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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
We
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!
Pura Vida Hotel's official
website
We 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. 
