Shonda

Here is the final itinerary I have come up with for my honeymoon. I would love any sugggestions and/or comments.

Night 1-2 San Jose - Xandari Plantation
Night 3-4 Arenal - (Maybe the La Mansion Inn)
Night 5-6 Monteverde - Any suggestions on a nice place to stay here??
Night 7-8-9 Manuel Antonio (La Mansion Inn)
Night 10 - Back to San Jose to leave on the 11th day.

A couple more places that sound wonderful are La Paz Waterfalls and Tabacon Hot Springs. These seem like places we could see along the way?

I would really appreciate any input.

Thank You!

Suzie2

You could take a day tour on your 2nd day at Xandari to La Paz if you really want to see them..We will be staying in one of the deluxe rooms next month. That waterfall in the bathroom looks really interesting. Between that, the hot tub on the balcony, and the fireplace, I don't think we will care what the weather is like.
You will have plenty of time to visit the hot springs if you end up not staying there. Anyone can go. Nighttime is my favorite because it is really pretty with the lights on. It is a series of different pools that are different temps. The main pool has a swim up bar and a water slide.

Shonda

Thanks Suzie,

Where you you recommend honeymooners to stay in Monteverde?

Do you think the Tabacon Rresort is worth the price?

Do you know anything about La Mansion in Manuel Antonio?

Sorry for the list of questions. I look forward to any input from you as you seem to know CR well.

Thank you

Also, we are planning on driving, is it really crazy or difficult?

Suzie2

Have heard mixed reviews regarding Tabacon. Don't know what your expectations are. One thing that has been consistent is that the food isn't all that great. There are options for food elsewhere but it would involve driving or taking a cab.The cost of getting into the hot springs is pretty steep, about $19pp. So, if you factor that into the costs of Tabacon or elsewhere, it might be worth it to stay there. Admission is free if you stay at Tabacon.
Have not stayed at La Mansion in Manuel Antonio but have read some very, very good reviews on it. Makanda by the Sea is one of the top honeymoon places.
Hotels in Monteverde, I like the Heliconia, El Establo has amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya and is a newer place practically next door to the Heliconia (both are within walking distance of the butterfly garden), Monteverde Lodge is a little more sterile but very nice and very well run by Costa Rica Expeditions. Easy access to Finca Ecologica and town. The Balmoral is also very nice but further from anything. If you have a car it would be a nice quiet place to stay.
You are not crazy to drive. Most of the roads you will be on will not be that bad. The road up and down the mountain to and from Monteverde is not paved and will be a bit bumpy but all part of the adventure. I have learned recently that the road between Tilaran and Monteverde has been graded so travel on that part is not nearly as bad as it has been. Take your time and enjoy the views. I love the views on the other side that you will be driving down on to get to manuel Antonio. The views of the Gulf of Nicoya are awesome and I almost always see rainbows. It is a narrow road with no guard rails and is not paved but you will be fine on it. Just take your time. You have heard about pot holes I am sure by now. I have literally seen some that would swallow a volkswagon so do be careful. A car in Monteverde and Arenal would actually be a big help to you in seeing things.
La Paz waterfall garden/peace lodge, are only about an hour from the airport if you don't have to leave too early the next morning. If you left MA early you could get there by noon and have the whole afternoon to see the falls and other things.

Shonda

Thank you!

Sounds like there are some serious potholes l.o.l.

I appreciate all of your suggestions. I am going to investigate the differences between La Mansion and Mankanda by the Sea but it sounds like I can't go wrong between the two.

Have you stayed or heard anything about La Mansion Inn at Arenal?
Although I know we will want to enjoy the hot springs, so that might make Tabacon worth the price.

I am having such a fun time planning this and I appreciate everyone on this great forum who has helped me! I can't wait to see Costa Rica!

If anyone else has opnions about La Mansion in vs. Mankanda by the Sea for honeymooners, I'd love to hear them.

Thank you