziplined at "turu bari" which has canopy zip lines and one "superman style" off the top of the mountain.see "you tube" video

I would do a combo of Arenal and Manuel Antonio and stay at the Lost Iguana and Buena Vista Villas or Tulemar Bungalows. No quetzals though. We saw them in Monteverde, but I'd save that for another trip.