dfr4848

Shell - we would highly recommend it, especially for families. The only negative I can think of is that it didn't have its own access to a beach (but that's not unusual). It's fairly high on the hillside, so the views are worth it. They have a free hourly shuttle that goes to the beaches at MA Nat. Park - very convenient.

We particularly liked the fact that they have 2 pools - one for "families" (with a slide through the gardens) and one for "adults" (18yrs & older). Both have swim-up bars and separate dry sitting areas. The pools are far enough apart that the noise doesn't carry.

Next to the family pool is the informal restaurant where the breakfast buffet is set up. It's open from 6 am to 11 pm. Breakfast is really nice - fresh fruit, cereals, eggs any way you like them, several kinds of meats, plantains, rice and black beans, various breads and muffins, etc. [The papayas are picked from trees on the property] And of course, wonderful coffee. Breakfast is included with the room.

Near the adult pool is the more formal dining area (with tablecloths etc but casual dress). It's open 5 pm to 11 pm (I think). Excellent menu and quiet and relaxing. I know this restaurant has gotten mixed reviews, but our meals there were very good.

Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Helped arrange all of our tours and excursions and also had very good restaurant recs that never missed.

Family thought the Spa on location was one of the best they've been to (and we've been to some pretty nice ones on 4 continents). 1 hr massage was $55 which we thought was very reasonable.

Since it was low season, we splurged and got 2 deluxe suites (one for us and one for the kids). Fantastic views, very large balconies, extensive inroom bars (with actually reasonable prices) and bath rooms big enough for a party (!!) - the shower was like a garden with lots of live plants.

The grounds are gorgeous and attract lots of birds, iguanas, butterflies etc. It's also very easy to walk anywhere on the grounds - which was a plus for us compared to some other places we looked into. If DW and I were going just for a romantic get-away, those other places would probably have a little more appeal, but with the kids Si Como No really worked well for us.

Sorry this is so long, but thought I'd hit all of the major points.

hipvirgochick

CathyF -- Your schedule looks great for your group. What a blast for 20 people! We haven't made it to MA yet, but are tenatively including it for our trip next year. Even after being in Osa and enjoying the wildlife there, MA still appeals to us for the beach/park and other things to see there.

Everyone should love Peace Lodge because of and all there is to see and do on the grounds there. We stayed 2 nights and were glad we did because many of the things (such as hummingbird and toucan feedings and the butterfly observatory) my daughter wanted to visit several times!

Arenal is great too. Your group should reserve the Cano Negro tour in advance since you'll take up most of the boat! I'm sure you could negotiate a deal on pricing too. You will see many birds and animals, quite a few up close. It's a great tour that takes about 3/4 of the day and goes along the Rio Frio. This is one tour I'd do again.

volcanogirl

Yes, you will love the Peace Lodge - it's gorgeous. Definitely second the vote for going to Cano Negro out of Arenal - it's so fun and amazing. You will see such amazing things!

cmerrell

Hi Cathy,

I totally agree with the recs for Peace Lodge and the Cano Negro tour out of Arenal. Costa Rica is such a tremendous place for people who love nature. I think your group will find it a worthy sequel to St. John.

Shillmac,

Au naturale at Hawksnest, eh? It reminds me of a Kramer quote from Seinfeld (one of my all time favorite shows...). "I'm out there baby, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!" This said after it was discovered that he wasn't wearing underwear...