Costa Rica Travel and Vacation

Image taken on 2006-04-06 08:45:25 by g-na.

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Buying a second home is often done for recreation but here is one that will make you money as well and could make you a lot of money and were talking beautiful beach front property thats affordable and its easy to do with this concept.

The concept

Imagine having your own beach front second home at up to 70% less than in say Florida, in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, but even better:

An asset that can appreciate at up to 30% per annum or more and you can gain great rental income as well.

So you have a safe investment to grow increase wealth and you can enjoy it to!

The reality

Well the above is a reality, if you buy where record numbers of Americans are – Costa Rica.

Consider this:

A $30,000 property bought near the popular resort of Jaco just 15 years ago is worth as much as $750,000 today and there are bargains still to be had near expanding resorts.

Costa Rica is just a 3 hour flight from the southern US and its no wonder buying and investment is at record levels.

Costa Rica is small but beautiful with magnificent ocean views towering volcanoes rain forest and is quite simply stunning and has all the amenities and recreation you could want.

World class fishing, rainforest tours, casinos are legal great restaurants and much more, its all here in your second home just a 3 hour flight from the US.

Live the dream and own your own slice of paradise.

Prices in new resorts are simply far cheaper than the US and although the standard of living is high, you can easily live comfortably on just $2,000 a month.

Imagine all the above at a price you can afford.

Turning the dream to reality

Not only is Costa Rica beautiful, it’s safe, stable, serious crime is rare and the country actively encourages foreign buyers, so the buying process is easy.

You can get all this to enjoy and don’t forget this doubles as an investment so can make you wealthy as well.

1. You get cheap affordable beach front property

2. You get an asset rising at 30% or more per annum

3. You can take advantage of the booming rental market for more income

4. You get the same rights as residents and buying is easy

5. You get a quality lifestyle at affordable cost

6. Its close to the US and has strong ties

7. Your investment is highly tax efficient

So forget over priced US property and look a little way south and you can have your own affordable slice of paradise.

Dreams

Imagine a round of golf in beautiful surrounding world class fishing, or maybe a relaxing rainforest walk and then going home to a beautiful property with stunning views of pristine beaches.

Turn them into to reality

Well don’t imagine this second home turn it into reality and see what Costa Rica has to offer.

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Image taken on 2006-03-14 16:07:37 by obooble.

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If you choose Costa Rica as your next vacation destination you have many options open to you when it comes to finding ways to travel to Costa Rica. The name is Spanish for “rich coast’ and Costa Rica is rich in beaches, culture and attractions.
 
If you want to fly to Costa Rica, you can fly into one of two airports. The Juan Santamaria Airport is located in close proximity to the capital city of San Jose as well as the cities of Alajuela and Heredia. At this airport you will find a selection of duty-free shops, souvenir shops and bookstores. There are a few restaurants and fast food establishments, such as MacDonald’s and Burger King. Some of the airlines that serve this airport include:
 
* American Airlines
 
* Continental Airlines
 
* Delta Airlines
 
* Frontier Airlines
 
* Air Caraibes
 
* Iberia
 
* Thomas Cook
 
* Mexicana Airlines
 
* Spirit Airlines
 
* United Airlines
 
* US Airways and
 
* Air Canada.
 
Non-stop service is available to Costa Rica from major cities in the US, from Toronto and Montreal in Canada and from European cities, such as:
 
* Frankfurt, Germany
 
* Madrid, Spain
 
* Bogota, Columbia
 
* Mexico City, Mexico
 
* Lima, Peru, and
 
all parts of Central America. The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport is located in Liberia in the Guanacaste province close to the Pacific Northwest coast. Many airlines serve this airport from major cities in the US and Canada.
 
You can travel to Costa Rica by car by way of the Panameican Highway. The country shares the northern border with Nicaragua and you pass through the border checkpoint at Penas Blancas. On the southern border with Panama, you pass through the border at Pasa Canoas. Along the way, you will pass through many small towns and villages, so you do have to very cognizant of the speed limit in these areas. There are random police checks for seat belts because it is against the law to drive without wearing a seat belt in Costa Rica. Most of the roads in Costa Rica are not paved and some are in such a terrible state that it could take you quite a while to travel even a short distance.
 
Buses run from Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala and there is an extensive network across the country with reasonable bus fares. Although the buses do depart on schedule, they often take longer than expected to reach their destinations. It is quite safe to travel by bus to get to Costa Rica and even if you don’t speak Spanish you won’t have any difficulties.
 
A ferry travels to Costa Rica twice a day, usually in the mornings, from Los Chiles in Nicaragua. The cost is very inexpensive. There are also small cruise ships that carry about a 100 passengers from Panama to Costa Rica. These ships visit all the popular tourist attractions and national parks of the country, but such a cruise is quite expensive.
 
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you can get around the country by bus or rent a car so that you can travel at your own pace.

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Hotel Belvedere is situated at the entrance of Playa Samara on a small hill that allows you a wonderful Ocean view surrounded by a nice tropical garden. We offer 20 rooms: 8 rooms and 2 equipped apartments in the lower building and 10 rooms in the new building which has been opened in December 2006. Breakfast, which is included in our rate, is served in a lovely terrace from where you can enjoy the tropical nature. A Jacuzzi placed among our tropical garden with an ocean view is waiting for you! And now also two bigger swimming pools are available in our hotel. You will certainly feel comfortable at Belvedere. Visit us on-line at samarabeach.com .

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Enhance your health and mood with tropical treasures. Imagine if the delicious cup of coffee, the freshly made piña colada, the exotic fragrance of wild orchids, or the rich rainforest chocolate could be part of your spa experience. By featuring these, and many other ingredients, within various health, relaxation and beauty treatments, the spa pampering that you will receive here will give you a unique, personal connection to the local environment here in lush Costa Rica. Many of the products can be purchased to take home with you so you can rejuvenate when back home as well, while being reminded of your exotic journey to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse and intense places on the entire planet. Each region has its own microclimates with specific representative flora and fauna to dazzle you. It is amazing how many things grow and flourish here, providing an incredible array of fruits, nuts, spices and oils which end up in hand-made organic spa products. Many spas offer a holistic or integral service of international quality, in a warm and personalized manner characteristic of the Costa Rican people. Add the wondrous source of natural, local ingredients such as coffee, brown sugar, coconut, papaya, mango, sea salt, organic rainforest chocolate and the result is magical; a small taste of the treasures in store for you here. These local gems in the able hands of soothing local practitioners will put you into relaxed bliss, leaving you thinking about your time here long after you leave. What a way to enhance your trip- this is Pura Vida! One of my favorite places is Hotel Punta Islita in the Nicoya Peninsula, home to the Casa Spa which artfully incorporates herbalist wisdom from the local Chorotega tribe into their treatments. Punta Islita’s own organic garden provides the ingredients for many of the spa’s treatments. According to Dorelia Mulca, director of the Casa Spa, the current trend is to return to our origins, where great value is placed on the natural. “We must not forget that the ancestral indigenous shamans would heal with herbs and rituals,” she points out. Choose from an array of wonderful treatments for him or her, families, athletes, kids, teens even special treatments for women that are pregnant. The Punta Islita Ritual massage is amazing, featuring heated river stones, herbal oil-infused compress ball, and a Guaro Cacique (local Costa Rican sugar cane spirits) drizzle. The Guanacaste Traditions body treatment and massage uses papaya, mango, banana and pineapple which smells and feels great, and leaves your skin super smooth. The Cappuccino Massage with almond oil and chocolate or the Green Coffee Pick-Me-Up (detoxifying with organic coffee beans) are to die for. There are so many to choose from using ingredients such as cucumber, mint, aloe, orange, honey, volcanic mud, avocado, sesame oil, rosemary, vanilla, honeysuckle, golden algae; the list goes on! Dorelia has done a terrific job. The hotel is also stunning and has a great mix of nature, art and community in a stunning setting. Check out the local church and school built with the design and funding of the architect and his wife Ronald Zurcher. The infinity pool at the top of the resort is great, but you can also enjoy a pool lower at the seaside, and dine there also to the sounds of the sea. Another great spot is the Neidín Spa at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa in the basin of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the Inland Volcano area. In Bribri indigenous dialect, the word neidín means small nest or point of rest to recover lost energy. Thanks to amazing views, excellent service, and top quality treatments, you can’t help but leave the spa with a sense of complete luxury and well-being. Tocando El Cielo is a great pampering and includes a grape pulp wrap, followed by an orange and honey polish, a “wave” massage (two therapists and four hands), an exotic herb and flower bath and a glass of sparkling wine to finish; scrumptious! The Chocolate Fantasy is the ultimate; starting with the chocolate and sugar glow, followed by the sweet chocolate body wrap and finishing with a super aromatic mint and chocolate bath. This is the nicest hotel in Arenal, with stunning views of the volcano. Don’t miss the trails surrounding the property that are gorgeous with the species of fauna marked for you. The newest destination by Grupo Islita of Hotel Punta Islita is El Silencio Lodge & Spa nestled within the cloud forest of Los Bajos del Toro. Located just an hour and a half away from San Jose in the inland central volcanic region, treatments at The Wellness Spa are just as natural as the sounds of nature surrounding it. It offers a menu designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Recommendations: El Silencio Purifying Revival Massage in the cone room. This is an aromatherapy massage treatment utilizing hot oil compress ball with herbs like thyme, oregano and mint meant to increase relaxation. The cone-shaped room was specifically designed to capture positive energy from the forest that surrounds it, with the intent of enhancing the effectiveness of the treatments. Also offered are packages that combine wraps, exfoliating treatments, facials and aromatherapy using more fabulous ingredients: lime, honey, volcanic clay, coconut, carrot, and so on. The hotel’s organic orchard on property supplies fruits and vegetables to be used in the treatments. For couples the Meditation Duet is amazing. It starts with an organic herbal massage, followed by the brown sugar, vanilla and coconut body polish accompanied by organic wild blackberries and sparkling wine, such bliss! You can hike in splendor, visit nearby canopy zip-lines, river rafting trips and horseback riding. This place is heaven in the cloud forest. Next is the place with my favorite view in all of the Quepos area: Hotel El Parador Boutique Resort & Spa. Located on the Central Pacific Coast in a region of great beauty, El Parador boasts gorgeous, panoramic ocean views. This gem is close to the Manuel Antonio National Park where you can hike through the park to pristine white sand beaches, viewing a myriad of wildlife along the way. Back at the hotel, the Pacífica Spa offers all kinds of natural treatments, including special day packages. Highlights include sand exfoliation, aloe vera relief wrap (if you have had too much sun), and the papaya and honey facial. The ginger-orange body mask is invigorating and super aromatic. The ylang-ylang milk bath is especially soothing. For men the Naturally for Him is excellent which includes a relaxing exfoliating cappuccino bath, a volcanic mud wrap with a hydrotherapeutic massage, a facial and a hot stone massage. Also offered are yoga lessons and a special place designed for couple’s massages with a spectacular ocean view. All spa visitors receive a plate of fruits. The spa also has its own line of products. Another option near Manuel Antonio National Park is the only 5 star hotel in the area: Gaia Hotel & Reserve featuring the Terra Spa. The surrounding forest reserve is a perfect backdrop for the spa with great sounds and sensations. This hotel is very modern and elegant with clean long lines and great light. Terra Spa offers an array of treatments and therapies that use organic natural products, many of which are certified and produced by locals that also follow the sustainable concept adopted by the hotel. Terra Tuning is one of the most popular and holistic packages. This 4 hour splurge includes a sauna session, Reiki chakra balancing, Thai massage, and organic facial treatment using all local hand-made products. The organic facial is called the Arco Iris and includes Papaya Exfoliation Polish, Citrus Cleansing Lemon Meringue Mask, and Mango Dream Hydrating Cream. Part of the facial is a sumptuous acupressure scalp and foot massage. Also available is the “Vichy Rain Shower,” which consists of a hydrotherapeutic massage of a warm rain shower in the tropical forest where you select your desired temperature and which is recommended to follow with an exfoliation. Elegance and sophistication in the rainforest! Last but not least is another all-time favorite, Xandari Resort & Spa. Located in tropical paradise some 1,200 meters above sea level and boasting a beautiful view of the Central Valley, the Xandari Spa is located at only 20 minutes away from Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela. This is fabulous on your way in and out of San Jose traveling internationally, you can do fabulous day trips or half-day trips very easily from Xandari to Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour, Sarchi, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Sarapiqui, Reventazon, or Pacuare River Rafting, Villa Blanca Canopy Tour and many others. One of the Xandari Spa’s outstanding feature is that each spa treatment provides you your own palm-thatched jalapa with its own Jacuzzi. There you may experience the feeling of mind, body and soul melting into nature in complete privacy. One of the big treats is Xandari Heaven, which involves three hours of enjoyment in your private jalapa: Jacuzzi jets, followed by an aromatherapy treatments for your hair, exfoliation for your entire body and a soft or deep massage of your choice. Some of the key special treatments that focus on local ingredients include: Selva de Osa mud wrap using 100% natural sediment from the Osa Peninsula, Coffee and Macademia Buff to polish and hydrate your skin, or Papaya Body Polish. The views, service, architecture, art all come together for a unique and special Costa Rica experience only 20 minutes from San Jose’s International Airport. Those of us that live here in the central valley can escape to Xandari in minutes and feel we are a world away with all the amenities you could ever hope for.

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family trip

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Mutual funds as a group perform badly over the longer term.

Most cannot out perform the share index furthermore, a mutual fund is considered good if it reaches double digit gains.

If you take into account the effect of inflation on growth, mutual funds don’t look so attractive and the risk is high, with 30% or more in terms of drawdown and years to recovery in many instances.

So what are the alternatives?

There are plenty of mutual fund alternatives that not only offer higher returns, but lower risk and here we will look at one.

We all know that property is a good solid long term investment and it gets even better if it’s overseas investment property.

Overseas investment property is:

Cheap

Has high growth potential and low risk in many locations

can be very tax efficient

The country we will look at here is Costa Rica.

An example of the high growth potential can be made is illustrated by the following example.

A property purchased for just $30,000 near the popular holiday resort of Jaco 15 years ago, is worth $800,000 today.

The above gets even better when you consider these gains were steady and drawdowns were small and short lived.

But it gets better.

Overseas investment property can not only yield capital gains, it can also provide valuable extra rental income and act as a free holiday home – so you get to enjoy it to!

Will Costa Rica continue to provide great investment returns?

The answer is yes.

As more Americans want beach front property at affordable prices and in Costa Rica properties can cost up to 70% less than in the USA and Costa Rica is only a 2 hour flight away.

There are many expanding resorts where property can be bought cheaply with solid long term capital growth potential.

The buying process is easy.

Costa Rica encourages foreign investment and overseas buyers get the same rights as residents.

Investing in overseas property is also much easier than many people think.

You don’t need any specialist knowledge and there are many Realtors who specialize in helping foreign buyers acquire the right property in terms of:

Their budget and their expectations in terms of growth.

Many investors simply hope their mutual funds will deliver above average capital gains, but the odds are against them, despite what the sales literature says.

Of course, the risk is also high when investing in mutual funds and losing periods can and do, last years.

Costa Rica offers a great alternative to mutual funds and offers high returns, coupled with low risk.

If you are looking for solid longer term gains then an overseas property investment in a country such as Costa Rica is ideal.

Add in the potential for good rental income and a free holiday home and you have an investment you can actually enjoy as well, in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Consider the facts

Add all the above up and you have an investment that is well worth considering, from both a financial and a lifestyle point of view.

Over 100,000 Americans and other foreign investors have bought property in Costa Rica and maybe you should consider it to.

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Papagayo—it is as romantic as it sounds! It is a place, where virgin beaches wait for your footsteps. It is a place, where azure sky provides the perfect backdrop to an aquamarine Pacific! The tropical mountains bordering the shoreline make pretty picture and flying seagulls give the finishing touch to the artist’s canvas that Papagayo is for the global travelers. Papagayo, lying on the Northern stretch of Costa Rica is all about spectacular views and breathtaking beauty of unadulterated nature. No wonder, the region has immense real estate opportunities to offer. Known as ‘Gold Coast’ of Costa Rica, Papagayo is considered real estate investors’ paradise. Sprawling villas, ocean front Costa Rica condos, luxury lots or raw lands—you name them and you will get them in this part of Costa Rica. There are also opportunities for investing in the region’s several commercial developments.   And if you happen to be a golf enthusiast, then a Costa Rica golf-resort would be the right place to invest your money. In short, in Papagayo, you will find variety of real estate tailored to your unique needs. The region has some of the world’s finest virgin beaches and Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Playas del Coco and Playa Panama are some of them. The Costa Rica condos here perfectly blend with the beautiful nature that surrounds them. These low-rise, eco-friendly condo properties are perfect as vacation homes, where you can find the Caribbean at her best. Being a diving hotspot and world famous sport-fishing center, Papagayo’s beach front Costa Rica condos allow you to indulge in an array of beach activities. Even if you are not keen on water-sports, you can still enjoy the spectacular ocean view right from your condo home. Costa Rica condos here are specifically designed to offer you the breathtaking views of white beaches and clear blue water. The mountain lovers don’t have to complain either; Costa Rica condos are also available in Papagayo’s tranquil mountain areas. There is no dearth of sophisticated projects in the region as its beauty has lured world famous developers to invest their money. As a net result, Papagayo, Costa Rica now falls in the bracket of one of world’s luxury destinations. Four Seasons Hotel stepped in the market back in 2004; the $120 million project with 150-room. Regent Hotel was also announced a little latter. Ritz Carlton group is on its way to build a hotel along with an 18-hole golf course and a 200-slip marina, near Zapotal Beach. Steve Case, the founder of the internet giant America Online, is all set to open an $800 million beach resort just south of Playa Hermosa, which is going to feature two boutique hotels. With so many luxury projects focused in the region, it is on its way to emerge as one of the world’s luxury tourist hubs. The global investors are too smart to overlook the trend and Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Playa Ocotal and Playas del Coco are attracting huge global attention. From the leading hoteliers like Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton, to the individual home buyers—everybody seeks to purchase suitable property in the picturesque region of Costa Rica. While big names in the industry are obviously attracted to the lands in bulk;  the individual property buyers are eyeing Costa Rica condos. A segment of property buyers are buying Costa Rica condos with an objective of retiring in this tranquil part of Costa Rica. In any form, Papagayo, Costa Rica condos make good investment choice. If you are in your prime, it will be the best time for you to buy a property here. You can secure your investment through the assured, year long rental incomes. By the time you reach the retirement age, you will have your own piece of heaven in one of the world’s most prestigious resort destinations. If retiring in Costa Rica does not map in your present scheme of things, then also it makes sense in investing in Costa Rica condominium—you can rest assure that your investment real estate in Papagayo will continue to appreciate through the years.

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Renting a car would never become an old fashioned method as even today there a several people who opt for renting a car. They have their own genuine reasons for car renting. When on a vacation renting a car is the best option any one can think. There are several advantages of car rental but it is very important you to know certain things before you consider renting a car. In the past you must have rented a car but there are possibilities you were not following the proper channel and also that the car rental agents have taken you for a ride. It is difficult to remember things when you book a car for rent, as one cannot keep the track of every single detail. Many people have zero knowledge related to car rental procedures. It is altogether a very confusing deal. Though it is not that easy to know the in and out of the procedure but here are some tips that will help you to navigate from the complex world of car rentals. It is always advised to do a thorough research before renting a car. Ensure that you have more than one car rental companies, as that will help you to compare the fares and facilities offered by the company. Thanks to the latest innovations, most of the car rental companies have their own websites that will help you find basic information online. Before making the call prepare yourself well as what exactly you want to know. Do your math well. Enquire about the price, car availability. Clarify the taxes and surcharges involved and some ‘additional charges’. Some of the car rental companies will also tie ups with hotels and airlines. It is better to opt for Car Rental Costa Rica. Every car class will vary in rental in terms of price and mileage. Majority of the people choose to go for the economy class and as result, the company run out of these models. In such cases, there are chances that you will be influenced or pushed to go for an upgraded car. However, the wise decision would be to say ‘no’. This will lead to extra burden to your expense. Enquire and clarify in and out from the company before booking the Costa Rica Rent a Car. If at all you are planning to cross the state line, then ensure that the company is well aware of your destination. There will be separate deal supporting it. In addition, make a note of all the do’s & don’ts before you finalize the booking. It is also important to elucidate with any special instruction because ignorance can lead to pay big, huge bills. Some rental companies offer insurance policy. However, your personal auto insurance will support you incase of any accidents with a rental car. Another important matter to be taken care before returning the car is to check that you have not left any personal belongingness inside the car. Do not forget to check the boot! Some of the very common articles that we prone to forget are cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas. After the usage, ensure that you return the car to the Costa Rica Car Rental on time. If not given on time, the car rental agency may charge you additional as a full day’s rental and at times even charge higher. Moreover, if you are going to delay the car, then enquire the about the late fee charges, so that later you do not end up paying huge some. Maintaining a rented car is very important. Most of the time children will join the trip, it is very important to take care of the car and the accessories. Any damages made by you will lead to the pay extra than its actual cost. Also make sure that the car rental attendant inspects the car in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Verify the rental agreement carefully for all extra charges they have added and make sure they credit any deposit to your account while you wait.

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