Page 99 - ATHENS RIVIERA 2024

ΤHE “RICH COAST”
ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL Although it takes up just 0.03% of the
escape globe, the Central American country is
home to 6% of the planet’s biodiversity,
from birds of paradise to striking
P ura vida.” Pure life. The humidity which creates a very wet fog, like walking SHUTTERSTOCK Spanish colonial architecture.
plants in scenery filled with waterfalls,
forests and National Parks. Top, the
Arenal volcano. Bottom, middle, the
capital, San Jose featuring elements of

inside a cloud. It is a must-visit, but bring a water-
country of five million
proof long-sleeved jacket. It will also help avoid
that has protected tropical
mosquitos, ticks and fleas.
forest covering one-fourth
of its area calls itself “rich
Taking inspiration from the residents’ lifestyle,
coast” – Costa Rica – and
advocates a way of life that
experiences, direct contact with nature, in full co-
leaves a lasting impression
operation – including international hospitality
brands – “green” regulations, legislation and sus-
on every visitor. Colorful, joyful, vibrant, the scenery the hospitality industry is opening up to wellness
sometimes welcomes visitors into tranquility and tainability initiatives are implemented throughout,
sometimes inspires awe with its diversity and wild such as visitor education, carbon offsetting, water
beauty. Against this backdrop live five million resi- recycling, and the Certification for Sustainable
dents, with three million travelers visiting each year. Tourism. Among the finest accommodation op-
tions are the Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat,
pure life centered around wellbeing and natural volcanic
Ask anyone who has attempted to convey the deep- springs, the Four Seasons Costa Rica, which pro-
er meaning of “pura vida” in words, and they will vides world-leading hospitality, and the Hotel El
say they cannot do it precisely. Yes, it has to do with Silencio del Campo, with its unique architecture
living in the now. Close to nature. Opening up, co- and views of the Arenal volcano.
existing, being in touch with your inner desires. And
yet, these definitions are not enough and could never visitor tips
be, these people would reply, if your bare feet have For those planning to visit Coast Rica for the first
not touched the soil of this blessed country, if you time, the more experienced elucidate that there are,
have not smelled the canopy of its dense forests after in essence, two and simplicity. With the public and
the rain, and if you have not exchanged smiles with private sectors seasons: the rainy season and the
its people. The energy of this place is unforgettable. dry season, with the latter more popular but the
former more interesting to adventure aficionados
the celebration of nature – and cheaper. Whichever you prefer, make sure
Endless skies, virgin forests and dreamy shores are you take with you a quality raincoat just in case, as
among the more than 100 protected areas of natural well as light long-sleeved t-shirts and long trousers
beauty and biodiversity you can explore, as well as at for your excursions to areas with a lot of insects.
least 300 different beaches. As for flora and fauna, It’s a good idea to rent a car to enjoy full freedom
the list is huge, and the interactions with the various of movement and because mass transportation is
species magical. For example, butterfly lovers will limited. If you have time (we recommend at least
find here 10% of all the species in the world. Nature two weeks) and want to experience a less well-known
heals, “pura vida” seems to say. Indeed, nature has side of the country, the east coast on the Caribbe-
blessed Costa Rica with impossibly green, dense an comes with the promise of quieter beaches and
forests that host 6.5% of the planet’s biodiversity, a culture that is even more unique. For authentic
and stunning landscapes of almost every description. flavors, do not miss the chance to sample casados
Tamarindo village is a great choice for lovers of the lunches with meat, rice, beans and banana plan-
ocean, with its friendly beach bars and surfing fa- tains, as well as authentic lizano sauce, olla de carne
cilities. The capital, San Jose, combines historical and the fantastic tamales, a local street food. Visit
past, nightlife and excellent museums, such as the beer microbreweries such as the Costa Rica Craft
Children’s Discovery Museum and the exhilarat- Brewing Company and BriBri Springs Brewery, and
ing Tech Interactive. Arenal volcano is considered certainly one or more coffee plantations, since the
one of the most impressive on the globe due to country boasts a prominent spot in the rankings
its shape and surrounding landscape – but those of exceptional coffee worldwide. We recommend
who do not manage to travel all the way there have Fuego Coffee Roasting Co in Dominical, and the
an alternative in the Poás Volcano National Park, Café de Monteverde coffee tour, which will reveal
just an hour and a half from the capital. It is worth fascinating secrets of coffee. Costa Rica is not just
mentioning the unique phenomenon of the cloud a magical destination. It is pure life distilled into
forest (also called a fog-forest) at Monteverde, to an approach to the art of hospitality that has a lot
the northwest. It is a unique ecosystem with 100% to teach. 

098