Vacation Travelers Group Blog

This is Craig Sutton, the US Representative for FishingNosara.com with the June report.
While the blue water vanished for two weeks in the middle of May, the inshore bite was alive with big Yellowfin Tunas and Cuberras that just won’t quit.

After I left on the May 23 the blue water returned and so did the big Marlin!

Captain William and Alex caught their biggest Black Marlin of the year with our new friends Tyson Wegman and Marcia Mulford. Be sure to check out the photos below…they really lit it up for just two short trips. The Wanderer backed that big release up with several more this month. Captain William can make a big Marlin seem meek with his skills at the helm.

Captain David on the Explorer has continued his year-long lightning pace. Myself and Paula Price loaded up the Explorer with nice size Yellowfin in just a couple of hours on May 20 and David has done the same with a lots of other lucky clients this month.

Captain Vibert on the Cabo had our old friend Ivan Deluca and Tomas out for several days of hardcore Marlin fishing and the photos show the big results. Congratulations Ivan on a super catch.
This year so far has been one of the best in recent memory and the best is yet to come. I am heading to Nosara next week for business but hopefully I will get a chance to try to locate a Marlin or two.

The end of June and beginning of July should be one for the record books. Remember last year the fishing was outstanding till late August and this year should be just as good. For example, last year the Wanderer caught their biggest Marlin of the year on August 14th .

We have several serious groups rolling into town and they will take no prisoners. Stand by because next month will be good!

The calendar is looking mighty full…not many dates left before the rain gets here in late August but if you can make it down call me and we will squeeze you in.

Tight Lines y Pura Vida!

-Craig

(904) 591-2161

Craig@FishingNosara.com

Villas Austria is a secluded nature, sport and health resort located in Nosara, on the North-West Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with ocean, river and mountain views.

The main house features different lounge-areas surrounding the 90-feet infinity pool and offers space for relaxation, the hot tub sits in a palapago and is surrounded by the pool bar. The cottage is at the bottom part of the farm, between the horse stables and tennis court.

There are many activities to keep you occupied at Villas Austria including a language course, salsa dancing, hiking, surfing, golf, fishing, yoga, horse back riding, tennis, soccer, jogging, swimming and the fitness corner. You may also like to enjoy having a massage or a salt rub.

Villas Austria has numerous tours for you to enjoy that can be arranged for your convenience which leaves you more time to discover more of Costa Ricas natural beauty. Some of the amazing tours to experience include the Turtle Tour, Waterfall Tour, Canopy Tour and even spending a night on the beach of San Juanillo.

In the main house await you different lounge-areas around the 90-feet infinity pool and offer space for relaxation.

Our hot tub sits in a palapago and is surrounded by the poolbar, where our local staff spoils you with light snacks, refreshing cocktails and Costa Rican coffee right from the Italian espresso machine….

Whether you are seeking adventure, or rather enjoy the peaceful environment and relax, at Villas Austria you have the opportunities to do both!

If you like to be physically active, before you relax on the pool, you have plenty of opportunities to do so either right here in the tranquillness of Villas Austria or on the beautiful beaches of Nosara. We make sure you get the workout that makes you happy!

Your balance of body, mind and spirit is important to us.

Take in where you are at, enjoy the moment and leave it up to our skilled hands to lead you into deep relaxation…

Staying at our remote resort we are happy to organize tours for you to discover more of Costa Rica’s beauty.

Consider Villas Austria as your home that you love to come back to … as we do!

The spirit of adventure and a true commitment to protecting and preserving the environment are the forces that drive us to better the services provided by our tour guides in every one of our tours in the tropical zones of Costa Rica. Our office personnel provide professional service to assist the development of programs and routes which meet the needs of even the most demanding tourists, whether the groups are small or large.

Commitment to the community sees our team participate in Community Support Programs. We also work with the National Emergency Commission to rescue people at risk from floods or other natural disasters in the communities where we will be operating.

Our AIRBOATs were fabricated just two months ago and feature the highest technology in security and noise reduction. Our boats were designed with the same characteristics as those used in DISNEY WORLD, which makes for a great difference in technology between the traditional style boats and the new. Furthermore, they are environment friendly, drastically reducing impact on the zones of operation, there being no mechanical parts of the AIRBOAT in the water, and so preserving flora and fauna from harm. AIRBOATS can take the adventure tourist to places unattainable to traditional boats, needing a depth of only 3 inches of water to comfortably operate, and indeed, it being possible to even move the AIRBOAT over dry surfaces. This capacity gives rise to our slogan: TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO TOURIST HAS GONE BEFORE. We guarantee our clients an experience of the highest quality and security, as in no moment will they need to put their personal integrity in moments where a traditional craft might get stuck in low waters as frequently happens.

We specialize in providing an exciting adventure in accordance with the needs, interests and Budget of our clients. We pride ourselves on providing quality tour experiences, outshining the everyday tours offered in our country.

Our goal is to work in three strategic locations; The first being the tributaries of MOIN towards the channels of TORTUGUERO, the second, in TARCOLES river, and finally, in the nature reserve CAÑO NEGRO in the Northern area of Costa Rica. This will permit us to offer different combinations of experiences in AIRBOAT, while covering the large part of the national territory, such that our clients can choose the option that best suits their needs. Tours will be as much about nature observation and discovery as well as adventure, and we undertake not to navigate at speeds which our clients feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and we provide opportunity for clients to observe and photograph the different species of flora and fauna along the way.

Visit our web site…

Charlie Dennard – March 2011
Posted on WeloveCostaRica.com

As some of you who have been reading my articles on WLCR might recall I wrote about my ‘eureka’ moment that led to my working relationship with the world class dentist Dr Mario in Escazu, just outside of San Jose.

I concluded that article by writing that it takes only one person to change your life. Well, it happened again!

I was conducting an initial interview with a new dental client when I asked him when he would be coming to Costa Rica.

He told me that he was coming in early March to participate in the annual Costa Rica Classic Billfish Tournament in Quepos at the beautiful new Marina Pez Vela.

Sponsored by the Boomer Esaison Foundation, located in Manhattan, New York City, which is dedicated to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the benefits of the tournament go to children in Costa Rica with CF through the local CF chapter Asociación Costarricense de Fibrosis Quística (ACOFIQUI.)

If the name Boomer Esaison rings a bell its because Boomer was an All-Pro quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals. Shortly after Boomer’s son Gunner was born he was diagnosed with this currently incurable genetic disease that strikes at birth. Responding to this personal family challenge Boomer started the BEF.

As any football fan knows behind… check that… in front of every great quarterback is his center. For Boomer that was University of Nebraska All-Star, Lombardi Trophy winner and seven year NFL All-Pro center Dave Rimington. Boomer tapped Dave, who had just completed his Masters in International Business at Wisconsin, to head up the BEF in 1994.

The mission of the BEF is to raise money to fund ongoing research that is having remarkable success defeating the genetic code for CF, funding college scholarships for young adults with CF and providing transplant grants.

After concluding my initial consultation I decided to find out more about the BEF. I called the Manhattan number expecting a phalanx of gate-keepers to ascertain the reason and worth of my call but to my surprise Dave answered himself. From talking about his college football and NFL careers, to his Super Bowl pick, to ‘the call’ from Boomer to head up the foundation Dave treated me like he was my center in the NFL.

Without making me a bit self-conscious about his time Dave explained the mission of the BEF and how they use the Costa Rica Classic Billfish Tournament to raise money for children in Costa Rica with CF and invited me to join them when they came to Costa Rica! After we concluded he had me call Mark Cooper, aka ‘Coop’ a former NFL offensive lineman with the Denver Bronco’s, who to this day takes credit for making Hall of Fame Bronco quarterback John Elway the great scrambler he was, give me background info on the past CRC tournaments.

I don’t know about you but I sensed this to be another ‘eureka’ moment brewing. I wanted to contribute somehow and I approached Dr Mario about what we could do. We decided that when a patient comes to his office for dental work that if they used Boomer’s foundation as a referral we would donate 5% of the dental fee to the Costa Rica chapter for children with CF. One person does…. read and see more

Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals

Villa Lora Playa Ocotal Costa Rica, our newest all-inclusive private luxury 7 bedroom Villa, named after the local green parrot, is an incredible grand two-story horseshoe-design villa that surrounds the most incredible infinity pool in Ocotal. Villa Lora features 10-foot solid wood antique doors opening into a huge 30-foot great room and a large modern kitchen. From the moment you walk in, you will be overwhelmed with the spaciousness of the villa and the amazing views from every angle. Villa Lora was built by the same builder and furnished by the same team of designers who built and furnished Villa Lapa, its sister villa. Villa Lora has a large satellite TV, VCR/DVD player with a superb stereo system with a CD player, and inside and outside speakers.

Villa Lora view Each of Villa Lora’s seven well appointed, air-conditioned bedrooms have full baths and offer beautiful ocean views facing the incredible infinity pool. Four of the beautifully furnished bedrooms offer king beds, while the other three have two queen beds each for a total sleeping capacity of 20 people in this gorgeous villa.

Villa Lora’s jewel feature is the astounding infinity pool that seemingly hangs on the hill with ocean views during the day and a colorful light show with fiber optic water jets spraying into the pool at night. Villa Lora, like Villa Lapa, sits on a mountain behind the other villas so while your walk to the beach is a few minutes farther, the incredible panoramic views from the villa and pool make it all worthwhile.

You won lift a finger during your stay at Villa Lora. Our all inclusive plan provides 3 meals per day, snacks, and a full open bar for one price. Our expertly trained staff is here to accommodate your every need. Your chef, housekeeper, and bartender arrive early each morning to serve breakfast when you are ready for it. A delicious lunch and dinner follow from a rolling menu that has been perfected by our staff and features fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit, as well as chicken, beef, and Italian dishes.

Activities here are nearly limitless. There is something for everyone: deep sea fishing that many consider the best in the world, scuba diving excursions that depart from Ocotal Beach just below the villa, and two championship golf courses just a short drive away.

If your goal is pure relaxation just ask your bartender, Vidal, to set up appointments for Bahia Azul spa to come to the villa for relaxing massages, manicures and pedicures. You can also enjoy swinging through the jungle on a canopy tour, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, volcano tours, a sunset cruise, or choose among countless other options provided by Allan our tour guide. And don’t forget our guests most favorite activity simply sitting by the private luxurious infinity pool with an inlaid mosaic compass and sipping on a drink served by our courteous “in house” staff.

Costa Rica accommodations

A short journey of about 35 km westward from the Golfito or approximately 90 km on roads travel and 85 southward of Palmar Norte, there lies a tiny beautiful bustling burg known as Puerto Jimenez. A great section of the population of this little town is the gold panners.

The languid pace of the life, the green nature expansive soccer ground, mealy parrots and multicolored macaws amidst the cool blue sky are the real essence of the town. Being located at the southeastern end of the Osa peninsula the region enjoys a soothing climate with a pleasant temperature. In order to enjoy the feel of eternal freedom the eco-tourists and the celebrities from far and wide comes to this town almost all round the year.

While the day life seems to be busy and full of actions, it gradually comes to a tranquil state with the onset of crimson evening. The life during the night becomes so sleepy that sometimes a sense of lifelessness overshadows the city life. The nightlife of Puerto Jimenez becomes quite rowdy as well – especially when the gold panners find some money in their hand. The Corcovado National Park is very near to Puerto Jimenez and has its administrative head quarters here.

A great section of the tourists enjoy the excursion to the Concovado National Park. There a re few vacation rentals but there exist many hotels and means of accommodations in Puerto Jimenez and worth mentioning of which are Bosque Del Cabo, Iguana lodge, Parrot Bay Village, Agua Luna and Crocodile Bay Lodge. Since some of these accommodations can be expensive, a very short journey farther southward on the Osa Peninsula may be a wonderful solution.

Villa Mariposa (Butterfly Villa) is our only three-bedroom all-inclusive villa
that is now more beautiful than ever after being remodeled and renovated in 2008. This beautiful villa is a marvelous paradise retreat, complete with a figure-eight pool with waterfalls and a very intimate and private Jacuzzi.

Villa Mariposa is perfect for your wedding and honeymoon. This two-story, three-bedroom villa has been designed and built to cater to honeymooners, couples, and small groups. The villa sleeps eight. Two of the bedrooms have king-size beds and the third bedroom has two queen-size beds. Click the links on the sidebar to the right for descriptions and pictures of each bedroom and a welcome from the staff.

Villa Mariposa also overlooks Bay de Papagyo and the Pacific Ocean. Each bedroom is beautifully furnished and uniquely decorated; including feather mattresses on the beds. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have a full ocean view overlooking Villa Mariposa’s private pool and jacuzzi.

Villa Mariposa provides an all-inclusive plan that provides three meals per day, snacks, and a full open bar for one price. The staff is there to provide for your every need and you will enjoy daily mouth-watering meals made by our talented Costa Rican cooks–from fresh seafood to Italian dishes. You will also taste fresh vegetables and fresh fruit like you have never tasted before.

All meals are served outside under the canopy, facing the view. Fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit are house specialties as well as chicken, pork, and Italian dishes. Among the seafood served during the week’s stay are fresh mahi mahi, grouper, snapper, and tuna. Breakfast is normally served around 8 a.m. Lunch, served around noon, is light–consisting of a variety of salads, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and pizza. Dinner, as mentioned above, is a treat and is served between 6 and 7 p.m.

The staff arrives around 7 a.m. and departs shortly after dinner. The housekeeper cleans the entire house daily and provides fresh linens and towels. She will also launder personal items of clothing if you wish. The bartender serves the meals and handles the bar during the day and early evening before dinner. He will gladly mix and serve you refreshing drinks while you relax in the pool.

If adventure is your game then there is the world’s best bill-fishing for marlin and sail fish, rain forests, volcano and giant sea turtle tours, birdwatching, monkey trails, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and various other nature tours, all of which can be arranged by our staff.

Our Villas Manager, Francisco, and Allan our Tour Guide can arrange any number of the activities that are listed on our Activities page.

vacation rental in Costa Rica

Casa Leo Loco, a 4-bedroom/3 bath Mediterranean style villa near the top of the hill overlooking Playa Tamarindo, has views that will leave you breathless.

On the ocean side of the villa is a flagstone Spanish style courtyard with a fountain, and a large tiled terrace area. There is a tiled “infinity” pool facing the ocean, surrounded by exquisite landscaping and a large outdoor BBQ/cooking area, with a gas oven. The high vantage point offers unparalleled views south to Playa Langosta and north to Playa Grande. The Mexican-tiled kitchen is fully equipped and opens to large dining/living area. The entire living/dining area is screened in and opens onto the terrace. Just off the kitchen is a tiled staircase leading to the master suite and bath.

The luxury master suite features a king size bed, air conditioning, bath with marble tub and counters, and a rosewood dressing table in the bathroom. The balcony off the master suite overlooks the pool and garden and affords an even grander view of the surrounding area. The two guest bedrooms off the main house open onto the terrace and have queen beds, ceiling fans, and private baths.

There is a library/pool house separate from the main house that has a private bath and an air-conditioned tower bedroom on the second floor with a queen bed and a lower bedroom has AC and a double bed.

A caretaker/guard is on-site in a small house located in front of the main house, and is there at all times to ensure your security. The house has cable TV and a stereo for your entertainment. Daily maid service is provided.

Situated seven miles to the south of the town of Uvita, Playa Ballena is located in the province of Southern Puntarenas inside the boundaries of the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, which is one of Costa Rica’s newest National Parks. Located around a hundred and ninety kilometers from the capital city of San Jose, Playa Ballena is not so much a village as a beach lined with lodges and hotels.

Playa Ballena is an ideal choice for a tourist destination, particularly for those on a tight budget. The area is rich with possibilities for holiday activities, including surfing, kayaking, horseback, riding or just spending the day sunbathing on the beach or exploring the local wildlife. Those visiting Playa Ballena cannot, of course, not venture into the National Park itself, which was created in 1990 in order to safeguard the welfare of the coral and rock reefs of the Isla Ballena, which is a crucial island for much native wildlife including basilisk lizards, green iguanas and many seabird nesting colonies.

The area also plays host to bottle neck dolphins and humpback whales which can be seen on the coastline at many times throughout the year (the latter particularly during the migratory months between…

Getaway to Costa Rica and Playa Ballena

Dominical Estate is an 10 bedroom/7 bath estate situated on a ridge 100 ft above the Pacific Ocean in Dominical. This 18,000 sq. ft family estate provides a tropical ambiance unequaled in Central America. The estate draped by jungle-covered mountains affords unsurpassed vistas across the Pacific to the Osa Peninsula. Watch groups of pelicans darting above the crashing waves of Playa Dominical, marine life from humpback whales and dolphins. Concrete walls and gated entrance provide unsurpassed security and privacy. The surrounding jungle is passable only to white-faced monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The property has six different buildings:

- a main building of about 5500 sq. ft. with entry hall, kitchen, dining room, two living rooms and an outdoor covered rancho/palapa with open air living room and dining room.

- the master bedroom and bath with a jacuzzi in a tower connected through a walled garden to two other bedrooms and bath.

- a bedroom building, with three bedrooms and bath on the first floor and two bedrooms and bath on the second floor. Both floors have large covered terraces.

- a ” family room ” building with a second floor sleeping loft and full bathroom

- a garage with attached laundry, storage and utility rooms. Above the garage is an apartment with full bath

- casitas for the staff.

Effectively, the house has nine bedrooms – eight king size beds and one queen size bed – and five sleep sofas and can sleep 18 – 22. The villa is perched on a ledge 100 ft. above the Pacific Ocean and goes down to the ocean with about a 3-5 minute walk.

Amenities include: air-conditioning, linens, telephone, internet connection, jacuzzi, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, CD, DVD, stereo system, VCR and infinity pool. Bedding consists of 1 king bed, 7 queen beds, 2 sleep sofas for a maximum sleeping capacity of 16 people. Daily maid is included as well.

Costa Rica vacation rental