Highlights of Costa Rica, Mayakoba Mexico, and St. Lucia

Today’s post is by travel agent Nancy Barkley, of Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways. Nancy just returned from visiting Costa Rica, Mexico, and St. Lucia and shares with us a hotel that especially impressed her at each of these destinations.

I would like to highlight a resort from each of the three remarkable destinations I just visited. All are perfect choices for honeymooners, destination wedding couples or your next vacation.

Costa Rica

I am a huge fan of Costa Rica and the country’s abundance of flora and fauna, national parks, volcanoes, cloud and rain forests. Costa Rica truly offers something for everyone, the adventuresome, the wildlife lover, the sporty, and those who would like to relax and unwind in the natural hot springs.

My highlight hotel is The Springs Resort and Spa. We arrived in the evening and immediately went into their 18 mineral laden Hot Springs. When I awoke in the morning I was greeted by a picture perfect view of the Arenal Volcano. The food was exceptional as was their 14, 0000 foot spa and fitness center.

Now open is the first phase of Club Rio Outdoor Center, located directly below the resort on a beautiful stretch of the Arenal River. It is truly “a must” offering Inflatable River kayaking, river tubing, horseback tours, and more. What I liked best about this resort, in addition to the 5 star accommodations, and relaxing hot springs, were the staff. Everyone there made you feel at home and wanting to return.

Mayakoba, Mexico

Riviera Maya, Mexico has so much to offer travelers, warm Mexican culture, perfect beaches, Mayan Caves, or shopping and dining on La Quinta Avenida.

I stayed in Mayakoba Mexico at the astounding Rosewood Mayakoba. This truly luxurious resort is surrounded by jungles and white beaches offering guests privacy, extravagance, and beauty. Villas are accessed by boat and I was greeted by my butler who checked in on me twice daily.

During my stay, their crown jewel was unveiled, Casa Laguna. This two-level villa is truly for the most discerning guest offering a chef’s kitchen, three bedroom, two master suite, and media room. Outside, 3,000 square feet of outdoor space offers private pool, show and dining deck.

The Mayakoba Complex connects 3 enchanting hotels, Banyan Tree, Rosewood, Fairmont and 18 hole Greg Norman golf course.

St. Lucia

I fell in love with the island of St. Lucia, and could not help but notice some similarities to Costa Rica, the rain forests, volcanoes, hot springs, zip lining and windy roads. St. Lucia has something for everyone as well in part because of its varied landscape and diverse culture and cuisine. I thought St. Lucia to be a truly romantic destination and the Piton Mountains are just breath taking. My highlight hotel is Viceroy Sugar Beach. Yes, I heard all the hype–Matt Damon just recently had his vow renewals at this resort and all roads were closed for some time in and out of resort. But having visited, I have to say, this resort lives up to the hype and then some. Our first visit was to the spa…think Robinson Caruso. All of the treatment rooms are in trees in the middle of the rain forest, an ideal location, very tranquil and peaceful, just the sounds of the birds in the trees. The resort has two white sand beaches with a variety of water sports. All of the accommodations, from the standard king to the four bedroom villas offer truly are truly deluxe offering lavish amenities. I don’t think you can beat the location of this resort, overlooking Sugar Beach and beneath the peaks of the twin Piton mountains, just jaw dropping.

St. Lucia is simply beautiful.