Taking a Windstar Cruise around the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in early march and then trying to decide where to spend another 4 days or so to rest and see rainforests/wildlife. I am deciding between staying central at either Peace Lodge or Finca Rosa Blanca (Xandera has no room) OR staying on the coast at Villa Caletas, Arenas del Mar, Hotel Si Como No or Lapa Rios. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience or insight into these, as soon as possible. Thanks

We have stayed at all of those hotels,and they are all nice properties. (To me, Si Como No would be better for families.) For wildlife, Lapa Rios would be the best. It is deep in the rainforest. But you would probably have to fly there. Have you looked at Makanda by the Sea? It's easier to get to, and we had all kinds of monkeys on our balcony.

Finca Rosa Blanca is a pioneer in eco-lodges so I assume it's more natural and eco-friendly whereas Peace Lodge is swanky but fairly contrived (even though it offers waterfalls and beautiful surroundings it still feels a little theme parkish). Both would offer luxury/pampering but they will be two totally different experiences so I would choose what best suits you.

In Manuel Antonio I haven't stayed at your hotel choices but they all tend to get good reviews and the area offers beautiful scenery (especially within MA park) and good eats. The wildlife around there is more tourist friendly as unfortunately many people, even hotels and some guides, feed the animals and they can seem quite tame.

In Osa (my favorite area in Costa Rica) you will have the best wildlife in more unspoiled territory. Most lodges here offer meals as there's not really nightlife and restaurants as in Manuel Antonio. Hiking and surrounding yourself with wildlife and the sounds of nature is the main focus here. So again, it depends on what best fits you. I love Bosque del Cabo, which is about 5 kilometers from Lapa Rios, but neither one of them have a prime beach location if that's what you want. There is beach access but you will have to hike down a trail to get to it. The hikes from both BDC and LR to the beach are steep so you should be in decent shape.

We stayed at Bosque del Cabo a year ago or so. It was incredible. Just like everyone reports. The accomodations are beautiful, its peaceful, all inclusive, wonderful meals, great guests and staff. Some lovely hikes, lots of wildlife and birds (toucans and Scarlet Macquas outside our casita), excellent guides if you like. If you want to kick back and get a kick out of being awakened by howlers...You will love this place.

Hi Browngold, I handle the PR for Finca Rosa Blanca, Arenas del Mar and Lapa Rios ( so am biased But happy to answer any questions you may have or send you recent articles that have been written about all three of these properties. You may contact me directly at [email protected]

If beaches are important you should go with Manuel Antonio. I stayed at Arenas del Mar and enjoyed it. I also stayed at Finca Rosa Blanca and had a less than satisfactory experience.

If beaches are not important I would recommmend Arenal rather than the San Jose area.