Notes from Shillmac on Recent Visit to Costa Rica
Mar 23rd, 2007, 10:36 AM
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shillmac, I have a question about Tabacons spa. You had suggested to make your spa appt. at about 10am to be able to go earlier say, 8:30 or 9am to enjoy the springs. Is this what you meant about making the appt. for 10am?
The reason I ask is because we didn't get to Tabacon the last trip and I have regretted that decision ever since. (we were happy with the springs at arenal parasio and didn't want to spend the $$) With this next trip in Aug. I wanted to make a quick one night trip to Arenal to visit Tabacon. I liked the idea of a spa treatment AND seeing the springs when it wasn't crowded. We would be trying to fit this in between our first night at Grano de Oro and La Carolina lodge (I would just have to see if Bill can move our reservations up a night). Am I trying to 'get away' with something by scheduling a spa service and hoping to see the springs before the treatment? Or do they only let you into the spa area only?
The reason I ask is because we didn't get to Tabacon the last trip and I have regretted that decision ever since. (we were happy with the springs at arenal parasio and didn't want to spend the $$) With this next trip in Aug. I wanted to make a quick one night trip to Arenal to visit Tabacon. I liked the idea of a spa treatment AND seeing the springs when it wasn't crowded. We would be trying to fit this in between our first night at Grano de Oro and La Carolina lodge (I would just have to see if Bill can move our reservations up a night). Am I trying to 'get away' with something by scheduling a spa service and hoping to see the springs before the treatment? Or do they only let you into the spa area only?
Mar 23rd, 2007, 11:03 AM
#42
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shillmac, I think I just answered my own question. I just read on some site that spa guests have free access to the springs. Hoping this is right. Now I see why you suggested to make an appt. for 10am. Come early and enjoy the springs when they are the least crowded which would be perfect for us since sometime after our spa treatment we will have to head off to La Carolina. Now where to stay, and I can taste El Novillo's(sp?) steaks already!!
How long of a drive do you think it is from arenal to La Carolina lodge? And besides Toad hall where is a good place to stop for lunch?
I will probably be a 'cheapskate' and opt for an inexpensive treatment at the spa. I just really want to see the springs. I know about the $45 day pass but seeing the springs in the early morning 8-10 will be the best for us because of crowds and travel to La Carolina.
Any suggestions on good inexpensive lodging for one night near Tabacon?
Thanks for any and all advice!
How long of a drive do you think it is from arenal to La Carolina lodge? And besides Toad hall where is a good place to stop for lunch?
I will probably be a 'cheapskate' and opt for an inexpensive treatment at the spa. I just really want to see the springs. I know about the $45 day pass but seeing the springs in the early morning 8-10 will be the best for us because of crowds and travel to La Carolina.
Any suggestions on good inexpensive lodging for one night near Tabacon?
Thanks for any and all advice!
Mar 26th, 2007, 09:17 PM
#43
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Hi capecodgal,
Okay, here's what I understand (and what was true for us). The hot springs was NOT included in the spa price (although it seems like it should be). Tabacon is definitely about the $$, but it IS a nice experience! Particularly the spa.
We had made appts. for 9:00, and had planned to be there by 8:00. We arrived about 8:30. There had been some sort of mixup, confusion, I didn't ask, but the spa asked to move our appointments to 10:00. We were glad to do it that way, because they told us to feel free to walk around and enjoy the hot springs until spa time. They even advised that we go ahead and get a hot springs locker key and towel card for our convenience before spa time. So we did. BUT to stay the rest of the day (enjoy the pool bar, etc), we had to have the bracelet that comes with the $45 day pass. I went up and paid about 11:30 for the 3 of us girls. They put my bracelet on right there and came down to the spa to put the bracelets on my daughter and her mother-in-law. We stayed until 5:30 in the evening.
Hope this helps a little bit. We wore our swimsuits into the hot springs (with a t shirt and shorts on top for wearing upon leaving). I don't think anyone will mind your using the springs before your spa time or possibly after your spa time--for a short while. You just won't be able to use the pool bar without a bracelet (I don't think). You can even purchase a separate locker in the hot springs locker room, as well as a towel card, up at the entrance desk when you first arrive, as I mentioned above. $10 will get you a locker key and a towel pass. They will tear your credit card voucher up when you turn both back in upon leaving. With the spa locker (and provided towel), there's probably no need to use the other locker area UNLESS you get there early and want somewhere to stash your stuff until spa time.
I don't think the spa people will question your leaving the spa for a few minutes following your treatment and lounge time. Only thing is, you might want to put something on under your robe!
The way we did it, our cover clothes were in the hot springs locker room, our swimsuits were in the spa locker room, and we were running around in our spa robes (which I am going to order!). They were SO comfy.
I'm sure Bill will work with you on your change of date. We like Arenal Paraiso just 5 min. or so from Tabacon. Back to Bill, have him send you directions. Do NOT go around the lake and Toad Hall unless you want to spend more time getting to La Carolina. Instead he will direct you up north toward Upala. It will save you a couple of hours. We made that mistake last year (had the directions, but I forgot he had advised the shorter route) and took the long road. We always enjoy our time driving, but that route turned out to take us most of the day (about 4 hours), and I wished I had double checked his directions instead of assuming I knew the right way!
Can't wait to hear what you think about all of this--the spa will be perfect for you and your sister!
Okay, here's what I understand (and what was true for us). The hot springs was NOT included in the spa price (although it seems like it should be). Tabacon is definitely about the $$, but it IS a nice experience! Particularly the spa.
We had made appts. for 9:00, and had planned to be there by 8:00. We arrived about 8:30. There had been some sort of mixup, confusion, I didn't ask, but the spa asked to move our appointments to 10:00. We were glad to do it that way, because they told us to feel free to walk around and enjoy the hot springs until spa time. They even advised that we go ahead and get a hot springs locker key and towel card for our convenience before spa time. So we did. BUT to stay the rest of the day (enjoy the pool bar, etc), we had to have the bracelet that comes with the $45 day pass. I went up and paid about 11:30 for the 3 of us girls. They put my bracelet on right there and came down to the spa to put the bracelets on my daughter and her mother-in-law. We stayed until 5:30 in the evening.
Hope this helps a little bit. We wore our swimsuits into the hot springs (with a t shirt and shorts on top for wearing upon leaving). I don't think anyone will mind your using the springs before your spa time or possibly after your spa time--for a short while. You just won't be able to use the pool bar without a bracelet (I don't think). You can even purchase a separate locker in the hot springs locker room, as well as a towel card, up at the entrance desk when you first arrive, as I mentioned above. $10 will get you a locker key and a towel pass. They will tear your credit card voucher up when you turn both back in upon leaving. With the spa locker (and provided towel), there's probably no need to use the other locker area UNLESS you get there early and want somewhere to stash your stuff until spa time.
I don't think the spa people will question your leaving the spa for a few minutes following your treatment and lounge time. Only thing is, you might want to put something on under your robe!
The way we did it, our cover clothes were in the hot springs locker room, our swimsuits were in the spa locker room, and we were running around in our spa robes (which I am going to order!). They were SO comfy.I'm sure Bill will work with you on your change of date. We like Arenal Paraiso just 5 min. or so from Tabacon. Back to Bill, have him send you directions. Do NOT go around the lake and Toad Hall unless you want to spend more time getting to La Carolina. Instead he will direct you up north toward Upala. It will save you a couple of hours. We made that mistake last year (had the directions, but I forgot he had advised the shorter route) and took the long road. We always enjoy our time driving, but that route turned out to take us most of the day (about 4 hours), and I wished I had double checked his directions instead of assuming I knew the right way!
Can't wait to hear what you think about all of this--the spa will be perfect for you and your sister!
Mar 26th, 2007, 09:19 PM
#44
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One other thing--don't be a cheapskate! Buy yourself at least a 50 minute deep tissue massage (ask for Lorena, she was very good and the deep tissue was not so deep as to be painful!). It will be the best $100 you ever spent! I'm going back in June (alone) and spending the entire day there getting a COUPLE of treatments. They have a huge menu, and I'm going for a little splurge. The ambiance is just too pleasant not to enjoy it for awhile.
Mar 28th, 2007, 08:45 PM
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shillmac - I'm happy to say I just booked airfare and a mini-vaca for my best friend of 25 years and her hubby. They'll be joining us for the 1st night in CR at Don Carlos (yep, that's where I finally landed cause of late flight and early dept), 4 nights in Puerto Viejo (so I hope Abel can accommodate all of us for 1 day) and I'm sending them off to Peace Lodge for 1 night. I will be sticking around for another 10 days, but will be happy to have them there as they've never taken a "real" vacation together.
I gave them 3 options to join us during 3 different segments of our trip, including budgets, and they could only afford the cheapest one, but I think they will be extremely happy!
P.S. I didn't realize you were in Dallas. Our flight change is in Dallas . I'll be sure to wave
I gave them 3 options to join us during 3 different segments of our trip, including budgets, and they could only afford the cheapest one, but I think they will be extremely happy!
P.S. I didn't realize you were in Dallas. Our flight change is in Dallas . I'll be sure to wave
Mar 28th, 2007, 11:20 PM
#46
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hvc, speak in advance with Abel about driving with you through the country and into Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. Every time I mention going there, he will tell me that we are already in it right there outside of Manzanillo. And yes, that's true.
But for an entire day, you could do more. He mentioned some of the things he has done with people who want to do more than birding and I remember something about driving around, entering from the west into the town of Gandoca (I'm guessing at this point) and doing more varied activities.
Great that your friends can join you for a few days. I'm sure you'll all have great fun! What are your dates in Puerto Viejo amd where are you staying? I can't remember. . .
4 nights is a long time for PV. But will give you time to scope out a few of the things that most people don't do.
Abel will be able to tell you how to get to Rancho Grande, hopefully. If would be great if you could run into Timeteo Jackson (an older Bri Bri man) and have him take you guys into the forest, over a suspension bridge (crude) and to his home in the woods (Rancho Grande). Very crude, open air, up on stilts, hammock beds, big pot of beans and rice going in the "cocina" over a fire. . .smacks of days long gone by. Or perhaps still fairly common for many of the indigenous folks like the Bri Bri and Cabecars.
There is one little place out past the town of Bri Bri where you can walk down to the river and a boatman will take you across the Rio Sixaola in a motorized long boat--over to the shores of Chase, Panama, where there are some open air stores along the riverfront. Interesting for sure. . .and off the beaten path a bit with your extra time.
But for an entire day, you could do more. He mentioned some of the things he has done with people who want to do more than birding and I remember something about driving around, entering from the west into the town of Gandoca (I'm guessing at this point) and doing more varied activities.
Great that your friends can join you for a few days. I'm sure you'll all have great fun! What are your dates in Puerto Viejo amd where are you staying? I can't remember. . .
4 nights is a long time for PV. But will give you time to scope out a few of the things that most people don't do.
Abel will be able to tell you how to get to Rancho Grande, hopefully. If would be great if you could run into Timeteo Jackson (an older Bri Bri man) and have him take you guys into the forest, over a suspension bridge (crude) and to his home in the woods (Rancho Grande). Very crude, open air, up on stilts, hammock beds, big pot of beans and rice going in the "cocina" over a fire. . .smacks of days long gone by. Or perhaps still fairly common for many of the indigenous folks like the Bri Bri and Cabecars.
There is one little place out past the town of Bri Bri where you can walk down to the river and a boatman will take you across the Rio Sixaola in a motorized long boat--over to the shores of Chase, Panama, where there are some open air stores along the riverfront. Interesting for sure. . .and off the beaten path a bit with your extra time.
Mar 29th, 2007, 08:24 AM
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shillmac -- Thanks for all the great advice on things to do with Abel. I'm still waiting to hear back from him. I'll wait a couple more days before I bug him again. I mentioned your name We will definitely try to have him for an entire day. We will also visit the Sloth rescue center.
We are staying at Banana Azul. Sounds really nice and laid back and they recently remodeled their B & B. I know 4 nights is a long time, but would like to relax after 10 hour flight and 4 hour transfer the next morn, then on the departure it's a 6 hour ride up to Arenal. If it's not raining, we will happy with some beach time. BA has bikes and snorkeling stuff we can use. I think the owners of BA will be able to offer other advice for activities if we get bored at all.
We will definitely try to have him for an entire day. We will also visit the Sloth rescue center.We are staying at Banana Azul. Sounds really nice and laid back and they recently remodeled their B & B. I know 4 nights is a long time, but would like to relax after 10 hour flight and 4 hour transfer the next morn, then on the departure it's a 6 hour ride up to Arenal. If it's not raining, we will happy with some beach time. BA has bikes and snorkeling stuff we can use. I think the owners of BA will be able to offer other advice for activities if we get bored at all.
Mar 30th, 2007, 04:03 AM
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hvc - ran across this and thought you might enjoy (about the sloth rescue)
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/3/...+in+Costa+Rica
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/3/...+in+Costa+Rica
Apr 26th, 2007, 05:45 PM
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Costa Rica language schools--would two 12 year old boys be content for two weeks at CPI San Joaquin de Flores with homestay-along with their moms? We would be able to do only one weekend trip. We were considering a week in Monteverde or Manuel Antonio-but I've read negative things about both. We're looking to go in early June. Worried, too, about safety.
Apr 26th, 2007, 08:08 PM
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CPI, San Joaquin, is a great school, nice area. I certainly feel safe enough there. Of course, if I were out and about with a child, I'd be particularly watchful as I would anywhere in the world. Costa Ricans are very fond of children and most do a marvelous job of raising their own.
You'll have that weekend trip (I'd suggest Arenal), and there will also be things for you to do during the week. Movies, trips to Heredia, etc. You guys can get the hang of riding the local buses and can take yourselves here and there in the afternoons. Taxis are inexpensive and also an option.
The boys would enjoy Zoo Ave in La Garita (about 30 min. from San Joaquin). You could also arrange, through the school, for someone to take you up to La Paz Waterfall Gardens or other places within an hour or so.
I think you'll need to be on your toes in keeping the guys entertained. How serious are they about learning Spanish? Will they be excited to stay in a non-English speaking home or will they get tired of the effort and bored? For me, I was so darned tired with the effort of listening and speaking, I just wanted to rest in the evenings!
My homestay (first time 4 years ago and returning again in June, staying with the same family who are friends by now!) has a lot of kids around. They were always hanging out because it was their grandmother's house. I would think that it would be good if you were in a homestay with kids around. It was common for the family, kids and adults, to sit in the evenings and play games and cards together. Would your boys enjoy doing things like that? Potentially, an excellent experience for all of you! Good luck . . .perhaps our paths will cross. It would be nice if you could squeeze out a few extra days after school to go to the beach.
You'll have that weekend trip (I'd suggest Arenal), and there will also be things for you to do during the week. Movies, trips to Heredia, etc. You guys can get the hang of riding the local buses and can take yourselves here and there in the afternoons. Taxis are inexpensive and also an option.
The boys would enjoy Zoo Ave in La Garita (about 30 min. from San Joaquin). You could also arrange, through the school, for someone to take you up to La Paz Waterfall Gardens or other places within an hour or so.
I think you'll need to be on your toes in keeping the guys entertained. How serious are they about learning Spanish? Will they be excited to stay in a non-English speaking home or will they get tired of the effort and bored? For me, I was so darned tired with the effort of listening and speaking, I just wanted to rest in the evenings!
My homestay (first time 4 years ago and returning again in June, staying with the same family who are friends by now!) has a lot of kids around. They were always hanging out because it was their grandmother's house. I would think that it would be good if you were in a homestay with kids around. It was common for the family, kids and adults, to sit in the evenings and play games and cards together. Would your boys enjoy doing things like that? Potentially, an excellent experience for all of you! Good luck . . .perhaps our paths will cross. It would be nice if you could squeeze out a few extra days after school to go to the beach.
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