Paradisus Playa Conchal is now the Westin Playa Conchal

The popular Paradisus Playa Conchal, in Costa Rica, has been rebranded as the Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal. This marks Starwoods first EVER all-inclusive property! We are super excited for the brand to enter into the all-inclusive market. 

This all-inclusive, eco-friendly retreat is just 45 minutes from the Liberia International Airport (LIR). Conchal Beach is located near intriguing national parks and ecological reserves for exploration. A perfect balance between unrivaled luxury and local culture, the  resort offers you an unforgettable vacation experience.

Included are all meals, drinks and use of our fitness center and kids club, as well as entertainment options such as non-motorized water sports, daily activities and nightly events. The resort also features an adults-only, exclusive experience at the Royal Beach Club, where guests have access to a private pool with butler service.

All accommodations have private outside areas or balconies with beautiful garden views.

The Westin Playa Conchal is offering low introductory rates. Contact us for a customized quote on a Costa Rica Vacation Package.

Happy Friday!

{Just a little lovely shot of Maunday's Bay, Anguilla.}

Kudos to Sheraton Hotels for investing $120 million in a worldwide fitness program at their hotels.

Jamaica to Host 15th Annual Caribbean Golf Association Classic in Montego Bay from May 12 to 16, 2010.

See what top Caribbean spas made this list.

One of my favorite reggae artists.

In very exciting news... Starwood Hotels is set to debut its first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica! The Paradisus Playa Conchal will be re-branded as The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa in May 2011. 


Check for cheap flights on United Airlines to the Caribbean!


Have a great weekend! See you Monday!

Cheers,

A Costa Rica Dream Home

This modern villa in Costa Rica appeals to me. It goes right along with my new favorite high design show, 9 by Design... {although it doesn't look very kid friendly. I'd leave my crew at home when I visit.}

For years, the sleek look of minimalism seemed cold and sterile to me. Fast forward to 2010 and my life is a whirlwind of kids, activities, dinner dates, and a business growing almost faster than I can keep up.... which has caused a change in what I consider comfortable. I would LOVE to leave my chaos behind and head to a wonderfully uncluttered villa like this one:

The perfect balance of neutral tones, glass, and eye-catching shapes:

Don't most amazing homes have amazing pools?

Perfection!

Like what you see at Villa Sietemetros? I'd be happy to book it for you. Read more about the property here.

New Look at Tulemar Bungalows in Costa Rica

For years, Buena Vista Villas & Casas have been been the TOP choice for my Costa Rica bound clients. They love the private villa atmosphere, the option to keep cool drinks and snacks on hand in the granite kitchen, or BBQ some fresh catch on their verandah. They also enjoy the private beach at Tulemar. All beaches in Costa Rica are public, but because this one is landlocked by private land, it is private! Because Buena Vista Villas are super popular, we haven't always been able to get our clients in when they book at the last minute. The only other option on property are the Tulemar Bungalows - however, I never mentioned these to my clients because they weren't up to par. They reminded me of the places I stayed at when I was backpacking Central America 12 years ago! Fast forward to 2010 and Tulemar is getting an upgrade! Check out a few sneak peak photos below! Rates start at only $195/night.

{hey good looking}

Ready for a little Costa Rica in your life? We can make it happen:

info @ caribbeanjourney.com or 866-236-1924

Healing Hotels of the World

Finally... a hotel consortia I can relate to 100%. My very first job was as spa cordinator at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. Being there was zen and I learned so much about the importance of taking care of myself inside and out. If ever there was a reason to travel, for me it would be to heal. To release the stresses of my busy day-to-day life and to dig deep down to my core and find my center. Namaste.

The Healing Hotels of the World is an exclusive partnership of hotels, resorts, and retreats offering holistic health in luxury surrounding. 

Four of my favorite hotels are in the group:

Jade Mountain in St. Lucia:

 

Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos

Hermitage Bay in Antigua:

Tabacon in Costa Rica

{The first time I visited Tabacon, I arrived on the back of a Harley Davidson, my head spinning with uncontrollable fear. It was my first time on a motorcycle and what an introduction! If you've driven from San Jose to Tabacon/Arenal, you know what I am talking about. More curves than not, more potholes per mile than anywhere I'd ever been, add a random cow or two, and a few over crowded buses barreling down the mountain in the opposite direction, and you see can imagine the state I was in. However, all of that fear, and the stress than came with me packed in my luggage from the US, dissolved within a few hours of soaking in their incredible hot springs and gazing up at Arenal glowing in the low light. Bliss.}

Costa Rica Villa Open for Christmas!!!

Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, this lovely villa is owned by a dear friend of mine and is still open for the Holidays! Rate is only $3500/week for use of 2 bedrooms, sleeping 4-6 people.

Selected as one of the properties featured in the Fine Living Network/VRBO special "Around The World In 80 Houses"

Simple elegance is the best way to describe this property.

The purpose of the house was to frame the view (acknowledged to be one of the best in Manuel Antonio) and live in comfort and style.

You will find luxury details such as: Italian mosaic glass-tiled baths; a fully furnished kitchen (gas stove, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal); appliances including Oster blender, juicer, coffee maker and toaster; plentiful cookware; and full sets of indoor and outdoor dishes,plus spices in the cupboard and condiments in the fridge. An outdoor grill will allow you to prepare the fresh fish you may bring back from an excursion in some of the best fishing waters in the world. Maid service, travel and tour arrangements as you wish.

Egyptian cotton towels and designer linens, plus your personal items are easily kept fresh by a large capacity washer and dryer.Beach towels are also provided.Sony Bravia Flat Screen TV; DVD; VCR; SkyTV; I-Pod Docking and wireless internet.

Let me know if you are interested! Laura @ CaribbeanJourney.com

Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

Once upon a time… long before pillow menus and linens with thread counts were of any importance to me, I lived here… the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. 6 glorious months without a care in the world in a place trapped in time. I was here 12 years ago, before the digital camera age so I don’t have many of my own photos to share. Recently, I found a wonderful company and creators of a DVD of images from the coast… each one straight from my own memories. Enjoy these images below and check out Pura Vida DVD for more!

The End! All photos from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

Once upon a time...

I lived in Costa Rica and I loved it. It was the best 6 months of my pre-domestic years. Costa Rica is an eco-paradise with rivers, streams, and waterfalls... monkeys, sloths, and birds... winding trails cover misty mountaintops... and antique towns with cobblestone streets play host to charming cafes. The beaches are littered with funky tiki bars and fish tales wait for patient ears.

My favorite trip, and what has become the most popular with my clients, is a combination of 2-3 nights at Tabacon Resort spending my evenings soaking in steamy hot springs while watching Volcan Arenal erupt into the night with bright sparks of fiery lava.

Then I will drive or fly down to Manuel Antonio and spend 5-7 nights at Buena Vista Villas enjoying my own private beach. And this is what this post is about. Buena Vista is on sale! (read on)

I describe this place to clients as "luxury surrounded by authentic nature"... where else can you enjoy marble baths and granite kitchens while watching the monkeys swing from the trees just past your balcony?

Summer Sale
Rent 4 nights, get the 5th night free

All new booking for travel between May 1, 2009 - June 15, 2009
Must book by March 31, 2009 and reference code: SUM09

Fall Sale
30% off entire stay

All new bookings for travel between September 8, 2009 - October 31, 2009
Must book by May 15, 2009 and reference code: FALL09