Costa Rica with Comfort
Wildlife, Adventure & A Touch of Luxury
Costa Rica is known for its wild beauty and incredible biodiversity, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort to experience it. I stayed at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, and as someone who appreciates their creature comforts, it was the perfect base for exploring this spectacular destination.
We opted for the Star Class upgrade, which truly elevated the experience. Having a dedicated concierge meant all of our restaurant reservations were seamlessly taken care of, allowing us to relax and focus on enjoying everything Costa Rica had to offer. To explore beyond the resort, we booked our excursions through a fantastic local independent company, Frank CTR, which gave us a more authentic and immersive experience.
From our very first morning, Costa Rica made its presence known. As we explored the resort grounds, we were surrounded by nature - parrots calling overhead and iguanas basking lazily in the sun. A stroll down to the beach revealed yet another unforgettable sight: white-faced capuchin monkeys, casually moving through the trees as if we were guests in their world...
Our first tour began with hotel pickup, followed by a short stop at a local market before continuing on to what can only be described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Surrounded by lush jungle, it was the perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Next, we enjoyed a coffee and chocolate demonstration, learning about the full process from bean to bar and, of course, sampling along the way. It was both educational and delicious. From there, we ventured deep into the rainforest for a 1.5-mile hike across three breathtaking hanging bridges. High above the forest floor, we spotted sloths and toucans while soaking in panoramic views of the jungle canopy.
Our guide was exceptional, with an eye for even the smallest details pointing out orb weaver spiders, vibrant green-and-black poison dart frogs, and even well-camouflaged eyelash vipers. It’s experiences like this that truly bring Costa Rica’s biodiversity to life.
To keep things perfectly balanced, we followed our adventure day with a more relaxed one back at the resort. We made the most of the wildlife trail, enjoyed the lively pool party atmosphere, and indulged in dinner at the Teppanyaki restaurant - because balance really is key when traveling!
Our second tour began early, with a longer journey into the heart of the rainforest - and it was worth every minute. The highlight was an exhilarating zip-lining adventure, featuring eight lines that sent us soaring over canyons and through towering trees. It was pure adrenaline set against a stunning natural backdrop.
The day continued with a peaceful horseback ride to the forest bridges, followed by a walk through the canopy that led us into a local town. There, we sat down to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal - simple, authentic, and full of flavour.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, we ended it with a relaxing soak in natural mud baths, the perfect way to unwind after an adventure-filled journey.
Costa Rica truly offers the best of both worlds: untamed nature and refined comfort. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, adrenaline-filled excursions, or a luxury resort experience, with a little bit of everything in between this destination delivers in every way.
