Costa Rica??
 

Where should I go on the west coast of Costa Rica? We'll be in San Jose for a couple of days and then want to take a flight over to Pacific side (don't want to drive over).

Looking at Playa Canchal so we can fly into Liberia airport and shuttle over, but I havent been there. We've already been to Jaco. bleh, yuk, bleh. We're looking for nice beaches and a classier area... not hookers and mud.

This will fit your bill.
http://www.haciendapinilla.com/

If you're flying to Playa Conchal you can also go to the Tamarindo airport, it's quite a bit closer and the road is all fully paved. Lots of nice beaches in the Northern Pacific coast that fit the bill, some of my faves are Panama, Grande, Carrillo, Guiones and Santa Teresa.

Yep! If there was a town within walking distance, that would be perfect! Still going to look into it because all of the other amenities are perfect. :thumbsup

Come to western Panama instead. Short flight from San Jose to David and I can show you around.

that's the next trip. :winkwink: Husband got a job offer covering a few countries in Central and South Amer. so we're exploring to see if it's something we could have fun with for a few years. We need an airport reasonably close so I can still do my work travel, decent beaches, and a town where a blonde can go for a run in reasonable safety (not that FL is safe, lol).

email me lee @ dreamnet.com

I was in CR 2 years ago. Travelled around the country, but totally fell in love with Samara Beach!

Have fun and be safe!

My favorite beach in CR :)

and what's wrong with hookers and mud ? :Graucho

Samara is nice but too developed for my tastes, driving really isn't that bad, you can drive to some pretty sweet beaches if you stay anywhere in Guanacaste really.

Florida safe :1orglaugh

I was there a year ago, stayed at the Four Seasons in a private villa.

Most comfortable bed I ever slept in. Cant go wrong there :)

Thanks for the airport tip and those beaches look gorgeous!

If you want some great fly fishing for billfish hook or just some enjoyment on the pacific up with my man RC - he is even Playboy recommended captain in CR! Good people.

http://www.gamefisher2.com/

I stayed here earlier this year...

http://www.resortflamingobeach.com/

rented a car and got to explore all of the various small and large beaches within 30 kilometers. It was a great trip.

I heard San Jose can be a bit sketchy.... http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...93.html#safety

I hear Americans can be a bit dumb.

If you don't make yourself a target your only real chance of getting fucked with is a bad taxi meter while in San Jose.

hit the republic

Canchal is one of the nicest beaches in costa rica. I go their all the time. They have a Westin right on the beach. It is not Jaco by any means.

If you want some place SUPER quiet, close by to Conchal, where you can see conchal. Look at Bahia de los Piratas. Its about 5km from Conchal and a shitload of other beaches. It is 1 hotel on a amazing private beach. The only time I have seen people on the beach was during Xmas time, because thats when the kids have off, and it is a local hidden gem. The food at the restaurant in the hotel is very very good. They have a small boat and they catch fresh fish and cook it for you on the spot. Very nice Italian guy owns the hotel (atleast I remember him being Italian).

There is also a 4 season somewhere in that area but could not recommend.

I would also recommend spending 2 days at www.tabacon.com It is a bit into the rain forest. the hotel is amazing, in the middle of the rain forest and they have an amazing spa that is a natural hot spring from the volcano Arenal. You sit in lava rock pools and chill. It is a once in a lifetime experience. 1 night in the hotel gets you 2 free days of spa. Basically evens out the cost.

Haven't been there yet...

Don't forget to zip line :)