E&M Travel Division of EMCO Travel, LLC                      Since 1993

inspection report reprinted from Travel Agent magazine

Costa Rican Romance
Nestled on a hill and dramatic surroundings, Hotel Punta Islita caters to lovers

Luxury hideaway on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Punta Islita might be considered among the foremost romantic destinations in the world. The resort commands one of the most amazing vistas in Costa Rica, and its architecture and design are outstanding. The complex spreads out in Santa Fe--style bungalows decorated in a mix of primitive and local folk art from Quaitil - a noted artisan community in Guanacaste. The result is an exquisite collage that combines elegance with rustic accents. 

Hotel Punta Islita is located in Costa Rica's northwest Guanacaste Province, approximately 30 minutes by light plane from San Jose or travel by road from San Jose. The land trip (four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended) takes about 7 hours, including a ferry crossing of the Gulf of Nicoya.  

Weddings are spectacular at Punta Islita and ca be staged to fit most requests. For example, in one of the most extravagant ceremonies, the bride arrives on a white horse led on foot by the best man. Most ceremonies are celebrated under an artfully decorated canopy right on the beach. To widen options, the hotel is constructing a colonial-style chapel in a community five minutes from the resort. Construction is scheduled for completion in November 2000. 

The resort is also adding a jungle canopy platform trail that extends from the mountain to the beach, and two one-bedroom suites with pools. Both are scheduled to open for the peak winter season, December 15, 2000. But the Green Season (May to November) is also an ideal time for honeymooners. 

Clientele

Most visitors come from the U.S., including couples, honeymooners, nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure enthusiasts (mainly mountain bikers). 

Accommodations

Twenty deluxe bungalows, four Junior Suites, five suites and three villas sit amid the lush vegetation on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Amenities include a private deck with a hot tub (junior suites), or small pool (suites), hammock, air conditioning, a TV, CD player and min-refrigerator. 

Public Areas

The hotel's main building sits on the edge of a hill that slopes down to a scenic beach cove. Along with the main restaurant, front desk and other public areas, this section features a dramatic pool and hot tub setting, all seeming to blend with the Pacific below. Punta Islita, which is so far the only Small  Luxury Hotels of the World member in Costa Rica, was designed by famous Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher, who also designed two Marriott properties in the country.

Dining

Most casual and gourmet Costa Rican cuisine wit ha French flair are served at the Borrancho Beach Club of 1492 restaurant on the thatched-roof, open-air main building.

Service

On-site offerings include a gym and spa, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird and monkey watching, deep-sea fishing, use of all-terrain vehicles, and guided tours of the nearby towns and villags. The well-trained staff extend their Costa Rican-style - personal and friendly - service.

Strongest Selling Points

Service, ambience, activities and great cuisine make the resort a great spot for couples.

Rates and Packages

Nightly rack rates (in 2000) range from $132 for a deluxe room to $400 for the three bedroom Bouganvilla through December 15. Various Romantic Hideaway packages available.

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