Hi All Mid March we have 10 days A family of 6 4 adults 2 kids 12 & 10. One nite on each end in SJO the rest of the time split between rainforest and beach. Had initially thought Tabacon and Four Seasons, but We are interested in hearing all suggestions.

This will be our first "adventure" vacation.Up till now we have always gone to a caribbean island for r&r and some snorkel trips. I guess soft adventure is the term used. My vision is some hiking. maybe horse back riding, canopy tours although that will take courage on my part "heights". lets end our trip on a coast with the choice relax or keep moving. We do love to snorlel and the two older kids will be cartified by then.

I must admit to preferring the high end resorts. Thank you to those who have assisted me in my previous posts, and a thanks in advance for all new ideas....etk

four seasons is lovely, hotel punta islita is my favorite 'upmarket' hotel in CR.

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/costa_...ome/index.html

guanacaste thank you for your response and your blog. the punta islita looks beautiful, would you stay there in place of the FS? What about a rain forest resort. do you have any other suggestions? what kind of travel are we talking about within CR?

etk401 We two, then fifty yr. olds and our 21 and 18 yr. old hired Leo Rodriguez due to the positive posts about him here and on www.tripadvisor.com and www.frommers.com He picked us up in San Jose and drove us the 4 1/2 hr. (on a good day) trip to Tamarindo. We liked him so much that we hired him to come get us 7 days later instead of flying back to San Jose. We learned so much from Leo but most importantly, he was the best driver we experienced while in CR. We stayed at Hotel Capitan Suizo in a bungalow in the end of May and loved it. Now I don't think they allow four people to stay in a bungelow but you could ask. Go to www.visittamarindo.com and click on accomodations/lodging. Also, there are fishing services you can click on, at that site too. Leo Rodriguez's telephone is (from the U.S. you have to dial 011 first) 506-378-0001 and his email adress is: [email protected] Pura Vida

i've not stayed at 4 seasons-unfortunately- only managed lunch there a few times cos i know the head chef!
i'd say the 4 seasons is more 'glam' than punta islita but if you're flying into SJO, Hotel Punta Islita is a little more convenient on a 10 day schedule, also Carrillo & Samara beaches are nearby.
I think by 'rain forest' you mean 'cloud forest' which is Monteverde:

http://monteverde.typepad.com/montev...ome/index.html

however, it's a half day to get there because the roads are <b>so</b> bad!!
i suggest you head south to Osa Peninsula, the 'jungle'
i've only stayed in budget accom there or camped on the beach- with the crocs!!- so you'll have to search this board for recommendations in Osa.
The Suzio is the best hotel in Tamarindo- IMHO- but, there's a healthy drug and party scene there so maybe not great for a family.