Michelle & Ross

This thrilling four-wheel-drive journey will take us where breathtaking landscapes and traditional culture are just waiting to be discovered! We will experience the spectacular scenery, lives of rural Costa Ricans that have barely changed over the years, secluded soft silver-sand beaches, exotic flora and fauna and many quaint little villages. Sounds like honeymoon fun!

The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. From our observation point, we will feel the ground tremble and see the night sky explode with ash and lava in a natural display of fireworks. We will visit the hot springs of Arenal, where we will relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. This is absolutely an evening we will not want to miss.

This Canopy Tour will be an amazing, unforgettable experience! We'll fly through the tree tops of the Monteverde Could Forest on steel cables. We'll experience the various levels of the canopy as we glide and swing from tree to tree. Watch out Tarzan!

On this Catamaran Cruise sailing on crystal clear water, we'll kick off our shoes, layback, have a cool drink and take in the spectacular scenery.

Our adventure starts with a hike along the coast, making our way into the tropical forest to a streaming waterfall on the Rio Claro where we will ride down the river on inner tubes to a pristine beach to soak up some sun and take a nice refreshing dip, snorkel and enjoy a romantic picnic lunch! The grand finale, a well-deserved afternoon boat ride to complete our honeymoon outing!

We'll let an experienced guide take us on a hike through Manuel Antonio National Park so we don't get lost! Visiting two pristine, sun-kissed white-sand beaches, Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio learning about local plant life, pointing out some of the subsiding fauna such as capuchin, squirrel monkeys, agouti and the three-toed sloth along with 184 species of birds. A honeymoon adventure we will always remember!

We will appreciate refreshing ocean waters while learning the ancient skill and art of surfing. Our experienced Instructors are excellent teachers and are committed to perpetuating the heritage of surfing. Surfs up!

Costa Rica is world renowned for its exuberance of its biodiversity, such as its coffee. That's why two of Costa Rica's most popular destinations are The Butterfly Farm and The Coffee Tour of Cafe Britt. We will get to visit Alajuela where an enclosed tropical garden is filled with hundreds of butterflies, learning their natural history. Our journey continues onto Cafe Britt in Heredia where we will take the Coffee Tour, learning about the history of the coffee bean. We will even get a sample and the opportunity to purchase the strong stuff at factory price!

We will be spending our first four nights at the Nayara Hotel & Gardens. It is a luxury boutique hotel located in the area of the Arenal Volcano National Park that is widely recognized for providing luxurious accommodations and premium amenities. A 5-star member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Nayara has been acclaimed as one of the most romantic places in the world. Their heartfelt hospitality, impeccable service, fine cuisine, outstanding spa, amazing excursions and eco-experiences make Nayara the premier destination in Costa Rica.

We will then be spending our last 3 nights at the Arenas Del Mar Resort. Located within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar is an extraordinary beachfront and rainforest resort catering to travelers looking for more than the typical luxury hotel experience. Unique among the hotels in Manuel Antonio, their carbon neutral property offers sustainable, luxurious lodging—the first Costa Rican luxury hotel to be awarded the Five Sustainability Leaf Award and a Five Star Award. Arenas Del Mar is the perfect base for exploring on our Manuel Antonio vacation.

With a spectacular view of the ocean, we will join the locals and feast on comida tipica (native dishes), fresh fish, and succulent steaks complemented by gallo pinto, the national dish of fried rice and black beans.

We hope to share a moonlight dinner overlooking the exotic rainforest and Pacific Ocean as we are waited on and pampered by our own private chef and private waiter.

We will be leaving Dulles International Airport early on Monday, August 11 on a direct flight to San Jose, Costa Rica to enjoy a week together as a new married couple. We will be returning home on Monday, August 18.

We are planning on taking a private transfer from the airport in San Jose through the beautiful countryside of Costa Rica to our first destination, Nayara Hotel Spa and Gardens in the Arenal Volcano area. We will also be taking a private transfer from Nayara to the local airport as we head to explore the Manuel Antonio area.

We will be traveling on local flights from the Arenal Volcano area to the Manuel Antonio area and then from the Manuel Antonio area back to the San Jose Airport.

We will experience the special indulgence of a couple's massage lying side-by-side being pampered with exotic oils that hydrate the skin, rejuvenate senses, and leave us refreshed and revitalized. We want to reserve our spa treatments early for this ultimate spa experience!

Thank you for allowing us to pre-plan our trip. It all goes towards having the ultimate getaway made possible by your generous registry gift.