Kauai north shore in January or Costa Rica for Grandma's getaway?
Nov 18th, 2010, 05:20 PM
#21
Melissa, don't let my comments distract you from Kauai. You've got two great options to choose from. That should be enough. Save the Big Island for another trip 
I do like Costa Rica but was there for work and had limited time for leisure. The local person I was working with, his wife and young daughter served as tour guides over the weekend, but I didn't get a chance to visit any resorts. I hope to make it back there someday too. I loved the country, the people and the food. I came home with some great souvenirs that were ridiculously cheap but lovely. I use a tray almost daily and a Nativity every Christmas. You can't go wrong with Costa Rica OR Kauai. Looking forward to finding out what your decision will be. Enjoy the process!
I do like Costa Rica but was there for work and had limited time for leisure. The local person I was working with, his wife and young daughter served as tour guides over the weekend, but I didn't get a chance to visit any resorts. I hope to make it back there someday too. I loved the country, the people and the food. I came home with some great souvenirs that were ridiculously cheap but lovely. I use a tray almost daily and a Nativity every Christmas. You can't go wrong with Costa Rica OR Kauai. Looking forward to finding out what your decision will be. Enjoy the process!
Nov 18th, 2010, 06:38 PM
#22
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starrs: I want everyone to feel free to share their experiences however they wish. I'm glad to hear about them. The great thing about this forum is I can always click on someone's name if I want to learn more about the wonderful places they have visited.
I don't want anyone to feel like they can't share unless they are an "expert". We are all experts at knowing which places have stayed close to our hearts.
I don't want anyone to feel like they can't share unless they are an "expert". We are all experts at knowing which places have stayed close to our hearts.
Nov 18th, 2010, 06:44 PM
#23
Thanks Melissa. Some of my trip reports are under a previous screen name. Some I haven't written But I love certain places a lot*. I'm sure you'll make a good choice. With those options, how could you go wrong 
*Waimea Plantation Cottages = one of those places
But I love certain places a lot*. I'm sure you'll make a good choice. With those options, how could you go wrong *Waimea Plantation Cottages = one of those places
Nov 18th, 2010, 08:15 PM
#24
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Yes, we saw it by helicopter. As we were flying over the water, a beautiful rainbow appeared. It was so gorgeous that it almost didn't seem real. We also saw it by boat via a sunset sail, and while I liked that and thought it was great, the helicopter was one of our favorite vacation memories ever. Several people on our boat got seasick because it was kind of rough when we went. The helicopter was wow, wow, wow!! We also flew over some waterfalls. Just stunning.
Nov 18th, 2010, 09:59 PM
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Hi Melissa, having been to both I feel somewhat qualified to give you our opinion. Our first trip to Kauai was to the north shore. Nothing has beaten it since! We stayed in a house (detached condo) in the Princeville area. Every morning I took a long walk by myself to a different area. Our balcony overlooked the mountains and the golf course, our front yard was across from the scenic overlook onto the ocean. I want to go back there in the worst way. I have no connection to the owners and no ulterior motives except to pass on the information about this beautiful place:
http://www.kauaivilla.com/
As you can see, it is extremely reasonable in price as well.
We loved our trip to Costa Rica as well, but I wouldn't describe it as relaxing. It was more of an adventure. I wouldn't, for instance, walk in the jungle by myself there. Too many dangerous things to watch out for. We took a guided tour and our guide pointed out all kinds of things we hadn't noticed with our untrained eyes. The roads on Kauai are better and the scenic spots are more accessible than in Costa Rica.
Just my two cents, Melissa. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have fun planning!
Maggi
http://www.kauaivilla.com/
As you can see, it is extremely reasonable in price as well.
We loved our trip to Costa Rica as well, but I wouldn't describe it as relaxing. It was more of an adventure. I wouldn't, for instance, walk in the jungle by myself there. Too many dangerous things to watch out for. We took a guided tour and our guide pointed out all kinds of things we hadn't noticed with our untrained eyes. The roads on Kauai are better and the scenic spots are more accessible than in Costa Rica.
Just my two cents, Melissa. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Have fun planning!
Maggi
Nov 19th, 2010, 03:46 AM
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Fly into Liberia, Costa Rica, and drive 45 minutes to Flamingo Beach. Stay at the Flamingo Beach Resort.. Very nice area and very relaxing. Or rent a nice ocean front condo at the Palms in Flamingo.
Nov 19th, 2010, 04:57 PM
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volcanogirl: Wow the helicopter ride over Kauai must be fantastic as its one of your favorite vacation memories ever! I've never done a helicopter ride. Did you do the one with the doors off the helicopter, or with the doors on? Did the helicopter seem noisy while you were flying? That is very tempting.
Maggi It's interesting to read about how you felt in both Kauai and Costa Rica. I agree Costa Rica was more adventurous for me too. But I do love them both, they are just different experiences. Since my husband is a biologist I automatically have my very own nature guide! How nice that you could see the ocean and the mountains in the Princeville area from your accommodation.
Maggi It's interesting to read about how you felt in both Kauai and Costa Rica. I agree Costa Rica was more adventurous for me too. But I do love them both, they are just different experiences. Since my husband is a biologist I automatically have my very own nature guide! How nice that you could see the ocean and the mountains in the Princeville area from your accommodation.
Nov 19th, 2010, 05:35 PM
#28
There's only one Sealodge complex on Kauai. Check VRBO.com and www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com.
Our hike on the Canyon Trail was 2 - 3 hours (probably closer to 2). I've copied in the link to my Kauai pix below. The Canyon Trail pix are included. You'll also be able to see the take-your-breath-away views from Sealodge, and some of my other favorite spots.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/...hotos-_-Sharee
My only concern is that there are no guarantees about the weather. It could be great -- or you could have some very rainy days. When I return in January I'll stay for 3-1/2 weeks -- so if I do get a rainy spell, I won't mind. But you've only got one week.
I don't know what the weather would be like at that time in Costa Rica -- but that might sway me.
PS. Thanks for the comments on my trip report and the recommendation. I've been to the Alps. Gorgeous! This coming year my travel schedule is locked in from May thru the end of the year. Won't be squeezing in any Alps this year.
Our hike on the Canyon Trail was 2 - 3 hours (probably closer to 2). I've copied in the link to my Kauai pix below. The Canyon Trail pix are included. You'll also be able to see the take-your-breath-away views from Sealodge, and some of my other favorite spots.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/...hotos-_-Sharee
My only concern is that there are no guarantees about the weather. It could be great -- or you could have some very rainy days. When I return in January I'll stay for 3-1/2 weeks -- so if I do get a rainy spell, I won't mind. But you've only got one week.
I don't know what the weather would be like at that time in Costa Rica -- but that might sway me.
PS. Thanks for the comments on my trip report and the recommendation. I've been to the Alps. Gorgeous! This coming year my travel schedule is locked in from May thru the end of the year. Won't be squeezing in any Alps this year
.
Nov 19th, 2010, 10:05 PM
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Songdoc: Thanks for the recommendations and the links. I'll check them out. The weather down on the Osa peninsuala in Costa Rica will be dryer in January...but probably hotter than Kauai. Also no A/C in the place in Costa Rica I have my eye on. Wow I wish I had 3 1/2 weeks for our January trip! I'd probably be tempted to go to New Zealand if I had 3 1/2 weeks. But we only have a week. I will probably eventually return to both Kauai and Costa Rica, so whichever one I pick now, I will still get the other one someday! You know, Songdoc, I keep wondering if you take care of songs that need doctoring.
Nov 20th, 2010, 05:12 AM
#30
(You know, Songdoc, I keep wondering if you take care of songs that need doctoring.)
Actually, that IS part of what I do. I'm a songwriter and author and I teach songwriting workshops around the world, doing surgery on sick songs whenever necessary. (Of course, for some songs, it's best to put them out of our misery and euthanize ;-) hehehe.)
My work brought me to New Zealand, Australia, Kauai, Liverpool, Ireland, Wales, Mexico, and Los Angeles--all this year. I'll be adding Scandinavia next year. Life is tough -- but somebody has to do it.
Kauai remains my favorite place and it's where I go to get away and do my own writing.
Actually, that IS part of what I do. I'm a songwriter and author and I teach songwriting workshops around the world, doing surgery on sick songs whenever necessary. (Of course, for some songs, it's best to put them out of our misery and euthanize ;-) hehehe.)
My work brought me to New Zealand, Australia, Kauai, Liverpool, Ireland, Wales, Mexico, and Los Angeles--all this year. I'll be adding Scandinavia next year. Life is tough -- but somebody has to do it.
Kauai remains my favorite place and it's where I go to get away and do my own writing.
Nov 20th, 2010, 05:20 AM
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Mel, we did the helicopter tour with doors on. If you do it and want to take pictures, wear dark clothes so they don't get reflected in the windows. Our tour company recommended that. The helicopter is loud, but they have you wear noise canceling ear phones with a little mouthpiece, so that's how you talk to each other and hear the pilot. It was awesome. That was definitely one of our favorite vacation memories every, but another one was sitting on the front porch of our cabin on the Osa and seeing multiple troops of monkeys swing right in front of us. It's just so amazing to see monkeys! I think you have to be a bit tougher to do the Osa though since it's off the grid. Hawaii was relaxing, but on the Osa, I definitely got sweaty with no a.c. and I had wet hair for several days because there's not enough power for a blow dryer. Definitely worth it, but a totally different kind of vacation. As a biologist, your husband would be in heaven.
Nov 20th, 2010, 02:33 PM
#32
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volcanogirl Yes you are right Kauai and the Osa seem wildly different and yet both beautiful! Thanks for the details of your helicopter flight. If we do that I think we might as well do it with the doors off. I think?! I'm curious...was Bosque del Cabo romantic, would you say? I'm NOT very tough, but my husband is, so sometimes I can do more adventurous things as long as I tag along with him!
Songdoc You are very fortunate! How great to have an interesting job that takes you to great places! I did look up the Sealodge you recommended. There are a bewildering number of choices. It seems there are also more than one agency to book through...that was confusing. How do you recommend booking? Do you have any particular units you would recommend? Or a particular view that is best from a unit? There also seemed to be downstairs and upstairs units. Which would you recommend? How was Wales, I'm curious? THANKS for letting me ply you with questions!
Songdoc You are very fortunate! How great to have an interesting job that takes you to great places! I did look up the Sealodge you recommended. There are a bewildering number of choices. It seems there are also more than one agency to book through...that was confusing. How do you recommend booking? Do you have any particular units you would recommend? Or a particular view that is best from a unit? There also seemed to be downstairs and upstairs units. Which would you recommend? How was Wales, I'm curious? THANKS for letting me ply you with questions!
Nov 20th, 2010, 03:05 PM
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When we were in our cabin, it was romantic. We had a great cabin with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Ours was one of the few with an outdoor bathtub. I loved taking a bath outside. The food there is awesome, but the dinners are communal. If you want to, you can dine alone, but most people eat together to share details of the day and animal sightings. Also good for sharing the cost of tours if you want to. Hiking around together was amazing, but maybe not that romantic. I don't feel like I even looked like myself. I was sweaty with wet hair and didn't wear any makeup. People back home probably wouldn't recognize me. It was kind of cool to let all that stuff go and just enjoy nature. I've never really done that on a vacation before.
Nov 20th, 2010, 04:17 PM
#34
You can book Sealodge units several different ways. You can book directly through the owners by browsing at VRBO.com and by googling "Sealodge Kauai." I've also been happy working with www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com. I've never had any problems no matter how I booked.
The Sealodge units are virtually identical although some might be in slightly better condition than others, or have furnishings that you prefer. Some have WiFi; others flat screen TVs. But I have stayed in at least a half dozen different units over the years and have been happy with all of them. The big issue for me is the LOCATION of the unit -- which determines your view.
IMO, the very best views and breezes are the units facing the Kilauea lighthouse & Anini reef. Any unit that has this view will advertise it -- and you'll pay a bit more for it. When these are not available I've also been happy with any ocean FRONT (as opposed to oceanview) view.
Upstairs versus downstairs is a matter of personal preference. Upstairs units have balconies; downstairs have patios. There are pros and cons. Upstairs is more private--in that no one can walk past you. They're more secure -- but I've never felt the least bit unsafe downstairs. And some might prefer the views from upstairs. But I prefer downstairs so I can walk out of my condo and right to the edge of the cliff. The truth is that it doesn't matter much.
On to a different continent ... Wales was FANTASTIC. Absolutely gorgeous--and a big surprise. We were only in North Wales and were blown away by the natural beauty and the history. The castles were phenomenal. I hear that's the prettiest part of the country and having perfect sunny days and snow-capped mountains certainly helped. It was highlight in a year of amazing travel and I'd go back in a heartbeat. I have photos and a trip report posted.
The Sealodge units are virtually identical although some might be in slightly better condition than others, or have furnishings that you prefer. Some have WiFi; others flat screen TVs. But I have stayed in at least a half dozen different units over the years and have been happy with all of them. The big issue for me is the LOCATION of the unit -- which determines your view.
IMO, the very best views and breezes are the units facing the Kilauea lighthouse & Anini reef. Any unit that has this view will advertise it -- and you'll pay a bit more for it. When these are not available I've also been happy with any ocean FRONT (as opposed to oceanview) view.
Upstairs versus downstairs is a matter of personal preference. Upstairs units have balconies; downstairs have patios. There are pros and cons. Upstairs is more private--in that no one can walk past you. They're more secure -- but I've never felt the least bit unsafe downstairs. And some might prefer the views from upstairs. But I prefer downstairs so I can walk out of my condo and right to the edge of the cliff. The truth is that it doesn't matter much.
On to a different continent ... Wales was FANTASTIC. Absolutely gorgeous--and a big surprise. We were only in North Wales and were blown away by the natural beauty and the history. The castles were phenomenal. I hear that's the prettiest part of the country and having perfect sunny days and snow-capped mountains certainly helped. It was highlight in a year of amazing travel and I'd go back in a heartbeat. I have photos and a trip report posted.
Nov 21st, 2010, 10:35 PM
#35
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Woo-hoo, we made a decision! We are going to Kauai in January! (We will get to Bosque del Cabo another year.)
Songdoc: That's weird, I could have sworn I left you a reply yesterday but now its gone. Oh well. Thanks for the great info on Kauai. If you only had a week (7 or 8 nights) in January, would you still book all your nights on the northshore? Or would you split between the north and south shore?
Songdoc, I looked at Sealodge units...looks like an amazing view! I am considering a 3rd floor unit with the view you mention of the Anini reef and Kilauea lighthouse...but I looked over some tripadvisor reviews, and some guests were unhappy when they had to shut all the windows at night due to rainy and windy weather in January. Do you think that's a big problem? (Naturally I'm picturing a tropical Kauai with the windows open at night...to hear the ocean...) We really preferred the north shore of Kauai on our previous trip over 20 years ago...but that was a June trip...so the weather was mild. We split our stay between the north and south shore. but this time its a January trip... What do you think? I just want to relax and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere and have some romance...and get inspired to write poetry...but my husband is more active and to keep up with him I will end up exploring the whole island including going up to Waimea canyon.
Usually I like to stay at an accommodation that is right on a beach where swimming or snorkeling are possible. But this seems more iffy in January due to weather & surf conditions.
Sealodge really seems like a beautiful location.
(We will get to Bosque del Cabo another year.)Songdoc: That's weird, I could have sworn I left you a reply yesterday but now its gone. Oh well. Thanks for the great info on Kauai. If you only had a week (7 or 8 nights) in January, would you still book all your nights on the northshore? Or would you split between the north and south shore?
Songdoc, I looked at Sealodge units...looks like an amazing view! I am considering a 3rd floor unit with the view you mention of the Anini reef and Kilauea lighthouse...but I looked over some tripadvisor reviews, and some guests were unhappy when they had to shut all the windows at night due to rainy and windy weather in January. Do you think that's a big problem? (Naturally I'm picturing a tropical Kauai with the windows open at night...to hear the ocean...) We really preferred the north shore of Kauai on our previous trip over 20 years ago...but that was a June trip...so the weather was mild. We split our stay between the north and south shore. but this time its a January trip... What do you think? I just want to relax and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere and have some romance...and get inspired to write poetry...but my husband is more active and to keep up with him I will end up exploring the whole island including going up to Waimea canyon.
Usually I like to stay at an accommodation that is right on a beach where swimming or snorkeling are possible. But this seems more iffy in January due to weather & surf conditions.
Sealodge really seems like a beautiful location.
Nov 27th, 2010, 12:48 PM
#36
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We changed our minds and decided to book Bosque del Cabo if they still have space available for January 2011. Cannot resist the call of the warm green rainforest, sunny days 
, the wild call of monkeys, scarlet macaws flying by, meals included so we don't have to argue about where to eat... Paradise! Since I haven't booked anything for Kauai (nor have I even made any inquiries yet for Kauai) its still easy to switch plans.
We will head for Kauai a future year, for either a January trip or a June trip another year.
So I've written to Bosque del Cabo and asked if they have a deluxe cabina for us for 4 nights in January. Here's keeping my fingers crossed!
Although my husband has been cheerfully willing to go to Kauai this January, he really had his heart set on Bosque del Cabo. Also when I continued to research both Bosque del Cabo and Kauai I realized that Bosque del Cabo will have warmer sunnier weather in January, and in San Diego our worst weather is January...cold rain, gloomy skies, in a bad year it can rain every week or even every day one year...I hate it...it's a cold rain... So the weather in January at Bosque del Cabo will be a welcome relief!
So as soon as I hear back from Bosque if there's space I'm booking it! Okay here's holding my breath... My husband is excited!
Cannot resist the call of the warm green rainforest, sunny days , the wild call of monkeys, scarlet macaws flying by, meals included so we don't have to argue about where to eat... Paradise! Since I haven't booked anything for Kauai (nor have I even made any inquiries yet for Kauai) its still easy to switch plans.We will head for Kauai a future year, for either a January trip or a June trip another year.
So I've written to Bosque del Cabo and asked if they have a deluxe cabina for us for 4 nights in January. Here's keeping my fingers crossed!
Although my husband has been cheerfully willing to go to Kauai this January, he really had his heart set on Bosque del Cabo. Also when I continued to research both Bosque del Cabo and Kauai I realized that Bosque del Cabo will have warmer sunnier weather in January, and in San Diego our worst weather is January...cold rain, gloomy skies, in a bad year it can rain every week or even every day one year...I hate it...it's a cold rain... So the weather in January at Bosque del Cabo will be a welcome relief!
So as soon as I hear back from Bosque if there's space I'm booking it! Okay here's holding my breath... My husband is excited!
Nov 27th, 2010, 04:10 PM
#37
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YES! I heard back from Bosque del Cabo and they do have space for us January 2011 so we are in the process of booking for this January 2011! 
Did I mention we always take our wedding anniversary trip in January? What a great place to celebrate our wedding anniversary...in steamy hot paradise in green and wild Bosque del Cabo on the gorgeous Osa peninsula in Costa Rica!
I should probably put this particular post to rest as it will confuse people...we aren't going to Kauai this time. We are booking Bosque del Cabo. THANKS SO MUCH for everyone's opinions! (I know we will get back to Kauai another year, but probably for a June trip.)
Did I mention we always take our wedding anniversary trip in January? What a great place to celebrate our wedding anniversary...in steamy hot paradise in green and wild Bosque del Cabo on the gorgeous Osa peninsula in Costa Rica!I should probably put this particular post to rest as it will confuse people...we aren't going to Kauai this time. We are booking Bosque del Cabo. THANKS SO MUCH for everyone's opinions! (I know we will get back to Kauai another year, but probably for a June trip.)
Nov 28th, 2010, 07:20 PM
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Songdoc: Thanks. I have a file for Kauai and I've stored all the great info you shared in it. Kauai will become a future January or June/July trip for us. I LOVE having several trips cooking on the front burner or simmering on the back burner. And I will definitely post a nice long trip report on Costa Rica when we return.
starrs: Thanks...yes I'm headed for Paradise in Costa Rica!
starrs: Thanks...yes I'm headed for Paradise in Costa Rica!
