Month: June 2017

St. Martin is a very popular vacation spot and for good reason. It’s home to several opulent villas where you can relax and enjoy the tropical climate. Here are four of the chicest villas of St. Martin.

Villa Truffle XSM

This villa is a tiny gem, with just one bedroom. However, it offers essentially the same amenities as larger villas. Villa Truffle XSM is nestled on a Terres Basses hill and features magnificent views of the sea. The pool terrace is the perfect place to soak up the sun, and you can also duck in under the grass-roof pagoda if you need a bit of shade.

Inside, the great room is open and airy, and there’s also a large living room, full-size gourmet kitchen, dining room, and even an office if you feel inclined to bring along some work. The bedroom is stylish and features a king bed, ensuite bath, and a sitting area, as well. It opens onto the pool terrace, so you’re never without a view of the sea.

Villa Truffle XM is the perfect place for a romantic retreat. It’s a world in and of itself, and yet it’s mere minutes from shopping and dining destinations.

Villa Amandara

The Villa Amandara is an impressive five-bedroom villa, minutes away from the beach with a commanding view of the sea. It features a great room with opulent sofas, a formal dining area, and a huge gourmet kitchen. One unique feature of this villa is the gigantic “man cave” with a 7-foot plasma television, gaming tables and more. The villa also features a volleyball court, bocce court and expansive gardens and lawns.

The infinity pool is practically a destination on its own, with a large terrace that includes both open and covered areas. You’ll enjoy relaxing on the sun beds or cooling off in the pristine water.

Each bedroom has its own ensuite bath. One even has its own kitchen.

If you want to rejuvenate in a wonderfully private location, but also be close to a variety of activities, Villa Amandara definitely fits the bill.

Villa the Reef

This villa is located alongside Point Pirouette’s Simpson Lagoon. It’s a three-story villa that features five bedrooms, and all the amenities you could desire.

As is the case with most tropical villas, there’s an emphasis on outdoor living, with a luxurious pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and the kitchen and bar area opening onto the terrace. There’s even a private boat dock.

Nothing is lacking inside, though, and you’ll find expansive spaces, most of which are open to the sea breeze. The living room is very welcoming, and you’ll also find a formal dining room and gourmet kitchen. There’s also a gaming room, fitness room and home theater.

All the bedrooms have ensuite baths and satellite TV. The master suite also has a private terrace.

Villa the Reef is perfect for families or groups that want a private setting that’s also close to local attractions.

Villa C’est La Vie

Villa C’est La Vie is a new villa located in Terres Basses, which is a gated community. It’s on Plum Bay Beach and is one of the best places to enjoy a Caribbean vacation.

This opulent villa has six bedrooms, so it’s ideal for large families or groups. It features a dramatic design of curves, angles, and organic elements. You’ll enjoy a spectacular view of turquoise waters from the poolside terrace, or inside by means of a full wall of windows in the living spaces.

Villa C’est La Vie offers you the services of a personal chef, so all you have to do is focus on relaxing at poolside, lounging in the entertainment room, or simply enjoying the elegance of your private bedroom, napping in your king size bed or enjoying a view of the sea.

Villa C’est La Vie is the tropical getaway you’ve been yearning for.

Who doesn’t love summer in St. Tropez? There’s nothing like vacationing in the South of France when it comes to relaxation and rest, and beautiful St. Tropez is a balm to the weary soul. However, there’s more to St. Tropez than just sun and sand, so if you’re considering a St. Tropez getaway, you have to make time to visit the St. Tropez beach bars. You can relax with a drink or two during the day, or party at night while listening to the great music that many of the bars have to offer.

It would probably be difficult, in just one visit, to explore all of St. Tropez’s beach bars, since there are several that dot the shoreline on practically any beachfront area that you care to visit. However, you do want to make sure to experience the best St. Tropez beach bars and clubs, so here they are.

Nikki Beach

When you visit Nikki Beach, you’ll be visiting one of the best St. Tropez beach bars. Guests can enjoy a relaxing drink while lounging on a sun bed and listening to great music. Nikki Beach is open from May through September, and always offers excellent music and a great atmosphere. It’s a great place to hang out with friends.

Club 55

This is likely the most famous Pampelonne beach club, and if you want to keep an eye out for celebrities, you’ll find them here. Club 55 is much more than just a bar – it’s also an uber-cool restaurant where you can experience haute cuisine in at atmosphere that is simply unparalleled. It’s definitely where the rich and famous go to unwind and be seen.

Tahiti Beach

This venerable beach club is located on a long stretch of sand and dates back to 1946. To say the least, it’s had longevity and has been very popular among locals and visitors for more than 70 years. It’s kept up with the times, though, and is considered to more than hold its own when it comes to the “coolness factor” that St. Tropez beach bars are known for. In addition to bar service, it also offers a gym and tennis courts.

Les Jumeaux

St. Tropez beach bars aren’t necessarily all about adults, and Les Jumeaux is proof of that. This beach club is perfect for families, offering a playground for the little ones to enjoy while their parents kick back and relax with a drink or two. It’s open year-round, and in addition to drinks, offers outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re traveling with little ones and looking for a place that the whole family can enjoy, Les Jumeaux fits the bill.

Moorea

Moorea is the ideal beach bar to visit if you’re in search of superb food accompanied by outstanding music. This is another St. Tropez beach bar that’s perfect for celebrity-watching, having hosted the likes of Hugh Grant, Joan Collins and Rod Stewart, to name just a few notables. When you visit, keep a close eye out on the other patrons – you never know who might wander in!

These are just a few of the best St. Tropez beach bars. As you wander the coastline, you’re sure to find others that are also very pleasing. In fact, it’s unlikely that you’d ever be able to explore all the St. Tropez beach bars in just one visit, so you should probably plan to take in a few, and then come back to St. Tropez for another visit and further exploration of the many beach bars.

Costa Rica is located between two seas and two continents and is vibrant with wildlife. In fact, for a small country, it’s nothing short of amazing how many wild animals are present. Costa Rica is similar in size to the state of West Virginia, and boasts no fewer than five hundred thousand different species, which accounts for an astonishing 4% of all the wildlife on the entire planet!

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ll want to take a look at the wildlife. Here are are some of the most exotic species.

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog

This pretty little frog takes its name from its color – it’s a brilliant strawberry red. This type of frog is found throughout Costa Rica, but be careful if you come across one in the wild – these little guys are poisonous!

Oddly enough, though, if domesticated, the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog loses its toxicity, since it only gets harmful compounds from things found in the jungle. If you domesticate these little cuties, you can feed them fruit flies and store-bought pet food, and you’ll have quite a pleasing little pet.

American Crocodile

The American Crocodile is found in southern areas from Florida down to Costa Rica. Usually, they measure 13-16 feet, and they often tend to hang out under bridges. Tourists sometimes feed them, which is not the best idea, because these animals don’t understand the difference between the person offering the food, and the person who might be food.

White-Headed Capuchin Monkey

Monkeys are such clever creatures. They know how to make tools and gather food, and they also seem to know how to use plants for medicinal purposes. If you think monkeys are fascinating, you’ll find no shortage in Costa Rica’s National Parks.

Mexican Tree Frogs

Tree frogs represent an incredible one-third of all the Costa Rican frogs. You can also find them in the southern parts of the US. Nobody knows how many Mexican tree frogs there might be, but suffice it to say that they’re not an endangered species.

Golden Orb Weavers

What a beautiful name! If you’re afraid of spiders, though, you might not like this creature. It spins strong, golden webs that are tough enough even to capture small birds. These spiders live in warm parts of the world and are among the oldest species of spiders.

Ocelot

The ocelot is a nocturnal cat, typically about twice the size of a house cat. An ocelot usually weighs about 30 pounds.

Three-Toed Sloth

These lazy animals usually sleep anywhere from 16-18 hours per day. They live in the canopy of the jungle and rarely venture lower unless they need to go potty. They’re territorial, and will usually choose a particular tree to occupy.

The King Vulture is a scavenger, closely related to Condors. These birds are big, usually having a wingspan of over 6 feet. They serve a valuable purpose, cleaning up road kill.

Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan

These birds are fruit-eaters, although they’ll also chow down on small snakes and insects. They have a very distinctive “yippy” voice and are well represented in the forested lowlands of Costa Rica.

Coati

The coati is similar to a raccoon and is found all the way from the southern part of Arizona to the northern part of Argentina, and in Cost Rica as well. These animals have sharp teeth and strong jaws, so keep your distance.

These are just a few examples of the wildlife of Costa Rica. Within the scope of this brief article, it would be impossible to name all of the animals you can encounter on your Costa Rica visit. Suffice it to say that one of the best things about your visit to Costa Rica is the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat.

When a person thinks of Nevis, one thing to do that comes immediately to mind is relaxing on the warm beaches. That’s basically what Nevis is all about – relaxing.

Nevis is the Caribbean’s oldest British colony and is just 36 square miles of mountains and beaches. It’s home to a small population of approximately 12,000, and the pace is very calming. There’s little traffic on the one road encircling the island, and the only traffic jams are caused by the occasional goat or sheep wandering into the road. Traffic stops for the local vervet monkeys, too.

Experience the Lifestyle

You won’t find chain hotels in Nevis, so you’ll have to make do with charming local accommodations and resorts. You can stay at plantations, or in luxury villas. One of the best luxury rentals is the Montpelier Plantation and Resort. Horatio Nelson was once a guest, and Princess Diana spent some time at the Montpelier following her split from Prince Charles. At the Montpelier, you can explore 60 acres of tropical gardens, enjoy a room with a private terrace, dine in gourmet restaurants, and relax on a private beach. Off-season rates start at $225.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

These gardens are part of the Montpelier Estate and are replete with terraces, fountains, lily ponds, and tropical plants. You’ll find over 70 species of orchid and over 100 of palm, along with a cactus garden and bamboo grove. Parrots also add a burst of color to these privately owned gardens. Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6.

Take in a Fun Regatta

The Booby Island Regatta is three different races between Nevis and St Kitts. It’s a festival that’s spread over three days, and anybody can enter. The entry fee is $75 per yacht if paid in advance, or $125 if on the day of the race. About $40 US will get you a spot on the spectator yacht, where you can enjoy cocktails and watch the race up close. There are also free parties every day.

Dine at Bananas Bistro and Art Gallery

This is a secluded Bistro located high up in the hills. You’ll reach it using a stone walled walkway that’s lit with torches. Bananas Bistro is a plantation-style building with stone floors and wooden shutters. Caribbean artwork adorns the walls. You’ll enjoy delicacies like conch gratin, guava barbecue pork, Caribbean slaw, and fresh local fish. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner!

Visit Charlestown

Charlestown is the capital of Nevis and a prime example of an 18th-century town. As well as being a historic site, though, it’s also a working, living community under the direction of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society. The utmost care has been given to restoring and maintaining such historic buildings as the treasury building, the post office, the police station and the Bank of Nevis.

Wander the main street and take a look at the famous “skirt and blouse” architecture. The term comes from the volcanic ash that’s used to make the “skirt” of the building, and the wooden verandas that are decorated with intricate gingerbread trim, forming the “blouse.” These buildings are old and charming, so take some time to explore, and don’t forget to check out the shops as well.

Although the pace is slow and the geographic area small when compared with some other tropical vacation destinations, there’s no shortage on Nevis of things to do. You’re certain to enjoy your time on this charming island.

When you visit St. Tropez, one of the best things about your vacation is the exquisite dining. There are so many wonderful restaurants to explore. It’s difficult to narrow them down to just a few choices. There are so many wonderful places to eat. Here, though, are some of the best.

Plage de la Bouillabaisse

This outstanding restaurant has been recommended by the Michelin Guide time after time. It’s located in a small chateau overlooking the beach and offers the ultimate in Mediterranean cuisine. If you love the intense flavors of Mediterranean food, and appreciate elegant presentation and superb service, then Plage e la Bouillabaisse is a “must visit” on your culinary tour of St. Tropez.

Keep in mind, though, that you won’t be able to get in without a reservation. You’ll want to book a table well in advance, as this is a very popular dining spot that fills up fast. Don’t even think of not calling ahead, because if you don’t have a reservation, you’ll just end up being disappointed.

Au Caprice des Deux

This restaurant is located down a side street and offers French country cooking. The chefs refer to the food as ‘bistronomique.” The restaurant has been in business for more than 20 years, serving good, honest food with a highly creative flair. If you stick to the main streets, you might miss out on this culinary gem, so make sure that you take a map with you when you’re investigating the streets of St. Tropez in search of fine dining.

La Table du Marché

This is a traditional restaurant that really hasn’t changed its style in years. And why would it? It works! It’s a wood and brick building containing a restaurant, tea room and deli. This charming establishment is wonderful just as it is, so the owners have wisely decided not to tamper with perfection. Keep an eye out for the signage, though. There’s a chance you’ll miss it because it blends into the rest of the neighborhood.

This restaurant serves good, hearty fare like scrambled eggs for breakfast, and Moroccan lamb and spit-roasted chicken for lunch or dinner. Daily specials are available, and will not be printed on the menu, so when you visit La Table du Marché, be sure to ask your server what’s on offer.

Brasserie des Arts

This restaurant is arty, hip and very charming, with a lot of local art on the walls. The prices are a bit on the high side when compared to other restaurants in the area that offer similar fare, but it’s well worth it because the food is excellent! Try the scallops with salmon eggs, or the lamb chops with goat cheese. If you love great food (and who doesn’t?) served in a relaxing atmosphere, Brasserie des Arts is sure to please. You might want to visit more than once because the menu changes daily and you never know what new delights Chef has in store for you.

Le Sporting

This eatery offers good, basic food in a welcoming atmosphere, and if you want to drop in for a beer, this is the place to be – it’s a very popular watering hole in addition to serving hearty fare. Try the pasta or the lamb chops with trimmings, and wash your meal down with a refreshing mug of ale.

These are just a few of the best places to eat when you visit St. Tropez. You might also investigate further, and find places that please you.

Costa Rica enjoys a reputation for adventure tourism, with its unique terrain, pounding surf and rain forest zip lines. However, over the past few years, Costa Rica has become home to many acclaimed international chefs, and is fast becoming a popular destination for foodies eager to experience Latin American cuisine.

If you’re contemplating a Costa Rica culinary tour, there are three “must visit” locations to include on your itinerary.

San José

The capital city of Costa Rica, San José is the center of the country’s growing food scene, and the perfect base from which to begin your Costa Rica Culinary tour. Perhaps you will stay at the Hotel Grano and take your first meal at the Restuarante Grano de Oro, where you can enjoy such delights as tilapia with herb butter and fennel, a wide selection of wines, and crème brûlée made with organic, locally grown vanilla beans.

When you’re ready to venture farther afield, head downtown and visit the Mercado Central. This is a huge market where you can buy just about anything your heart desires, and also experience local cuisine at the various food stalls. Check out Soda Tapia and sample casados, which is a mixture of rice, meat, beans and plantains. If you’re still hungry, there’s another market just across the street, Mercado Borbón, where you can continue your Costa Rica culinary tour.

You’ll also want to visit Sabores, which is the “new kid on the block” when it comes to Cost Rican cuisine. The brand is well known locally, having begun as a culinary magazine which was later followed by a TV show devoted to cooking. Then in 2012, Centro Gastronómico Sabores was opened, where guests can learn how to make everything from cocktails to desserts under the tutelage of celebrity chefs.

Manuel Antonio

The town of Manuel Antonio is located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and is known mainly for wildlife and beaches. However, it’s also a culinary destination. One of the best places to stay is Arenas Del Mar, which is a beach and rain forest resort with an outstanding culinary program where you can learn how to make tortillas. El Mirador Bar & Restaurant is the resort’s signature restaurant, where you can enjoy inventive offerings like the pork tenderloin with chocolate, yucca and tamarind.

Also make sure to take in Villa Vanilla, which is an organic spice plantation. The road to Villa Vanilla is a bit bumpy, but the end result is well worth it – you’ll tour the plantation, and then sample the spices in taste sensations like chili-spiked brownies. Top off this Costa Rica culinary tour with a visit to the spice shop, where you can purchase a variety of spices to take home with you.

Central Highlands

Costa Rica’s central highlands are just 30 minutes away from the San José airport, and are home to numerous coffee farms. In fact, Costa Rica’s most important export is Arabica coffee beans.

When visiting the central highlands, you might stay at the Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn. It’s also a popular stop on eco tours, and is located in the small town of Santa Bárbara de Heredia. Be sure to take the coffee tour through the estate, and then visit El Tigre Vestido Restaurant and Bar Búho, and enjoy a traditional casado, homemade tortillas, or perhaps tuna tartare, fresh-caught in local waters.

The real star of this Costa Rica culinary tour, though, is the 6-course coffee tasting dinner, with each course featuring the coffee bean in one form or another. Imagine roasted tomato espresso soup and chicken with coffee sauce, to name just a couple of dishes.

If you visit during the harvest season, you’ll be able to see the coffee beans being picked and roasted.

These are the three top destinations on any Cost Rica culinary tour. However, if you explore this beautiful country, you’re sure to find “hidden gems” along the way as well – culinary destinations that you’ll want to come back to on your next visit.

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a tropical beach, and the Cote d’Azur, which extends from St. Tropez through Cannes and Monaco offers some of the best beach experiences.

When you visit Cote d’Azur, you can lounge on the beach with friends, or take a charter tour of all the best beaches on the French Riviera. Here are some of the best beaches of Cote d’Azur.

Pampelonne Beach on the St. Tropez Peninsula

Pampelonne is a long beach, and very famous. If you like to “celebrity watch,” then this is the place to be, because it’s where everyone who is anyone goes. During the “high season” which runs from July through August, this beach will be home to upwards of 30,000 people. At Pampelonne, you’ll enjoy vast expanses of sand, as well as beach clubs galore. You can even order drinks and meals on the beach, and have them delivered to your designated spot.

Lavotto Beach

Lavotto Beach is located in Monte Carlo and is home to luxury yachts, stellar restaurants and private lounges. Rent a deck chair and a parasol, and then relax.

Plage de la Baumette

This heavenly beach is home to brilliant blue water, is entirely sheltered from the wind, and very private. The turquoise and crystal clear water of Plage de la Baumette extends over approximately 300 meters. There is a possibility to rent a paddleboard or other nautical recreational equipment at the beach.

Menton

This French beach is located 350 meters off the coast of Old Town and Bonaparte Quay. It is a gravel beach, ideal for walking and beachcombing. It’s known as “La Perle de la France” because of its outstanding sunsets and sunrises.

Plage des Cigales, Port Grimaud

This is a sandy beach that is very picturesque, with a lighthouse and pines bordering the shore. It’s not a big beach, but good things come in small packages! You might find it difficult to find a parking space, but if you have to walk to Plage des Cigales, the walk will be relaxing.

Cap Taillat

If you want to visit this beach, you’ll have to go by boat or on foot. If you don’t go by boat, you will have to walk for about 20 minutes, either from Gigaro Bay or the Escalet. Once you get there, though, you’ll see that Cap Taillet is worth the effort. You’ll find an array of cacti, various singing birds, white sands and turquoise seas.

Nice

The beach at Nice is very busy, but you’ll also find that you have a lot of space to spread out. Bring your friends, and have a picnic! One of the busiest streets of the coast, you will find numerous residences, museums, and restaurants along the Bay of Angels. There is plenty of space to take a dip in the sea or to organize a picnic with your friends.

Lérins Islands

The Lerins Islands face Cannes and are home to numerous small coves. Upon arrival, you can go in either direction and find beautiful beaches and lagoons.

Cove of Portet

This is a forested beach along the Isle of Portet. It’s a pebbled beach that can be rough to walk on, but the scenery makes it well worthwhile.

Cove of Four

This beach is located in the southwest. It’s private, uncrowded and typically used by kayakers or hikers.

Cove of Crimea

This is another pebbled cove with narrow beaches. It has an incredible view of Cap d’Antibes and Cannes.

The Final Word

There are so many fantastic beaches along the Cote d’Azur that it’s hard to pick just one. So, visit several, and find one that you’ll want to go back to over and over.

There are numerous hiking trails in Nevis, and visitors can choose to wander alone or with the assistance of a guide. The scenery is breathtaking, and there’s a good chance of spotting local wildlife (perhaps a chatty monkey!). Domesticated livestock is also prevalent, and there’s a good possibility that you’ll encounter a gentle sheep or friendly goat.

Nevis Peak

One of the most popular hiking destinations is Nevis Peak, which is a snow-covered mountain, located in the heart of St. Kitts in the West Indies. It’s the highest point in the area, and depending on your fitness level, you might find it to be an easy climb, or you might feel that you’re expending a fair bit of effort. Nevis Peak can present challenges, although it can still be climbed by novices.

If you plan to hike up Nevis Peak, you should expect that you’re going to get a strenuous workout, and you should ideally plan to do it under the guidance of a professional who’s done it a few times before. Your hard work will pay off, though, with your journey through the glorious vegetation of a tropical rain forest with deep ravines and amazing waterfalls. You’ll will see some impressive historical estates as you make your trek through one of the last primitive rain forests. You’ll also pass through charming villages and pastures on your journey, which culminates in the magnificent ruins at the very top of the mountain.

A hike up Nevis is challenging, but not difficult in the way that, say, a hike up Everest would be. Even a novice climber can manage Nevis, reach the summit and enjoy the view from the top. If you have a fair bit of experience with hiking mountains, you can make the trip without a guide, and you should expect to complete the journey up in about an hour and a half. Coming down will take about the same amount of time. This isn’t what you would call technical climbing, but the terrain is very steep, often slippery and can also be a bit treacherous in places.

For hiking in Nevis, make sure to bring a pair of gloves, because you’re going to need to grab onto ropes or vines to maintain your footing – the entire trail is covered in jungle growth.

Directions

To get to the Nevis Peak hiking trail, go north on the island’s Ring Road, and then take a left at the Gingerland police station. You’ll see small signs directing you upward to Peak Heaven (which has long since closed), and you’ll travel up a single lane concrete road that eventually gives way to a dirt road. Then you’ll pass through a black gate and enter a parking area where the trail begins.

Go for It!

Climbing Nevis is an unparalleled experience, as you hike through pastures and villages, finally reaching the beautiful ruins at the top of the mountain. It’s a strenuous climb, but as previously mentioned, it’s doable by a novice although it’s recommended that if you don’t have a lot of experience in mountain hiking, you should hire a guide.

Once you reach the summit of Nevis Peak, you’ll see broad vistas the like of which you’ve never seen before. If you want to experience the heights and the lows, the ups and the downs, and see things in ways that you could never have imagined, then this is how it’s done. Hike the grassy pastures, traverse the rock walls, explore the majestic ruins, and steep yourself in the mountainous terrain of Nevis. It’s simply how it’s done.

 

Cancun is absolutely the best when it comes to lounging on the beach and worshipping the sun, but it’s also great if you love history or if you’re looking for thrills! Whether you’re a contemplative sort or consider yourself to be a bit of an adventurer, there is plenty to do in Cancun.

Mujeres and Tulum

If you’re planning to visit Cancun, then you have to visit Mujeres and Tulum. They are homes to the world’s best coral reefs, and they’re just two hours outside the central city of Cancun.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, and a “must see” for snorkelers. Make sure too, to see the reef on the Yucatan Peninsula, which boasts clear waters and is one of the hottest spots for snorkelers.

When visiting these sites, you’ll also want to see the Mayan ruins – when it comes to what to do in Cancun, the Tulum Chichen Itza and others are “must sees.” You can take tours to most of these sites and learn about the ancient Mayans who once made their homes in the area. Tulum also used to be a major port.

Beaches

When you’re visiting Cancun, you’ll also want to visit the excellent beaches. Visit Sian Ka’an, which comprises no fewer than 1,000,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Most of the beaches in Cancun aren’t all that accessible – you won’t find many roads leading to the warm surf and sand. In fact, you’ll have to walk through the jungle to get to them, but the walk won’t be all that long, and you’ll find that the beauty of the beach makes it all worthwhile.

Aquaworld

Aquaworld is one of the best places for water sports and offers swim tours where you can get in the water with dolphins. If you’ve always imagined swimming with these friendly creatures, then you’ll have the opportunity to do so at Aquaworld.

Xoximil

This attraction is just five minutes from the airport, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy local beer.

Xel-Ha

This is an eco-park that has a huge aquarium. When you visit this park, you can experience local aquatic life, and also view the Mayan ruins. The facility also offers a buffet restaurant and children’s play area, so if you’re more inclined to want to spend time exploring the ruins (which is something children may not find overly appealing), the little ones can have something to do while you steep yourself in history.

Chichen Itza

This is another significant Mayan ruin site. In fact, in 2007, it was considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. You’ll want to give it a spot on your itinerary when you’re considering what to do in Cancun.

Playa del Carmen

This is an eco-adventure park on the River Maya. Here, you can go zip lining, investigate underground rivers, and see stalagmites and stalactites that have developed over literally millions of years.

X Caret

This is pronounced X-carrot, and it means a park that’s filled with all things Mexican and Mayan. Imagine sailing down a Mayan river where you can swim with dolphins, or floating through a jungle where you can see monkeys, toads and other animals, and you’ve got the idea.

So, that’s what you get to do in Cancun. You get to see all manner of animals, visit ruins, relax on beaches and more. Does it get much better?

We didn’t think so.

Costa Rica is tucked into the shorelines of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. The shoreline is expansive, and the beaches are diverse, with white, golden and even black sand, lined with palm trees and tucked in amongst tropical rainforests. How could you possibly choose just one?

The beaches of Costa Rica are among the best attractions the country has to offer, and of course you will want to experience as many of them as possible. Here are some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches of Costa Rica, and with good reason. If you want to do more than just relax on the sand and paddle in the surf, you’ll appreciate the fact that this beach borders the rain forest, and is replete with wildlife. You’re almost guaranteed to see monkeys and other animals.

Tamarindo Beach

This beach boasts huge waves, so it’s ideal for surfers. If you’re not all that adventurous, you can still relax on the warm sand and watch as others take to the waves.

Conchal Beach

This beach has lots of white sand, and also lots of things to discover under the water. If you want to check out coral and other undersea life, this is where you want to be. It’s one of the best beaches of Costa Rica if you love snorkeling.

Flamingo Beach

This pretty beach has lovely pinkish sand, and is set up high on a cliff. It offers a commanding view of the many inlets and bays in the area.

Nacascolo Beach

This beach is hidden on the Papagayo Peninsula. It’s a stretch of golden sand that’s very private, and perfect for snorkeling. It’s also one of the most popular beaches of Costa Rica for paddle boarding and kayaking.

Dominical Beach, South Pacific

This beach is well off the beaten path, and ideal for surfing. If you want to bring your kids to this beach, you’ll appreciate the fact that it has lifeguards on duty all the time – this is not the case with all of the beaches of Costa Rica.

Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), South Pacific

This is a beach that humpback whales are known to frequent. They come every year, from August through to October. Sea turtles also frequent this beach.

Nosara Beach, Nicoya Peninsula

This is another beach that is known for surfing. It’s pretty rocky, though, so it’s best for experienced surfers.

Ostional Beach, Nicoya Peninsula

This is a volcanic sand beach, known for black sand and high surf. It’s easily one of the most spectacular beaches of Costa Rica, and well worth a visit.

General Information

Costa Rica’s beaches are known for high surf and rip tides, so exercise caution and leave children unattended on Costa Rica’s beaches. Swimming alone is also not advised. If you do get caught in a rip tide, swim toward shore at a 45 degree angle, and keep in mind that rip tides most often occur 2 hours before, and 2 hours after, the low tide. Therefore, it’s pretty much a given that you shouldn’t swim at high or low tide if you’re vacationing in Costa Rica.

If you’re not confident that you can handle yourself in the water, stay close to shore and don’t put yourself in danger. It just makes sense not to place yourself in a positon that could become problematic. After all, you want to experience the beauty of the beaches of Costa Rica, and then arrive home safely with only pleasant memories of your Costa Rican vacation.