Central America | A Taste of Costa Rica

Day 1: USA / Gunacaste |

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, board your private transfer to The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, located on Costa Rica's stunning North-Pacific Riviera. Spend four nights in a spacious, all-inclusive Royal Beach Club Suite in the adults-only section, with elegant living spaces, private balcony with outdoor tub and upgraded amenities. Set amid 2,400 lush acres fronting the Pacific Ocean, revel in a lagoon-style pool, championship golf, Heavenly Spa, nightly entertainment, non-motorized sports, Westin Kids Club and wealth of incredible culinary venues and experiences. And, as Club suite guests, enjoy enhanced amenities including fresh tropical fruit upon arrival, private check-in, personal concierge service, preferential reservations for restaurants and spa, and private Royal Beach Club pool with Bali beds and the Royal Beach Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast service, beverages throughout the day, evening happy hour and more.

For dinner this evening, toast your arrival with a signature red sangria on the outdoor patio of Manglar Mediterranean Restaurant, before a fresh Nicoise salad with fresh tuna filet or the pan-roasted Chilean salmon and grilled beef tenderloin medallions with brandy sauce. If you prefer, dive into Costa Rican folk traditions, music, and cuisine under the thatched roof of La Sabana. Marvel at roaming "sabaneros" who offer local fire-roasted and international meats, such as chorizo criollo, picana, and turkey breast, together with a salad bar, for a magnificent start to your Costa Rican escape.

Day 2: Guanacaste |

Board your private transfer this morning as you embark on a full day of adventure on the Vida Aventura Super Combo Excursion. Brimming with adventure in the cool environment of the Guanacaste Mountain Range, be thrilled by everything from seven ziplines and a leisurely horseback ride to incredible volcano views. Then enjoy time to unwind in the therapeutic thermal hot springs and mud baths, followed by a visit to the charming town of Liberia to savor a delicious lunch.

Day 3: Guanacaste |

Discover a duality of nature from the unique wetlands to the tropical dry forest with a relaxing jungle boat cruise on the Palo Verde and Coffee Experience. Located along the banks of the Tempisque River, take an in-depth look at Palo Verde's animated rainforest, featuring monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas and hundreds of multi-colored birds. Following lunch, visit The Beneficio Matambu to sip and learn production of Diria Coffee, from the growing of the plant to the treatment of the excess.

Warm and upbeat, unwind tonight with authentic Latin fare in Las Candelas, starting with a refreshing sea bass ceviche and a passion margarita. As the night melts away, savor a tender rib eye, grilled tuna fillet or annatto flavored rice with braised chicken as you reminisce about your exciting day in the jungle.

Day 4: Guanacaste |

Following an American-style breakfast in Mitra, relax poolside, keep busy with a wealth of waterfront activities, unwind with a signature spa treatment or practice your swing at the challenging 18-hole, par 71, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. In the afternoon, journey to Northern Italy, where Royal Beach guests can delight in a private, adults-only lunch at Faisanela Italian Restaurant, including soups and salads to delicious pastas, providing an authentic taste of Italy.

Celebrate your final night in Guanacaste with dinner in casually elegant style in Catalinas, the resort's signature restaurant serving a host of international flavors. For a casual yet serene ambience, savor a touch of Asian inspiration with a local flair at Bamboo. Or satisfy your eclectic palate with French, Asian Middle-Eastern or Latin America night at Mitra's themed-buffet, with an endless array of fresh grilled meats, seafood and irresistible drinks in its comfortable, open-air setting.

Day 5: Guanacaste / Arenal |

Following check-out, board your private transfer to The Spring Resort and Spa in Arenal for three nights in a Vista Grande guestroom. Boasting picturesque volcano and verdant river valley views, marble baths with whirlpool tub and balcony hammocks, revel in 165-acre luxury featuring 28 natural hot springs, pools and waterfalls, 14,000 square foot spa, discriminating dining and bar options including a specialty meals menu for dietary preferences, plus a wildlife preserve and Club Rio Outdoor Center access for endless exploration and activities.

Be captivated by the heart-thumping views of the river below and distant city lights as you partake in mouthwatering, chef-created fusion fare in Las Ventanas. Delight in farm and ocean fresh ingredients for dishes such as papaya creole shrimp, lobster ravioli and Angus beef tenderloin, and incorporating Spanish inspiration for their sweet desserts for complete dining nirvana.

Day 6: Arenal |

Energize yourself this morning with an exciting rappelling adventure as you head out for the Private Pure Trek Canyoning Excursion. Get in touch with nature as you keep an eye out for unique wildlife on a rainforest hike. Then, rappel down four waterfalls and a rock cliff, for a fun, adrenaline-filled experience. After a morning of rappelling, head to the mineral hot springs to relax and unwind in lush environments from raging waterfalls to tranquil forest and garden experiences, with great views of the volcano and varying water temperatures.

Tonight, toast to your day in the rainforest with a special cocktail from the Heliconia Bar, decorated with cut Heliconia flowers from the hotel's onsite collection and vaunting magnificent volcano views. Then, choose from an array of salads, soups, fresh baked breads and signature entrees including Costa Rican casado, blackened Ahi tuna filet with tropical fruit salsa, and pork and shrimp lo mein made with homemade Asian sauce, and local Latin cuisine, in Tres Cascados.

Day 7: Arenal |

Spend your last day in Costa Rica immersing in nature and adventure at the Club Rio Outdoor Center, featuring river kayaking and tubing, horseback rides, rock climbing and rappelling, hiking trails and nature tours, mountain biking, fishing, swimming and a Wildlife Preserve for rescued animals. Or, relax in the many hot springs and signature spa therapies. For a midday snack or lunch, bathing suits are welcomed at the Treetops Grill. Surrounded by five waterfalls and overlooking the canopy 1,000 feet below, savor sea bass ceviche, curried chicken wrap or organic green salads to burgers, sandwiches and beef, chicken and seafood entrees as music gently wafts through the breeze.

After a day of thrilling discovery and relaxation, satisfy your palate with a traditional Tico dining experience at Rancho Club Rio. With views of Arenal River, indulge in panko shrimp, cassava chalipas, quinoa salad pita, grilled sandwiches and specialty entrees such as arroz con mariscos or guava churrasco with a favorite homemade chiribiscos for dessert - a Costa Rican version of gelato for a grand finale to this delicious vacation.

Day 8: Arenal / USA |

After a scrumptious breakfast with your last cup of rich Costa Rican coffee, relax in your private transfer to the airport. Board your homeward flight and begin planning your next exquisite vacation enhanced with more delightful culinary surprises.