Pura Vida...
By the time you buy the Pura Vida T-shirt, you’ve not only figured out that phrase means pure life… you’ve realized the Pura Vida just might be for you. Even this blogging Fool knows pictures > words when describing a beautiful place. So for a Costa Rica clifftop paradise, I’ll refrain from my usual thousands of words and focus on the pics. All photos are filter free, as are most of my comments. What a beautiful and welcoming country. One of the best places I’ve been to and definitely one that will get a return visit.
Ok well there might be a few words. First let’s all acknowledge that any vacation destination can be made or broken by the quality of the accommodation. Don’t get me wrong, a snazzy place (hypothetically) in Tijuana isn’t going to keep you from wishing you were in Riviera Maya. But you get the point.
The Villa
For Costa Rica, we were fortunate to find Villa Fugata. Such a spectacular private cliffside retreat. We were only a party of two and it was perfect. Ideal for you honeymooners. If you book with an additional couple, the villa has another section that can be opened up. Finding accommodations that are both small and luxurious is a challenge. Villa Fugata is one of those places where you would be content just hanging around the pad.
Our little slice of pura vida heaven was in Flamingo Beach, a low-key Pacific coast town in the Guanacaste province. Its about an hour and a half west of the Liberia airport. This northwest part of Costa Rica provides much closer coastal access than the San Jose airport down south, a key consideration when you factor in that car ride after your long flight. Flamingo Beach and surrounding areas offer so much in the way of outdoor fun, from the back of your villa up to a remote waterfall.
Costa Rica Clifftop
Perched at the top of a cliff in Playa Flamingo, our villa offered the best views you can image. Plus full privacy. It would be possible to spend your entire time lounging around this retreat with all clothing tucked neatly away in the suitcase. Theoretically of course.
(Just a heads up that the pool boy shows up quite unannounced at 8:30 am. Oh and then the maids at 10:30)
Villa costa rica clifftop
Within the confines of the surrounding privacy fence and shrubbery, the villa had its own infinity pool, lounge area, outdoor bathroom and shower, huge upper deck off the master, main floor balcony, indoor/outdoor master shower and a pink theme that fit the setting perfectly and complemented the incredible Pacific sunsets. Costa Rica Clifftop Pura Vida!
Rose petals on the bed and a bottle of champagne on ice to greet you. Classy. Beats stains on the bed and an empty beer can on the floor when you use the wrong travel site.
Costa Rica Clifftop
Gettin around
We rented a Daihatsu Bego 4×4. Can’t spell it without google and never seen one in the States. It has the sex appeal of a Toro riding mower, along with the acceleration. Nevertheless it treated us well and proved it can run on fumes for many many kilometers when there is no gas station in the region. Perhaps the driver was unnecessarily focused on just one fill up before rental car return. Could have been a long sweaty walk with a gas can for one of us. Thanks Daihatsu; it would have sucked to sit in that hot car and wait.
Most bridges are one lane. You play chicken with the oncoming traffic. Which may actually involve a chicken. But you do not play chicken with a herd of oncoming bulls.
Costa Rica Clifftop vacation
Surfing
Surf lessons! Can’t beat having a private beach and one on one instruction to learn. Plus patient teachers who were all about making the experience enjoyable. I have always wanted to try real surfing and I would definitely like another go at it. Seems I was not as natural a surfer as my companion. Maybe that’s why she was featured in far more pics. Hmmm.
At least I didn’t have to stop the session short due to injury. By forfeit I declare myself surfing champ on that particular day at Playa Grande.
Eats and Drinks
A cool beach bar called Coco Loco was right down the cliff from us. They have created the best frozen drink I’ve ever had which bears their namesake. Costa Rica Pura Vida in liquid form. What’s more remarkable is we agreed on that concoction and we never ever agree on the merits of a fruity drink. Yes I stole the recipe… though I’m not sure about the availability of fresh coconuts at Kroger.
Beach House restaurant in Playa Potrero. While I appreciate the effort, I’m sure what the thinking was with the volleyball net. First its one foot from the tables. And the beach slopes at a good 30 degrees. Furthermore it was about as level as a motocross course. Would have loved to see a game played by drunken gringos. One of us may have been hurt.
Real men dine with cats. Bar Kat and I shared shrimp and grits. I’m told this is creepy. I don’t care.
Tree at entrance to El Castillo restaurant, home of Bar Kat. Geez amigos, cut the damn thing down if its full of that horror show! Beware Bar Kat !!
Costa Rica Clifftop trip
Dinner at Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas. This Costa Rica clifftop delivers one the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Amazing views and sunset at this elegant indoor/outdoor restaurant
Costa Rica Clifftop stay
Explore
ATV tour all over the province. Very cool. ATVs are street legal too. Then again so is livestock. Either way gotta love a country where you can drive around in an ATV
That’s an anteater in the tree. No shortage of food source for that species. Eat em up fella
Not since the Griswolds got snubbed at Wallyworld has someone been so disappointed to arrive at a closed gate. Seems the National Parks are shut down on Mondays. So after an hour and a half drive to explore waterfalls, we found that our trip planning included a significant flaw. Fortunately there was a resort by the national park that has its own activities and waterfalls. So for $5 we hiked to a decent little waterfall and swam in water that was roughly 32.5 degrees.
For 5 bucks, the tour includes a tour guide
I learned I didn’t need the T-shirt to grasp the essence of Pura Vida. Heck I didn’t need clothes at all. I just had to see these views every day to realize Costa Rica is for me…especially clifftop Costa Rica.
Wisdom of the ‘Fool
Travelers Tips for Costa Rica Clifftop
- Contrary to instinct, avoid most of the name car rental chains in Costa Rica. They are franchises and much different than the American version. I can recommend Vamos car rental without hesitation.
- Speaking of car rental, go ahead and take the insurance there even if your credit card has protection. It may seem like a waste of money but if something were to happen, the process to get whole will make you wish you paid for that insurance and then some. Laws regarding accidents and liability are different down there.
- Roads in Costa are fine for the most part. Seeking hikes and waterfalls can lead you off road and that’s another story. Rent an SUV. Not a pretty one. Pay the insurance.
- The coast is about 3 hours from the San Jose airport and about 1.5 hr from Liberia airport. Add in at least an hour to get thru customs and pick up your transportation. All things to consider when planning the trip.
- No matter how private your villa is, the pool guy and maid are exempt. Arrange for their services to be mid-morning. Consider wearing pants until their visit is complete. Costa Rica Clifftop Pura Vida!
