Experienced by Kimatni Rawlins
It’s always a perfect occasion to visit Costa Rica. After our first stay five years ago, my wife Misa and I knew it was only a matter of time before we returned to the majestic lands of Central America. With so many work obligations and parenting responsibilities to tend to back home, it is a refreshing delight to escape. We chose the Guanacaste region for our anniversary adventure and invited friends who share similar passions in life.
Since we are platinum members with Marriott, the goal was to secure one of their all-inclusive resorts that catered to our needs for this journey to paradise. Located in the northeast quadrant of Costa Rica, The Westin Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal would become our home away from home for the next six days. In North Guanacaste, explorers will enjoy idyllic panoramas of the clear blue Pacific Ocean, natural landscapes, semi-active volcanoes, savannahs, tropical dry forests, and national parks to witness Costa Rican wildlife.
We begin the getaway from Washington Dulles International Airport before leaving for Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Upon landing, an Avis rental car was reserved, which caused complications due to undisclosed fees and a higher price than negotiated. Still, once we handled that scenario, it took us about an hour to drive to the resort where heaven on earth patiently awaited our arrival.
The entire property was similar to a Californian beach neighborhood where each resident receives a condo, suite, or small villa. I was fascinated by fresh vegetation, banyan trees, a pond outside our building, the stately adult pool, Westin Workout Center, the Wellness Spa, and Conchal Beach, which seduces with pristine white sands curated from crushed shells. Moreover, the bird and insect harmony was delightful and kept in tune with the naturalistic environs of Costa Rica. I aesthetically appreciated the omnipresent teepee theme of the main lobby and some of the eateries. Furthermore, the cuisine was impeccable. Bamboo was our favorite dinner place since it offered the most veggie options. We ordered fresh fruit smoothies each morning before hitting the gym or the trails. Remember, vacation is to relax the mind, not the body.
With so many exciting activities on the property, it was challenging to venture off-site to see the rest of the eco-friendly area. Our first destination was a visit to the beach town of Tamarindo. You experience musical vibrations, extended nightlife, surfing activities, and countless dining places here. We chose Sprout for the afternoon meal and were graciously satisfied. There is something about Costa Rican bean and veggie tacos! We feasted at Papaya for fresh greens, beans, brown rice, and veggie tofu scramble for dinner. Then you have the all-vegan La Cuchara Verde, which sends messages of love, health, and peace. No matter where we explore, we aim to secure cuisine that energizes, enlivens, and strengthens.
As Misa poignantly stated, “another day, another adventure in Costa Rica. The vegan food here is ridiculously delicious. Oh man, yummy in my tummy!”
Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia and consists of more than 970 species of birds, such as the hummingbird that can fly backward. Pineapple is their number one export, not coffee. Farmers also produce and grow cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, and sugarcane. From white water rafting to zip-lining to various nomadic adventures, there are a plethora of activities to fulfill your heart’s desires. While the ladies sunbathed at the pool, the boys scheduled the ATV tour with our guide Bernal Jaen Santana who escorted us to Playa Brasilito, the Pedregosa area, a host of beaches, and around the jungle to integrate with the congo monkeys.
Next up was the half-day Palo Verde National Park and riverboat tour, where we learned all about the mighty crocodile, some of the migrating bird species, and a few of the 144 classes of snakes (no anacondas or pythons here). Palo Verde became a National Park in 1972 and currently protects 23,000 acres of land. It was fascinating witnessing life commingle in this natural habitat.
The fantastic perspective received when vacationing with your spouse is the rekindled awareness of love, connectedness, and silent moments. Costa Rica reminded me how vital Misa Rawlins is to me as a wife, mother, and best friend. Every moment together adds to the constellation of our shared history and ultimately makes us stronger as a team. Pura Vida!
