Why the Four Seasons?
Apr 26th, 2005, 01:11 PM
#1
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Why the Four Seasons?
I haven't seen one negative post on this board about the Four Seasons in CR. I visited, and it's very luxurious and beautiful, blah, blah, blah. But it's so...not Costa Rica. In fact, the whole area kind of creeped me out (I visited 3 resorts around the bay and stayed at one -- the Grand Papagayo Occidental). The reasons that I love Costa Rica: nature, rainforests, wildlife, friendly, one-on-one interactions with people, was totally missing. Why not just go to Aruba?
From my trips there, it seems that hotels in CR can be divided into two categories: those where you can't flush the toilet paper, and those where you can. The mega-resorts in this area fit the latter - made for American consumption. And IMHO that's not a good thing.
How much development can this little country stand? Does the Four Seasons and the other resorts do anything to preserve the environment?
Does anyone else feel the way I do?
From my trips there, it seems that hotels in CR can be divided into two categories: those where you can't flush the toilet paper, and those where you can. The mega-resorts in this area fit the latter - made for American consumption. And IMHO that's not a good thing.
How much development can this little country stand? Does the Four Seasons and the other resorts do anything to preserve the environment?
Does anyone else feel the way I do?
Apr 26th, 2005, 08:00 PM
#2
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Yep, sure do. My husband and I drove through the Four Seasons property and came to the conclusion that it was not for us. The young Tico who showed us around spoke 4 languages and talked about how he liked to work there catering to "special guests and their needs". Gag!
We've stayed at a couple of the all-inclusives for a weekend here and there (in Costa Rica)--and have enjoyed ourselves. We like amenities as much as the next person, but are just as comfortable with "basic". In my wildest imagination, I can't see why anyone would want to visit a place like CR and spend an entire week within the confines of an "American-Canadian-European Village" being treated "special"! As you said, you might as well be in Aruba--or anywhere else.
One of the more recent concerns is the water consumption these mega resorts and their golf courses require--in Guanacaste where the drier weather makes water very valuable stuff.
We've stayed at a couple of the all-inclusives for a weekend here and there (in Costa Rica)--and have enjoyed ourselves. We like amenities as much as the next person, but are just as comfortable with "basic". In my wildest imagination, I can't see why anyone would want to visit a place like CR and spend an entire week within the confines of an "American-Canadian-European Village" being treated "special"! As you said, you might as well be in Aruba--or anywhere else.
One of the more recent concerns is the water consumption these mega resorts and their golf courses require--in Guanacaste where the drier weather makes water very valuable stuff.
Apr 27th, 2005, 03:34 AM
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I agree too. I had wanted to visit CR since the 90's but having young children & being pregnant made me wait until Feb '05 when our youngest was 8. The whole attraction for us was, like you said, nature, wildlife, rainforests & friendly people. We rented a car & saw Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio over 10 days. I was very anxious for my 4 children to see these magnificent places before they're changed & gone forever. Most of the development sickens me..it is destroying the very thing that makes CR so special. I couldn't even imagine why anyone would want to stay at an all inclusive resort. The best part of the trip is getting out & enjoying the country and meeting the people. I've been in the travel business for years & I agree that if you're looking for that luxury vacation with french chefs etc. go to a resort in the caribbean. Save Costa Rica for the people who truly appreciate it just as it is, naturally.
Apr 27th, 2005, 03:41 AM
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Yes mabel, I agree with you! To me, going to the FS kind of cancels out the whole point of going to CR in the first place. Might as well be anywhere. Now, I've seen (in pics) the property and it is lovely; however it doesn't inspire me to go there. Luckily I think that for every FS, there are 100's of places that offer a better stay. Although I do have to admit I do stay in places w/flushing toilets! Have to have some things 
Apr 27th, 2005, 06:09 AM
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Well Mabel, I have always wanted to post something along these lines, but held myself back in fear of upsetting someone that truly does only want the FS experience.
Since I have no personal knowledge of FS, I try and restrain myself from posting. Which I also try to keep my personal thoughts on high adventure thrill rides to myself. As I believe CR is about the natural beauty and not amusement parks and I fear the destruction of this glorious natural place. Well I guess I have gone and done it!
My husband and I visited CR the first time in 2001. We saw an incredible package deal and grabbed it. The Grand Papagayo (Costa Smeralda back then) was where we were headed. This package was so cheap, we booked it knowing we could rent a vehicle and go somewhere else. Which we did, we left our paid for room for a few nights and headed out to the REAL Costa Rica.
If we had not taken that trip - we may never have gone to CR.
If we had remained confined to the grounds of that resort - we would have NEVER gone back to CR.
After 4 trips, I must confess we always have flushable toilets! But we often stay in lodges where maybe only another couple of two are there.
We will probably continue to take some of those inexpensive, all inclusive, package, long weekend getaways - but not to CR.
CR has so much to offer - I hope the mega resort building stops.
Since I have no personal knowledge of FS, I try and restrain myself from posting. Which I also try to keep my personal thoughts on high adventure thrill rides to myself. As I believe CR is about the natural beauty and not amusement parks and I fear the destruction of this glorious natural place. Well I guess I have gone and done it!
My husband and I visited CR the first time in 2001. We saw an incredible package deal and grabbed it. The Grand Papagayo (Costa Smeralda back then) was where we were headed. This package was so cheap, we booked it knowing we could rent a vehicle and go somewhere else. Which we did, we left our paid for room for a few nights and headed out to the REAL Costa Rica.
If we had not taken that trip - we may never have gone to CR.
If we had remained confined to the grounds of that resort - we would have NEVER gone back to CR.
After 4 trips, I must confess we always have flushable toilets! But we often stay in lodges where maybe only another couple of two are there.
We will probably continue to take some of those inexpensive, all inclusive, package, long weekend getaways - but not to CR.
CR has so much to offer - I hope the mega resort building stops.
Apr 27th, 2005, 06:25 AM
#6
Thank you mabel and others for expressing it so well. I'd like to say I feel the same, but about Mexico. People go to FS Punta Mita and never even visit the lovely town of Puerto Vallarta only 1 hour away. Best I can figure, is that it is about having a fancy, luxurious, high-end resort experience and little or nothing to do with visiting the country they are in... Costa Rica, Mexico, wherever.
Apr 27th, 2005, 01:15 PM
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Well someone needs to defend FS and it may as well be me. Sounds like sour grapes to me. I bet most of you couldn't come up with the money to stay there if your life depended on it!! Why can't you stay at an ultra-luxe place like FS and get to see the "real costa rica?" For goodness sakes hasn't anyone on this post heard of a rental car? Sure it is a bit of distance to see some of the attractions but heck so is everything in California and people manage to visit and get around just fine.
As for myself when I go on vacation I like to mix in some relaxation (that's why they call it a vacation) and FS does it better than anyone else!
As for myself when I go on vacation I like to mix in some relaxation (that's why they call it a vacation) and FS does it better than anyone else!
Apr 27th, 2005, 01:41 PM
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Hart, I think that you could have gone about that response a little differently. For starters, saying that people can't come up with the money is offensive and likely just plan wrong--while some people are attracted to Costa Rica for the lower cost, other people go there because it is a unique opportunity to stay in the plethora of small and locally-owned inns, visit with the people of Costa Rica, enjoy unspoiled landscape, and relax in NATURE. I'm not looking for a hotel experience--I'm looking for a Costa Rican experience. I'm going (and have gone) to Costa Rica for the experience the country offers and I didn't need to stay at a Four Seasons mega-resort chain to do that. It's not about driving to see the "attractions"--the fact that you even used that as a defense shows the lack of understanding. Going to Costa Rica should be about living the life for a couple weeks...something you can't do at home or when you are stationed in a place like Four Seasons, venturing out of the bubble to wave at the cute Costa Ricans as you fly by in your air conditioned SUV.
Sorry this is a little harsh...it's something that has really bothered me about talking about Costa Rica to people who opt for these new resorts popping up.
Sorry this is a little harsh...it's something that has really bothered me about talking about Costa Rica to people who opt for these new resorts popping up.
Apr 27th, 2005, 01:55 PM
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I'll jump into the fray.
Every time you stay in a westernized, not-like-the-country resort that's been built in a previously-undisturbed green areas, you encourage developers to spend more money on more buildings.
Many of the messages in these boards say "where can I find unspoiled _blank_" or "Don't go there. it's too commercialized."
but the reality is that more & more places will become that way as more people stay in resorts of this nature.
(and I can afford to stay at fancy resorts. Not bragging, just sayin. It's a choice on how to spend your money)
Every time you stay in a westernized, not-like-the-country resort that's been built in a previously-undisturbed green areas, you encourage developers to spend more money on more buildings.
Many of the messages in these boards say "where can I find unspoiled _blank_" or "Don't go there. it's too commercialized."
but the reality is that more & more places will become that way as more people stay in resorts of this nature.
(and I can afford to stay at fancy resorts. Not bragging, just sayin. It's a choice on how to spend your money)
Apr 27th, 2005, 02:34 PM
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Sad, but expected, that the point was missed by hart. I think if you actually read the responses here, it has nothing to do with money and more to do with atmosphere, experience & the enjoyment of a different culture.
When I go to Paris or London, I don't stay at the Hilton for the same reasons; if it floats your boat, fine, but I just don't find it attractive to stay in a place that could be anywhere in the world.
When I go to Paris or London, I don't stay at the Hilton for the same reasons; if it floats your boat, fine, but I just don't find it attractive to stay in a place that could be anywhere in the world.
Apr 27th, 2005, 03:02 PM
#13
hart- It's not about money (having it or lack thereof). My objection to your approach is that it treats a country as if it were Disneyland. Just because you get a rental car and (omigod) leave the resort, is not the same as actually participating in a culture, including staying in smaller, locally owned hotels, shopping for your own food at local markets.
Apr 27th, 2005, 07:02 PM
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No. I have to admit that we like toilets that flush toilet paper. We also like beds without mosquito netting and A.C. for the hot, humid weather. My family, friends and I have stayed at the resort and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The rooms, dining, physical facility, and privacy make this a top resort. On other vacations I might camp in a tent, but this was not that kind of vacation. The setting is spectacular. The golf course is incredible. How many courses have a gallery of monkeys? O.k. so maybe I shouldn't ask. The resort had to meet all kinds of stringent governmental requirements and even the paint on the buildings was chosen to blend in with the environment. The Four Seasons is actually quite small (about 150-some room)but large in acreage and never felt crowded. It is a best of breed resort setting the benchmark as far as I am concerned.
Apr 27th, 2005, 08:21 PM
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I am reminded of a conversation my husband and I were having this past weekend. As I've mentioned, we've stayed in some lovely hotels in Costa Rica, including Bosque del cabo, Si Como NO, La Finca Que Ama, and the all-inclusive Playa Conchal. We've enjoyed them all.
But he reminded me a couple of days ago what fun we had in San Vito last year in a little hotel on main street (Hotel Rino) that cost us $16 per night. We had TV, a fan, private bath with warm water, free breakfast, and no tax! Got our laundry done for $2. We had a little balcony where we could sit and watch the town go about its business day and night just below us. For us, THAT'S enjoying Costa Rica!
Likewise, we've had great fun at tiny little Hotel Brasilito on the beach near Conchal for $35 per night. I think it's the variety available that really appeals to us. Sometime, for us, it IS a matter of money. But we like to think we know how to splurge occasionally without losing the ability to appreciate settings that are basic and simple as well.
But he reminded me a couple of days ago what fun we had in San Vito last year in a little hotel on main street (Hotel Rino) that cost us $16 per night. We had TV, a fan, private bath with warm water, free breakfast, and no tax! Got our laundry done for $2. We had a little balcony where we could sit and watch the town go about its business day and night just below us. For us, THAT'S enjoying Costa Rica!
Likewise, we've had great fun at tiny little Hotel Brasilito on the beach near Conchal for $35 per night. I think it's the variety available that really appeals to us. Sometime, for us, it IS a matter of money. But we like to think we know how to splurge occasionally without losing the ability to appreciate settings that are basic and simple as well.
Apr 28th, 2005, 03:02 AM
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In 13 years, the biggest place we have stayed in while in Costa Rica was Villas Lapas. Primarily because it was close to Carara. We fell in love with CR not a resort. I visited the Paradisus while doing a homestay. Can't even imagine ever staying there. Costa Rica is the destination for me, not a hotel. We have stayed in Princess hotels in Acapulco and Bermuda. We have stayed at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. Money is not the issue and stay is not exactly the word I should have used. We slept there. We left the grounds of all of the above around 7am every day and didn't return until late in the evening. We still hear from our taxi driver in Acapulco wanting us to come back. He showed us things we never dreamed of. Went to a state fair rodeo where we were the only N. Americans. Now this is visiting Mexico not a resort. Same thing goes for us in Costa Rica. After traveling by many means in CR we have settled on traveling with a tico every year to get the real feel for the country. He is great about taking us away from the tourist places whenever possible. We visit family and friends of his at their homes. Some of which don't even have electricity.
Probably the reason you don't hear much about the FS is because most of us on these boards go to CR because we love it and would much prefer to be a part of it instead of in an isolated area with no Costa Rican feel to it.
Probably the reason you don't hear much about the FS is because most of us on these boards go to CR because we love it and would much prefer to be a part of it instead of in an isolated area with no Costa Rican feel to it.
Apr 28th, 2005, 10:17 AM
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Interesting to read all the opinions. It is a dilemma these days...trying to find a balance between allowing ourselves some luxuries but trying not to harm the environment or others.
I've stayed in some resorts in other countries. Not in Costa Rica. But that may be because the places I've gone in Costa Rica had nice smaller places to stay.
I am becoming more conscientious of how my choices affect others and our world these days. I'm starting to realize the bigger resorts especially with golf courses do harm the environment. In order to keep the golf courses that beautiful green color many chemicals are used which end up back in our oceans. Not to mention the usage of natural resources to maintain such facilities.
It is possible for big resorts to be ecologically minded but those seem to be few and far between because most of these places are owned by people who are merely investors or don't care as long as they're making money.
This is why I really like finding smaller "boutique" places which are normally owner operated.
I just gave a trip report on my visit to Mal Pais and Casa Chameleon. I found Casa Chameleon to be a great balance. It was beautifully simple but luxurious in a natural way...If that makes sense.
It was nice to see the owners planting banana trees, reforesting a once barren lot, creating "monkey ladders" where the electric company had removed trees. We observed many wonderful contributions being made to nature.
It's not just big resorts but people who aren't mindful of how precious nature and the environment are and how easy for us to destroy our world. Development will continue but if there were more people out there just trying to "do their part" or just being mindful of others and the world around them maybe we can save places like Costa Rica. Isn't that the attraction anyway? We already have overdeveloped places like most of Hawaii, California, Las Vegas. If people want to just golf and be treated to resort luxuries I would hope they would at least go to these places, since they already exist. I do hope people will discourage more large resort development in places like Costa Rica because it will destroy more than help.
I've stayed in some resorts in other countries. Not in Costa Rica. But that may be because the places I've gone in Costa Rica had nice smaller places to stay.
I am becoming more conscientious of how my choices affect others and our world these days. I'm starting to realize the bigger resorts especially with golf courses do harm the environment. In order to keep the golf courses that beautiful green color many chemicals are used which end up back in our oceans. Not to mention the usage of natural resources to maintain such facilities.
It is possible for big resorts to be ecologically minded but those seem to be few and far between because most of these places are owned by people who are merely investors or don't care as long as they're making money.
This is why I really like finding smaller "boutique" places which are normally owner operated.
I just gave a trip report on my visit to Mal Pais and Casa Chameleon. I found Casa Chameleon to be a great balance. It was beautifully simple but luxurious in a natural way...If that makes sense.
It was nice to see the owners planting banana trees, reforesting a once barren lot, creating "monkey ladders" where the electric company had removed trees. We observed many wonderful contributions being made to nature.
It's not just big resorts but people who aren't mindful of how precious nature and the environment are and how easy for us to destroy our world. Development will continue but if there were more people out there just trying to "do their part" or just being mindful of others and the world around them maybe we can save places like Costa Rica. Isn't that the attraction anyway? We already have overdeveloped places like most of Hawaii, California, Las Vegas. If people want to just golf and be treated to resort luxuries I would hope they would at least go to these places, since they already exist. I do hope people will discourage more large resort development in places like Costa Rica because it will destroy more than help.
Apr 29th, 2005, 05:05 AM
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surfexec, very well put...I'm starting to realize that how a person spends their money is a moral choice at some level...and you're right, when making a travel decision, it makes sense to think about where that money is going....a local owner trying to carefully plan his resort and work with the lay of the land (so to speak) is far preferable....good thoughts for me to mull over.
