Costa Rican Travel – Getting to Santa Teresa and Florblanca

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Cody Dillon

florbanca aerial view Costa Rican Travel Getting to Santa Teresa and FlorblancaGetting away for a peaceful vacation or surf trip is difficult enough without worrying over airport transfers and ground transportation. Our goal is to make the final leg to paradise as simple as possible for our guests at Florblanca Resort.

While renting a car is certainly an option, unless you are familiar with the route and close to fluent in Spanish, we urge you to use our arranged transportation. There is also the concern that road conditions can change or become hazardous, especially during the rainy season. With our private charter plane, getting here is a breeze, plus it will offer you some amazing up close aerial views of the spectacular Nicoya Peninsula. Have your camera ready!

In-Country All-Inclusive Transportation Package

Upon arrival in San Jose at the National Airport, you will proceed through customs. Next, one of Florblanca’s cheerful drivers will meet you and guide you to our exclusive charter plane. It is a certified FAA private charter, and just steps from the National Airport arrivals gate. From there, you will take the short 30- minute flight to Tambor, where one of our drivers will meet you. After the short plane ride, you can relax in style and enjoy the sweeping scenic countryside views from the comfort of one the Suburbans from Florblanca’s fleet.

To arrange your charter, simply provide our booking agent with your itinerary. We will then go over the flat rate cost and discuss the luggage requirements. Typically, for six passengers with carry-on bags or four to five, with more luggage or surfboard bags, the flat rate is approximately $1250. That is the total price that can be divided amongst the group.

The same procedure is followed for your return trip. Please be aware that all passengers departing on international flights must be checked in at the National Airport a minimum of two hours prior to takeoff. Outgoing customs can be crowded and time consuming during peak seasons, so plan ahead. Billing is handled with ease and applied to your Florblanca account. To discuss your travel plans and learn more about our easy airport transfers, please contact a Florblanca booking agent today:  011-506-2640-0232

Related Posts:

Florblanca Resort in Costa Rica Now Offers All Inclusive Transportation Package

Florblanca All Inclusive Transportation Package - Details

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Travel Blogger Praises Florblanca for its “Rock Star Luxury”

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Cody Dillon

florblanca villa bed Travel Blogger Praises Florblanca for its Rock Star LuxuryOne of our recent guests to Florblanca discovered it was the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion and escape Chicago’s icy-cold February weather. Gadling.com blogger, Dave Seminara, chose Florblanca for a two-night stay with his wife and two young sons. A seasoned traveler, both the writer and his wife have spent time in a wide range of hotels and resorts.

The couple discovered Florblanca online, read numerous favorable reviews on TripAdvisor, and decided it would be the perfect destination to celebrate Mrs. Seminara’s birthday. During a walk through of the property, her husband noted, “it’s probably the nicest place we’ve ever stayed.”

The feature that seemed to really appeal to the travel blogger was Florblanca’s integration of nature and luxury. The family stayed in villa numero cinco, Lang Lang. Seminara noted the conveniences included in the villa, such as a large open-air living room, outside shower and bath with jungle canopy views, and comfy hammocks for true relaxation-pura vida style. His sons had a cozy room with twin beds, while he and his wife shared the master suite. In addition to Nectar, the resort’s onsite restaurant, infinity pool, and yoga studio, he was quite taken with the lush jungle setting, nearby private beach, and of course our resident howler monkeys.

If you are considering a trip to the Nicoya Peninsula or Santa Teresa area – whether for surfing, a wedding or honeymoon, yoga retreat, or simply to treat yourself – please take a few minutes to read Seminara’s account of his stay at Florblanca.  Find out why Dave fantasized about moving his family into villa Lang Lang permanently!

Please contact us with any questions or go ahead and book online today: 011-506-2640-0232

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Meet Florblanca Pilates Instructor, Nadja

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Cody Dillon

nadja pilates surfer Meet Florblanca Pilates Instructor, Nadja

Nadja Kolesnikoff has been teaching forms of movement and coaching athletes from a young age. She moved to Costa Rica in 2003, from her home on the West Coast of Vancouver island, Canada, where she grew up, and worked as Surf Instructor and Coach. From her first visit, she immediately fell in love with Costa Rica’s warm water, waves and friendly attitude.

After spending three years traveling, competing and coaching with National Circuit of Surfing, she returned to Canada to receive her Yoga Teacher Training certificate, through Gaiatri Yoga in British Colombia.

When Nadja returned to Costa Rica in 2008 she discovered the wonderful world of Pilates, and the huge impact that its practice had on both Surfing and Yoga. Intrigued and enamored, she decided to go deeper, apprenticing with Studio owner and instructor Jennifer Speirs. In 2012 Nadja completed the Balanced Body Mat and Reformer certifications.

Nadja is a very friendly, patient and and encouraging instructor. She offers classes for all body types and fitness levels. Nadja is one of three Florblanca Pilates instructors and finds much joy in teaching private, semi-private and mat sessions.

Learn more about Pilates at Florblanca Resort.

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Manzanillo Sand Castle Contest

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Cody Dillon

manzanillo sand castle contest 1024x768 Manzanillo Sand Castle Contest

Year after year, locals and tourists alike await the annual sand castle contest in the nearby town of Manzanillo.  Manzanillo is  a local village about ten minutes from Hotel Florblanca and consists of a few sodas (local restaurants), one small supermarket, and hard working people who live there.   Many of our employees are from Manzanillo. Manzanillo beach consists of white sand, clear water and often you will see the rare white faced monkeys swinging through the almond and mango trees that border the coast.  It is a beautiful spot to spend a sunny Costa Rican afternoon.

The sand castle contest  has been going on for years, and it is always a day to be enjoyed by all.  With plenty of local food stands, ice cold beverages, and kids and adults working hard to build the perfect castle, there is a lot to see and do.  This year, Florblanca and the local Playa Hermosa school entered the contest with the intention to not only build a great sand castle, but to bring awareness to the very important topic of Global Warming. We named our sand castle “Se Cocina El Mundo.”

The main part of the sand castle was in the shape of an egg with lots of driftwood surrounding the bottom edge signifying a burning egg.  Surrounding the castle were paper pamphlets with useful information on global warming and what our community can do to help decrease this.  We were excited that so many people took the time to read the info, and ask us questions about how they could help.

Although, we didn’t win, we had a great time!  We look forward to next year, and have already planned our topic….Recycling!

Thank you Maricel, Maribel and Billy for all your help.

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Honoring Earth Hour

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Cody Dillon

earth hour Honoring Earth Hour

Last week Florblanca honored Earth Hour.  According to www.earthhour.org,  Earth Hour is the single, largest, symbolic mass participation event in the world.   Born out of a hope that we could mobilize people to take action on climate change, Earth Hour now inspires a global community of millions of people in 7,001 cities and towns across 152 countries and territories to switch lights off for an hour as a massive show of concern for the environment.

This year, Florblanca hosted a dinner with no electricity offering food and drinks made from home grown and local ingredients.  The restaurant was lit by candle only, and even our chefs cooked by candlelight.  Our chefs offered fresh rock lobster, Costa Rican grass fed beef, fresh mahi mahi, and local pork right off the grill.  Each plate was accompanied with veggies, rice, ceviche, and a side of patacones and guacamole.  Patacones are a very typical food here in Costa Rica and are made my smashing a plantain into a flat  round disk after being fried.  Topped with a pinch of salt and dipped in the best guacamole in the world, They are delicious!

We invited all of our guests to join in our efforts by turning off the lights in their villas and provided extra candles for lighting.  Many of our clients did participate, and our staff was full of joy to see the entire property glowing with candles only for this very special hour.

We were overjoyed with the outcome of the dinner and the support we saw on this day.  All of our guests,along with many of our friends and neighbors joined us to celebrate this important day of awareness.  Even if our impact was only a bit in this global project, it was fun to participate and teach our clients, our friends and our employees.  It will be an annual tradition.

For more information on Earth Hour and how you can help with the climate crisis, please check out  www.earthhour.org

We send a very special thanks to our director of sustainability, Maricel Segura, for organizing Earth Hour at Florblanca.

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Costa Rica Adventure Vacation

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Cody Dillon

Florblanca Villa Costa Rica Adventure Vacation

For Our Adventurous Guests…

At Florblanca we strive to provide every comfort and luxury imaginable so our guests can settle in to a true all-inclusive, “pura vida” experience. In addition to our onsite spa, restaurant, fitness and yoga center, lushly landscaped infinity pool, and private beach, we also offer a number of guided excursions. However, we completely understand that sometimes, exploring on your own is a favorite activity. Fortunately, the charming coastal towns of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais are just minutes from the Florblanca Resort.

In both locations, it is possible to take long walks on the beach and survey miles of sweeping coastline. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or love to watch skilled surfers catching air or getting “barreled,” there is plenty to see. Be sure and take your camera along, because at some point, you are sure to spot some of Costa Rica’s most famous residents. Be aware that iguanas are often seen during the day and howler monkeys are most active at sunrise and sunset.

Shopaholics will have plenty to keep them entertained as well. In addition to several boutiques and surf shops, look for galleries and businesses selling jewelry, arts, and crafts. Another fun activity to take advantage of when you wander into town is “Market Day.” It is typically on Miercoles and Sabado (Wednesday and Saturday) – expect to see fruit, seafood, and vegetable vendors, along with a few local craftsmen. This is the place to pick up a few unique souvenirs, such as handmade hammocks or colorful pottery creations.

Of course in both Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, there are several excellent dining establishments. Florblanca has our own laid back yet elegant dining experience at Nectar.  For an authentic Costa Rican plate, be sure to order the casado.  This dish is always offered at local sodas (local restaurants) and our chefs are passionate about giving their diners an authentic and high quality casado.  This meal is filled with steaming rice, fragrant black beans, a salad of  fresh cabbage, thinly sliced carrots, red onions, and cilantro all tossed in lime juice plus the catch of the day (or choose chicken or vegetarian options),  lightly sweet plantains, and hand made corn tortillas.  We just can’t say enough about the casado at Nectar!

For those in search of a little night life, there are a few places to choose from. Ask around to find out which establishments are featuring your favorite style of music. There are usually a few live bands, along with clubs that feature reggae, dance, or techno music. Of course, when you are ready to head back to Florblanca, paradise awaits!

Make your reservations today at www.florblanca.com/reservations/!

 

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Costa Rica Honeymoon Package

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Cody Dillon

honeymoon at florblanca Costa Rica Honeymoon Package

When it comes to planning the ideal wedding, today’s couples are spending immeasurable amounts of time and energy. Thanks to the phenomenon of social sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Etsy, modern couples are inundated with choices and suggestions from far and wide. Many couples begin planning their special day a full year in advance. In addition to the usual tasks at hand such as selecting flowers, music, gowns, menus, and photographers, many future husband and wife teams even manage blogs and websites that provide daily updates on their upcoming nuptials. With all of these added stresses, newlyweds certainly need a honeymoon destination that will be the ultimate escape.

The celebrated Florblanca Resort in Costa Rica’s breathtakingly beautiful Nicoya Peninsula offers couples a honeymoon getaway like no other. Hidden away on seven lushly landscaped acres, the oceanfront resort is the ideal place to get away from it all and begin your journey together as husband and wife. Just minutes from the charming town of Santa Teresa, Florblanca provides its guests with luxury accommodations, including the oceanfront Honeymoon House, world-class amenities, and the finest dining choices prepared from the freshest in local and organic ingredients.

We are pleased to announce that for a limited time, Florblanca is offering a specially priced, 5-night honeymoon package. The Costa Rica Adventure Honeymoon is for those in search of an unforgettable experience where there are no distractions-only opportunities for rejuvenation and romance. In addition to Florblanca’s usual services, honeymoon guests will be treated to champagne and a sumptuous platter of fresh tropical fruit. Couples will also enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast at Florblanca’s famed onsite restaurant, Nectar.

The opportunity for new adventures as Mr. and Mrs. are another feature of our special honeymoon package. The surf along the Nicoya Peninsula is ideal for beginners and seasoned shredders alike. It is our pleasure to include surf lessons with one of our local surf instructors.

You can continue the adventure with long walks along the resort’s private beachfront or…saddle up for a ride at a nearby ranch. For those who have never experienced the sheer joy of a gentle ride on horseback along the beach-well, you are in for a treat!

Other specials include a complimentary couples massage for guests staying for 6 nights or more. Also, you may upgrade your accommodations, if space allows. Please note that the Costa Rica Adventure Honeymoon is only available from May 1st through December 14th 2013. As an added bonus, guests staying at Florblanca May 1st thru June 15th or August 15th through November 15th will be treated to the 5th night for free!

Please visit the Specials page on this website to learn more about Florblanca.

Also please note that:

  • Packages are per villa.
  • Promotions do not apply to existing reservation.
  • All packages require a 5 night minimum stay

 

Make your reservations at http://www.florblanca.com/reservations/.

 

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Accolades from CNNTravel for Florblanca

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Cody Dillon

Florblanca Pool Accolades from CNNTravel for Florblanca

In mid-January, CNNTravel’s online site featured the article, “Living Large in Costa Rica.” Upon reviewing some of Costa Rica’s top destinations for those after a little sheer indulgence, travel writer for CNNTravel, Paige R. Penland, had some wonderful things to say about the Florblanca resort. Here’s a look at a few of her observations:

Florblanca’s secluded tropical location at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of Central America’s most spectacular beaches. Until recently, this part of the country has been only accessible to the most adventurous travelers.

Florblanca’s proximity to the charming village of Playa Santa Teresa makes it an easy choice for those yearning to get off the beaten track.

In regard to the handful of resorts mentioned in her article, Penland notes that, “Costa Rica’s new upscale properties are as elegant and comfortable as any in Latin America.” Of course at Florblanca we agree and know that the unique location, lovely accommodations and first-rate amenities ensure an experience available only at the world’s finest resorts. However, it is tough to beat the incredible weather and tropical ambience found only here – pura vida!

To further illustrate her points, the writer included an aerial photograph of Florblanca. Nestled in a jungle forest for the ultimate in relaxed seclusion, the photo reveals that although it is quite private, the resort’s elegant villas are just steps away from a beautiful stretch of private coastline. Penland also reports that this spot along the Nicoya Peninsula has long been a favorite destination for surfers. Along with surfing, Florblanca’s guests may also choose to spend lazy afternoons by the mesmerizing infinity pool, riding horses along the beach, or at a challenging seaside yoga or Pilates class. Although the surrounding area is full of interesting things to see and do, Florblanca’s Spa Bambu and Nectar restaurant are why many of our guests choose to spend every minute right here!

Visit our reservations page to schedule your vacation at Florblanca Resort!
 

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TripAdvisor Reviews for Florblanca Resort

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Cody Dillon

Florblanca Spa TripAdvisor Reviews for Florblanca Resort

Our goal at the Florblanca Resort is to ensure that each of our guests has an unforgettable experience and leaves with only one thought on their mind: “When may I return?” That is why we are so thrilled with what reviewers have been writing about their time here at Florblanca. Specifically, there have been 150 reviews on TripAdvisor and thanks to those contributors; we have earned a 4.3 star rating! Since TripAdvisor is an international travel website that only publishes user-generated content, all of those positive reviews mean that we are definitely meeting our goal of making Florblanca Resort one of the premier luxury destinations in all of Costa Rica. Please read what a few of our cherished guests have had to say (we added in the links for your reference!):

 

In regard to the villas:

Heather J. of Bellevue, Washington said: “The arrangement of the villas provides privacy and creates the feeling of your own oasis. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and maintained. The bedrooms are enclosed and air conditioned with very sumptuous and comfortable canopy beds. The overall setting of Florblanca is magical.”
Miss LaFlamme of Toronto, Canada observed: “The villas are very large, chic and have everything you could ever want and more.”
Trixy T. of New York, New York said: “I can’t say enough good things about our recent stay at Florblanca. The villa we stayed in was fantastic (Loved the hammock! Loved the canopy bed! Loved the outdoor shower!).”

 

About the amenities:

Italia of New Jersey related: “My grown daughters and wife loved the spa – the deep tissue massage was one of the best! The food and service was wonderful. The staff was easy-going and yet very responsive to our needs.”
Tucker of Palo Verdes, CA said: “The yoga classes on property are amazing…We had massages and facials and the spa was fabulous. The treatments were high quality all the way. We also experienced so much of the area — we went to Tortuga Island, rode ATVs, went surfing nearby and horseback riding on the beach. The concierge arranged all of that for us which was really great.”
Chrisite of New York, New York had this to say: “We highly recommend yoga classes with Stefano, the amazing yoga instructor on property. It is truly a spiritual experience. As was surfing at Hermosa. We took two great surfing lessons with Daniel – you have to request him- he makes it easy and so fun!!! We also went horseback riding on a private 500 acre ranch, a beautifully raw and untouched setting where two eco-systems meet, and galloped on the beach at sunset, which was perfection! Our fantastic guide, Pablo Sanchez took us on this adventure as well as on the Montezuma experience tour (which includes atv’s/zipline/diving off waterfalls). Pablo is one of the most incredible tour guides we’ve ever encountered.”
And more…
JCKJJ of Toronto, Canada wrote: “Our group is quite particular when it comes to food and without a doubt, the food even surpassed our expectations. Fresh, inventive, healthy, tasty…I never thought I could eat at the same restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and not get terribly bored with the choice. The menu changed every day and we looked forward to every meal. The fish, the salads, the sushi, even the veggies on the side were fabulous.”
We are extremely pleased when we read things like this:
“Unbelievable Wonderland! We fell in love all over again!” Amy H. – Denver, CO
“Paradise Found….we will return!” Peg – Auburndale, FL
“Absolutely Beautiful Resort With Impeccable Service” A. Schwagz – Columbia, SC
“The ultimate in private luxury” SurSUP00 – Ozark, MO
“Wedding and Honeymoon that exceeded all expectations” Fanchon T. – Decatur, GA
“Florblanca – Costa Rica “Pura Vida” at its Best” Brian J. – Claremont, CA
“Adventure and Luxury” Joe and Diana G. – Chicago, IL
To read more about Florblanca Resort as seen through the eyes of some of our many happy patrons, please visit our page on TripAdvisor.
Make your reservations today at www.florblanca.com/reservations/

 

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Florblanca Walking Tour

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Cody Dillon

6960815528 6947b11530 z Florblanca Walking Tour

Upon their arrival at Florblanca, guests may experience an immediate sense of peace. Stepping through the straw roofed entryway brings them into another world. Once inside the resort, the sounds of gently trickling water fountains, birdsong, and distant crashing surf reinforces the tranquility.

Flagstone pathways fringed by lush tropical vegetation wind their way through the property. Stepping along the walk, edged with palm and plumeria trees, those with a watchful eye may spot one of the resort’s villas. Each one is a unique jungle hideaway and offers the utmost in luxury and seclusion.

Farther along the path, guests will discover some of Florblanca’s best-kept secrets. Begin or end your day at Spa Bambu with a variety of unforgettable indulgences. The nearby infinity pool and cafe provide an ideal sanctuary for a little hydrotherapy, relaxation, or both. It is a favorite among Florblanca’s guests, and features a tastefully landscaped pool area, comfortable hammocks, and delicious food.

There’s nothing better than a Yoga or Pilates workout before or after a surf session. Costa Rica has become a mecca for talented instructors, and Florblanca boasts several! Whether guests have come to surf or not, they are always delighted to discover our open-air dojo and complimentary classes.

For the ultimate in accommodations for those who are here to hang ten, nothing comes close to Florblanca’s Surf House. What could be better than having access to all of Florblanca’s amenities plus a private beach break?

Finally, after enjoying a meal at the Nectar Restaurant, where our Chef prepares the best in local and organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, Florblanca’s guests can only ask themselves these questions:

  • why didn’t I come here sooner
  • may I stay longer?
  • when may I return?

Schedule your vacation at Florblanca’s tropical resort now!

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