Beach

Costa Rica has long been regarded as the “Switzerland of the Americas”, with its peaceful history, lack of armed forces and scenic pasturelands; but it also boasts magnificent wildlife, a rugged Pacific coastline, as well as Caribbean beaches, 800 species of bird, four types of primate, two species of sloth, numerous snakes and insects. A nature lover’s paradise, where the countrywide emphasis on protection has allowed species to flourish.

I visited in June and flew directly with BA to San Jose, staying overnight at the peaceful Hotel Grano de Oro, converted from a tropical Victorian mansion. An early start the next day (with breakfast boxes provided) was followed by a drive along the Pan American highway towards the Caribbean coast to Torteguero and the riverside Pachira Lodges (short flights are also an option). The last leg of our journey was by boat, a great way to start spotting wildlife – we saw caiman, geckos and red dart frogs.

On arrival, we were immediately introduced to more of the celebrated Costa Rican wildlife, as monkeys can spring out at you at any moment! Boat trips along the river gave me the opportunity to spot more animals (such as armadillo, howler and spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, lizards, turtles and a variety of birds) – I recommend either the 6am or 4pm trips for the best chance to see them active. July and August is the best time to go if you want to see the turtles laying their eggs.

An alternative hotel I also recommend was the Evergreen, which has 66 rooms and bungalows, a good pool area and plenty of activities on offer, as well as a canopy tour, kayaks and river guides.

After a short flight with amazing views of Torteguero, the river and national park, we arrived back at San Jose and a nearby coffee plantation, before reaching Poas Volcano. One highlight of our stay at Relais & Chateaux property El Silencio in Bajos del Toro (approx. 1.5 hours from San Jose) was a walk to the waterfall; it is set in a 550-acre cloud forest reserve close to Poas Volcano Park.

Next on our fascinating trip was Arenal, a very active destination for adrenaline junkies, activities range from hiking up Arenal or zip wiring to Zorbing. I chose to visit the hanging bridges of Mistico. Our first attempt was thwarted by an amazing thunder and lightning show; the guide was very informative about both flora and fauna. The Arena Springs Hotel is great for families, with 3 restaurants, some interconnecting rooms and pools heated from the hot springs. I partuclarly liked the Kiora Hotel, with rooms which have hot tubs and full views of the volcano.

Following a drive down the Pacific coast – via a stop at Monteverde to see the wonderful sloths – we arrived in the town of Manuel Antonio, with a chance to relax by the sea. But wildlife is still never far away, with an early morning visit to the national park offering us the chance to see more sloths and especially capuchins, who seemed to know when we were due to eat our lunches on the beach and raided our backpacks!

Arenas del Mar is a boutique hotel within walking distance of the national park and a good choice for those seeking relaxation. Si Coma No hotel has its own conservation programme of rescued alligators and is very popular with couples, as they boast amazing honeymoon suites with stunning views of the ocean. My hotel for two nights, The Parador Resort, is built high over the coastline in 12 acres of tropical rainforest with a resident sloth, another good option for families with 4 pools and a swim up bar for adults, tennis courts, spa and babysitting. Once again you have to be prepared for wildlife to carry on with their busy lives around you…

To discuss your adventure in Costa Rica or other parts of Central America, please call Susie & Terry on 01428 658777

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Japan truly is the most wondrous destination.  In only 12 hours you arrive into a country that is not only stunning, with its four very distinct seasons but also equally as culturally rich.

As a first time visitor to Japan I took a route taking in Tokyo, Hakone (to see Mt Fuji), Kyoto and Osaka – a great option for a first timer.  This journey enabled me to sample an equal mix of modern and traditional with transportation in between on the world famous Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train).

Staying in the Roppongi Hills district of Tokyo, in the cities tallest building, The Ritz Carlton Tokyo has stunning views of a distant Mount Fuji.

The location is perfect to self navigate the Tokyo Metro and cross the city from monuments and temples to up scale retail shopping districts.

Whilst you are in Tokyo you must visit the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, two fabulous examples of the rich cultural heritage of Japan.  Why not also visit a ‘Cat Cafe’ or ‘Rabbit Cafe’!  I had envisaged a Starbucks style set up, with cats running round, but instead I was surprised to find a 5th floor pristine apartment with a very strict ‘cat mother’ who vetted and controlled everyone who entered.  The cats welfare was paramount and the colour of the cats collar dictated whether they could be touched…..all rather bizarre, but worth the visit! Even if shopping isn’t your favourite past time you must venture to the Harajuku area where all the shopping teens dress to impress in their most cute outfits!

At night Tokyo takes on another life!  The vibrant colour of the advertising billboards are mesmerising and the vast array of eateries is mind blowing.  Knowing the right people in Japan is definitely the best way to make the most of your trip and our ‘guide’ took us to an Izakaya, a tiny restaurant that only took 7 people and one we would have never found without his assistance.  In only the size of a small box room, the most delicious meal was prepared in front of us and we ate until we were full.  Other interesting diners joined us and we chatted for hours, enthralled by each others culture – an absolute must……if you can find it.

If you fancy being adventurous at night and would like to experience some of the more bazaar side of Tokyo then book at table at the Robot Restaurant – an experience that words cannot convey!

With our short trip to Tokyo over we boarded the Shinkansen for a quick ride to Hakone, known for its natural occurring hot springs (Onsen).  Also a great place to stay if you plan to venture a little closer to Mount Fuji.  Sadly the weather was against us and we only made it as far as Ōwakudani (The home of the black egg), so seeing Fuji up close was not meant to be.

Onwards to Kyoto!  Formerly the Imperial city of Japan, Kyoto is like a step back in time, a world apart from the frenetic vibe of Tokyo.  All buildings are low rise (including the hotels) and just ooze with stories of an extraordinary and mysterious era.

Traditional Geisha and Meiko can occasionally be seen on the street but it is more common to see young people dressed in Kimono, particularly at the weekends.  If you are daring enough you can hire a Kimono for the day, which is a novel idea as this gains you free entry into many of the temples and attractions.

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto.  Surrounded by a beautiful strolling garden, ponds and waterfalls, the building who’s top two floors are adorned with pure gold leaf and is a real wonder to behold.

The polar opposite to the Golden pavilion is the Nishiki Market.  This narrow, five block long shopping street is lined with more than 100 shops and restaurants. A real bustling vibe specialising in anything food related.  From personalised chop sticks to sweet pickles and sushi.

Osaka, similarly to Tokyo is fast paced and exciting.  This is a city for food lovers and has been rumoured to be the Food Capital of the World.  A must try dish is Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake, grilled in front of you – absolutely delicious!

No trip to Osaka would be complete without tickets to see the sumo.  This full contact wrestling sport is an all day affair and starts early in the morning with the youngest competitors.  By early evening the stakes have risen to the most senior athletes and the atmosphere is electric.  An extremely ritualistic sport and one that lasts for mere seconds, but non-the less exciting.

I did indeed see so much during my short visit to Japan, but this gave me a taste for discovering the wider countryside where skiing is world class in Hokkaido and the beaches are pristine on the coasts of the Izu Peninsula and on the west coast of Okinawa Honto……….next time!

To find out more about Japan, please do call Gemma or any member of the Haslemere Travel team on 01428 658777.