Exchanging Holiday Stress for Paradise at its Best

OSA PENINSULA , Costa Rica —Winter is a special season in Central America , revealing gems you won’t find any other time.

Unlike many tropical destinations, the area is hurricane free. The forests are a lush oasis during winter months as the rainy season is coming to an end. This is also the time for whale and dolphin watching or even glimpsing baby turtles as they hatch at a nearby beach. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is that it’s a quiet time – crowds of tourists are simply not a factor. Yet festivity is in the air, as the Latin American culture embraces the upcoming holiday, feasting on imported fruits, and celebrating with friends and family amongst holiday decorations that seem an anomaly here.

It’s the ideal backdrop for a new kind of holiday tradition, one free of stress and worry, and the opportunity to enjoy nature’s diverse beauty coupled with the ultimate in relaxation at two of Central America ’s premier luxury eco-resorts, Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge.

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

Guests can relax poolside with a tropical cocktail or lounge in a hammock and observe birds, monkeys and other animals that call the Costa Rican rainforest their home. The secluded ecolodge allows for full immersion in the peaceful wilderness setting. Here visitors gain a truly intimate experience of the rainforest as Lapa Rios does everything to preserve the natural environment and bring the rainforest and its inhabitants as close to their visitors as they can. It is not uncommon for guests to observe a wide variety of wildlife right from the deck of their bungalows.

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge offers an equally impressive holiday alternative, and because it is a short trip from Lapa Rios, it is the ideal extension to a visit to Costa Rica . Located on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, Morgan’s Rock is easily reached by air or ground transport and is located within easy driving from southern Nicaragua's most prominent tourist attractions, the colonial city of Granada, and just north of the Costa Rican boarder.

Here guests can enjoy the solitary companionship of one of Nicaragua ’s most beautiful beaches while slipping back into a spacious private bungalow overlooking Pacific sunsets and tropical wildlife. Enjoy doing nothing more than refreshing in the infinity pool, freeing your soul at the spa or delighting on a freshly caught Red Snapper.

The resort offers a variety of half and full day tours, multi-faceted explorations and activities that allow for cultural interactions, scenic beauty and nature viewing at its finest. Sunrise kayaking, diving for lobster, horseback riding, nature walks or a visit to the property’s butterfly farm are among the many memorable experiences awaiting guests.

While the sister properties offer different yet equally superb amenities, ambiance and experiences, the one thing they share is the premise on which they were built – preserving and restoring the surrounding environment.

Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project that strives to show that “a forest left standing is worth more than one cut down”.  The ecolodge is a pioneer in sustainable tourism employing only people from the local community and being committed to environmentally sound practices. Morgan's Rock also offers employment to the local community as well as education about nature, culture and history to guests The Hacienda is home to one of Latin America's finest agro-tourism operations and guests here will have the opportunity to take a tour to learn about reforestation, tree farming, sustainable agriculture and traditional farming techniques.

Accommodations at Lapa Rios include sixteen austerely elegant and spacious bungalows, which open to spectacular ocean views and offer private patios and gardens. Each room has 2 queen size beds lined with mosquito nets, an indoor solar and gas heated shower, a private garden shower, 2 sinks, large closets and a spacious deck with views of the surrounding rainforest canopy. For more information or to make reservations call at (506) 735-5130 or visit their website at www.laparios.com.

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge offers quality accommodations, local gourmet delights and an exciting array of adventures. All hotel bungalows feature one king size bed, a comfortable sofa bed and a private deck. The architect has carefully used mainly local materials and the wooden furniture was custom made by local artisans. The bungalows at the lodge are connected to the main lodge by an awesome 100-meter suspension bridge crossing a forested canyon. For more information about Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge and their offerings or to make reservations call (506) 288-5803 or visit their website at www.morgansrock.com.