My daughter and her husband-to-be would like to go to Costa Rica on their honeymoon this August. They asked me to help do some research on locations that would suit them best. They do not want a large resort, but would prefer a small hotel or bungalow situation close to a beach. They like to surf, snorkle, hike, relax. They are in their early 30's.

Also, what is the weather usually like in early August?

Thank you for your help and advice.

I am going to Playa Hermosa, just south of Jaco in April on my honeymoon. Everything I have read says this is one of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica. We are staying at Hermosa Paradise Bungalows. They have been incredible helping me make plans.

Since it's a honeymoon, they might want to be someplace special. These are nice places, but not big crowded resorts: Tango Mar in Tambor
FlorBlanca in St. Teresa. Both have the beach right there. If they want something even more out of the way, there's supposed to be very good surfing in Pavones, and I saw some little cabins on the beach on a website, but I haven't been there myself (can't remember the site either, but you can do a search.)
Sandy

August is a great time in Costa Rica! From July to mid-August is considered "little summer". I'm boring myself with my raves about Mal Pais and hotel Casa Chameleon but for a romantic honeymoon you can't beat either. Check tripadvisor.com for other reviews.

I completely agree. My husband and I stayed at Casa Chameleon last year and it was amazing. Definitely take a look at the reviews on TripAdvisor. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said... We also went to Punta Islita which was beautiful but no comparison to CC and MalPais. If CC is already booked I would still recommend the MalPais/ST area - the surfing was great!

surfexec, good to "see" you!

What's "new" with you guys???
If you get a chance, e-mail me at

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They might look into Mango Moon in Manuel Antonio - cute boutique hotel. We got upgraded to the private king upper balcony suite; if they could get that room, I think they would love it.

Hello Shillmac,
I noticed this thread is from 2006 so I don't know if surfexec is back. He's probably busy with the new baby. If you read this surfexec,Congratulations and I would also enjoy hearing from you just to say Hello! We were just back at CC a few months ago and they have done some more beautiful work with teak walkways now(instead of that white rock).You can go bare foot all over the property now!
[email protected]

Aha! Thanks, siempre. Sometimes I forget to look at the year. That's what I was wondering--how everyone is doing. The baby must be, what, a few months old? I offered to go along with them next time to CC as a babysitter. . .just waiting for them to send me an airline ticket!

I don't think I have his e-mail address, and you're right, he probably won't be spending much time on Fodor's these days.

See my review of ylang ylang near Montezuma on this board. I loved it, very romantic, beautiful small bungalows close to the beach, excellent food, fabulous service, very small 'resort'.

My review: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35083934

Hotel website:
http://www.elbanano.com/

If they are ok staying in one place (like I usually am), it's a great way to avoid one of the biggest time-wasters in the country: driving. I was able to get a direct flight (charter airline too) from Toronto to San Jose, and the same day pick up a 30 min Sansa flight from the same airport in San Jose (100m walk from the international terminal) to Tambor, and then a 30 min cab. Then a 15 min walk to the hotel (there is no road from the town, but they have a 'shuttle' 4x4 that goes along the beach for luggage). Basically, I was able to leave downtown Toronto at 6am, and be on a remote location of the beach outside of Montezuma the same afternoon - spectacular!

Jeff