The Florblanca looks really nice, but I'd agree with eternityz, seems a bit over-priced for Costa Rica. I noticed that seemed to be the one complaint at tripadvisor.com also. I think some of that is due to location, not a lot of competition. La Mariposa or Si Como No at Manuel Antonio would probably cost you less and you would have a larger resort with more facilities in an area with a huge variety of restaurants, stores, etc. However, wouldn't be right on the beach or as secluded. Depends on what you’re looking for I guess.

If you don't want to spend time on the road, then it's probably a good move flying there; as the drive to Mal Pais ("bad land") is challenging at certain times of the year.

If you really want to get up close and personal with Volcan Arenal, stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, it was set up originally by the Smithsonian as an observation post after the big eruption in the 60's and is the closest place to Arenal.

I got married in Costa Rica in November of 2002. And we actually got married on the beach at Punta Islita. We spent 4 nights there and an additional 4 nights at other places in the country. Punta Islita is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend it. In fact, I'm surprising my wife with a return trip in November of this year. This go round we will be spending all of our time at Punta Islita except for one night.

I made some good contacts as far as trip planning. If you want that info PM and I will provide you with more detailed information and tips.

how does this sound?
Dic. 27 Arrival to San Jose, Costa Rica, a transfer from Best of Costa Rica will greet you at the airport and drive you to Peace Lodge. It is 90 minute ride (please let me know your time of arrival)
Dec. 28 Peace Lodge, Deluxe room , entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and breakfast included
Dec. 29 Peace Lodge, Deluxe room , entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and breakfast included
Dec. 30 A private transfer will drive you to Arenal Volcano approximate driving time is 3 hours, going through rolling hills and cozy small towns. Arenal Springs is nestled into a lush valley on the northern side of Arenal Volcano. Standard double room with breakfast included.
Dec. 31 Arenal Springs, Standard double room with breakfast included.
Jan. 01 Arenal Springs, Standard double room with breakfast included.
Jan. 02 Private transfer back to San Jose, the driver will drive you directly to Pavas airport where you will board a Nature Air flight to Punta Islita departing at 1:30 p.m Hotel Punta Islita, reservations made directly.
Jan. 03 Hotel Punta Islita, reservations made directly.
Jan. 04 Hotel Punta Islita, reservations made directly.
Jan. 05 Fly back to San Jose, you Sansa flight departs at 9:25 arriving to San Jose at 10:20 a.m a transfer from Best of Costa Rica will drive you to the international airport for your departure flight.

The price for this itinerary is $3000 approx and it includes all transfers and transportation within Costa Rica. Tours are not included, but to give you an idea they go from $30-80 depending on the tour. At Peace Lodge you could visit Poas Volcano and take the coffee tour, or you could also do the canopy tour. In Arenal the hot springs are a must, and you will also find many canopy tours, they also have a rappel tour in the rainforest which is great. http://www.puretrekcostarica.com/canyoning.html

not including airfare.
what do you think?

Does this quote include the Punta Islita reservatiosn for 3 nights? In your note, it says "Hotel Punta Islita, reservations made directly". If it does not include it, it sounds a bit high.

..

LuZeR said:flights are expensive!

Where are you flying from?

I was in CR April 11-24 2005. While some may say that 3 days is too much for Arenal, everyone moves that their own pace.

I ended up staying almost 5 days in La Fortuna. And if you are looking for tours I booked most of mine when I go there. As well you can get a better entrance rates to Baldi/Tabacon from some of the shops.

And just my 2 cents here, Tabacon is AMAZING! I went on a rain forrest hike that then turns into a night volcano viewing. We saw a little bit of lava and then we were transported to Tabacon for about 4 hours. And we could have stayed longer if we didn't want to take the guide bus back to our hotel.

Also Baldi isn't too bad either, just don't pay the $18 entrance fee. There is a internet cafe across the street from where the buses pick up and drop off in the center of town. In there you can get the Baldi entrance pass for $10. If you head to Baldi try their surf and turf. Nice amount of food for about $16 US.

As well the discoteca in La Fortuna is a great Tico hotspot at night. I'm still working on my trip report, but I'll provide more info if you want.

And make sure try a guaro con fresca!

Also do you two like Coffee?