After several years of considering it, I'd like to plan a 7 night vacation to Costa Rica for mid-December 2009 for my husband and I. What previously held us back are the transportation issues in the country. We are in our late 20s, have stressful jobs, so our out-of-the country trips have been relaxing beach trips in the Caribbean and Mexico.

I know that I definitely want to stay 4 nights in the Guanacaste area, at either the Four Seasons or JW Marriott, as my husband and I love beaches and pampering.

For the other 3 nights, I was looking at Arenal or Monteverde. It appears that a frequent itinerary on this board is Manuel Antonio & Arenal, but I like the fact that the Guanacaste hotels are both luxurious, and only an hour from the Liberia airport, so I'm nixing Manuel Antonio.

Logistically, which pairing with Guanacaste makes the most sense--Arenal or Monteverde? I'd prefer not to be in the car for more than four hours. Would we fly open jaw in to San Jose then out of Guanacase?

We love nature, especially awe inspiring nature, so which one of the two is most impressive, not too cumbersome to get to, and has lodging that has a/c and other creature comforts (would love to have a locally owned place but one with a certain level of luxury)?

Please let me know your thoughts and I'd appreciate it if you could give some insight into what transportation choices would be appropriate with your recommendations, i.e., which airport to fly into/out of, inter-country transport, etc. Also, which hotel(s) would you recommend.

Thanks in advance.

If you're looking for creature comforts, I'd pick Arenal over Monteverde. There's loads to do in Arenal. We stay at the Lost Iguana - our room had a great balcony with two rocking chairs, wonderful view of the volcano, outdoor jacuzzi tub, frig, ac, etc. Very comfortable. The Royal Corin and other huge swankier resorts are also opening up if you need something more luxurious. The folks that own the Peace Lodge have just opened up The Springs resort which also looks high-end. Our favorite activities are going on the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife with Sunset Tours and going to the natural hot springs at Eco Termales. There are also ziplines like Sky Trek, the Hanging Bridges, a waterfall hike, and just enjoying the active volcano.

I'd also recommend Arenal. As for Guanacaste, either of the 2 hotels you mentioned would deliver with the luxury. As for nature, not so much, and you might as well be anywhere in the world. That said, you could "work a little nature in" by scheduling a daytrip such as Mega Combo which will take you to the Rincon de la Vieja (best done from Four Seasons as it is closer) for ziplines, mud baths, etc.

In the J.W. Marriott area, there is less to do in the way of raw nature locations. Neither of the beaches will be spectacular, certainly not what you are used to in the Caribbean. Manuel Antonio does have some very upscale hotels, beautiful beaches. and great nature near to the beaches with the national park. BUT you are right, you'd fly into and out of San Jose. Why would that be a problem? Arenal is about 2.5 hours from the hotel and Manuel Antonio 3 hours. By CR standards, that's a short ride! LOL!

You are correct to book open jaw into SJO and out of LIR if you select up in Guanacaste. . Four Seasons is about 45 min. from the airport; J.W. about 1.5 hour. And yes, it is about 4 hours to either hotel from Arenal. Mas o menos.

Another possibility, which I think would be awesome for you guys, is to catch a domestic flight straight down to the Osa Peninsula and stay at Bosque del Cabo for 6 nights or 7 (depending on your arrival/departure times--sometimes you have to stay near the airport your first or last nights. Or both). You have a touch of luxury, miles of hiking trails with all the nature and wildlife you could possibly imagine, and great beaches to hike to (or be driven). It's pretty amazing down there!

Good luck in setting up your itinerary. Hope you love Costa Rica! Forget the white sand and turquoise water, but be prepared for friendly smiles and amazing flora and fauna!

For what you are looking for, I would also suggest Arenal. Monteverde is more off the beaten path, ie only real nature lovers were there, not people looking for luxury. Most hotels there don't have A/C becuase it's cooler (in the mountains). Logically I would assume Arenal is also better - there are good roads all the way there but the only roads to Monteverde are gravel and up the side and around mountains.

So sorry, meant to say Arenal is 2.5 hours from the airport (I said hotel) and Manuel Antonio about 3 hours.

If you're looking for awe-inspiring nature, it would be a mistake to skip Manuel Antonio for Guanacaste.

Better bet would be to just fly domestic airlines Sansa or Nature Air between destinations. Lots of nice luxury places in Manuel Antonio.

You can fly to Arenal, but not to Monteverde. Monteverde has some awesome nature options, but it's not a pampering and luxury destination.

Or, better yet, skip Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio and stay at Lapa Rios or Bosque del Cabo on the Osa peninsula--awesome nature and wildlife combined with great luxury. There's a Four Seasons in dozens of countries, but those two places are unique.