Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort Costa Rica FAQ

> Who owns and operates Arenas del Mar?

Arenas Del Mar is owned by two principals, Experience Central America S.A. and ProPaz CR S.A. Both of these companies excel in the business of sustainable and high quality hotels and the board of directors has more than 50 years of experience in successful management of high quality hotels. For more details, see About Us.

Arenas del Mar is managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a management company that operates ecolodges, hotels and resorts in Costa Rica and is based in San José, Costa Rica. Cayuga is an experienced operator in the field of sustainable tourism and high–end lodging operations. For more details, see www.cayugaonline.com.

> Arenas del Mar check in and check out times

Check in time begins at 2:00 pm. If you should arrive earlier at Arenas del Mar, we will do everything possible to have your room ready. However, if you should have to wait for your room to be ready don’t waste any time! Go ahead and take a refreshing swim in “our pool with a view” or enjoy one of our many fascinating tours. The resort’s check out time is 11:00 am. If you would like to leave later in the day, please consult the front desk to make appropriate arrangements, and if possible, we will be happy to accommodate you.

> How do I get to Arenas del Mar?

Arenas del Mar is located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica about 2 KM from the port of Quepos, in Manuel Antonio. The resort overlooks the Manuel Antonio National Park and has direct beach access to two separate beaches. Most visitors to Costa Rica arrive in San José which is located about 3 hours by car or a short 25 minute flight from Arenas del Mar. Both SANSA and Nature Air offer many flights during daylight hours to and from Quepos. Some guests also fly in from abroad to Liberia from where it is a 5 hour drive or two short domestic flights of about 25 and 45 minutes each.

Driving to Manuel Antonio: Head west out of San José toward the International Airport on the Interamericana and turn off at “Manolos” (Atenas Exit) towards the beach town of Jacó. When crossing the Tarcoles river bridge, make sure you stop to look at the crocodiles below. Continue to Jacó and then down the Pacific coast to Quepos. From Quepos, follow the signs to Manuel Antonio and later the signs to Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort. Estimated driving time: 3 hours. Four by four vehicle preferred, but regular cars should have no problem. Preferred lunch stop: El balcon de Mariscos about 10 km after the Tarcoles river bridge. http://www.arenasdelmar.com/overview.html

Domestic flights: The easiest and fastest way to get to Arenas del Mar is with a domestic flight. There are two domestic airlines that offer scheduled daily flights. Sansa (www.flysansa.com) leaves from a small terminal at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela and NatureAir (www.natureair.com) from the Tobias Bolaños Airport located closer to downtown San José. For specific arrival and departure times, contact us at info@arenasdelmar.com. We would also be happy to arrange a private charter flight from any destination in Costa Rica to Arenas del Mar.

Domestic flights arrive at the small airport of Quepos just a short 10 minute shuttle ride to Manuel Antonio and Arenas del Mar. If we didn’t book your flight, please let us know your arrival times and we will be happy to pick you up.

> Where should I stay overnight in San José?

Many international flights arrive to San José in the evening and you might want to spend a night in or around San José. There is a great variety of hotels to choose from. Our first choice would be Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, the highest ranked hotel in Costa Rica for Certified Sustainable Tourism (CST) with five out of five possible green leaves. Finca Rosa Blanca is an architectural jewel, a small hotel surrounded by coffee fields and only 15 minutes from the airport. For more information, please follow this link to www.FincaRosaBlanca.com.

In case Finca Rosa Blanca does not have availability for the dates you requested, there is a small business hotel in San José called Parque del Lago that is centrally located and has been awarded four out of the five possible CST leaves by the Costa Rican Tourism ministry for its sustainability efforts. For more information, please follow this link to www.parquedellago.com.

> Do you recommend any other hotels in Costa Rica?

The company that manages Arenas del Mar operates three other high end resorts that all share the same focus on service quality and sustainability.

In Guanacaste, we recommend the Harmony Hotel in Nosara.

Nested into the sleepy coastal town of Nosara, Costa Rica, 40 miles from the nearest paved road, high standards of sustainable living meet the creature comforts of low key beach life.

Inspired by the old school tropical destinations of eras that appreciated low key glamour and total escape, the Harmony is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm. Just beyond the Harmony's bananas trees, a cant miss coconut palm marks the arrival at Playa Guiones, one of the best surf spots in Nosara.

As a sustainable hotel, Harmony contributes by hiring all its staff form local community and teaching them the job. Also supports projects with local schools, turtles and monkey rescues centers. We do reforestation programs to keep the spectacular environment of Nosara. Not far away, visitors may experience other Guanacaste wonders, such as the spectacular Arribadas turtles in Ostional and various national parks.

For more info and reservations, contact: www.harmonynosara.com

On the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, we recommend the award winning ecolodge Lapa Rios.

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. Lapa Rios is built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical breezes. The main lodge, housing the restaurant and bar, soars 50 feet and is built of local, natural materials. Palm thatched roofs meet a three-story hardwood circular stairway. Climb to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture adds to relaxation in this tranquil panorama of nature.

For more info and reservations, contact: www.laparios.com

> Can everything be paid in US dollars or do I need local currency?

Costa Rica’s currency is called the Colon. One US dollar is approximately 520 Costa Rica Colones (July 2007). Please follow this link for daily rates. However, while you are staying at Arenas del Mar, cash will not be necessary. All your expenses can be charged to your room and when you check out, we will accept US dollars, Colones and/or all major credit cards.

When going on tours or visiting the town of Quepos, carrying one, five and ten US dollar bills would definitely be recommended as well as some local currency. Most businesses and restaurants accept US dollars. Euros and other currencies are not commonly accepted in Costa Rica. We will gladly exchange your US dollars for Colones at the front desk.

Resort & Facilities

> What are the suites and rooms like?

For information on the suites and rooms, please go to Rooms.

> How many people sleep comfortably in the suites or rooms?

The rooms and suites are ideal for couples that are looking for spacious, high quality accommodations. Honeymooners love the large bathrooms and the private bathtub on the deck of the suites.

The rooms comfortably sleep two guests sharing the King size bed. The suites comfortably sleep a family of three, with the parents in the main bedroom and one child on the comfortable pull out couch or the day bed in the living area. Ideal are the apartments that sleep up to five guests, featuring two bedrooms with King size beds and one living room with a pull out couch / day bed.

> What about bugs and insect repellant?

Depending on the time of year or hour of the day, there might be periods where mosquitoes are bothersome at Arenas del Mar especially after periods of extended rains. Usually, mosquitoes are only active between 5:30 and 6:30 pm during sundown. The bedrooms have mosquito nets and fans if you prefer the local climate, but are also air–conditioned and can be closed completely to protect you from possible bugs. Past visitors to Arenas del Mar have found that mosquitoes are not bothersome and were quite surprised by how few they saw.

It is a good idea to bring some insect repellant, especially for the hikes and activities in the nearby rainforest and National Park. Any good brand of insect repellent that works for you where you live will also work in Costa Rica. Insect repellant is also sold at the resort’s gift shop. We recommend that when possible, to rely on non aerosol cans that contain less toxic ingredients.

> Is the beach safe for swimming?

Costa Rica’s beaches are renowned for their beauty, the temperature of the water (85F / 29ºC degrees year round!) and their variety of wave activity. In Manuel Antonio one can find beaches that look like lakes with no waves. In other areas of the beaches, there are excellent waves for body and board surfing, as well as ocean kayaking. As in all beaches, it is best to consult daily about any possible riptides and wave sizes before swimming. In the beaches directly attached to Arenas Del Mar there are tide pools accessible at low tide.

> Is Arenas del Mar suitable for children?

Absolutely. Arenas del Mar is a great family destination and a wonderful opportunity for families to spend some quality time together. Arenas Del Mar is Manuel Antonio’s only high quality resort with direct access to two spectacular beaches; it also features two refreshing swimming pools. There are many interesting activities offered in the area for children, especially for years 6 and older, such as butterfly gardens, guided tours on interpretive trails into the rain forest, canopy tours and boat excursions.

Health & Weather

> What to bring?

The resort’s dress code is informal. Guests are encouraged to bring lightweight, casual clothing, sunscreen, a bathing suit, sturdy shoes or hiking boots for activities and nature hikes. National airline flights have a 25 lb. baggage limit per person. And don’t worry about bringing extra clothing, since the lodge offers laundry service.

> Climate & Weather

Costa Rica is a tropical country located between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. It has twelve bio–climates, three different rainfall regimes and many microclimates, so researching its climatic conditions can be an almost never–ending task.

Although Costa Rica is considered to have a stable climate, it is important to note that different temperature and weather conditions may be experienced within the same day, or within short distances, due mostly to the rugged terrain of this mountainous country. There are two well defined seasons: the green season (invierno), and the dryer summer season (verano), with one main difference between them: rainfall averages. Dry season runs from December to April, and the green season from May to November. Rainfall averages for the country may reach the highest point during the months of September and October.

Seasonal changes don't bring significant changes in temperatures, although nights may be cooler in some areas during the rainy season. Mornings will most commonly be sunny all year round. San José is located 1000 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level, and has a moderate temperature throughout the year. It may go as low as 15º C (59º) at nighttime, and up to 26º C (80º) during the day, giving rise to the image of San José as a city with an eternal spring climate. The Central Valley, where San José lies, has an average temperature of 20º C (68º) When it rains, temperatures will drop slightly, mostly due to the humidity and winds.

The Caribbean coastline has an average temperature of 21º C (70º) at night, and 30º C (86º) during the day. The rainy season has a rainfall average of 224 inches per year, along the coast, on the eastern face of the mountains and in the Caribbean lowlands. In most of Costa Rica the peak periods of rainfall occur during May to June and September to October, although precipitation remains substantial throughout the period. However in October, the Caribbean coast experiences its best weather. Though it is considered to be the wettest region of the country, rains usually occur in the late evening and nighttime. Due to humidity and trade winds, temperatures will remain low, and even drop noticeably during rainy nights.

The Pacific coast is warmer than the Atlantic by 3º to 5º C. The northern part of the country is almost totally dry for six months of the year. Rainfall averages only 59 inches a year in the northwest and central part of the country. The Central Pacific region, where Arenas del Mar is located, is considered rainforest and generally wetter than its counterpart to the north. Rainfall can reach up to 150 inches a year.

High mountainous areas, such as the region surrounding Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó, have cold, windy and cloudy conditions all year round. Chirripó remains below 10º C (50º F) during the day, and may experience temperatures as low as 0º C (32º F) at night. Frost and even snow have been reported. As a general rule, temperatures decline with elevation at a rate of approximately 3.5 Fahrenheit degrees per thousand feet in Costa Rica (6.5º C per 1000 m).

First–time visitors to Costa Rica often neglect to bring a warm jacket with them after reading about the climates of the coastal regions and the Central Valley. A medium–weight fleece jacket is ideal for the cool San José nights.

> Health Concerns and Medical Emergencies

There is a hospital about 10 minutes from the hotel, right next to the airport in Quepos. It is the largest National Hospital outside the Central Valley. Several doctors and pharmacies are on call in Quepos and Manuel Antonio for minor health related problems. San José is just a 25 minute flight away and offers excellent state of the art hospitals and treatments by doctors often educated in North America or Europe.

> Tropical Diseases (Malaria and Dengue fever)

No immunizations, shots, inoculations or vaccinations are required to enter the country. The only notable disease problem reported in some locations of the country in the last few years is occasional localized dengue fever (spread by mosquitoes in certain urbanized locations with stagnant water and a history of the disease). However, it would be wise to check with your personal physician for individual recommendations. Some physicians prefer for their patients to obtain typhoid immunizations and persons who plan to visit Caribbean coastal areas are advised to take malaria pills. Reported cases of malaria in the Caribbean lowlands and coastal zone have occasionally been noted in recent years, so it would be wise to take preventive measures. Up–to–date recommendations on such preventive measures are issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC office issues health advisories via FAX for travel throughout the world.

> Recommended Vaccines for Costa Rica

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
Hepatitis B if you are exposed to blood (for example, health–care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or are undergoing various medical treatments. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11 and 12 who did not receive it as infants.
Rabies if you are in contact to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
Typhoid particularly if you are visiting other developing countries in this region.

As needed, booster doses for tetanus–diphtheria and measles. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11 and 12 who did not receive it as infants.

Nature, Leisure & Activities

> Manuel Antonio National Park

You are most likely to see the world famous Manuel Antonio National park from your hotel room or while having breakfast at the Mirador restaurant. Actually, the Pacific Ocean that borders Arenas del Mar is part of the National Park, and thus Arenas del Mar is considered a park and beach–front resort. Manuel Antonio is a spectacular National Park that consists of tropical jungles, rainforest, paradise–like beaches, mangroves and an estuary, and a lagoon. Guided tours by our excellent community guides often yield many sightings of monkeys, sloths, toucans, crocodiles, armadillos, and many other mammals. Manuel Antonio is famous for its high concentration of fauna and varied environment.

The park expands 680 hectares (1,680 acres) and is one of the country’s smallest National Parks. It is recommended to visit the park with a guide who has a trained eye and the necessary equipment required to spot the hundreds of animals and bird species that inhabit the park. But don’t forget your bathing suit. Inside the park you will find some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and safe swimming beaches. Isla Mogote and 11 other islands offshore provide refuge for marine birds. Park rangers only allow 600 visitors to enter the park on a daily basis, so come early (as you are also more likely to spot animals in the morning).

The park is closed on Monday but open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm year round. Park entrance fee is $6 per person.

> Carara Biological Reserve

The Carara Biological Reserve is located about an hour’s drive north of Arenas del Mar and is a world renowned nesting ground for scarlet macaws. It has hiking trails open to visitors. The macaws migrate daily, spending the days in the park and the nights in the costal mangroves. It is best to observe them in the early morning or around sunset, but a good guide is most likely to find them for you during the day. Among other wildlife you might see here are crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos, tapirs, pacas, peccaries, river otters, kinkajous and of course hundreds of species of birds. The Reserve is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Admission is $6 per person.

> What tours and activities are available at Arenas del Mar?

Please follow this link to find out more about the tours and activities offered at Arenas del Mar. Follow the link to; http://www.arenasdelmar.com/activities.html

> Is there any sport fishing available near Arenas del Mar?

The waters off Quepos on the Costa Rican central Pacific coast are world famous for bill fishing. Arenas Del Mar only supports certified sport fishing operations that follow catch and release practices. We can recommend companies and captains upon request.

> Are there any good surf spots near Arenas del Mar?

Directly below Arenas Del Mar is Espadillas Beach, well–known as a venue for International Surfing Competitions and for its mid–sized tight break. On good days, it is arguably the best break in Costa Rica.

> What else is there to see in Costa Rica?

A stay at Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio is certainly one of the highlights of a visit to Costa Rica. However, there are many other popular destinations that are worth a visit. Depending on your budget and time available for travel, we recommend you visit some of the country’s active volcanoes (Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja) and the world famous cloud forest reserve at Monteverde or Los Ángeles. For a very natural, but more rustic experience, a trip down south to the Osa Peninsula is recommendable. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast also offers a great variety of sights from the giant turtle nesting beaches in Tortuguero in the north to the laid back beach environment further south. If you have any questions on where to go and what to do, please send us an e–mail to info@arenasdelmar .com.

> What is the CST and how can I learn more about it?

The CST is a national certification program designed by the Tourist Board (ICT) to classify hotels and resorts in Costa Rica based on their sustainable practices, policies and actions that protect the environment and benefit the local culture, history and local communities. Please follow the link to; http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/EN/entrada.shtml

WHAT?
One of the CST’s objectives is to make sustainability the official goal for Costa Rica’s tourism industry. The first phase included the lodging industry, the second phase included the tour operators and future programs will also include other related industry companies. The national parameters will be improved biannually, allowing the program to develop alongside appropriate new technologies.

WHO?
In the first phase of the CST program, only lodging companies are being certified (other tourism service providers are soon to follow). Hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts and cabins can all voluntarily participate in the program. The hotels are categorized by Province location, size and type, i.e. city hotel, beach hotel, country inn, and you can choose a hotel based on their sustainability efforts and participation in the CST program.

HOW?
After filling out an application and questionnaire, the National Accreditation Commission evaluates the establishment in a site visit, ultimately assigning a “sustainability level” on a scale of 0–5, in a system similar to the well–known star system used by commercial hotels internationally. Level “one” would indicated a first step in the process toward sustainable practice, and with each percentage of improvement the level can increase, peaking at level “five”, indicating that the company is considered a “model of sustainable tourism”. Costa Rica’s CST is considered one of the most stringent and discerning certifications for sustainable tourism in the world.

WHY?
Costa Rica has become a world leader in addressing the issues of sustainable tourism development. It is a concept whose time has come, not just within the borders of this small country, but internationally as well.

More information about CST can be found on line at www.sustainable-tourism.co.cr.