mcrogers

I have read and read many of the discussions about Costa Rica. I am determined to give my bride the most wonderful honeymoon experience ever in June, 2011. Help us pick our spot(s). We plan to stay the first 2 nights in a resort, just to rest and be spoiled. We have to pick from Hilton or Marriott properties because I can use my points. But if we have to, we will pay to go somewhere else, just can't afford the Ritz Carlton. So which resort would you pick for us? For the other 8 days of our vacation we want something more unusual, but still very nice. We love to hike, snorkel, see waterfalls, and FISH offshore. I have looked very closely at Buena Vista Luxury Villas, and they look pretty cool, but in the reviews I have read, "construction noise" keeps flying out at me. Also, the walk to the beach is a steep incline; we are fit, but just want a more convenient beach. We can probably spend around $350 a night. So please 1) recommend the resort 2) recommend a non-resort, really cool place where we can venture out to do all those fun things we love to do and 3) recommend a fishing charter company. Your advice may make me the best husband on the planet. Thanks. By the way, we are 28.

Allylam

I'm not sure construction would still be a problem at Buena Vista by the time June gets here...
but you might also want to look at Punta Islita. A stunning resort and perfect for a honeymoon. Located on a hill over the ocean with stunning views, with a shutle that runs to and from the beach all day into the evenings.

http://www.hotelpuntaislita.com/

Kinkazote

Pick the resorts that your points will work at, and look up each resort on Trip Advisor to compare them. Does your future bride really want a honeymoon planned by a bunch of strangers? My guess is that you will end up at Marriott Los Suenos as a base. Then you will go to Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio.

mcrogers

Thank you for your suggestions. I had not read about Arenas del Mar or Punta Islita. I've spent the afternoon reading reviews on trip adviser. All my vacations have been "planned" in a sense by strangers. I come onto this forum before every trip, get suggestions, then get busy looking at those web sites and reading reviews. It has always been a tremendous help. I recently went to Prince Edward Island, where I didn't do my homework and was very disappointed. Anyway, back to Costa Rica...we would love to be able to walk right out on the beach, but it seems the most appealing places have these steep inclines to the beach. I was impressed by the reviews of Arenas del Mar, except for one recent one that really turned me off. I also have been impressed reading about Casa Chameleon Malpais. Know anything about that?

mcrogers

Are there any really nice hotels on the Caribbean coast? I can't seem to find them.

AustinTraveler

To me, Costa Rica isn't about luxury resorts on a pristine beach with clear blue waters. It's more about wildlife and rustic beauty. It may not be the place for your honeymoon.

Also, read the TripAdvisor reviews with a grain of salt. When 99 people say the place is great and 2 people say it sucks, then you can probably throw those 2 reviews out the window. Someone will always have something bad to say.

hsmithcr

There are no "luxury" hotels on the Caribbean coast.

I second Punta Islita, though you won't be able to use your "points." It is a gorgeous place and perfect for a "special" time. Not that easy to get to - you can fly in if you choose to - but that is part of the beauty.

I also second AustinTraveler - if you are looking for pristine white beaches with perfect resorts, Costa Rica is probably not the right place.

If you can come up with a list of possibilities that you can use with your points, perhaps we can recommend further. Also, what are you expecting as far as walking into town, nightlife, etc because some places are pretty isolated. You might take a look at Tamarindo - www.tamarindocost-rica.com It is on the touristy side but there are some great condos or villas or hotels there and you can walk into town for nightlife, shopping, etc.

There's always the Four Seasons. If it is good enough for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, it should be good enough for your bride! haha -- just kidding!

volcanogirl

Have you thought about going to Belize at all? I love Costa Rica, but Belize has gorgeous beaches and water, fabulous snorkeling, great hiking. You could stay somewhere in the jungle and then go to the cayes. We loved Victoria House on Ambergris.

http://www.victoria-house.com/

It seems to be more along the lines of what you're looking for.

hipvirgochick

The nicest place on the Caribbean side is Le Chameleon and I believe it's in a class of it's own as far as upscale lodging in that area. I met some people who stayed there a couple of months ago and they thought it was wonderful. Punta Islita hasn't been a draw for me because I like to be where there a lot of things to do, but if you want some very quiet and private time at a beautiful resort then Punta Islita might be perfect for you. BVV though would give you also privacy in a beautiful option plus the ability to go out and enjoy some activities and good restaurants, which would be my choice.

Don't worry about defending yourself about getting advice from strangers! People who write guidebooks are strangers as well as travel agents, people who post reviews on TA and anyone else who can give you firsthand answers based on what you're looking for. I don't get Kinkazote's comment.