Amazing Things about Costa Rica

ARRIVING IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF SAN JOSE

We had heard over and over again just how wonderful Costa Rica is. We decided it was time to grab a couple of good friends and go check it out for ourselves and they are right!

I first heard about Costa Rica from a couple of bartenders. Yes, that’s what I said! A couple of guys from a place we frequent were chatting us up about it one night. I asked if they had friends there or just went on holiday.

They said they had gone to check out the living and retirement options. I laughed cause these guys weren’t retirement age yet. They said another friend told them they didn’t have to be. The living was cheap enough to buy and have no mortgage and make a little money go a long ways.

Needless to say we did our research and booked our flights There are an amazing number to choose from anywhere from $275-500. Not that expensive for such a lush destination.

FINCA ROSA BLANCA COFFEE PLANTATION RESORT

We knew as soon as we saw photos of Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort that this was where we would begin our adventure. Just a 20 minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport; it gave us a good location to work out of that felt both private and rural but in the middle of a city of size.

The drive was easy and as we turned off the main road to get to the resort, everything looked beautiful, lush and green. The weather was perfect and we piled out of the car to go into the lobby to check in.

It was quirky, cute, comfortable and just perfect. We all clapped our hands as we knew we had made a great choice and we were going to be happy with the accommodations. We were checked in with efficiency and whisked upstairs with our bags to our unique rooms.

UNIQUE ROOMS WITH A CONNECTION TO NATURE

Every room is unique at the resort with it’s own bathroom design, furniture, artwork and views of the property. Our room was located at the back with a view across to the city that was lovely at night. A nice size deck with chairs provided the perfect gathering spot for an evening drink to enjoy sunsets.

Bathrooms were large and luxurious with soaker tubs situated for perfect views and lovely rain showers. We were very impressed with the attention to details and design of each space. This is a family run resort built by themselves over time and Glenn and his wife, Teri, have done a fantastic job.

In their own words, “they have focused for the last 30 years on the highest quality of service in the hospitality industry while offering authentic experiences with local flavor”. They encourage and support environmental consciousness and proactive sustainable practices.

They realize that the culture, environment and economy of their local community is fragile and requires a sustained commitment to ensure that they have a lasting positive impact and minimal footprint. They take it seriously because “it’s the right thing to do”.

FANTASTIC FOOD AND DRINKS AT FINCA ROSA BLANCA RESORT

In a word the food is fabulous! The team at El Tigre Vestido & Bar Búho are passionate about the culinary arts. Every day they visit Finca Rosa Blanca´s organic greenhouse and gardens to select the freshest ingredients for every dish they create.

The kitchen, along with Chef Jose Pablo Gonzales as creative director, has great knowledge of international cuisines that fuse beautifully with the tropical fruits and vegetables grown on property. The food is creative and honors the culinary traditions of Costa Rica.

Being in the mountains in Heredia means you can dine while enjoying spectacular views from the large outdoor terrace. Breakfasts are filled with the aroma of coffee freshly produced in their plantation and the eggs harvested daily from their happy hens.

THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING COSTA RICA

If you just want a lazy resort vacation at the property enjoying the grounds, the beautiful pool, the lush gardens and quiet spots to read, that is way OK. No judgement because the place is perfect for just those reasons.

If you want to kick it up a notch, the property helps you book all kinds of interesting tours. You can start by visiting the coffee plantation right there and learning all about the beans and processing techniques. BTW, they also serve coffee and homemade biscuits and cookies in the afternoon on the outdoor terrace.

If you are more into cultural things like me you might want to book the Our Authentic Costa Rica itinerary of the highlands which will share the experience of Costa Rican culture and history.  Your guides will take you on a magical journey through the colonial towns of Barva and Heredia.

You’ll see the sights, smells and sounds of the cuisine in the Heredia Central Market. You will meet the famous mask makers of Barva who still pass on the traditions of mask making for the community festivals. You will stop at the Museo de Cultura Popular which recreates Spanish colonial Costa Rica in a century-old farmhouse.

Want more excitement? They can book you a zip lining, rafting or volcano tour. I know right? Who knew you could do so much from one location in the capital of San Jose? Because we had a car we decided we wanted to get out and drive towards the pacific beach coast and get a feel for what that is like.

The drive was beautiful and the beach was even better. We also wanted to tour the rain forest. Costa Rica has done a super job of building arial tram tours. They have done it sustainably and it is a fun time to ride up to the landing and have a little lunch in the cafes.

They allow you plenty of time to walk around on the different paths and your chances for fabulous photos are endless. You will see birds, butterflies, snakes, frogs, flowers…the opportunities are limitless for what you might encounter.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON AMAZING THINGS ABOUT COSTA RICA

Did we think that things were as affordable as the barkeeps told us? Yes! The rents and prices on real estate were very affordable. Was it beautiful as promised? Absolutely! Was there terrific food and places to hang for drinks? Of course!

Are there fantastic things to do across the board no matter what your interests are? 😉 Nuf said! I can highly recommend anybody to visit Costa Rica and even if you don’t venture out into other areas, just enjoy the capital of San Jose.

Finca Rosa Blanca Resort will give you so many great things to do and see and you will get a good idea about Costa Rica just from visiting the central capital area. There are amazing things about Costa Rica that you will want to experience.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this great destination and are making your own plans to visit. Don’t miss Finca Rosa Blanca if staying in San Jose. You might want to read more blogs under Explore the World. Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you if you have been to Costa Rica and want to share some photos and memories with my readers OK? Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter