Luxury and Adventure in Costa Rica

If you are like many couples, a period of intense relaxation right after your wedding is definitely in order. You'd prefer not to lift a finger, move a muscle or worry where to find an excellent dinner. But, while this is appealing, you might find yourselves a bit antsy after a few days, and you'd like to get out and about, try new experiences, get a bit dirty, and still have a great lodge to return to in the evening. If this sounds like your idea of a honeymoon – read on!

You'll start by flying into the town of...

Liberia in northern Costa Rica. After a short 45 minute drive in an air-conditioned 4x4, you'll arrive at the new Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Undoubtedly the most luxurious and full service resort Costa Rica has seen to date, the property offers the international caliber experience you are hoping for as you embark on your honeymoon – gorgeous rooms, world class dining, exceptional levels of service, and facilities at your fingertips including two beaches, a full spa, and an Arnold Palmer signature golf course, among others.

Your days here will be lazy...

if you want them to be. Or, when the urge sets in, take to the seas on a picturesque catamaran, raft down a gentle river, visit volcanic thermal springs, or hike to a waterfall. But after a few days, you feel it's time to transition, to feel a bit more immersed in the natural environment. It's time to move to the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica's last bastion of true jungle wilderness.

To reach Osa from the north, you'll fly to San Jose, where you'll stay overnight in the charming Grano de Oro Hotel. An early evening with a terrific dinner in their restaurant is in order, because your flight to Osa leaves bright and early tomorrow! If you'd like to explore the Central Valley, it's easy to add another day or two to this location.

You'll feel the excitement as you watch the scenery en route to...

Osa. First you'll cross the mountains, then you'll follow the coastline south, and finally the rugged peninsula and its wild shoreline will captivate you. When you arrive, the first adventure will be the journey to your lodge – the roads on the peninsula are not developed (and in many cases barely exist), so get ready! Your driver will be using that 4-wheel drive.

Ah, but it's worth it when you arrive at...

Lapa Rios Lodge. Terraced into a hillside and set among the trees, this fine eco-oriented lodge is about as luxurious as it gets in the middle of the jungle. Your bungalow is waiting, and as you relax on your terrace you spot 3 of the 4 species of Costa Rica's monkeys, without having left the lodge! This is going to be exciting.

The Osa Peninsula offers so much – there is an excellent network of trails, and to reach the beach, there is an enjoyable 20 minute hike. Pack a picnic lunch from the lodge and enjoy your own stretch of beach away from humanity. Or, go deep sea fishing one day, stopping at an orchid garden on the way home. Do a bit of craft shopping in a nearby community. Explore the many waterfalls in the area, or try to spot a jaguar on a night hike. And when the day is done, go for a dip in Lapa Rios' pool, enjoy a fine dinner by candlelight, and retire to your bungalow, listening to the romantic sounds of the jungle by night.

Finally it's time for this unique and enjoyable journey to end. You'll have a morning flight to San Jose, connecting to your flight back home. But now you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and richer for all of the experiences you've had and discoveries you've made in Costa Rica together.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those seeking the maximum amount of luxury they can have while enjoying the ruggedness Costa Rica offers. Couples who enjoy a variety of experiences. Adventurers who value pampering at the beginning and off-the-beaten-path locations later on.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those seeking 5-star luxury through the entire trip will need to temper their expectations in the jungle (or avoid it altogether). Those who need to be near a city our town environment. Those who don't want to see insects – Costa Rica offers a jungle environment and 6-legged creatures are part of the ecosystem.