Alma Del Pacifico Costa Rica ^Featured

The two-hour ride was actually quite relaxing. The majority of the trip was along a new highway that flowed around mountains, crossed the Rio Grande and exposed beautiful landscape and wildlife. Our driver, Randall, graciously pulled over just before we reached a long narrow bridge and told us to grab our cameras. The bridge was about 75 feet above a river with a sidewalk that was only about two feet wide. Below us were 20 or so very hungry crocodiles and vultures. It was certainly a National Geographic moment.

As we drove closer to the resort, the road became more rural, taking us along cliffs overlooking the Pacific where we watched magnificent flocks of scarlet macaws. I was really in no hurry to arrive at our tropical destination, but soon enough, we did. The Alma Del Pacifico Beach Hotel and Spa is a beautiful and colorful luxury resort literally located right on the Pacific. After the long flight, the first thing many travelers choose to do is reenergize themselves at the onsite spa located in the center of the property, just beyond the two large swimming pools. With a full menu of massages to choose from, you’ll come out ready to vacation! The resort is relatively small and with just 20 villas you are pretty much guaranteed peace and quiet. Each villa has its own small outdoor private pool/jacuzzi, kitchenette and living room with wi-fi, although trust me, you won’t be spending much time indoors. My favorite feature was the private pool overlooking the ocean. I was told it wasn’t uncommon for local wildlife to come right up to your door and they weren’t kidding. As I was relaxing in the pool, I looked over my shoulder to see a friendly iguana also relaxing on the edge, eating some of the fresh mango that I was enjoying! I must say the iguana had good taste.

Many of the fruits and vegetables come from the hotel’s own gardens and are served in the open air restaurant that features international and Costa Rican dishes with some of the freshest seafood I have ever had. Certainly five-star! It was very tempting to just lounge in a hammock between two palm trees, watching surfers trying to catch the big one, or maybe even take a surf lesson at the resort myself, but there was much more to do than I realized.

As I had seen first-hand en route from the airport, Costa Rica’s wildlife is abundant. If you like leisurely strolls through the jungle and along the ocean, head over to Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you’ll have an opportunity to be up-close and personal with two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas, tropical plants as well as an abundance of wild monkeys while trekking along the ocean. This isn’t the drive-through safari at Great Adventure. These are wild animals in their home habitat within a few feet of you, keeping an eye on things. For more of an aerial view that will get your heart pumping, head over to the Pacific Rainforest Adventures Aerial Tram. Here you’ll be lifted skyward in an open-air gondola rising slowly at treetop level for a 30-minute ascent with breathtaking views. The top is where the excitement starts as you zip line back to the bottom.

Located about a half-mile from Manuel Antonio Park is a great restaurant called El Avión. I could go on about how great the food is or the spectacular view or even the monkeys climbing about curiously watching what you order but not before I mention the complete US Military C-123 cargo plane sticking out from the front of the restaurant. In fact, it looks as if the plane landed here on top of the mountain and the restaurant was built around it. No surprise, the cargo plane has a little history. It turns out this was one of the cargo planes delivering weapons during the Iran-Contra scandal. Now the C-123 is a fully functional bar. The Swiss family Robinson would be proud to dine here!

Another local restaurant for a great dinner is Los Almendros, located not far from Alma Del Pacifico. Serving Caribbean and Asian cuisine, the focus is on the freshness. The seafood is acquired right down the street from local fishermen. I politely asked my traveling companions if any of them would be ordering the last Caribbean lobster that was on the Specials menu. I was selfishly pleased when they said no until someone suggested that we all share it … thanks, Lisa! It was okay – I had an amazing sesame tuna that was cooked to perfection (and some lobster).

In the evening we just relaxed at the hotel bar with general manager and part owner Fernando Alfaro. He politely asked me, “Jason, what would you like?” “I want to make a mojito,” I answered. “You want a mojito?” No, I want to make the mojito! Now, there was no reason in the world for me to bartend. The staff at the Pacifico was more then generous and helpful, especially the bartender. But no sooner had I said it then I was behind the bar, muddling mint leaves and sugar. This is what Fernando had been talking about when he told me about the relationship the staff develops with their guests. Now I don’t know if they let any crazy American behind the bar, but we certainly had a night filled with laughter, plenty of drinks, music, a bonfire on the beach and new friends. There are a ton of different excursions you can take in the area. From horseback riding to yoga, jet skiing to ATVing, sport fishing to kayaking or just plain relaxing in that hammock and doing nothing. There is plenty of nothing or plenty of everything to do in Costa Rica, and oh, don’t forget, there’s that surfing thing, too. The staff at Alma Del Pacifico will be more than happy to help you set up your perfect getaway itinerary. Until next time … Pura Vida.