Pura Vida Hotel

pura vidaWe arrived at the International Airport about 11 pm. An hour later then expected (delay in Houston). Making for a long 16 hour day of travel. But we did it, we had arrived safely in Costa Rica! Our adventure begins.
Pura Vida Hotel is in Alajuela (where the main Juan Santamaria International Airport is). Even though your flight ticket destination will say San Jose - its 15 min. from the airport. We were met by a driver holding a sign with our name and Pura Vida Hotel. The short 4 km drive from the airport was bumpy and bendy, both Mark and I hoped we were in fact being driven to Pura Vida. Being very dark, in a foreign land where we don't understand Spanish, we were putting a great deal of trust with this driver! We soon came to see how wonderful Costa Ricans (Ticos) are and we felt very safe the rest of our vacation.

mark, bed, cool wood

We reached the Hotel, and were met by
Berni and his wife Nhi, owners of Pura Vida. Also welcomed by their 2 German Shepherd Max and Yagi. Its definitely much more of a personal B&B feel then a "hotel".

Everyone has
privacy in your own Casita. Which are lovely, clean and great views.

Ours had a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen and dining area.

 Here are photos from our Rain Forest Casita!

room bedbedroom -
                  bench

dining arealiving room
We couldn't wait for morning so we could see our surroundings in the sunshine! We weren't disappointed! Pura Vida is an old coffee plantation, mature fruit trees are everywhere.  Along with wonderfully landscaped extensive gardens full of fragrant flowers. 
rainforest
                  casitaview

gardenstropical gardens

markmark flowers
mark breakfast
We were very impressed with our first morning in Costa Rica.

Breakfast is included in your rate. Ours were yummy fresh fruits like pineapple, papaya, and watermelon, fresh juice, a fresh out of the oven pastry, such as a coconut square, toast & jam, or eggs if you wish. Of course coffee, but we don't drink it.





us on pretty bench


Berni is very laid back, but can certainly drive fast if need be! (Thanks for the ride Berni :)

We had to head out early after breakfast our first morning. Meeting Ecoscape at 7:30 am at the Alajuela courthouse steps, just a few minutes drive from Pura Vida. Where our 11 hour Costa Rica Highlight Tour began.





dinnerWe returned to Pura Vida shortly after 6 pm and got ready for their dinner at 7.
We ate by candle light and fresh flowers on the patio. We were surprised in the lack of bugs, specifically mosquitos! We get eaten alive in our own backyard on a summers eve here in Ontario, Canada. We never saw one at Pura Vida!
Our 3 course meal was excellent!  Dessert was yummy coconut ice cream with chocolate wafers.  The local "Tropical" bottles of various juice flavours are great.
We enjoyed chatting with other guests during dinner, especially the other pet loving couple. Plus gained more knowledge of Costa Rica, through others experiences.

One more night in our Rain Forest Casita and we were off in the morning to catch our Sansa flight to Drake Bay. No alarm needed here, local roosters enjoy their job! Pura Vida is an excellent place to stay.  Thank you Bernie, Nhi and the doggies!
doggiestuetal valley

Pura Vida Hotel's official website
 

Back            Next    

(Highlight Tour) (Sansa Air) (Delfin Amor Eco Lodge) ( Dolphin Tour) (Corcovado National Park) (Cano Island) (Tabacon Resort & Hot Springs) (Arenal Volcano) (CR Info.) (CR Links)

(Home) (Main CR Page)
Email - Send Comments or Questions to
Carla and Mark

All photos by Carla or Mark do not reproduce without permission.
Website design & graphics by Carla Copyright © 2004-2012 fluffytails.ca All Rights Reserved


 
                                    
 

This page has been viewed times since December 12, 2008