More Locations: Costa Rica

While I still love the idea of having my wedding at a beach in front of a private villa, I am starting to wonder if that is totally insane. My main concern is that the villa won't be equipped to handle a wedding reception. I really can't afford to have plates, cups, silverware, etc shipped or bought for the event.

Just in case I can't make it work I decided to neurotically look for possible alternatives.

After hours and hours of searching I have found 5 new (non- villa) wedding locations that I LOVE!

1.Beija Flor - Mal Pais


Beija Flor Resort is a boutique hotel in Mal Pais, on the southern-most tip of the Nicoya peninsula. Just 2 kilometers from the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve and steps away from the Pacific Ocean, it provides everything a person seeking relaxation and comfort needs: With eleven spacious rooms and one fully-equipped villa combine warm colors and local materials with a modern design. They are located in a tropical garden, which iguanas, squirrels and many birds call their home.

PROS: Private small location, high-quality food, surf, yoga, spa, and very affordable!

CONS: Hard to get to (it would require either a 30 min plane ride from San Jose, a 1.5 car ride, 1.5 boat ride and another 1.5 car ride, OR a 5.5 hour car ride from Liberia) and the rooms look like they are really dark,

2. Si Como No - Manuel Antonio


Si Como No Resort Spa & Wildlife Refuge is a central-Pacific coast resort in the jungle-covered hills just above Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s barefoot luxury with a pura vida vibe, perfect for families and couples who love the beach, tropical adventures, spa, pools, superb dinning and four-star accommodations. This award-winning eco-design nature resort & spa offers its guest its own signature version of “barefoot luxury.” Panoramic views are yours to enjoy from beautiful balconies looking down from the most idyllic hilltop in the area.

PROS: Only 3 hours from San Jose, Eco-friendly resort, and located on a beautiful beach.
CONS:Slightly more expensive than Beija Flor, and the color/decor is a little bright/tropical for my taste.

3. Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort - Playa Herradura


The Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxury Costa Rica resort hotel nestled between the warm waters of the Pacific and a 1,100 acre tropical rainforest.This luxury resort hotel in Costa Rica also features 6 restaurants and lounges, the La Iguana Championship Golf Course, Stellaris Casino, 11,900 sq ft of versatile meeting space and the new Sibö Rainforest Spa & Retreat.

PROS: Only 1.5 - 2 hours from San Jose. If you rent at least 10 rooms, the wedding location is free. Full wedding menu which means options! Lots for event services available. Golf course, which our fathers would love.
CONS: Not a beach, its actually a closed in marina (and we don't really love the look of boats). I really really REALLY don't want to have a cookie cutter chain resort wedding.

4. Harmony Surf Resort - Nosara


Nesteled into the sleepy coastal town of Playa Guiones, far from the nearest paved road, high standards of sustainable living meet the creature comforts of low key beach life at the Harmony Hotel. With 24 rooms that reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. Harmony Hotel is another CST resort.

PROS:Another small beachfront resort. Yoga. Surf.
CONS: More expensive. Also a little difficult to get to. Don't think they do weddings or events of any :(

5. Arenas Del Mar - Manuel Antonio


Arenas Del Mar is a beach and nature resort located adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Arenas Del Mar is a CST Resort. Sustainability is a key component of the concept at all levels of the operation and the Certification for Sustainable Tourism-a program designed by the Costa Rican Tourism ministry-served as a guide for the building and continues to drive the operation of the hotel. Arenas Del Mar minimizes the impact on the surrounding nature, while maximizing the positive economic impact on the local community through employment and support for schools and Costa Rican culture.

PROS: Gorgeous. Eco-Friendly Boutique Hotel.
CONS: Most Expensive location.

*6. Costa Verde - Manuel Antonio


This location is not really an option for the wedding, but they have an airplane/treehouse!
Awesomeness...

not for a wedding but thought it was blog-worthy. If we have the wedding in the Manuel Antonio area, maybe I'll convince some of my friends to stay there!