If you have a limited time to see the wonders of this beautiful county, which is "one of the most biologically intense places on earth", we would highly recommend you visit Rancho Pacifico. The one thing that sets Rancho Pacifico apart from other luxury resorts is the way it embraces the environment surrounding it. We will recommend this peaceful paradise to our family and the best of friends. Our experience there was amazing, where we met so many nice people (whom we are keeping in touch with back in the U.S.) and we will absolutely return to the tranquility of this resort.
My husband and I booked a two week trip to Costa Rica...as our first introduction to the "Dreamland" we had heard so much about across the sea.
Our first priority with this trip was to visit the historical "Whales Tales" (where the whales gather) in Uvita-Domincal area and the second week in Manuel Antonio. We were there for two reasons; look for a place to retire and celebrate our anniversary. With executive careers, we both have traveled to many luxury hotels - resorts "four - five stars" and what we found at Rancho Pacifico - we had not experience at any other places we had visited.
We discovered Rancho Pacifico "RP" through Luxury Link for our first week (although you could contact them directly from their website). The funny thing is we did not read any reviews before our booking of Rancho Pacifico. Prior to our travel we received a welcome package with recommendations that was very helpful and of course we still over packed in spite of their suggestions. When we arrived at the airport in San Jose, Eric our private escort was waiting for us at the exit, nicely dressed with RP clothing (easy to identify), the vehicle was new and very clean. Eric was extremely humble in accommodating us along the way (3-1/2 hours) - so that we could take photos and stop for any reason, which made the trip very relaxing and enjoyable. Check in is with a very personalized concierge.
The RP location is nestled in the mountains (above the bug line) and the setting is stunningly awesome, very relaxing, with glorious panoramic ocean views (in your face) - "Whales Tale”, beautiful sunsets over dinner and fantastic tropical surroundings of the monkeys roaming in the jungle. The authentic Costa Rican experience of the dinning and bar area being all open to the jungle with breathtaking views is a must to experience. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle, where the breeze is constantly cool (night or day), especially after being down near the beach is very refreshing to return to a comfy private villa with supremely comfortable beds and good quality linens. The detached villas are set in the middle of the dense rain forest, where all you could see was lush foliage, complete with monkeys, birds and the wide ocean views. Our villa was very private, extremely clean, very stylishly decorated, roomy, with a fabulous giant walk-in shower (room for more than two) with views of the jungle, ocean and each evening a soft touch of fresh flowers were placed on our bed. We always had a full bag of Costa Rica coffee (not the pre-packaged as most places provide), a flashlight (if needed) and umbrella's hanging outside our villa (for a rainy day). We had spa options at our doorstep over looking the mountain and the sea. We loved all our treatments. You’re within a very short distance of the most beautiful water fall cascades.
The food at the resort is superb "cooked to perfection" and the signature drinks are simply divine ... always served with a smile. We loved the variety of music that was played and have actually purchased some of their selections upon our return to the U.S.
Each day the owners and staff made us feel like family with a tropical made drink of fresh fruit and a warm smile. More importantly, after a day of exploring the country side we were always greeted with a wave, a smile and inquiring of our day. We became very acquainted with mostly all the staff - they are fantastic, effortlessly taking pride in always willing to help and answer a millions questions. Rancho Pacifico will accommodate your tours (horseback riding, rafting, and fishing) rent-a-car and transportation just about anywhere you wish to visit in the area.
The "owners" Garrison and Silvia, along with their exceptional staff were always right there to help throughout our stay and we feel they have created a majestic paradise, perfect in everyway for a corporate retreat, honeymooners for the romantic lovers or simply a great resort for leisure time with friends, whereby, you feel safe, relaxed and welcomed. Each and every staff touched our hearts with their own world of friendship.
We were really sad in thinking our week had ended and we must move on to the pre-booked hotel accommodations in Manuel Antonio for the next seven days of our trip. However, the evening before our departure the owner offered us an additional three days stay in our villa with the resort at full capacity and to treat us with being a part of their family for a Thanksgiving Celebration...Costa Rican style. The turkey cuisine prepared was wonderful!!!
We can't think of anything we didn't enjoy about our stay at Rancho Pacifico.
Ken and Katherine
Athens, Texas