Latest news with #PuraVida
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waldorf Astoria's First Resort in Costa Rica Just Opened on the Pacific Coast With Multi-level Cascading Pools and Ocean-view Suites
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and at Along Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, herons grazed on flat fields framed by cloud-misted mountains in the backdrop. Pockets of rainforests glowed in hues of green so striking it appeared neon-colored, thanks, in part, to a recent rainstorm. This storybook scenery was a world away from the traffic-filled streets of Los Angeles I had just left, with the blaring of car horns replaced by birdsong. It also easily explains why travelers from around the world chase the spirit of pura vida that permeates Costa Rica. After a short 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a hillside incline turned into a downward journey revealing the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Situated on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, the resort sits within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated for its high longevity rates. The hotel's debut marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will include a collection of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven experiences across the expansive 600-acre Punta Cacique development. Hilton's luxury brand has staked its claim among this growing community with a design that finds harmony in its natural surroundings. The terraced resort cascades 300 feet from the top of the peninsula to the beach below. Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City, the earthy brown and rock grey colors and textures throughout the property reflect the seasonal changes of the region. 'The design of the resort flows with the natural curves of the coastline, so guests are constantly surrounded by these breathtaking views—Playa Hermosa on one side and Coco Bay on the other, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific," says Mariella Cabezas, the resort's director of marketing. "The entire guest journey was created to feel effortless and organic, from the moment you step into The Terrace bar to the path that leads down to the beach lounge and sunset rooftop,' The hotel's design also honors the heritage of the Chorotega people, Indigenous to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. I was immediately drawn to the intentional communal spaces that often don't exist in resorts this expansive. Here, a collection of bubbling hot tubs are tastefully placed under budding foliage, a large spa pool claims its own quiet corner away from the buzz, and seating around the multi-level cascading pool is readily available from a number of prized vantage points. 'What I really hope guests take away from their stay is a sense of pura vida—that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Whether it's a morning coffee overlooking the water, a Cacao Ritual at the spa, or simply sitting on your terrace listening to the waves, there's a magic here that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and really savor the moment, with all the warmth and intuitive service you expect from Waldorf Astoria,' Cabezas says. Read on for my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. The resort's 148 guest rooms and 40 suites ascend toward the ocean in different tiers on flourishing mountainsides. My one-bedroom suite's prized location offered unobstructed views of Playa Penca and sailboats that parted the turquoise waters as they headed to nearby coves. The open layout living room featured neutral-colored furniture, rattan storage spaces, and wall textures. Pivot doors, expansive terraces, and golden-hued lighting throughout each room created a sense of calm and seamless transition between the interior and the sea just below. Other room categories include Bahia suites with plunge pools and furnished balconies, and the foliage-filled three-bedroom Pacifico Suite, suitable for families seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living. A bi-level Presidential Suite is tucked onto a hillside in the resort's most private area. This two-bedroom option includes an infinity pool, firepit, and furnished rooftop terrace with lush gardens. The ensuite bathroom features dual vanities, an oversized shower, and two freestanding soaking tubs. All six dining concepts pay homage to the bounty of Costa Rica's land and sea. Executive chef Nicolas Piatti sources quality ingredients from across the country to highlight the richness of the terroir and culinary traditions. He works closely with several standout producers, including Finca La Josefina, renowned for its exceptional wagyu beef. The kitchen also incorporates artisanal Chorotega salt into a number of dishes to elevate flavors with the region's natural resources. Guests can enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (beans and rice), fried egg, plantains, and grilled steak at the all-day dining restaurant Tico-Tica. At La Finca, coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Pacific seafood takes center stage—a juicy poached lobster in chorizo butter and sesame seed matcha sauce was my favorite dish to tuck into a warm tortilla. I couldn't get enough of a dish called tomotada prepared with heirloom tomatoes bursting with candied, briny, and tart flavors. The dry-aged, grass-fed beef is cooked using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and maize-based ingredients. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips. At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary. The sleek café features some of Costa Rica's most prized beans, all cultivated on regenerative plantations committed to sustainability and fair trade practices across eight regions. I didn't let a day pass without sampling options like the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey or the dark chocolate blend, both from the country's prized Occidental region. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop, and don't skip the strawberry and mascarpone flavor. For a nightcap, get whisked away at the intimate Peacock Alley Bar, where crafted cocktails served in handmade Chorotega pottery are made with ingredients like raw sugarcane, dandelion, corn liquor, and Costa Rican rum. Nature and wildlife immersion abound in Costa Rica. The resort brings guests closer to a number of experiences, including birdwatching in the famed cloud forests, guided treks through heliconias, white-water rafting on the Tenorio River, exploring the Children's Eternal Rainforest, and a luxury experience with thermal pools, waterfalls, golden mud treatments, and walking meditations in the private Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary. Other more intimate experiences include picnics on the beach or mountainside, with a curated menu of tropical fruit skewers, yucca chips, green mango salad, antipasti, and an assortment of desserts. A highlight of my visit was the Coffee Tasting Experience at Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, which included bean-to-cup education and brewing techniques by Costa Rica's Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa. The experience showcases rare and prized roasts, such as Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend. For those seeking deeper immersion, the resort offers a coffee-focused adventure on a private helicopter tour to the Brunca region. Here, guests embark on guided hikes to explore coffee plantations, learn about the intricate art of coffee production, and enjoy a private tasting led by Azofeifa. A variety of tastings are also on offer: rum tastings are held on the Tico-Tica terrace, a beer tasting highlights global and local craft beers, an agave spirits tasting, led by the lively and engaging food and beverage director Ana Martinez, and a wine tasting of Costa Rican and international wines in La Finca's private wine cave. The 17,000-square-foot Spa at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique harnesses the healing properties of Chorotega ingredients, including volcanic clay, cacao, Melipona honey, and native botanicals. I experienced the Trapiche Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment that included a raw sugar scrub to exfoliate, a cane honey body wrap to detoxify, and a full body massage. On another day, wellness and fitness supervisor Carlota Brenes led a sound bath meditation on a private gazebo. The echo of the bowls and symphony of wildlife sounds above made it impossible not to slip into a deep, restful slumber. Guests can also enjoy daily open-air yoga, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes. Activities at the on-site Kids and Teens Clubs include beach walks, cooking classes, bowling, and treasure hunts. A small waterslide tucked into a corner is a fun addition for little ones. During my stay, I found most children swimming in the calm waters of Playa Penca and finding thrill in the howler monkeys that swung in nearby trees. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has five ADA-compliant guest rooms, including three with double beds and two with king-size beds. Sustainability is an integral part of the resort's design and culinary program. A quarter of all food ingredients are sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and regenerative plantations. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica's 'Bandera Azul Ecológica' award for its environmental practices. The living rooftops, native plant landscaping, and detention pond for water runoff all support biodiversity and erosion control, while minimizing environmental impact. Located on the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Punta Cacique is a secluded cliffside community offering easy access to two neighboring beach towns: Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco. Head to either and choose from rows of beach bars perched near prized sunset viewpoints. Waldorf Astoria is a Hilton luxury property and therefore part of the Hilton Honors program. For any stay of three nights or more, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers a 20 percent discount, a $500 resort credit for guest room stays, and a $1,000 resort credit for suite stays. AARP Members save up to 10 percent on the nightly rate. Breakfast is included for every guest. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500. See at Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The Waldorf Astoria's Resort in Costa Rica Has Cascading Pools and Rooms with Ocean Views
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. Along Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, herons grazed on flat fields framed by cloud-misted mountains in the backdrop. Pockets of rainforests glowed in hues of green so striking it appeared neon-colored, thanks, in part, to a recent rainstorm. This storybook scenery was a world away from the traffic-filled streets of Los Angeles I had just left, with the blaring of car horns replaced by birdsong. It also easily explains why travelers from around the world chase the spirit of pura vida that permeates Costa Rica. After a short 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a hillside incline turned into a downward journey revealing the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Situated on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, the resort sits within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated for its high longevity rates. The hotel's debut marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will include a collection of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven experiences across the expansive 600-acre Punta Cacique development. Hilton's luxury brand has staked its claim among this growing community with a design that finds harmony in its natural surroundings. The terraced resort cascades 300 feet from the top of the peninsula to the beach below. Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City, the earthy brown and rock grey colors and textures throughout the property reflect the seasonal changes of the region. 'The design of the resort flows with the natural curves of the coastline, so guests are constantly surrounded by these breathtaking views—Playa Hermosa on one side and Coco Bay on the other, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific," says Mariella Cabezas, the resort's director of marketing. "The entire guest journey was created to feel effortless and organic, from the moment you step into The Terrace bar to the path that leads down to the beach lounge and sunset rooftop,' The hotel's design also honors the heritage of the Chorotega people, Indigenous to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. I was immediately drawn to the intentional communal spaces that often don't exist in resorts this expansive. Here, a collection of bubbling hot tubs are tastefully placed under budding foliage, a large spa pool claims its own quiet corner away from the buzz, and seating around the multi-level cascading pool is readily available from a number of prized vantage points. 'What I really hope guests take away from their stay is a sense of pura vida —that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Whether it's a morning coffee overlooking the water, a Cacao Ritual at the spa, or simply sitting on your terrace listening to the waves, there's a magic here that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and really savor the moment, with all the warmth and intuitive service you expect from Waldorf Astoria,' Cabezas says. Read on for my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. The resort's 148 guest rooms and 40 suites ascend toward the ocean in different tiers on flourishing mountainsides. My one-bedroom suite's prized location offered unobstructed views of Playa Penca and sailboats that parted the turquoise waters as they headed to nearby coves. The open layout living room featured neutral-colored furniture, rattan storage spaces, and wall textures. Pivot doors, expansive terraces, and golden-hued lighting throughout each room created a sense of calm and seamless transition between the interior and the sea just below. Other room categories include Bahia suites with plunge pools and furnished balconies, and the foliage-filled three-bedroom Pacifico Suite, suitable for families seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living. A bi-level Presidential Suite is tucked onto a hillside in the resort's most private area. This two-bedroom option includes an infinity pool, firepit, and furnished rooftop terrace with lush gardens. The ensuite bathroom features dual vanities, an oversized shower, and two freestanding soaking tubs. La Finca, the resort's signature restaurant, offers authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique All six dining concepts pay homage to the bounty of Costa Rica's land and sea. Executive chef Nicolas Piatti sources quality ingredients from across the country to highlight the richness of the terroir and culinary traditions. He works closely with several standout producers, including Finca La Josefina, renowned for its exceptional wagyu beef. The kitchen also incorporates artisanal Chorotega salt into a number of dishes to elevate flavors with the region's natural resources. Guests can enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (beans and rice), fried egg, plantains, and grilled steak at the all-day dining restaurant Tico-Tica. At La Finca, coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Pacific seafood takes center stage—a juicy poached lobster in chorizo butter and sesame seed matcha sauce was my favorite dish to tuck into a warm tortilla. I couldn't get enough of a dish called tomotada prepared with heirloom tomatoes bursting with candied, briny, and tart flavors. The dry-aged, grass-fed beef is cooked using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and maize-based ingredients. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips. Enjoy cocktails and small bites at Peacock Alley. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary. The sleek café features some of Costa Rica's most prized beans, all cultivated on regenerative plantations committed to sustainability and fair trade practices across eight regions. I didn't let a day pass without sampling options like the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey or the dark chocolate blend, both from the country's prized Occidental region. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop, and don't skip the strawberry and mascarpone flavor. For a nightcap, get whisked away at the intimate Peacock Alley Bar, where crafted cocktails served in handmade Chorotega pottery are made with ingredients like raw sugarcane, dandelion, corn liquor, and Costa Rican rum. The pool area at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique Nature and wildlife immersion abound in Costa Rica. The resort brings guests closer to a number of experiences, including birdwatching in the famed cloud forests, guided treks through heliconias, white-water rafting on the Tenorio River, exploring the Children's Eternal Rainforest, and a luxury experience with thermal pools, waterfalls, golden mud treatments, and walking meditations in the private Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary. Other more intimate experiences include picnics on the beach or mountainside, with a curated menu of tropical fruit skewers, yucca chips, green mango salad, antipasti, and an assortment of desserts. A highlight of my visit was the Coffee Tasting Experience at Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, which included bean-to-cup education and brewing techniques by Costa Rica's Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa. The experience showcases rare and prized roasts, such as Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend. For those seeking deeper immersion, the resort offers a coffee-focused adventure on a private helicopter tour to the Brunca region. Here, guests embark on guided hikes to explore coffee plantations, learn about the intricate art of coffee production, and enjoy a private tasting led by Azofeifa. A variety of tastings are also on offer: rum tastings are held on the Tico-Tica terrace, a beer tasting highlights global and local craft beers, an agave spirits tasting, led by the lively and engaging food and beverage director Ana Martinez, and a wine tasting of Costa Rican and international wines in La Finca's private wine cave. The 17,000-square-foot Spa at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique harnesses the healing properties of Chorotega ingredients, including volcanic clay, cacao, Melipona honey, and native botanicals. I experienced the Trapiche Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment that included a raw sugar scrub to exfoliate, a cane honey body wrap to detoxify, and a full body massage. On another day, wellness and fitness supervisor Carlota Brenes led a sound bath meditation on a private gazebo. The echo of the bowls and symphony of wildlife sounds above made it impossible not to slip into a deep, restful slumber. Guests can also enjoy daily open-air yoga, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes. Activities at the on-site Kids and Teens Clubs include beach walks, cooking classes, bowling, and treasure hunts. A small waterslide tucked into a corner is a fun addition for little ones. During my stay, I found most children swimming in the calm waters of Playa Penca and finding thrill in the howler monkeys that swung in nearby trees. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has five ADA-compliant guest rooms, including three with double beds and two with king-size beds. Sustainability is an integral part of the resort's design and culinary program. A quarter of all food ingredients are sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and regenerative plantations. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica's 'Bandera Azul Ecológica' award for its environmental practices. The living rooftops, native plant landscaping, and detention pond for water runoff all support biodiversity and erosion control, while minimizing environmental impact. Located on the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Punta Cacique is a secluded cliffside community offering easy access to two neighboring beach towns: Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco. Head to either and choose from rows of beach bars perched near prized sunset viewpoints. Waldorf Astoria is a Hilton luxury property and therefore part of the Hilton Honors program. For any stay of three nights or more, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers a 20 percent discount, a $500 resort credit for guest room stays, and a $1,000 resort credit for suite stays. AARP Members save up to 10 percent on the nightly rate. Breakfast is included for every guest. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
A Costa Rican Surf Gem With Waves That Sort Out A Crowd
The drive from the airport started with cash and ended in a thunderstorm. It was a two-plus-hour trip from Liberia to Nosara, a coastal town in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province. So I settled in and got to know my driver, Jonathan, who became quite animated while educating me on his favorite local foods. Gallo pinto, casado, chifrijo and ceviche, he explained it all with a smile as he wheeled his Chevy SUV down the narrow and uneven roads as only a born and raised Tico can. With my stomach only holding one airport sandwich over the last 12 hours, his descriptions slowly killed me. Later in the drive, Jonathan pointed out a classic motif of Costa Rican towns: a school, soccer field and church all next to each other, almost without fail. A kind of building trinity. Where there is one, there are two others. By the end of our journey, however, one thing was on my mind — the storm. It arrived in earnest when we were a few kilometers out from Nosara. Lightning splattered the sky and thunder pressed on eardrums like cannonfire. The streets had nearly flooded by the time I arrived at my destination, the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel. I've done the dirtbag thing. Slept in a car at an Australian beach, tucked into a sleeping bag on Baja sand, and couch surfed on pillows of varying degrees of softness for waves in Hawaii. But this trip was something different. A chance to try accommodations further up the luxury spectrum. One with a pool, a bar, spa, cold plunges, yoga classes, a smiling staff and clean sheets. And of course, warm waves. No doubt about it, Nosara is busy and getting busier. Housing and groceries and fuel are getting more expensive for visitors and locals alike. Many places will charge American prices. But it's still cheaper than going out in Los Angeles. Here, with the jungle assaulting your senses and dripping Pura Vida, it's easy to understand why people can't get enough of this place. According to the last census here in 2011, Nosara had 5,000 residents, but I'm told it's likely double that now. When it comes to traveling for waves, some surfers seek cultural immersion, others just want to maximize wave count. Ideally, neither route should harm or displace the local community, which is what longtime residents of Pavones are fighting against right now. Compared to other tourist hotspots in Costa Rica, Nosara appears to be relatively frugal in limiting rampant development. I heard one Gilded Iguana guest tell another he'd been coming to Nosara for a decade, and though the town has grown a lot, it's still tucked away enough to have some distinct character. It's not Santa Teresa or Tamarindo. There are no buildings on the beach, as a lush nature preserve the length of Playa Guiones buffers the town from the sand. You're more likely to find crew doing yoga or surfing in the morning than binge drinking at night. There are numerous shops and markets concentrated in certain areas, but most of the roads remain unpaved. Take an ATV or bike tour into the countryside and you'll be slapped silly with the amount of wild, green land. 'I think it's a mix of people who have helped develop the town and creating a lot of opportunities to work,' said Adrain Suarez, a skilled surfer who since 2012 had run a killer locally owned surf shop and guiding business at Agua Tibia Surf School, right in the middle of Playa Guiones. 'There's coexistence. A lot of people know each other. It's a small community.' Like much of Costa Rica, Nosara has a bounty of multi-million-dollar homes and luxury hotels. But there are still pockets of difference. Adrian runs a great hostel, Hostel Nosara, one of the few left in town, right next to his surf shop. As a surfer looking for adventure and convenience to fall back on, Nosara has all that. Is it watered down? From the rough and tumble days, certainly. But it still tastes just are a couple of options for waves in Nosara, but the most convenient is Playa Guiones, the sprawling four-mile-long beach exposed to swells from the north, west and south. Waves of varying quality break here year-round. During the week I stayed there in late May, I saw south swells that made the center and north side more consistent than the southern end. Mornings are the window score before the onshore wind picks up, but there are sometimes evening glassoffs. One day at Guiones, I met an American expat living in Nosara named Mark, who loved the wave's consistency and the town's culture. He told me that he embraced yoga for the first time when he moved to Nosara, and his surfing, which he'd been actively doing for 40 years, has noticeably improved as a result. He's retired and surfs every day, sometimes twice a day. 'You look this place up online and you'll read it's one of the most consistent waves in the world,' said Mark, his facial expression acknowledging how ridiculous that sounds. 'It's like, come on. But actually being here looking at it, it's pretty damn consistent. It's not always good, but it's consistent.' Due to the ample wiggle room available at Guiones, the lineup is remarkably laid-back. As long as you're not a knucklehead and smile at the locals, you'll get waves. Sets break far out and reform into the whitewater on the inside, where the beginners and instructors usually sit. The smaller the swell, the more crowded it gets. I found that if you wait out the morning commute and the waves get bigger, the crowd will be halved, easily. The Gilded Iguana's Surf Club, a small facility a short stroll from Guiones, has everything for a casual day at the beach or a shoulder-burning surf session. A friendly staff, lessons, lockers, showers, towels, board storage, bathroom, sunscreen, wax, and even a juice bar. It's open to the public, too, not just hotel guests. To get full access, you buy a membership or a pass for a single day, a week, a month, or year. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but it's fair game to judge a surf biz by the quality of its rental boards. And the Gilded Iguana's quiver is legit. By my rough count, there are at least 150 boards available: Large soft tops, Donald Takayama longboards, hefty mid-lengths and slim, pointy thrusters. There are quite a few of the latter, as Channel Islands Surfboards is a club sponsor. You can bring and store your quiver at the club, but it's hard to beat the variety on hand. While they're not my usual flavor, I found that midlengths between 6'6' and 7' worked great at shoulder high to overhead Guiones. The boards are big enough to save your shoulders as you hunt roaming peaks and small enough to put on rail. The current isn't bad at all, but it's the kind of place that tends to send a left onto your head as you wait for a right. The bigger waves are more sloping than steep, so foam is your friend here. If you're on a shortboard, prepare for a lot of paddling and scrambling to get into position. For the first two days I was in Nosara, lingering storm energy rendered Guiones unridable. The long-period energy sent waves everywhere with frenetic energy. But it calmed down eventually, and I found glassy peaks in bathtub-warm water. In the subsequent days, the swell went from overhead to chest high, but it broke consistently despite 8-foot tide swings. A Surf Club staffer named Josue frequently overlapped with me in the water before his shifts. With him being goofy and me being regular, we often split peaks. He was so jovial and eager to tell me which part of the beach looked best on the given day. Adrian was the same way. Standing in front of Agua Tibia, he eagerly explained how swell and sand flow from the rivers could turn Guiones from quick teepees to reeling lefts and rights. Hard to predict, but sublime when you find it. It's not a perfect wave, and you do have to work for it. If Guinoes isn't your thing, ask the locals about points in Playa Pelada and Ostional to the north and Playa Garza to the south. 'The wave is so welcoming to beginners,' Adrian said of Guiones. 'The flat sand bottom is unique. It's maybe one of the only waves in the area you can surf on high and low tide. There's Ostional, but it's sucky barrels. You gotta be a pro to get up there.' No way around it, the Gilded Iguana is a very nice place that caters to surfers and non-surfers alike. It opened in 1986 with a handful of rooms and is one of the oldest hotels in Nosara. Ownership has changed several times since, and it was fully remodeled in 2017. Today in the open-air restaurant, Nathan Florence's Slab Tour plays on TV screens while children run around in the yard and sunburned tourists suck down cocktails. It's quite the property, but it doesn't look like other large monoliths I've seen in Costa Rica. It's tasteful with the barest hint of grit. During the rainy season, the power goes out almost nightly during dinner if there's a storm (They have a backup generator, so it comes on quickly). Still, eating shrimp and sipping an Imperial in the dark does feel kind of adventurous. It's pricey ($250 per night in the low season for a two-bed room), and has the Rolodex of eco-tourism features that Costa Rica is well-known for. Yoga sessions, a restaurant, a pool (plus a bar), and spacious rooms. It leans family-friendly, and kids of all ages can be seen around the 29-room property. They'll even babysit kids for $35 a day. There's a reason Rob Kelly brings his family from New Jersey to "our new favorite spot in Costa Rica." While I can't speak for Nosara's other hotels, I can vouch for the Gilded Iguana staff. I found them helpful and as courteous as can be. Whatever your interests, they go out of their way to make it happen. Their massages, in particular, were a real treat. As someone who surfs too much and stretches not at all, it was a revelation. The masseuse wrung tension out like water from a towel. She worked through knots like a seasoned sailor, but considerably more soothing. Of course, the food is bountiful. The hotel restaurant is stocked, as are the surrounding businesses. Chase the meal with an Imperial or a cocktail. In Nosara, you can order both.A Costa Rican Surf Gem With Waves That Sort Out A Crowd first appeared on Surfer on Jun 3, 2025
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vera Bradley, Inc. Announces Reporting Date for First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results
FORT WAYNE, Ind., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (the 'Company') today announced that it plans to report results for the first quarter ending May 3, 2025 of fiscal year 2026 (fiscal year ending January 31, 2026) at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, Alternatively, interested parties may dial into the call at (877) 407-0779. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and remain available through June 25, 2025. To access the recording, listeners should dial (844) 512-2921, and enter the access code 13753733. ABOUT VERA BRADLEY, INC. Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as 'gifting' and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women's handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly-engaging lifestyle brand with a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle Company has three reportable segments: Vera Bradley Direct ('VB Direct'), Vera Bradley Indirect ('VB Indirect'), and Pura Vida. The VB Direct business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through Vera Bradley Full-Line and Outlet stores in the United States; Vera Bradley's websites, and and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The VB Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 1,200 specialty retail locations throughout the United States, as well as select department stores, national accounts, third party e-commerce sites, and third-party inventory liquidators, and royalties recognized through licensing agreements related to the Vera Bradley brand. The Pura Vida segment consists of sales of Pura Vida products through the Pura Vida website, through the distribution of its products to wholesale retailers and department stores; and through its Pura Vida retail stores. CONTACT: CONTACTS: Investors: Tom Filandro, Partner ICR, Inc. VeraBradleyIR@ Media: 877-708-VERA (8372) Mediacontact@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Brand in Costa Rica
Combining timeless glamour and vanguard spirit, the property is anticipated to offer exquisite experiences in one of the world's finest addresses starting in early 2027. PLANTATION, Fla., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced today a signed agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L. to debut the iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica. The development of this visionary project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is expected to begin in July of this year, with a planned opening in early 2027. "This extraordinary development underscores our continued commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio in key destinations across the Caribbean and Central America," said Uriel Burak, Marriott International Vice President, Development, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA). "Costa Rica continues to experience growing demand for high-end travel and residential offerings, and we are proud to work with Solana PA, S.R.L. to bring the first St. Regis hotel and residences to Costa Rica." "We are honored to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Costa Rica and to create a landmark destination in one of the most exceptional oceanfront settings in the region," said Alberto Halabe, Partner at Solana. "This project reflects our deep appreciation for Costa Rica's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Together with Marriott International, we look forward to delivering a resort and residential experience that embodies the spirit of Pura Vida through the unmatched elegance and service of St. Regis." Inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings, the new-build St. Regis Papagayo is slated to feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, offering unequaled luxury experiences for guests and residents alike. The hotel expects to offer six distinct culinary venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining; The Cliff, inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican influences; a Beach Club & Grill; and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, an exclusive beach club, and 7,750 ft2 of indoor space and 2,475 ft2 of outdoor space for meetings and banquets space for celebrations and exquisite gatherings. Strategically located between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, the St. Regis Papagayo will offer 634 linear yards of beachfront and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort will expand the luxury enclave in Papagayo, further solidifying the area's reputation as a premier luxury. This new project arrives at a time of significant potential for luxury experiences in Costa Rica. The esteemed Mexican architecture firm, Sordo Madaleno, will bring this vision to life. They are currently designing several luxury resort projects with Marriott, including the St. Regis Costa Mujeres and a dual-brand luxury development in Costa Mujeres. Promising maximum luxury and comfort in every detail, Gensler Mexico City has been selected as the principal interior design firm. Maat Handasa will lead the landscape architectural project, TalentChef will act as a food and beverage consultant, and Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels will contribute her expertise as a wellness consultant. GFG Securities LLC advised Solana PA, S.R.L. in the negotiation of the St. Regis agreements and the successful debt raise for the project. The St. Regis brand in currently features six landmark hotels and resorts across the CALA region. The St. Regis Papagayo marks a significant milestone in Marriott's luxury expansion in Costa Rica, as the company debuts the timeless elegance and innovative spirit of The St. Regis brand to the country, offering guests unparalleled experiences in this stunning destination. ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONALMarriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. ABOUT ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTSCombining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at 65 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit or follow Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit ABOUT GFG SECURITIES GFG Securities, LLC ("GFG Securities") is a boutique real estate investment banking firm assisting public and privately owned businesses with domestic and international investment banking services, including equity and debt capital raising, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic consulting services. Headquartered in Miami, FL, GFG Securities has acted as the primary liaison in debt and equity capital raising transactions exceeding $3 billion, with transaction values between US$20 million and US$500 million. Visit for more company information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
