OUR FEATURED – CAPITAN SUIZO HOTEL

Capitan Suizo is an environmentally conscious and future oriented beach Hotel.

Capitan Suizo is located directly on the beach in a privileged area 1 km outside of town and at the end of the bay.

In the open-air beachfront ‘a la carte’ Restaurant, the chef Roland Brodscholl has been delighting the guests since the opening of the hotel with his fusion of European cuisine and tropical influence. A great deal of importance is given to fresh ingredients and cooking “a la minute”. Over the years, the Restaurant has gained a distinct reputation in the region. During some days of the week the restaurant offers live-entertainment with marimba music and folkloric dance groups. During the dry season the restaurant hosts BBQs and private candle light dinners on the beach.

The 7 bungalows, honeymoon bungalow, 22 rooms and the four-bedroom-suite are spacious, tastefully furnished and decorated. Some rooms have air conditioning and others are cooled by ceiling fans. All rooms benefit from a balcony or terrace, overlook tropical gardens and face towards the ocean. With a freeform swimming pool, an internet corner, a gift shop and a fenced in parking lot Capitan Suizo has everything you need to comfortable relax and enjoy your beach holidays

The Garden is our treasure!

The Hotel with its charming and relaxing atmosphere is set beneath native trees and nestled between rich gardens which attract and home a wide variety of wildlife. In each corner of the hotel one can observe the magnificent beauty of Costa Rica’s nature. Birds, howler monkeys, squirrels, gray iguanas, geckos, armadillos, skunks and raccoons are some of the animals that can be seen almost daily throughout the hotel’s garden.

With the ocean and the beach and all its fun activities in front of the doorstep, a spacious free form swimming pool, a fitness corner and wide selection of activities and tours to choose from both activity loving people and people looking for relaxation under the sun and in the water will feel in their element.

Furthermore the hotel’s internet corner and boutique add to the comfort of your stay and the plenty full services offered in town offer more shopping, dining, rentals, tours and the services listed in the link to your right.

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TAMARINDO THE HOUSE OF SURF

Guanacaste’s House of Surf takes its name from a tropical tree, one that produces a sweet and sour, sticky candy.

Up until just a couple of decades ago, Tamarindo was simply a small village of fishermen.  That is, until those fisherman began to notice how the big waves, which they struggled to take their boats out against, were attracting a new species of visitors. A type that came with long and colorful pieces of wood under their arms.

At first, only a few adventure seekers were aware of this “secret paradise”, but with time the secret spread throughout the planet and the influx increased dramatically.   So much so, that it suddenly became a constant parade of surfers coming and going.

Then, one day, many of those that came decided to tear up their return tickets and thus the town began to grow…

It turned out that it wasn’t only the Tamarindo fruit that was sticky. Tamarindo, the town developed a sort of magnetic effect that enticed all those who came to return, and others to simply never leave.

Little by little, the first hotels, restaurants and shops began to emerge and not much later all the other services that tourists and residents desire followed suit.

Today, Tamarindo (Tama to the locals) is one of the most dynamic and progressive coastal towns in Guanacaste, and during the last decade Tama has become renowned as one of the most desirable vacation destinations in Costa Rica.

This colorful and multicultural community has the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical coastal town.  This, added to its ample light sand beach, an influx of good-looking people and an active nightlife, closely resembles the typical idea that people conjure as “the tropical destination of their dreams”.

Within the same bay to the North and to the South of Tamarindo are Playa Grande and Playa Langosta.  These beaches are of worldwide biological importance as this is where the Leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs.  Near Tama, you can also find Diria, a small though formidable Wild Life Refuge that nature lover deeply enjoy.

The estuary that divides the bay and separates Tamarindo from Playa Grande also serves as an entrance to the mangroves and the great variety of fauna that populates them.

While the surf has been the main growth engine of Tamarindo, there are several other attractions that have accelerated its growth through tourism development.  Beyond the large variety of land tours available, Tama offers just about any aquatic activity imaginable, with especially great conditions for sport fishing.

Today the town has everything, from small B&Bs to large hotels.  From restaurants that offer typical local food to those that are very refined.  The town boasts art galleries, craft shops, a movie theater, spas and practically any service or benefit of a large city. Tamarindo is also famous for its dynamic nightlife, with an abundance of bars for all types and tastes and casinos in the surrounding areas.

What is there to do in Tamarindo?

In Tamarindo, the days are as long as the variety of things to do.

Surf: In Tama the ocean is generous and offers waves for both the experienced and the novice.  All you have to do is cross Main Street and you are at the beach, where you will find moderate waves ideal for beginners, while just a little to the North, Playa Grande and its powerful waves await the more experienced surfers.

Sport fishing:  Besides being a surfing paradise, the conditions are ideal for sport fishing. In the last decade Tamarindo has become famous for the record sized catches of large fish such as Tuna, Marlin and Sail Fish.

Day on the Beach: The beach life is very dynamic.  The extensive fine white sand beach coupled with the abundance of sunny days makes this beach one of the most frequented in Guanacaste.

Mangrove tour: A tour in the estuary that penetrates into the mysterious mangrove forest is a special experience where one can observe the incredible diversity of birds, reptiles and mammals.

Golf course by the sea: Golfers can enjoy two nearby golf courses: one at Reserva Conchal designed  by Robert Trent Jones and one at Hacienda Pinilla  (in the picture), designed by Mike Young.

Diriá Refuge: This wildlife refuge protects the last portion of cloudy tropical forest of the Nicoya Peninsula. The refuge also protects the birthplace of 3 important rivers.  In this refuge you can observe howler and whiteface monkeys as well as see deer, coatis, tepezcuintles or opossums, amongst many others.

Las Baulas National Park: This is one of the largest breeding grounds in the world for leatherback turtles. They arrive from October through March to lay their eggs and births can be seen from December through May. Sailing, horseback riding, snorkeling, diving and kayak tours are just some of the many other activities that can be enjoyed in the area.

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COSTA RICA A REAL UTOPIA

Every one of us is easily marveled at this small country inhabited by 5% of all the species in the planet.  We are enchanted with the beaches, the forests and the landscapes. But today I want to remind all of us of some of the other things that make Costa Rica very special, so much so, that they make Costa Rica totally different from any other place in the world.

The richness of Costa Rica is not only its physical nature, but even more so, its moral nature.

The decisions made by this country over the last 8 decades should be emulated and held as good examples of the decisions that the world should be making today.

What am I talking about?
- Costa Rica generates over 90% of their electrical power from renewable sources.

- Costa Rica is already working to achieve becoming carbon neutral in the near future.

- There are only a very few countries with an irreproachable record for human rights.

- Costa Rica believes so deeply in peace that it completely demilitarized itself 60 years ago, making it the only country without a military support out of all 198 countries on all 7 continents.(There are other countries without military, but private citizen are trained in armed forces or they pay for army services from other countries).

- Costa Rica is the only country with almost 30% of their land environmentally protected (counting state and private preserves).

Protecting its forests, using renewable energy sources and stopping the emission of carbon gas, are the exact actions that the planet needs to have an opportunity to heal itself from the excess Co2 currently ailing our ecosystem. Let’s forget for a minute the economic situation as global warming continues to persist regardless of our present finances.

In a world of conflict and environmental risk, Costa Rica has a message that the world should pay attention to.  This small country possesses a wisdom that is very relevant to the current times.

This nation has created a rhythm of life all its own and a unique manner to live and feel life.  Has managed to remain stable, with internal peace and even to be a peace mediator in neighboring conflicts. This country has learned to respect nature and make wise use of its resources. This country where a large portion of its citizens feel that their existence is something Pura Vida (the best of life), is truly…a very unique country.  Costa Rica’s ideals and values are that of a utopia that has been made a reality.

Costa Rica is a 100% real utopia.

The dream of many is that we continue to take care of, and hopefully improve all that makes this country unique.  As tourists or as residents, we are invited to help preserve this jewel called Costa Rica.

That, looks like a more uncertain utopia, but I consider that this too, is possible.
Costa Rica has already demonstrated that when it’s time to make key decisions, it knows how to think intelligently. It knows how to think with a strong vision for what is best for the future of the country and entire planet.

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BIRD WATCHING

Bird watching is one of the most popular ecotourism activities worldwide and Costa Rica is a favorite destination, like a top ten for those who love to watch birds in their natural Habitat.

Counting its permanent residents and the seasonal visitors, this small country shelters a total of some 870 bird species.  As a means of comparison, this is a greater variety of birds than what one could see in the United States and Canada combined, countries with a total surface equivalent to 383 times the size of Costa Rica.

In this small tropical country with such high bird population density one can enjoy several different ecosystems in the same day.  This includes tropical rain forests, cloud or dry forests, coastlines, mountains, plains, mangroves or marshes, each with a different array of feathery residents.

What is needed for their observation?

To get started with this activity all you need is a pair of binoculars and a good dose of curiosity. Having an illustrated guide of the birds of the area will help you to better understand what it is that you are watching. If photography is your thing, a tripod and a good zoom lens will be very useful.

When?

The ideal time is early in the morning when there is more wildlife activity.  Another good time is immediately after a rain which can be even more magnificent if the sun comes out shortly after. This is when the birds will come out in search of light to dry their feathers and also to take advantage of the new food that fell from the trees or that came out from their underground hiding places.

How should one observe them?

Always silently with slow movements and from a prudent distance. It is best to get settled in a comfortable place and to try to go unnoticed.  Always wear clothes that are not brightly colored and can be camouflaged by the surrounding environment because bird’s eyes are very sensitive to colors.  It is very helpful to erect a bird watching blind or camouflaged wall in front of you.  Another key detail is to know how to listen because the songs are the first indicator of the birds location.  If possible, go with a local guide.

Where?

Bird watching can be practiced everywhere, even in the garden of your home. Each ecosystem offers something special:  The river banks have excellent visibility and variety; the forests on the other hand offer more interaction and sightings of exotic species, while the coastal areas are ideal for those who appreciate the grandeur of birds in flight.

In Guanacaste the more highly recommended sites are the Palo Verde National Park, The Biological Reserve of Lomas de Barbudal and the forests of the Tenorio and Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes.

Other sites of great ornithological interest in Costa Rica are the Cerro de la Muerte located south of San Jose, the Carara National Park south of Puntarenas, the Caño Negro Biological Preserve near the border with Nicaragua, the Monteverde area which is northeast of San Jose and the Tortuguero area in the Caribbean zone.

What species of birds can you watch in Costa Rica?

The array is very ample including several species of falcons, hummingbirds, parrots, herons, macaws, ducks, hawks, kingfishers, caracaras, thrushes, woodpeckers, turkey hens, plovers, mot mots, turtledoves, seagulls, owls, storks, swifts, cardinals, toucans and trogons, among many others.

Allow yourself to be guided by your curiosity and be surprised by the natural art present in the shapes, colors and plumage of the Costa Rican avifauna and by the melodic concerts that fill the corners of our country with each sunrise.

Did you know?

Each year some 5 billion migratory birds pass through Costa Rica.



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GO GREEN – DOKA STATE COFFEE TOUR

GO GREEN – DOKA STATE COFFE TOUR, The first coffee tour in Costa Rica to receive the certificate CST level 4.

The country has managed to create environmental awareness by promoting the tourism industry towards a management approach aimed at environmental sustainability, and this has contributed to a positive impact to enhance the offerings in sustainable tourism, expanding in turn green options for all travelers. Costa Rica can offer tourists trips where compensation clean carbon and Reduction of measures to mitigate carbon dioxide and of course this action creates a positive impact on global warming, helping the promotion of a sustainable tourism awareness where environmentally responsible options help transform the tourism, culture, rebuild and protect the beauty of our Costa Rica.

DOKA STATE has chosen the path green or corporate philanthropy in our industry to improve its offer and business reputation, being recognized as the first tour of coffee to receive CST certification level 4.

THE DOKA ESTATE COFFEE TOUR is located in the coffee capital of Costa Rica, Sabanilla, Alajuela. The farm belongs to the Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers of coffee production for more than 70 years.

The main objective of the Coffee Tour is to educate and inform the local and international population with regard to the whole production process as well as the processing of coffee. The tour takes place on the Doka Estate, where you can learn about the production, the harvesting, the processing plant and the roasting of the grain.

Costa Rica has a large variety of microclimates and altitudes within short distances. This route explains how the different climatic factors favor the taste of our coffee. Guided by an expert, the visitors will receive extensive information, which will make this activity an incomparable experience.

• The tour begins in the seedbed. There you will observe and be explained the development process of the plant up to the point of recollection of the ripe grain. You will also learn about the history of the estate, its owners, the production and varieties of plants, the geography of the area and the traditional ways of cultivating the grain.

• The second station is the oldest humid coffee processing plant, declared to be an Architectural Heritage for Humanity in 2003, that works by hydraulic power. In the receiver you can see the first classification of the grains, afterwards the process of de-pulping of first and second quality coffee takes place in the grinders.

• Next, the natural honey of the grain is cut in the fermentation tanks and a process is carried out that is significant to the taste of the coffee. The coffee that has been dried in the Guardiola or on the patios under the sun, is stored in the warehouse. This grain is ready to be peeled, and then exported or roasted in the country.

• Finally, the roasting plant Café Tres Generaciones is visited, where you will be explained and can observe the different types of roasts that are offered.

• Once the tour is over, a visit is made to the Doka Estate souvenir shop, where you can find the coffee packed in sealed bags. You can also find pieces made by Costa Rican craftsmen.

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OUR FEATURED GOLF COURSE “RESERVA CONCHAL CLUB AND SPA”

The unique and exclusive Reserva Conchal Club and Spa, was designed by Costa Rican renowned architect Antonio Cardona, of San José. This roomy 60,000 ft2 (5,500 m2) club is undoubtedly the resort’s hub of activity, a central gathering place for dining and relaxing, exercising and tanning, socializing and entertaining.

A contemporary Swimming Pavilion of a 200 feet (60 meter) pool connects the restaurant and spa section of the facility. A variety of beach activities are offered, including kayaks, jet skis, kite and windsurfing, sailing, pedal boats and wakeboarding. Scuba and snorkeling trips, fishing excursions and canopy tours can also be arranged here, and the concierge is always happy to accommodate special requests from members and guests. A professionally staffed and fully equipped medical center is also located within the Club.

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GOLF AROUND THE GULF

10 years ago, golf courses did not exist in Guanacaste or the Gulf of Papagayo. Today there are various, at a world-class levels. Golf as a sport has experienced strong growth, and in this area of northern Costa Rica it has been received like a guest of honor.Golf was born somewhere on the east coast of Scotland at the beginning of the 15th century, where shepherds used to entertain themselves by hitting little round pebbles with sticks until they were able to make them arrive at an improvised goal. With time those shepherds and others that followed them continued perfecting the game and introduced the first basic rules.

The first written document which makes reference to golf is an act decreed in 1457 by King James II of Scotland, which set hours for the practicing of golf so that people would not be  playing during times that they should be dedicated to other more important tasks.

Years later, golf became all the rage among the London aristocracy and upper middle class. At first, ladies and gentlemen played in full dress at the very heart of the city, but given that the glass in doors and windows, and even passers-by became frequent target of wayward balls, the authorities had to intervene, forcing enthusiasts to play only in open fields. Suddenly, the first golf course arose and more precise rules for the game were established. They improved the balls and the clubs by adding different metal bases to the clubs in order to be able to hit the balls at a greater or lesser distance and improve the trajectories. The goal became a hole, in which the ball had to enter after a fixed number of hits.

Already by the mid-18th century, golf was professionalizing as a sport with the birth of the first associations such as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (1744), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (1754), and the Royal Blackheath (1766), Through these associations, the practice organized itself and the first official rules became established. In those years, golf was considered a sport of the aristocracy and its practice was almost exclusively reserved for a select elite until the beginning of the 20th century.

Today it continues to be considered as a sport with class, but with mass acceptance, suitable for all ages and social groups, and is practiced by millions around the world. It has a strong media presence with dozens of magazines, web sites, video games and even television channels dedicated 100% to golf. It is an industry that moves millions of dollars annually and its popularity is continuing to rise. In 2005, there were close to 32,000 golf courses in the world. Only two years later the number is close to 34,500. Personalities such as the United States golfer Tiger Woods and the Mexican Lorena Ochoa, are equal in popularity to the most famous football or tennis players. In the last few years, golf has begun to occupy a fundamental role in the stability and prosperity of the tourist industry at a global level. Golf courses act as a starting point in the development of luxurious complexes that include hotels, spas, residences and all the infrastructure and services that come with them.

Golf in Guanacaste

Guanacaste and the Gulf of Papagayo in particular, is experiencing first hand this development associated with golf. There are now four golf courses in the region (and there are plans for more) and all of them have been accompanied by new hotel and residential infrastructure. The golf clubs of the Fours Seasons, Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal are for the exclusive use of their guests, while the Papagayo Golf & Country Club is the only course open to the general public.
Although the country’s oldest golf course, the Costa Rica Country Club, founded in the 40s, is found in the central valley, Guanacaste is currently the province with the most golf courses in all of Costa Rica.
The modern courses of Guanacaste, are all less than 10 years old and have been designed to minimize the environmental impact and subjected to the strict current regulations for these types of projects. The result has been world class courses in incredible natural surroundings. The Four Seasons Resort and its golf course, has recently received a certification of sustainability from the ICT (Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) making it the best-ranked five-star hotel in the country. This is plain to see as each part of the complex is subtly and harmonically integrated into its surroundings. For its part, the Papagayo Golf & Country Club has received an ecological distinction from the Out of Bounds Society in recognition of its wildlife-friendly design.
Ten years ago, the area in which the Papagayo Golf Club is located, was used for grazing cattle introduced after a sustained deforestation. The first step taken to restore this zone was the reforestation of the area with more than 5,000 native trees. They developed mechanisms to take advantage of rain water and chose grass with lower water needs while the residences of the complex were planned with high environmental standards. Today it is common to find yourself face to face in the middle of the fairway with howler monkeys, coatis or raccoons that have returned to make this their home. This is exactly what is happening in a similar manner on other courses in the area.
The abundant nature, combined with world-class surroundings and services have made these courses a unique experience.  This is one of the things that make each game of golf in this area unique and unrepeatable; something different to what we find on any other course in the world. This is exactly what has attracted professionals such as Fred Couples or Jesper Parnevik, as well as various international stars of the screen, music and sport, who frequently choose Guanacaste as a place to treat themselves to a special game. The two courses in the Gulf of Papagayo are found less than 30 minutes from the airport and are only a  couple of hours flight from Miami.



Of these 4, Papagayo Golf Club is the only one open for public.

If you are already and expert golfer or if you want to start learning, this is the right place for you.  The Papagayo Golf & Country Club offers personalized classes for beginners or for those looking to perfect their shots, and as part of their plan to integrate with the local community, they offer free teaching for local children up to the age of 14 on Saturdays.
As a famous golfer once said,
”Great golf starts with a great grip”
So, grab your clubs and come to play!

We’ll see you at the 18t.

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