This Valentines put your heart out and leave less of a carbon footprint behind

Green is the new red when it comes to “guilt offsetting” a romantic getaway this year, and what better place to indulge your true love than the Caribbean’s Costa Rica, a country that has lovingly embraced sustainable tourism?

Costa Rica is home to three of the top eco-resorts in the world, each of which have combined a dedication to the quadruple bottom line ( people, planet, profits and place) with  experiences that are as sustainable as they are luxurious.  Here, luxury is found beyond the bamboo sheets, gourmet locally grown organic cuisine and environmentally friendly spa services. Luxury is about experiencing a destination’s natural beauty in surroundings that welcome Costa Rica’s authentic beauty and culture with open arms.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, Lapa Rios Rainforest Eco-lodge and Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort  can be reserved for individual stays or linked together to create a romantic journey through some of the most spectacular  areas and experiences of Costa Rica.   All three resorts are also managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, and people can log onto www.cayugaonline.com  to request assistance to plan an itinerary. (http://www.cayugaonline.com/travel/index.html) 

At Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn ( www.fincarosablanca.com) room rates range from US $250.00 – $450.00 per night, based on double occupancy and include breakfast each morning. 13 rooms that have been individually hand crafted to reflect the local art and inspired by nature’s colours, Finca Rosa Blanca also has the distinction of being the first certified sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, and is the highest ranking member of the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Certification program, receiving a perfect score of 100%. 

Lapa Rios Rainforest Eco-Lodge ( www.laparios.com) set in the Osa Peninsula,  has a Romance/Honeymoon package  ranging from  US$2060.00 -US$3180.00, which includes four nights accommodation based on double occupancy, taxes and services, round trip transfers from Puerto Jimenez, three meals a day and all non-alcoholic beverages including a private dinner for two, bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, two guided tours into the  Lapa Rios private rainforest reserve, and a guided trail jungle walk.

Lovers and honeymooners have quietly discovered Lapa Rios over the years and a favourite activity is planting a tree in the lodge’s private rainforest reserve in memory of the time they have shared in this special place. 

Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort ( www.arenasdelmar.com)  offers the best of both worlds – a beach front and rainforest experience in one sustainable destination.  Its Beach & Nature Romance package ranges from US$2155.00 – US$2565.00 per couple and includes  four nights accommodation, a personalized welcome and introduction to the resort, breakfast each morning, scenic horseback tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, a couples massage and private dinner for two.   Set on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, two kilometres from the Port of Quepos, the resort sits on a cliff above Espadilla Beach and overlooks the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. 

A big draw for Arenas del Mar  is its proximity to one of the most popular national parks and abundance of activities within easy reach – from horseback riding on the beach, to surfing, ocean swimming, kayaking , sun rise and sunset sails to canopy walks, zip trekking and numerous options for hiking.   A favourite and romantic activity is the two hour evening walk around the Arenas Del Mar nature reserve to discover the beauty of Costa Rica at  night.