I'll be traveling to Costa Rica with my 16 year old son. I only want to go to 2 places, to minimize traveling. I'm tying to decide between 4 areas:
Osa Penninsula/MA/Arenal/Guanacaste at the 4 Seasons.

Although a huge splurge I thought it would be a blast and quite special to be at the 4 Seasons with my son, since they have a great teen room,etc. He's wanting to be with other kids,and spend soem time just "chilling".

I thought after that, we'd head to Osa to get some real nature.

Now I'm wondering if I should skip one of those destinations and do MA instead - where I'd get beach and jungle OR Arenal.

Also, are their places similar to 4 Seasons -in terms of teen activities, nice beaches, etc that aren't so costly?

Any advise, suggestions woudl be greatly appreciated.

What time of year are you traveling? This might help a little with your decision.

You know better than anyone what is going to work best for both of you. If it is a high priority for your son to seek out and hang with other teens as part of his vacation, the the Four Seasons would probably fit the bill. And you could do the "luxe" thing (spa, relax, read, sip tropical drinks) while he's chilling.

It has always seemed to me that a stay at the Four Seasons somewhat negates being out and about enjoying nature in Costa Rica, where the flora and fauna are incredible!

You won't find a better place for being dazzled by your natural surroundings, so it would be great if you could maximize that-- and pretty cool if he could do without the teen connection in lieu of some amazing experiences with the natural world.

For that, I'd say spend your time between Arenal and the Osa. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are great places to visit for first timers. But you sound intent on the Osa, and it is an outstanding choice--and still relatively unspoiled. That won't last.

Okay, I've reread your post, and it seems a big focus is a few days of being with other teens. The Four Seasons is, of course, the top of the line. Other fun places are some of the AI's right there next door: Allegro Papagayo, Fiesta Premier, Occidental Grand Papagayo.

We spent our first week ever (in Costa Rica) at the Allegro Papagayo and had a fantastic time. Our kids enjoyed mixing with the other kids, some of them on the entertainment team. We still stay in touch with a few of them, 6 years later. That week, we left the property 2 times--daytrip to Rincon de la Vieja and horseback riding up near the Nica border. It was those outings that sold us on the beauty of CR.

The Barcelo Langosta down near Tamarindo would also be a very decent choice for your needs. Tamarindo usually appeals to kids. And I cringe as I say that! Kids seem to like the busy-ness and action scene, I suppose. Sometimes a little bored with slower paced activities!

Forgot to mention--in addition to what hipvirgochick has said, I would help to know how many days you have to work with!

We are going for 1 week in mid-February.

I agree with you about seeing and experiencing the true Costa Rica - and not just hanging. Because of that we've ruled out Four Seasons.

I'm now thinking about MA - perhaps a the new Arenas del Mar. Any thoughts about that place? I'm then having to decide on a 2nd location.

I'm not at all set on Osa, so I would love to hear your opinions about it. La Paloma sounds very special - but perhaps we'd see suffient wildlife at MA - what do yout think?


Ideally I'd like to be at a place that we can do things right from the hotel, rather than taking day long excursions off-site. Don't know if that's possible from most of these places.

Thanks!

I answered you over at TA, but I wouldn't do both the Osa & MA. Good to skip Four Seasons, it's very isolated and any day trips/tours would include plenty of drive time to get there. It really depends on what you're looking for - Osa hands down on wildlife, scenery, etc but if you want lots of restaurants/hotels to choose from, ameniites such as TV & ac etc then MA would be better.

You'll see quite a bit of wildlife at MA. The Osa is something a bit more extraordinary: fewer crowds, PERHAPS more wildlife (depending on where you stay, probably)), in a pristine state that probably won't last another 2-3 years. Also more expensive.

It's very difficult to go wrong for a week split between Arenal and Manuel Antonio. You'll have access to all the activity your little hearts can hold--and right there from your hotel.

I'm not trying to talk you OUT of the OSA, just wanting to reassure you that you can have a great time at MA as well, if it seems to fit into your plans easier.

Thanks for your help. We've now decided to do MA over Osa - as I think being a 16 year old, he wanted more kids around.

WE now have to decide on a 2nd area. If we did Areanl, any rec's for a place to stay - proximity to Volcano, nice (luxurious wouldn't bad), kids aound, etc...

Hi eilee,

Arenal is a wonderful choice for your other destination. We loved it there last year. We don't typically travel the luxury route, but I've heard a bit about the Arenal Kioro hotel and it sounds like it might fit the bill for you:

http://www.hotelarenalkioro.com/

Lots of people stay at the Tabacon resort, but it tends to get rather mixed reviews overall. Kioro might be the better choice. I think most of the other hotels in the area wouldn't be considered 'luxurious' although there are several nice choices.