Pura Vida in Costa Rica! 🇨🇷

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Pura Vida – “Pure Life”! Planning Girls Trip? A couples getaway? Or something solo? Rather than spending a week at a typical resort in Cancun, or paying high prices in Cabo, perhaps fly into Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), and stay at the Planet Hollywood resort located in the Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste. Although Cancun is one of my favorite destinations, it does become monotonous and somewhat mid. It’s making me feel like it’s the new “Miami” or “Atlanta” of summer destinations. Or perhaps it has been and I’m late. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy Cancun but I needed of something different. If you want a whole new experience, something outside the norm that also gives a sense of culture, uniqueness, and adventure, then I highly suggest shifting gears and exploring Costa Rica.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica | Photo: Deneica Liu

Transportation

We choose roundtrip transportation from Liberia International Airport (LIR) to our resort. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Our driver picked us up from the airport. He was easy to find because he had a sign with our names. After our driver loaded our luggage, he drove us directly to the resort while pointing out notable landmarks such as the volcano and sugar cane fields.

Airport transport from (LIR) Liberia to Resorts.

The Resort

Planet Hollywood All-Inclusive Resort ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I just want to begin by saying this was my favorite All-Inclusive resort. Not just because of the excellent service but the culture and unforgettable experience that we will never forget.

Depending on the season during certain times of the day, the tide can bring in jellyfish, at which point the resort staff will deny access to any water activities for your safety. There’s so much to do that the rain didn’t slow us down. Plus it was only one of the days we were there.

We visited in July and It did rain on and off throughout our stay. Think FLORIDA and how they have 20-45 minute rain showers then BOOM… shortly after the sun is out and you can proceed with your activities. Honestly, I welcomed the warm rain because it’s quite HOT (being that Costa Rica is close to the equator) and the rain cooled everything down.

Room Accommodations:

We selected the Star Class Junior Suite with an oceanview balcony. Star class is an option that comes with a personal butler which came in clutch during the busy times of our vacation. Housekeeping kept our minibar and snacks stocked daily. The room is spacious with a large TV and sofa.

Our personal butler updated us daily about activities around the resort through WhatsApp. He also made our dinner and spa reservations. And trust me, after a full day of activities in the Costa Rican heat, the last thing I wanted was to set up any type of reservation. I highly recommend visiting the hydrotherapy spa. When I left the spa my body felt like freshly churned butter. I slept VERY good that night.

Excursions:

Catamaran Sea Day ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

We went on a private catamaran ride to a beach for our group. Snorkeling and mini cave. An open bar along with chips and fresh guacamole was served. And the drinks were not watered down so be careful to not overindulge. We enjoyed a very beautiful sunset on our return to the resort.

Mega Tour Combo. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ More bang for your buck!!

We survived the world’s second largest outdoor waterside and it was a wild ride worth bragging about. One trip on the way down was all I needed because this slide IS NOT for everyone.

Natural hot springs with therapeutic mudbath. There were several pools with various temperatures ranging from kinda hot to medium hot to SUPER HOT to select from. Remember, Costa Rica is between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator so DO stay hydrated as the tropical Costa Rican heat can reach high temps regardless of the season (especially if you’re enjoying the unlimited alcoholic beverages at the resort). Plus if you’re soaking in the natural hot springs this can be too much and you could overheat if you aren’t careful. So drink your water.

This was my second Zip-lining experience, the first being in the Dominican Republic. The zip line was much more exhilarating in Costa Rica, higher up and longer zip lines! All still good fun. I preferred the zip line over the waterside. We also did the horseback riding excursion which was another favorite.

We sat in a coffee bean class that detailed a brief history of local artisan pottery and how the lava in the clay made each pot special. So much information and detail packed into a compact mini-educational session. At the end, you have the option to purchase coffee and/or pottery. We bought both.

Costa Rica was truly a memorable place and without a doubt, I will return with my family. We were kind of bummed that we didn’t see any sloths on our trip however we did see plenty of howler monkeys and birds. Viewing the volcanos was an additional highlight of this trip.

In short, Costa Rica beckons with its breathtaking landscapes (yes! – Gorgeous), rich biodiversity (lots of it), and vibrant culture (similar to my Native American culture). From misty cloud forests to black sand beaches, this gem of Central America offers a playground for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining through dense jungles or tranquil moments lounging on secluded shores, Costa Rica has something to captivate every soul. You have to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle – a way of life that celebrates simplicity, connection, and the beauty of nature. In Costa Rica, you’ll discover not just a destination, but a transformative journey that leaves a special mark on your heart and soul.

Disclaimer: I’m very pleased with the resort, I wasn’t disappointed with any part of my stay. My opinion is truly mine. Furthermore, this post isn’t a paid and/or sponsored promotion with the Planet Hollywood brand.