R
Where adventure meets style, and the rainforest meets the sea.....Welcome to Rancho Pacifico
We claim on our website to be a bit “unusual” – in a good way according to our satisfied guests! RP is a place of
contrasts - providing an authentic Eco-lodge experience with the refinements of a Small Luxury Hotel. The approach here
is, in the words of one guest, “of casual elegance, refined but not pretentious - like a spacious estate with lots of privacy
and personal attention.” In the words of another, "Where adventure meets style".
Costa Rica is one of the top 5 "Adventure Travel" destinations in the world - and #1 for "Adventure Honeymoons".
Chances are if you are reading this, the word adventure is meaningful - but it needs to be understood. Simply, adventure
implies risk. You simply cannot have an adventure in an absolutely controlled environment. People seek adventure travel
to experience something other than their everyday, controlled environment.
In this spirit, Rancho Pacifico was created - but with a twist. While the founders were dedicated to preserving an
authentic adventure element - they also wanted to add some unexpected creature comforts - along the lines of a classy
African Safari camp. So as you consider spending your vacation time with us, please read through what follows for a
clearer idea of what it means when we say, "Where Adventure meets Style"....
Q: How tolerant are you of travel related inconveniences?
Ex: In the very efficient world in which we live, many of us have lost touch with “the rest of the world”. Although Costa
Rica is better than most Latin countries in regards to efficiency – it is not North America. There are sometimes
unanticipated delays (as there are of course on U.S. freeways) that can extend travel times and cause plans to have to
be adjusted. By average standards, some roads are "rough". Road signs are in Spanish.
Adventurous guests are prepared to tolerate such inconveniences and see them as part of the travel
experience. They expect this to be "the Central American Tropics" - and enjoy the cultural change.
Q: Do you really want to stay in a “Luxury Hotel”?
E: Costa Rica has long had a reputation of being an inexpensive travel destination, and some (especially) first-time visitors
arrive with expectations of $5 dinners, 50 cent beers, and $20 a nite accommodations. Over the last few years, the
country has seen a birth of a luxury sector – kicked off with the opening of the 4 Seasons Hotel in 2003. Rancho Pacifico
was recently one of only six hotels nominated for a World Travel Award as “Leading Boutique Hotel – Latin and Central
America”, and is a new member of SLH - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Discerning travelers understand that the cost structure one expects throughout a luxury establishment does not fit the
“budget travel” model. Rancho Pacifico is among a few boutique hotels throughout the country that have raised the bar in
quality and service – and is priced consistently with these.
Adventurous guests choose RP based on quality and uniqueness and have purposely chosen a "high-end"
experience. They appreciate personalized service, the quality of the spa, the innovation of organic,
tropical cuisine and the simple beauty of well designed architecture, interiors and gardens.
Q: Do you want to experience a remote location – and the nature one finds there?
E: Again, we are all impacted by the conveniences of the modern world. Some visitors to Costa Rica are seeking a more
"citified" experience than they will find at RP. For example, our local wildlife does not appear when called. When a
tropical downpour hits it can get damp. Occasionally you’re going to see a horned beetle or oversized grasshopper or
walking stick. You’re going to travel 1.2 miles up our remote access road which is going to transport you to “another
world” - "the real thing". Its mountainous - so if you hike it’s going to be fairly strenuous (we also have horses).
One guest recently said that RP's location was like visiting a national park. Our entrance is the gateway to a 250 acre
private nature preserve - containing one of Costa Rica's wildest expanses of primary (never cut) rainforest. There are
even spectacular waterfalls. Unlike the central and northern Pacific - it is green here all year round. For guests
unaccustomed to wilderness it probably seems isolated and remote.....but to the more adventurous, this is why they
came to Costa Rica.
Adventurous guests respond to our promise of an “authentic tropical experience” and come to
experience nature as it is – with early rising howler monkeys, the roar of a waterfall, and frequent wildlife
sightings based on the rhythms of nature. All of this is balanced with close proximity (2 miles) to a handy
supply of convenient stores, banks, groceries, restaurants, beaches and activities.
Q: Are you clear on what you want to do for fun?
E: Costa Rica has become very diverse. In more developed areas than ours there are large hotels, marinas, night life and
American food. You can find cable TV at most hotels.
Rancho Pacifico is a relaxed place – modern in appearance but a bit old-fashioned in its ways. We purposely do not
have TV’s in the rooms (we do have a very comfortable movie room) - and we do have portable dvd players to lend and
a good movie library) nor are there phones in the rooms (we do have phones which guests are welcome to use - free to
the U.S. for 3 minutes). We don’t have a business center (although we do have WIFI internet though our own satellite if
you bring your computer - no charge).
There is a lot to do close-by during the day….playing in the sea (boats, kayaks, surfboards, bodysurfing) and
surrounding rainforested mountains (hikes, ATV’s, nature watching, river tubing, waterfall explorations). Many guests
go out everyday, some never leave the property.
Adventurous guests appreciate RP as an opportunity to unplug from their usual routine. They generally
enjoy a full day of rigorous activity or highly focused quiet time. Dinner is a treat and afterward guests
either turn in early or enjoy a quiet nightcap at the bar or in the outdoor, stone whirlpool. Tuning in to a
natural beat and “finding the moment” amidst comfort and personal attention is what they enjoy most.
Q: Are you sure you want the “small hotel” experience?
E: Boutique hotels are “in”, and many travelers seek them out. Someone described RP as “boutique in every way” – and
travel journalist Anthony Bourdain, himself a boutique hotel afficianado said, “in the end what defines a boutique hotel are
the people”. We have only 13 rooms and accommodate a maximum of 24 guests – with a full time staff of 22.
The downside is that small out of the way places such as ours offer a different set of standards than large convenience
hotels. At RP the chef for example is not a figure-head, you will get to know Alex – maybe even meet his son Sebastian.
Olman, our concierge will ask you how you enjoyed the canopy tour. – and personally go to the pharmacy for you should
you need something. Vianey will remember your favorite drink – and how you like it. David will prepare your breakfast –
and later you might see him painting one of the villas. Rather than sharing a passing hello with other guests, at RP guests
tend to get to know each other – often resulting in sharing meals and activities and becoming friends. We also have lots
of space making it easy to choose privacy and alone-time.
Adventurous guests consistently echo Mr Bourdain’s comments – they appreciate the sincere personal
attention they get from the staff and the camaraderie of sharing time with like-minded guests.
Q: How are you going to get around?
E: Rancho Pacifico’s remoteness is countered with its close proximity to many activities, diverse beaches and quaint
villages. It is not however by any means in the center of a bustling beach / surf town such as one finds on the northern
Pacific coasts.
The serenity and pristine nature of our immediate environment (far above consistent road noise below) requires a 2 mile
trip “down the mountain” (through gorgeous jungle and amazing ocean vistas) to a newly paved main highway. A string
of 13 quiet beaches begin right off the highway – and a host of other activities are conveniently accessed.
Because about half of our guests would prefer not to rent cars – we can arrange private van transportation to and from
RP, and have our own local taxi service via 4wd vehicles once you arrive. We will also pick you up at our close-by
regional airport (Palmar Sur) after a beautiful 35 minute flight from SJO if you choose. Utilizing our transportation system
results in costs for a week about equal to that of a 4wd rental vehicle. (details can be found on our website). The upside
is you don't have to worry about a rental car and it is more convenient. The downside is you will have to schedule your
"comings and goings" each day.
If you like to explore back roads or feel that full - freedom mobility is better for you, rental cars can be picked up in San
Jose (you can arrange or we can) – or at RP (for as few as one day). The upside is you can go where you want and
when - the downside is relatively high daily rates, some rough roads, uncertain travel conditions, high cost of gasoline,
and high insurance deductibles.
Adventurous guests plan ahead to minimize hassles regardless of whether or not that includes a rental
vehicle. They either depend on us for transport – or listen carefully to the advice we have to share based
on reliable experience. Our area is exciting - and depending on your personal needs, you can see the
best of it either way.
Q: Can you handle changing weather conditions?
E: Based on the time of year you visit, there are many different weather conditions to expect.
Costa Rica is tropical - just 9 degrees above the equator and 1000 miles south of the Yucatan.
It is a country of rainforest - and yes, at least part of the year, it rains in the rainforest - all over the country. While Costa
Rica does not experience wind driven hurricanes, it does get a dose of hard rains.
Those seeking bright, sunny days with hardly any rain will best enjoy December through April.
May, June, July, November and most of August are thought of as Indian summer here - clear mornings and late afternoon
showers. Late August, September and October usually have clear mornings - with longer rain showers in the afternoon
and evening.
Many guests during the rainier season tell us they love the rain and look forward to it! They plan their mornings out - and
settle down for a restful afternoon. But some don't care for this routine - they would rather be at the beach all day or out
fishing. While this is possible because it is warm even when it rains - it's not for everyone.
Adventurous guests understand what the conditions are likely to be during the time of their visit and set
their expectations accordingly. They come with an attitude (and gear) that allows them to experience the
authentic diversity of tropical nature.
We claim on our website to be a bit “unusual” – in a good way according to our satisfied guests! RP is a place of
contrasts - providing an authentic Eco-lodge experience with the refinements of a Small Luxury Hotel. The approach here
is, in the words of one guest, “of casual elegance, refined but not pretentious - like a spacious estate with lots of privacy
and personal attention.” In the words of another, "Where adventure meets style".
Costa Rica is one of the top 5 "Adventure Travel" destinations in the world - and #1 for "Adventure Honeymoons".
Chances are if you are reading this, the word adventure is meaningful - but it needs to be understood. Simply, adventure
implies risk. You simply cannot have an adventure in an absolutely controlled environment. People seek adventure travel
to experience something other than their everyday, controlled environment.
In this spirit, Rancho Pacifico was created - but with a twist. While the founders were dedicated to preserving an
authentic adventure element - they also wanted to add some unexpected creature comforts - along the lines of a classy
African Safari camp. So as you consider spending your vacation time with us, please read through what follows for a
clearer idea of what it means when we say, "Where Adventure meets Style"....
Q: How tolerant are you of travel related inconveniences?
Ex: In the very efficient world in which we live, many of us have lost touch with “the rest of the world”. Although Costa
Rica is better than most Latin countries in regards to efficiency – it is not North America. There are sometimes
unanticipated delays (as there are of course on U.S. freeways) that can extend travel times and cause plans to have to
be adjusted. By average standards, some roads are "rough". Road signs are in Spanish.
Adventurous guests are prepared to tolerate such inconveniences and see them as part of the travel
experience. They expect this to be "the Central American Tropics" - and enjoy the cultural change.
Q: Do you really want to stay in a “Luxury Hotel”?
E: Costa Rica has long had a reputation of being an inexpensive travel destination, and some (especially) first-time visitors
arrive with expectations of $5 dinners, 50 cent beers, and $20 a nite accommodations. Over the last few years, the
country has seen a birth of a luxury sector – kicked off with the opening of the 4 Seasons Hotel in 2003. Rancho Pacifico
was recently one of only six hotels nominated for a World Travel Award as “Leading Boutique Hotel – Latin and Central
America”, and is a new member of SLH - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Discerning travelers understand that the cost structure one expects throughout a luxury establishment does not fit the
“budget travel” model. Rancho Pacifico is among a few boutique hotels throughout the country that have raised the bar in
quality and service – and is priced consistently with these.
Adventurous guests choose RP based on quality and uniqueness and have purposely chosen a "high-end"
experience. They appreciate personalized service, the quality of the spa, the innovation of organic,
tropical cuisine and the simple beauty of well designed architecture, interiors and gardens.
Q: Do you want to experience a remote location – and the nature one finds there?
E: Again, we are all impacted by the conveniences of the modern world. Some visitors to Costa Rica are seeking a more
"citified" experience than they will find at RP. For example, our local wildlife does not appear when called. When a
tropical downpour hits it can get damp. Occasionally you’re going to see a horned beetle or oversized grasshopper or
walking stick. You’re going to travel 1.2 miles up our remote access road which is going to transport you to “another
world” - "the real thing". Its mountainous - so if you hike it’s going to be fairly strenuous (we also have horses).
One guest recently said that RP's location was like visiting a national park. Our entrance is the gateway to a 250 acre
private nature preserve - containing one of Costa Rica's wildest expanses of primary (never cut) rainforest. There are
even spectacular waterfalls. Unlike the central and northern Pacific - it is green here all year round. For guests
unaccustomed to wilderness it probably seems isolated and remote.....but to the more adventurous, this is why they
came to Costa Rica.
Adventurous guests respond to our promise of an “authentic tropical experience” and come to
experience nature as it is – with early rising howler monkeys, the roar of a waterfall, and frequent wildlife
sightings based on the rhythms of nature. All of this is balanced with close proximity (2 miles) to a handy
supply of convenient stores, banks, groceries, restaurants, beaches and activities.
Q: Are you clear on what you want to do for fun?
E: Costa Rica has become very diverse. In more developed areas than ours there are large hotels, marinas, night life and
American food. You can find cable TV at most hotels.
Rancho Pacifico is a relaxed place – modern in appearance but a bit old-fashioned in its ways. We purposely do not
have TV’s in the rooms (we do have a very comfortable movie room) - and we do have portable dvd players to lend and
a good movie library) nor are there phones in the rooms (we do have phones which guests are welcome to use - free to
the U.S. for 3 minutes). We don’t have a business center (although we do have WIFI internet though our own satellite if
you bring your computer - no charge).
There is a lot to do close-by during the day….playing in the sea (boats, kayaks, surfboards, bodysurfing) and
surrounding rainforested mountains (hikes, ATV’s, nature watching, river tubing, waterfall explorations). Many guests
go out everyday, some never leave the property.
Adventurous guests appreciate RP as an opportunity to unplug from their usual routine. They generally
enjoy a full day of rigorous activity or highly focused quiet time. Dinner is a treat and afterward guests
either turn in early or enjoy a quiet nightcap at the bar or in the outdoor, stone whirlpool. Tuning in to a
natural beat and “finding the moment” amidst comfort and personal attention is what they enjoy most.
Q: Are you sure you want the “small hotel” experience?
E: Boutique hotels are “in”, and many travelers seek them out. Someone described RP as “boutique in every way” – and
travel journalist Anthony Bourdain, himself a boutique hotel afficianado said, “in the end what defines a boutique hotel are
the people”. We have only 13 rooms and accommodate a maximum of 24 guests – with a full time staff of 22.
The downside is that small out of the way places such as ours offer a different set of standards than large convenience
hotels. At RP the chef for example is not a figure-head, you will get to know Alex – maybe even meet his son Sebastian.
Olman, our concierge will ask you how you enjoyed the canopy tour. – and personally go to the pharmacy for you should
you need something. Vianey will remember your favorite drink – and how you like it. David will prepare your breakfast –
and later you might see him painting one of the villas. Rather than sharing a passing hello with other guests, at RP guests
tend to get to know each other – often resulting in sharing meals and activities and becoming friends. We also have lots
of space making it easy to choose privacy and alone-time.
Adventurous guests consistently echo Mr Bourdain’s comments – they appreciate the sincere personal
attention they get from the staff and the camaraderie of sharing time with like-minded guests.
Q: How are you going to get around?
E: Rancho Pacifico’s remoteness is countered with its close proximity to many activities, diverse beaches and quaint
villages. It is not however by any means in the center of a bustling beach / surf town such as one finds on the northern
Pacific coasts.
The serenity and pristine nature of our immediate environment (far above consistent road noise below) requires a 2 mile
trip “down the mountain” (through gorgeous jungle and amazing ocean vistas) to a newly paved main highway. A string
of 13 quiet beaches begin right off the highway – and a host of other activities are conveniently accessed.
Because about half of our guests would prefer not to rent cars – we can arrange private van transportation to and from
RP, and have our own local taxi service via 4wd vehicles once you arrive. We will also pick you up at our close-by
regional airport (Palmar Sur) after a beautiful 35 minute flight from SJO if you choose. Utilizing our transportation system
results in costs for a week about equal to that of a 4wd rental vehicle. (details can be found on our website). The upside
is you don't have to worry about a rental car and it is more convenient. The downside is you will have to schedule your
"comings and goings" each day.
If you like to explore back roads or feel that full - freedom mobility is better for you, rental cars can be picked up in San
Jose (you can arrange or we can) – or at RP (for as few as one day). The upside is you can go where you want and
when - the downside is relatively high daily rates, some rough roads, uncertain travel conditions, high cost of gasoline,
and high insurance deductibles.
Adventurous guests plan ahead to minimize hassles regardless of whether or not that includes a rental
vehicle. They either depend on us for transport – or listen carefully to the advice we have to share based
on reliable experience. Our area is exciting - and depending on your personal needs, you can see the
best of it either way.
Q: Can you handle changing weather conditions?
E: Based on the time of year you visit, there are many different weather conditions to expect.
Costa Rica is tropical - just 9 degrees above the equator and 1000 miles south of the Yucatan.
It is a country of rainforest - and yes, at least part of the year, it rains in the rainforest - all over the country. While Costa
Rica does not experience wind driven hurricanes, it does get a dose of hard rains.
Those seeking bright, sunny days with hardly any rain will best enjoy December through April.
May, June, July, November and most of August are thought of as Indian summer here - clear mornings and late afternoon
showers. Late August, September and October usually have clear mornings - with longer rain showers in the afternoon
and evening.
Many guests during the rainier season tell us they love the rain and look forward to it! They plan their mornings out - and
settle down for a restful afternoon. But some don't care for this routine - they would rather be at the beach all day or out
fishing. While this is possible because it is warm even when it rains - it's not for everyone.
Adventurous guests understand what the conditions are likely to be during the time of their visit and set
their expectations accordingly. They come with an attitude (and gear) that allows them to experience the
authentic diversity of tropical nature.
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