COSTA RICA – A DESTINATION FOR COUPLES

Costa Rica is a destination for couples looking for a romantic and exciting location in which to celebrate their love. It entices you with beautiful beaches and amazing adventures. There is a saying you will learn and only begin to understand as you spend time in this magical place, “Pura Vida” (Pure life). The joy of its people is palpable.

Upon arrival, you are embraced by the welcoming spirit of the people who make this abundant paradise home. Costa Rica is one of the greenest countries in the world and has become synonymous with sustainability and ecotourism. Sustainability begins with preserving the natural environment. Seventy percent of the land is designated to remain natural, while five percent of the world’s species exist in its seven regions that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. Four hundred species of animals call this country home. Its natural beauty, pristine beaches, amazing rain forests, all with extensive activities, make this a romantic wedding or exciting honeymoon destination.

Origins Luxury Lodge

Costa Rica is one of the five “Earth Zones” – areas where people live the longest and enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle. This inviting country offers opportunities to create an unforgettable wedding celebration for you and your guests.

We were able to visit three exciting locations in Costa Rica: The magnificence of the north western part of the Pacific coast, known as the Papagayo Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste; elegance in the rain forest region of Nicaragua Lake overlooking the Tenorio Volcano; and also the beautiful area of Malpais on the Nicoya Peninsula. These impressive and diverse locations offer stunning coastlines, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, amazing varieties of birds, plants, and exotic wildlife.

There are endless activities, starting with ocean sports, opportunities to visit coffee plantations, lush rainforest adventures including viewing the amazing sloths, and horseback riding on the beach or in the rainforest. Each region will surpass your imagination with excitement and relaxation. Fabulous food and warm culture set the backdrop for a splendid wedding destination that, until arrival, only exists in your imagination. You will definitely leave Costa Rica with a deep feeling of Pura Vida.

ORIGINS Luxury Lodge

Indulge in a luxurious boutique property, nestled in the valley of the picturesque northern rain forest, overlooking Tenorio Volcano and Nicaragua Lake. After a beautiful drive through the Costa Rican landscape, we reached this hidden treasure of peace and serenity, carefully situated in the hillsides. While driving, we could not help but notice the lush beauty of the countryside and, upon arrival, we were immediately awestruck by the eco-design and magical setting of ORIGINS Luxury Lodge. We were greeted by warm staff delivering cooling towels, who queried our culinary requests and desires for activities during our stay.

Origins Luxury Lodge

Upon entering the resort, one can observe the attention to detail in this magnificent jungle lodge that includes the Sky View Bar and the El Sato Restaurant – a perfect setting for an enchanting affair. The naturally designed pool, set in the hillside, added to the pristine ambience while we took in the gorgeous views of the valley and Nicaragua in the distance.

ORIGINS offers a magical wedding destination to celebrate love. A skilled wedding planner, which includes a gourmet French chef, are at your disposal for an unforgettable destination wedding experience. The food prepared by the chef adds a French flair to Latin cuisine. All ingredients are carefully sourced from organic gardens, both on the property and from local farmers, making this the ultimate in farm-to-table dining. The chef aims to make the meal the second biggest attraction of a wedding.

Origins Luxury Lodge

“Our desire to produce Haute Cuisine that embodies our local surroundings is at the core of our restaurant philosophy,” says the ORIGINS team.

To sustain the beauty of this special property, ORIGINS has considered every detail in designing their circular lodges to merge with the natural environment while creating peaceful opulence in nature. The estate is comprised of six private luxury lodges, along with an exceptional open-air three-bedroom villa, suspended high on the hilltop, where luxury meets expansive views. Individual lodges are erected with raw materials exclusively from the property and handcrafted by local artisans. These private accommodations are furnished with magnificent canopy beds, hidden coffee bars, and dreamy bathrooms. Private terraces, each with its own wood burning fireplace and plunge bath, are gravity fed with mountain water and heated by the wood fire. Every detail of the resort, down to the natural soaps and their containers, are made onsite. It truly provides guests with a bespoke experience like no other.

Relax in nature or enjoy endless activities like horseback riding, hikes to a cooling waterfall, or explore your culinary interests with cooking lessons, pressing sugar cane, and cheesemaking. Private yoga sessions are held on an open-air platform in yet another wonderful setting. Each activity is catered individually to every guest and arranged by the wonderful concierge. The tranquil spa offers relaxing spa services, surrounded by the rainforest, allowing an unparalleled level of relaxation to clear your mind, relax the body, and connect with Mother Nature at her best.

Origins Luxury Lodge

The attentive and anticipatory service from the staff is second to none. Every morning, fresh fruit is placed for breakfast at the bird feeder to attract a variety of rare birds – especially the popular toucans. One of our main requests was seeing a sloth. The staff accepted this challenge, pinpointing a sloth for us and providing the location for optimal viewing.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet ORIGINS’ leader, Claudia Silva, on several occasions. Her leadership and ability to make sure everyone’s needs are met is inspirational. Not only does it make for a world-class guest experience, but she undoubtedly contributes to the staff’s positive working environment and culture.

For couples considering a destination wedding in Costa Rica, ORIGINS offers an idyllic blend of ambiance, amenities, cuisine, and a natural setting that one can only imagine. ORIGINS Luxury Lodge will surpass your every desire and leave you with everlasting memories. Guests will gain an appreciation of this destination and a newfound adoration for nature once they witness the love and care the ORIGINS team has put into the land. Our stay could not have been more perfect.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is tucked into the hillside of the Peninsula of Papagayo, in the Guanacosta region, overlooking Culebra Bay. Here, couples can customize their nuptials, with their own flair and in the setting of their choice. The resort offers beautifully unique, cone-shaped, light-filled venues that can cater to each event in the wedding day itinerary. These picturesque event locations will allow you create an elaborate gala in a formal or informal setting, picturesque garden, or the secluded sandy beach.

The Andaz wedding planning team states that “packages feel too restrictive, so we keep options open allowing you to design an event for each individual party’s desires and styles.” A secluded beach offers areas for couples to steal away some alone time together, while wedding guests can enjoy a variety of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. There are additional offsite activities including an 18-hole golf

course, a guided canoe trip through the mangroves, sunset boating tours, nature walks, zip lining and so much more. The venue’s motto is, “Come as a Guest, Leave as Family.” There’s a slower, calmer pace to the environment, and the staff provides each guest with a genuine sense of care. They take pride in “being in the moment,” and are fully present to make sure every interaction serves to enhance their stay.

Costa Rica is a prime destination for couples, simply because of its natural beauty. At Andaz, that natural beauty is highlighted with native landscaping, which encircles magnificent pool areas geared towards family fun, while other areas are reserved strictly for adults. Elegant accommodations are tucked into the hillside with a tree house-like feel, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious river stone baths that open out to private balconies overlooking the water of Papagayo. The secluded Onda Spa also offers an extensive menu of spa and wellness services. We participated in a sound healing meditation at the open-air spa, which was a very moving and spiritual experience.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

The resort’s many dining options are versatile and can easily be transformed into any setting you envision. Andaz dining includes four scenic, themed experiences, each capturing the essence of Latin American culture and delicious cuisine from casual to elegant. Rio Bhongo Restaurant offers an interactive dining experience with a grand selection of both international and local foods. Ostra Restaurant is designed to provide dining as if in a private residence. The menu consists of fresh, local seafood and excellent ceviche. With intimate booth seating or a garden setting, it is the perfect venue for special and intimate occasions. We delighted in a fantastic trio ensemble playing beautiful Latin music while we swam and dined. Chao Pescao Small Plates and Bar is considered to be the “neighborhood bar”. This tapas-style dining provides authentic Latin American dishes served with live music nightly. Innovative cocktails are created and enjoyed amid a breathtaking view. Finally, Andaz Beach House is just a lovely seven-minute boat ride or 15-minute cart ride away. Coastal vibes flow easily with guests sitting on the beach while being treated to delicious food and drink. Monkeys and rare bird sightings abound create an atmosphere that is exciting and tropical.

Andaz Costa Rica has a magical feel of tranquility and excitement that you and your guests will enjoy during your destination wedding. The stunning setting offers amenities for both small and large gatherings, whether you choose to host a destination wedding weekend or an epic weeklong celebration.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas is nestled into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque, adults-only boutique resort is a short drive from the Liberia airport.

Casa Chameleon has stayed true to its local roots as a secluded paradise of calm. When couples are searching for a 5-star destination for their wedding or honeymoon, Casa Chameleon’s beautiful location, setting, and romantic atmosphere check all the boxes. The resort takes pride in creating a tailored approach for an intimate and unique wedding

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

experience for each individual couple. Weddings and elopements are becoming a specialty of Casa Chameleon due to their exceptional level of luxury and privacy. Brides can design their wedding while the expert staff provides a deeply personalized service centered around their vision.

The resort’s main building is a multiple-level open-air pavilion with arched ceilings, teak beams and a distinctive wrap-around infinity pool, all set amongst scenic views and stunning sunsets. The main floor encompasses a beautiful open-air restaurant including a breathtaking bar area with comfortable seating facing the sea. Hidden away below the main building, you will be treated to a seven-course meal where meats and vegetables are roasted in an open fire pit. Each meal is catered to individual guest preferences and special dietary needs.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

The infinity pool and its surrounding environment is truly one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Small pool cabanas offer relaxing lounge chairs for reading and napping in the shade. Floating chaise lounges offer the warmth of a sunny exposure and the refreshing coolness of the water. In the evenings, tiki torches are lit in the pool, creating an ambiance of romance and beauty.

Guests will delight in 21 luxurious private villas nestled into the hillside. Each villa will allow you plenty of space to relax and unwind with a restful living area, lovely bedroom and luxurious glass wall bath overlooking an expansive terrace and stunning salt water infinity pool.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

The beautiful Pacific black beach is just a two-minute walk or cart ride away, and there are countless activities to enjoy during your stay. Soothing spa services, snorkeling, scuba diving, canopy tours, and horseback riding are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of exciting things to do.

More than anything, privacy is what stands out most about Casa Chameleon. If you are looking for an intimate wedding destination for family and friends to gather, this is the place. Beautiful sunsets and dramatic ocean views create an aura of serenity. Romance is definitely in the air. If you are planning to have a larger wedding ceremony or reception with smaller pre and post events, there are other specialty hotels just minutes away in Las Catalinas. A skilled wedding planner, designer, and creative chefs are at your disposal.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo 

Four Seasons Costa Rica

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is also located on the Peninsula Papagayo and is yet another wonderful destination to hold a destination wedding in Costa Rica. Lush tropical landscapes become the backdrop for lavish celebrations and extravagant destination wedding weekend events – think restaurant buyouts and private dinners on award-winning beaches. Prior to the big event, Brides and their wedding parties can be pampered at the spa while the groomsmen enjoy a day of golf at the 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed course.

Couples can exchange vows amid stunning sunsets and then dance the night away under the celestial lightshow. Furthermore, guests may mingle over cocktails and canapés in the spectacular indoor/outdoor ballrooms and pre-function areas. After dancing the night away, newlyweds will wake up in a treetop room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Whether celebrating with family and friends or making it just the two of you, the Four Seasons has the ideal backdrop for your big day while embodying Costa Rica’s lifestyle, providing the perfect setting to celebrate love.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo 

Red Velvet Weddings

Costa Rica proves to be the perfect destination for couples and wedding celebrations, and there’s a beautiful selection of wedding venues from which to choose. Every couple, however, will want to make sure they work with the right destination wedding planner to organize all the moving parts of the wedding planning process.

While searching for a wedding planner in Costa Rica, look no further than Isella of Red Velvet Weddings. We had the opportunity to meet with Isella to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Atelier, where Chef Dennis Angulo prepared a delicious dining experience. Isella has years of experience with extravagant to intimate weddings, in large and small venues. Her extensive knowledge and special skill for planning your dream wedding event will leave you with stress-free memories. Her quiet nature offers a calming effect, even in the midst of the most stressful times, and all feels right in the world when she is around.

>Written By: Emily Bass and Beth Davis