Honeymoon Discussions

Luxury in Costa Rica or Belize?

So, I thought we had it all figured out but now FI says that he really wants to go to South America because he's not feeling the really long flights/travel time to other destinations we were talking about (Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji). OY! I've looked at Costa Rica and, so far, the ones that seemed cool were the Paradisus (I think, something like that) and the Four Seasons. I REALLY liked the private island one in Belize, but it's 4k for 3 nights so we'd want to combine it with another hotel, too, and I'm having trouble finding anything. We really like non-cookie cutter hotels, 4-5 stars, cabanas/villas if possible, plunge pools if possible, beach front, good food. Any recs?

Re: Luxury in Costa Rica or Belize?

  • We had a really hard time trying to decide between Costa Rica and Belize. We ended up deciding with Costa Rica (because I knew someone that we could rent a house from for a good portion of the trip)... and because the flight deals we found were awesome ($270/each, with only a one-stop 45 minute layover). One place we were really exited about in Belize was Hamanasi resort. In a smaller area (not the popular Ambergis Caye). Others were Thatch Caye, and Turtle Inn (Francis Ford Coppola resort) In Costa Rica, my travel agent recommended Playa Conchal (pacific side). And, we're staying a couple nights at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Other than that, there looks like there's a ton of really fun hotels all throughout. (There's one... kinda expensive... where your hotel "room" is a 747 plane... its called Costa Verde). Would be great pics! Good luck deciding... I'm sure you'll have a blast wherever you go!
  • Check out Victoria House in Belize - that is where we were going to stay if we went there.
    imageimageimage
  • We just settled on our Costa Rica lodging! I obssesively read every review on Trip Advisor for WEEKS... Check out Arenal Nayara Gardens and Hotel. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor. Not sure if these are luxury enough, but they were some of the best non-cookie cutter, more luxurious options we found:Hidden Canopy Treehouses in Monteverdeand Captain Suizo in Tamarindo BeachBut these are more boutique hotels with good service according to reviews. Not big resorts.Good luck!
  • We're doing Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and we're staying at Arenal Nayara and Hidden Canopy Treehouses (their Eden treehouse looks AMAZING.)  Both are boutique hotels that offer individual cabanas.  But, there's a new hotel called Royal Corin in the Arenal Volcano area.  It's supposed to be very nice and very posh (no beaches around though).  We are also staying at the Moana Lodge in Mal Pais - their Master Suite is absolutely fanatstic and it's also a stand alone structure.  There is a beach across the street and the towns of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are within 3 kms of the hotel and also offer gorgeous beaches.  Costa Rica is definately a place where you should stay in more than one hotel to get a good feel of the country.
    image

    If I wanted to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, I'd put shoes on the cat. image

  • We're staying at Hamanasi in Belize. Our hotel room is our own personal treehouse, and they've been great to work with as we're setting up our reservations. They have amazing reviews on Tripadvisor.com as well. You should check them out.
  • If you're looking for the jungles, reef and beach huts of Belize and luxury eco-lodges of Costa Rica - but are on more of a budget, I would recommend Honduras, where you can live like a king! Here is a fantastic package which includes all flights, private tours, and tailor-made planning by your own travel consultant: http://tortribe.com/hondurashoneymoon.html
  • I've stayed in the Paradisus in Costa Rica, and in the Dominican Republic. Beautiful hotels, get the Royal Service and you'll have your own butler, unlimited internet access, they also put out food for you at tea time, etc. and make all kinds of special accomodations for you - you have your own check in site (not the main desk where everyone else checks in). Beautiful place. 5-6 stars. Only thing is - there aren't any villas that I know of. It's just a regular resort.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards