ESTERILLOS ESTE, Costa Rica - What can make an elderly married couple from Holland stay at a resort for nearly 30 straight days doing nothing but lying on the beach, reading books, swimming and sun bathing?
Perhaps miles of unpopulated beach, scores of hammocks lined up along palm trees, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and just the overall service and quality of Alma del Pacifico Hotel & Spa.
Travel Agent returned Monday from a three-night stay at this quaint 20-villa boutique hotel in a secluded area along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and came back with a handful of pitches for clients heading to Costa Rica.
It opened in 2007 and changed ownership in 2010. When it originally opened, it was a resort meant to disconnect, meaning no televisions and no Wi-Fi. The new owners, including Fernando Alfaro, part owner, sales director and general manager of the resort, however, added flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi access to all the rooms when they took over the resort.
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| Travel Agent's room at Alma del Pacifico Hotel & Spa in Costa Rica |
We stayed in villa no. 5, a Beachfront Villa. It was a 745-square-foot room with 33 feet of beachfront, a private terrace with views of the beach and ocean and a private enclosed garden. Beachfront Villas feature one king bed and two connecting daybeds.
Perhaps the best rooms at the property, however, are the Deluxe Beachfront Villas, which range between 745-800 square feet and feature about 40 feet of beach a private plunge pool on the terrace, a private terrace with views of the beach and ocean, and a private garden. Deluxe Beachfront Villas also include either two full beds or one king bed (separate bedroom in some villa) and two connecting daybeds.
Rates range from about $200 to $400 a night, depending on the season and category. The beach that the property is practically private since there are rarely non guests who occupy it.
The Spa
The spa at Alma Del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa offers an extensive menu of Costa Rican spa treatments. The spa features four treatment rooms reflecting the elements represented in the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui.
Surfing Lessons
Alma del Pacifico Hotel & Spa offers its guest surfing lessons by Brett’s Board Rentals, which operates at six hotels in Costa Rica. Lessons are $50 for two hours. Book about 24 hours in advance. Agents receive a 20 percent commission. Surfers who don't need an instructor can rent the board for $20. The instructors will still bring the board to and from the beach for you. Visit www.brettsboardrentals.com.
Who to Book for
Look to target adventurous couples or families. This is a beach lover's and water sports lover's dream. The spa and central location to the area's most popular dining options also makes it a great sell for girls getaways.
Visit www.almadelpacifico.com and keep reading www.travelagentcentral.com for more updates from our coverage of Alma del Pacifico Hotel & Spa, including our impressive surfing lesson.