
A wonderful view of a Costa Rican waterful courtesy of Rainforest Tours
Hello Fellow travelers. I’m Marie O’Mara with Honeymoons.com and today we are going to the rainforest so grab that bikini and your hiking boots cause were about to explore the natural and gorgeous wonders of the land of Costa Rica. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Marie O’Mara, host of Travels with Marie and Chief Romance officer at Honeymoons.com. Not only have I been an event and wedding planning for over 15 years I also work closely with couples to ensure they not only have the wedding of their dreams, but also the honeymoon of a life time.

Nature Air Flying About the Costa Rica Coastline
Today we are going to the popular and exotic Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a country in Central America that is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east giving this country quite a bit of diversity and wonderful beaches.
Costa Rica, which translates literally as “Rich Coast” has been climbing the charts of must see destinations of the world. With the COSTA RICAN government announcing plans for Costa Rica to become the FIRST country to become a carbon neutral by 2021, there is no doubt they are ahead of their time. What is even more incredible is that According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is said to be the “greenest” country in the world.

One of the amazing waterfalls on the property of the Pacuare Lodge
One of the best things about Costa Rica is their people and their climate. Costa Ricans are friendly, easygoing, and always try to make you feel right at home. With the countries literacy rate at 94% and a per capita income double that of the regional average, it makes this country a quite enviable place to reside throughout Latin America.
Like all Latin American countries, Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, but other denominations are found throughout the country. Its Population is over 4 million and the native Language is Spanish. However don’t be surprised to hear other languages such as English, French, Italian, and German throughout the tourist areas.
What’s most amazing about this tropical refuge is its ideal year-round moderate and comfortable climate of 72 degrees in the highlands, while the lowlands and coastal areas range from 70’s to high 90’s. Evenings in San Jose are free of humid heat, and beaches are cooled by ocean breezes.
Like any tropical climate they have a Rainy season that varies by areas and coast, and although many people have the misconception that their “rainy season”, is comparable to “monsoon like” conditions, Nothing could be further from the truth. You can normally be assured of sunny mornings followed by some rain in the afternoons and evenings, and even plenty of days without rain.

A suite at the Pacuare Lodge
Of course Costa Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world and it’s not uncommon to see bumper stickers proclaiming that “Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee” and due to its geographical location and climate, Costa Rica has a wealth of fruits and vegetables that translate into a unique Costa Rican flavor.
The basic staples of the Costa Rican diet are: rice, beans and tortillas, which consist primarily of corn. The ingredients used by Costa Rican cooks include simple native food, such as chayotes, avocados, and the ever present corn. And what is better yet is that you can drink their water! It is pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country.
The Costa Rican monetary unit is the Colon and be sure not to be TEMPTED TO EXCHANGE MONEY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY BEFORE DEPARTING, you will get a much better rate once you arrive. It is Easy to get to Costa Rica and although most Costa Ricans do not own cars, public transportation is quite good and there is a large number of affordable taxis, and make a note that Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. Speaking of tipping a 10% charge is normally added at a restaurant so if you leave a little extra you will get even better service.

A Handsupacked Couple Enjoying a day with the locals.
You will want to dress the tone of the country which is casual - it is not necessary to dress up to go to the theater or to dinner. Comfortable and lightweight is best. In the higher elevations like San Jose, the volcanoes, or Monteverde, temperatures are cool and sweaters or light jackets are a must.
I would, although I never do, suggest you pack lightly!! One or two swim suits , lightweight hiking boots, a walking or athletic shoe, plastic or waterproof sandals or river shoes, insect repellant - at least 75% DEET, sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40, hat or cap, sunglasses, binoculars, YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA, film is very expensive, check batteries in camera, poncho or rain gear, light jacket or sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San Jose. A great side note, pack Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and for wet clothing.

A view of the Pacuare Main Lodge.
Lets get our show started…..and our first stop is one of my favorites. The Pacuare Lodge which is actively managed by Costa Rica’s premier adventure tour operator Costa Rica Nature Adventures. In Harmony With Nature The Pacuare Lodge was built with a minimum impact on the river and rainforest site where it is located. Lanterns and candles provide light, as there is no electricity at the lodge. No trees were cut to build the bungalows and main lodge. Lumber was purchased from a sustainable reforestation project operated by small farmers. The roofs are made from palm leaves and the Maximum accommodation capacity at the Pacuare Lodge is 38 with double occupancy, or 57 with triple occupancy. So the property has an intimate feel.

Your room at night at the Pacuare Lodge!
Luz will tell us the entire lodge experience from the new suites, the future plans for the lodge, their extensive wine cellar, the amazing cuisine and more. They will also share with us how actively involved with the local communities they are and how important it is for them. They will discuss they cultural experience they offer guests and why the Pacuare Lodge makes a great family vacation too!

Your adventure to the Pacuare Lodge begins. With 6 fellow passengers you disembark down the Pacuare River to the lodge. You will find yourself quick to become acquainted with your rafting team and are guaranteed to enjoy this amazing ride.
My favorite is the honeymoon special with the commemorative plague after a hike to the waterfall…be sure to listen for this! Contact information for lodge is: www.Thepacuarelodge.com

Nature Air on the move!
We will talk with the world’s First Certified Carbon Neutral Airline! Since 2004, Nature Air has been the first airline to compensate for 100% of its carbon emissions from flight operations. They do this thru a locally certified compensation program, certified by the government and international third party auditors. Nature Air has chosen to support reforestation and conservation programs to help combat the impacts of deforestation in Costa Rica.

The Nature Air Team About to Take Off!
They will now tell travelers why they must Fly Nature Air…….and we will Welcome Claire Saylor from Nature Air. They will share where they fly in Costa Rica, how travelers flying into the San Jose International airport easily come to the NatureAir airport, why they started a carbon neutral program and what benefits they have seen to the environment since NatureAir started carbon offsetting. They will also share news about their own travel agency, Nature Vacations! www.naturevacations.com.

Hands Unpacked!
We want to move on now to another wonderful way to give back and take care of the environment and each other is a new company called Hands Unpacked. Hands Unpacked designs custom experiential travel programs for corporate groups, schools and volunteer vacations enthusiasts looking to develop their understanding of foreign cultures while providing service to those in need. Their programs teach cross-cultural education by blending volunteer service with meaningful cultural exchange and fun.

Hands Unpacked with the locals
Hands Unpacked also specializes in Honeyteers, honeymoons that combine volunteer service with a romantic getaway.
Hands Unpacked was created by a veteran traveler who has globe-trotted across five continents, 50 countries, and 45 states. Her adventures have found her being paid to tour the U.S. from coast to coast with her favorite rock band, eating termites off trees in Central America, sleeping in a Bolivian hotel made of salt, leaping from a plane at 20,000 feet over New Zealand and fighting a sandstorm in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. She has been jet-setting since she was less than a year old and comes from a family that spans four continents. Let’s welcome Lynn Spreadbury!

Hands Unpacked
Our next guest will leave you excited to take your next shower and rushing to the phone to order her products . TNG, totally nude girl products are innovative and healthy shower essentials that are not only good for you, but also for the planet.

The Muff Buff
Their COMMITMENTS:
- Safe, non-toxic natural and organic fair trade ingredients.
- No artificial colors, fragrances or preservatives.
- Tested on totally nude girls, never on animals.
- Truth in labeling with no greenwashing.
- 10% of EVERY online sale of EVERY product EVERY day goes to charity.
Muff Buff, like the other TNG PRODUCTS is made with completely organic vegan ingredients that are sourced from fair-trade suppliers who pay a fair wage to the growers world-wide. They use no animal products, no sodium laurel sulfates, it’s safe, nontoxic, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and has no artificial colors, fragrances, chemicals, preservatives, detergents or animal products. And, they don’t test on amimals, we test on totally nude girls. TNG uses a philanthropic business model and we give 10% of the sale of all of our products at our webstore to charity. See my site for more details on my charity and other products at www.tngproducts.com

The LIPSG Vitamin C Pads
Since we are on beauty and skin care, lets see what else we need to pack for our next trip to Costa Rica and lets Welcome Melissa Colletti a physicians Assistant at the Atheistic center at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group. These easy to use pads contain gentle cleansing agents, green tea antioxidant, and the most potent and stable form of Vitamin C antioxidant, L-ascorbic Acid. The antioxidants brighten, tone, and tighten the skin, and most importantly, protect against free radicals; which cause cellular damage and pre-mature aging. The cleansing agents will gently remove dirt and oil while prepping the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. Using these pads daily will help keep your skin healthy and appear more youthful! Contact the www.LIPSG.com

Artura Napoles enjoying a waterfall
My next guest was born in Havana, Cuba and left shortly after the revolution in 1961 and came to the U.S. He has lived in the US and Spain and has spent the last fifteen years in Costa Rica. Clients were what landed him Costa Rica and there he got to know the people as well as the country. After falling in love with Costa Rica he bought a Bed and Breakfast in Moravia and founded Rain Forest Tours, one of the first agencies in the country to be 100% virtual.
Rain Forest Tours is a locally owned and operated full service tour operator that has been a leading authority on Costa Rica tours and travel since 1997. They specialize in providing customized, high quality, culturally & environmentally responsible itineraries for independent travelers and special interest groups to Costa Rica. Their sole purpose is to offer our clients an unforgettable vacation experience. He is going to share his extensive knowledge of the country and his experience with thousands of clients over the years with us today. Lets welcome our next guest Arturo Napoles.

Arturo Napoles
Arturo will describe the overall experience of visiting Costa Rica, what should couples expect to see in this amazing country, the wonderful beaches and what types of adventures and excursions can you expect to see there. He will tell us about his website and what got him started and some safety tips to consider when traveling to Costa Rica. Arturo is committed to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel, with the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

A photo from our friends at Rainforest Tours and Info.
He will also share some of his personal favorites and give us the singular best piece of advice you can give someone thinking about coming to Costa Rica.
Be sure to visit his website at www.rainforesttours.com
Last and certainly not least we are going to hear from one of The Leading Hotels of the, The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort.
This magical place, a place where Water, Fire, Air and Earth converge to treat its visitors to the exquisite pampering of Mother Nature’s embrace this five-star resort located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, in the northern region of Costa Rica. This three-time World Travel Awards recipient and three-leaf Sustainable Tourism Certificate holder offers 114 luxurious accommodations along with a quaint tropical environment and luxurious settings.

Tabacon Thermal Springs
TABACÓN GRAND SPA THERMAL RESORT is proud to announce they are a
Certified carbon neutral resort as of May 2009 and the first hotel in the world to receive the Seven Stars and Stripes “green” certificate, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is at the forefront of Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts.

The Grand Spa At Tabacon
The resort has updated guest rooms and swimming pool areas, a rainforest-set spa ranked one of the “10 Best Eco-Spas in the World” by Concierge.com, and views of the “live” Arenal volcano. Tabacón is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Leading Spas of the World, and Healing Hotels of the World and the recipient of three-leaf designation for Sustainable Tourism. A repeat winner of Luxury SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Spa in Central America” and “Top Ten Mineral Spring Spas in the World,” and the newest Spa Magazine and Travel + Leisure World Travel Awards Best Hotel Spas award-winner for “Best in Central America,” The Grand Spa has 11 outdoor treatment bungalows, Yoga studio, and a menu of indigenous treatments including Watsu in outdoor thermal river pools and Volcanic Mud Wraps.

The View of the Arenal Volcano from the swimming pool at Tabacon
The Spa, also noted as a “great value” by Travel + Leisure, features a three-unit Temazcal surrounded by the energy of the nearby Arenal volcano. The 114-room resort’s cuisine is an unusual blend of Ayurveda, spa, Mexican and Costa Rican influences. The signature Gala Dinner is served in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef and server. Nearby activities include nature tours, hanging bridges, ziplining, canyoning, and hiking to the volcano
Let’s welcome Zuley from the Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal resort! She will tell us about this wonderful hotel, where it is, how you can get to this hotel, what makes your hotel so unique, and will describe the spa and services. www.tabacon.com

Tabacon Honeymoon Suite

Tabacon Gala Dinner