Check out our top 10 romantic things to do this Valentine’s Day in Costa Rica!

10.  Simply stated just get away- The simple act of getting on a plane and flying to a tropical paradise with your significant other is enough to make her fall in love again.  Any adventure conquered will be done together and the memories will start from the day you present her with the gift box and plane tickets for two!

9.  Visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.  White sand beaches with crystal blue waters.  You will see some of the most amazing fish and sea life.  Spotted Rays and Nurse Sharks, Flounder and Lionfish, Enjoy this romantic day under the sea.

8.  Take a ride out on the Catamaran.  Check out one of many Tamarindo Vacation Rentals and then set sail for the day.  Enjoy a day of sunshine, cocktails, and a little bit of swimming and snorkeling.  You will sail back by sunset to catch the beautiful Tamarindo sun going down in the bay.

7.  Hike to Rio Celeste.  One of the most beautiful sights in Costa Rica, the water has an almost magical glow to it.  The natural chemicals from the nearby volcanoes have created its turquois blue colors.  For a breathtaking view in front of the waterfall, this photo will be sure to make all of her friends back home jealous.

6.  Go out paddle boarding.  Maybe your other half isn’t too keen on shredding up some amazing waves on the Pacific Coast.  Instead take a short walk from your Costa Rica Vacation Rental and take out some paddleboards.  They provide a good amount of exercise, with a view to the beach that you may not have seen otherwise.  Go on a calm day for a nice day of mellow adventure.

5. Go horseback riding in the rainforest-  A fun way to experience the views and flavor of the forest without the work  and effort of a hike. Explore a bit of the Costa Rica animal life and nature while chatting and enjoying a nice horseback ride.

4.  Zip-lining- Experience the wind in your face with your partner strapped on to you.  Soar through the jungle and see wildlife at the fullest! What better way to build trust then 100 of feet in the air zipping through the forest?

3. Wine and Dine.  Take her out like it was your first date.  Go the mile, lobster and steak dinner, and bottle of wine on the table, bouquet of flowers waiting.  Avoid the crazy Valentines Day chaos in the U.S. and reserve your dinner at any of the amazing restaurants in the city.

2.   Check out the Hot Springs in Arenal- The natural hot springs at the Arenal Volcano are some of the most beautiful and relaxing springs around.  The views of the Volcanoes are breath taking, and your spouse will love you for the amazing spa treatment she receives.

1.  Spend the week falling in love again- Book a Tamarindo Vacation Rental and wake up each morning to cooking breakfast together, take long walks on the beach, and bring a bottle of wine and dessert to the beach to watch the sunset.

Contact us today to help you book your next vacation to Costa Rica! We are here to create an unforgettable vacation for you and your loved one!

Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals acts as association manager to a variety of different complexes one of which is Villa Verde II. The Goals of an Association Manager is to maintain a complex and to work at the authorization of either the developer on new projects or a board of owners at established complexes where the maintenance of common areas and common elements of ownership in the property is essential in preserving its integrity.
 Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals is the company of choice for many owners and a number of Associations because they understand the process, are on the leading edge of technology and have a reputation for great service.

As a Tamarindo Vacation Rental management company Horizon Pacific is constantly working to improve the service and to create projects to maintain and grow the properties that it manages.  Kicking off the New Year 2012 Horizon Pacific has new projects in the works as well as excellent ongoing management and maintenance throughout the year.

Since Horizon Pacific took over management of Villa Verde II they have tackled a few major issues that the previous management had left behind.  One of the major issues being corrected is reassessing the accounting and keeping proper records of all payments received and spending.  This included setting up a bank account specifically for the property.  Along with setting up the accounting, Horizon Pacific also publically registered the association so that Villa Verde II now conforms to the rules and regulatory laws of Costa Rica.

Horizon Pacific also set up Villa Verde II for success by purchasing tools, and reorganizing and repairing the storage and pump room to be used as a maintenance building.  Measures were taking to assure the security of the tools and supplies being stored.

Some critical repairs and maintenance were also done to the grounds treatment plant as well as on the irrigation system. The pools, palapas, green and stone areas also have received some much-needed care since Horizon Pacific took over.  Villa Verde II now has daily pool cleaning by HP staff, regular maintenance of pool pumps, fixtures, and lighting.  Along with maintaining the pool, the grounds are also now kept up on a regular basis. The walls of the buildings facing the street have been power washed, trash receptacle was painted, and moved, as well as a lock put on it to insure only residents are using it.  Villa Verde II’s sign was painted, and water meters were secured.

As a Tamarindo Vacation Rental property it is imperative that the day-to-day upkeep is maintained and Horizon Pacific plans to do just that.  The goals set for continued improvement include:

• Sanding and painting the entire stair system
• Repairing the stucco and painting the building
• Installing a timer for the pool lights
• Purchasing new lounge chairs for the pool
• Renovating the parking area to be used more efficiently

Horizon Pacific is working hard to not only manage their properties at an exceptional level on a day-to-day basis, but also to improve their properties and add value for the property owners.  By making the properties more clean and inviting, as well as continuing maintenance repairs and grounds work, they are adding value to people’s personal homes as well as to the Costa Rica Vacation Rentals for prospective renters. Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals are working hard to maintain your properties so that you don’t have to!

This beautiful penthouse is located steps from the beach and has access to a luxurious beach lagoon swimming pool. Located in the center of town you have access to international cuisine, casino, shops and more. Be adventurous and experience surfing with the perfect beginner waves or relax and receive a massage on the beach.

The penthouse is beautifully decorated with tropical décor, stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. The unit is fully equipped with ac, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, oven, blender, washer & dryer, WIFI, wetbar, telephone, stereo, wetbar and more! The unit comfortably sleeps 8 people and has rooftop access with comfortable chairs and tables. There are 1 king size bed,  2 queen size beds and 2 full sized beds.

Enjoy your first vacation of 2012 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica in our beautiful Cenizaro penthouse. Relax on the roof top and soak up the sun, or lounge down in the beautiful lagoon pool with a swim up bar. Enjoy the beauty of the town and walk the town to shop for clothes, jewelry and more or take a stroll on the beautiful beach at sunset.

This beautiful Tamarindo vacation rental is waiting for you today! Contact us today for more information and book your next trip with our Costa Rica Property Managament. We are here to serve you and make sure you have the trip of your life.

Tamarindo, located on the Guanacaste peninsula is a hub for vacation owners and renters. This beautiful beach offers international cuisine, various activities, beautiful beaches and more. Becoming one of the top destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo has developed many condominiums and has become a hot spot for buyers from around the world. Two of the premium services home owners can utilize while they are not in the country is a Costa Rica property management company and a relationship with their Association Manager of the complex.

If you are a homeowner here you may be interested in hiring a Tamarindo property management company to maintain your home while you are gone and ensure everything is working well. Also, property managements companies such as Horizon Pacific Vacations manage home owner associations for condominiums and villa communities. The company maintains common areas in the complex like the swimming pool, walkways, protective walls, common parking and more. Home owners and management companies work with the home owner association (HOA) in requesting desirable items for the complex and more.

The association manager of the complexes works hard to ensure the preservation of its integrity and quality. These managers are key to home owners that will vacation or rent out their condo or villa. With a quality company like Horizon Pacific Vacations you are guaranteed to enjoy a vacation in a complex that is well maintained and ready for your company!

In the following months Horizon Pacific Vacations will be sending out blog posts on each complex HP manages with updates on what has been done in the past months and what is scheduled to be worked on. At HP we want the owner and the visitor to enjoy their time to the fullest and feel comfortable and secure in their home, condo or villa.

For more information contact us today at Costa Rica Property Management.

Have you had the delightful opportunity to fly into the beautiful city of San Jose, Costa Rica? 

Map of Costa Rica

As wonderful as it is to see the city life of Costa Rica and experience first hand the four hour shuttle drive to the different Coasts and mountain ranges of the country, it could also be desired to land in the smaller and more "quaint" airport of Daniel Oduber Airport located right outside of Liberia, Costa Rica.  Of course this airport didn’t compare to San Jose with all the Restaurants and Shops and pre-flight entertainment.  That is until now… 

When looking for your next Costa Rica Vacation Rental you should consider one that is close to the new airport.  The expansion was rescheduled to finally open on January 12, 2012.

According to an article from the first week of January Liberia airport terminal finally to open next week was featured in the Tico Times: "The long anticipated and twice delayed inauguration of a new terminal at the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, capital of the northwest province of Guanacaste, has been rescheduled for next Thursday."

Photo credit: www.liberiacostarica.com

The delay could very well be worth the wait though for travelers looking for a more direct flight to their vacation destinations.  Now, one of our magical Tamarindo Vacation Rentals could now just be less then an hour away, with cheaper flights, quicker service in and out of the Daniel Oduber Airport, and better amenities.

Daniel Oduber International Airport, Liberia

As mentioned in the Tico Times "Costa Rica will be in a very advantageous situation, since we will have the best secondary airport in all of Central America, and perhaps one of the best in Latin America," Jiménez said. "This will be a very important part of the development of the northern Pacific region."  Say goodbye to long travel days.  Usually when flying out of San Jose that means a whole day of vacation is lost to getting transported to San Jose and spending the day at an airport.  Now tourists and local travelers alike can spend more time enjoying their vacation rentals a little longer and still be at the airport a couple hours before the flight departs with no problems. 

Liberia International Airport, Costa Rica

Tico Times also notes that "Included in the new terminal are security upgrades, such as separate corridors for passengers entering and leaving the country, security cameras, temporary holding rooms for detained passengers and dormitories for people in the process of being deported."  Hopefully with time along with these additions will be great new shops, restaurants, and entertainment for passengers waiting for flights.  Now is as good a time as any to check out our Tamarindo or Langosta Vacation Rentals and visit the Top 10 Beaches to Lounge in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. What better way to bring in the New Year then with worry free travel at the new and improved Daniel Oduber International Airport!

To view the full article from The Tico Times, please visit the TicoTimes article titled: Liberia airport terminal finally to open next week.

National Flag of Costa Rica

Costa Rica… a small country in Central America that boasts beautiful beaches, waterfalls and lush greenery that are sure to leave you wanting for more. 2012 is the perfect year to explore this diverse tropical paradise and here are 10 Great Reasons to Vacation in Costa Rica.

10. A Plethora of Coastal Towns to Discover and Explore

Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Some of the most interesting aspects of Costa Rica are the cute little towns outside of the big cities. From the adorable Caribbean coastal towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, to the rain forest vacation spots in La Fortuna, to the Pacific side of Guanacaste Beaches. A Tamarindo Vacation rental is a great hub to rent a place for a couple weeks, just under an hour from Liberia National Airport. Then drive to all the destinations your imagination can handle.

9. Adventure Activities & Experiences Abound

Costa Rica ATV Tours

If you’re looking for the freedom to explore the backcountry of Costa Rica consider an off-road experience. You can drive through Costa Rica in an off-road vehicle with or without a guide. For beginners you can go to a local ATV rental shops and take a tour with a local to show you around some of the beautiful hidden areas in Costa Rica.

8. Rich & Vibrant Culture

Costa Rica Festivals

Costa Rica boasts many activities that will submerge you into a culture not quite like any other. The country is known for its many carnivals, parties, and horse shows. Be prepared to learn cultural history’s on a local level, and taste the authentic Costa Rican cuisine.

7. Explore Active Volcanoes

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Check out Arenal one of Costa Rica’s Volcanoes. Arenal , Poas and Irazu, are a few of the beautiful active volcanoes that abound throughout the mountainous region of Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular. During the day you can soak in the thermal waters at one of the many spas or head to one of the near by rivers to go rafting. Finish off the night in a Costa Rica Vacation Rental where you can prepare a nice home cooked meal and enjoy a cozy bed to sleep in.

6. Discover the Rain Forest

Monte Verde Cloud Forest

Perhaps you want a more leisurely stroll through the rain forest; There are lots of tours that take hikes through the rain forest to view animals and plant species during the day or night. Monte Verde also boasts a skywalk for those not so keen on zip lining. Horse back riding through some of the quite beach towns or up in the rain forests are also a tranquil way to spend you vacation.

5. Adventure Travel Activities for Adrenaline Junkies

Whitewater Rafting Costa Rica

For all those adrenaline junkies out there Costa Rica offers great activities like repelling down a waterfall, class 4/5 white water rafting, scuba diving with sharks and stingrays, bungee jumping and sky diving.

4. Some of the World’s Best Beaches

Playa Samara / Carillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If your main goal this vacation is to get a tan the beaches in Costa Rica are stunning. Costa Rica boasts beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts. There are beaches that have restaurants and tide pools for kids and family’s, beaches that get amazing surf breaks, as well as beaches that are great for camping and adventure. Tamarindo and Langosta Vacation Rentals offer superb locations to great surf beaches such as Grande, Negra, Langosta, Avellanas, and Casitas just to name a few.

3. Warm Tropical Oceans Like No Other

Costa Rica Fishing

Of course, no vacation would be worthwhile without a chance to frolic in the ocean. Costa Rican vacations would offer many hours of fun scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, sport fishing, windsurfing, etc. The boundaries are limitless. Skip the cold Atlantic currents and go for the warm yet refreshing waters of Costa Rica’s oceans by selecting one of the many stunning Costa Rica rental properties on offer today.

2. It’s the Dry Season

Costa Rica Climate

Dry Season is upon us. As far as the seasons and weather, Costa Rica is a very temperate climate. There are two seasons in Costa Rica. The rainy season is from May to mid-November and summer is from mid-November to April.

1. Nature Lovers & Naturalists, Come on Down!

Costa Rica Birds

You have got to experience the nature in Costa Rica, known for its network of reserves and National Parks. From numerous Volcanic National Parks to forest reserves and wetlands, a Costa Rica vacation would offer great diversity for the entire family. From mountainous ranges, to tropical, dry, and cloud forests. Costa Rica is a naturist’s wonderland. There are over 10,000 identified species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, and 500 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, combined (Greenspan, 1997). Book a Costa Rica Vacation Rental to start to experience a new world you never could have imagined.

Costa Rica Family Vacation

New Years is just around the corner and now is the time to get your priorities for 2012 in order.  You probably have some ideas of how you would like to spend your next year: spending more time with family, enjoying life, traveling more, saving some money, the list goes on and on.  This holiday season why not start your year off right by taking your family on a trip of a lifetime and buy some plane tickets and book a Costa Rica vacation rental.  Take your family on an adventure that includes tons of new experiences, foods, culture, and a whole lot of fun.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country to visit during the chilly months of December and January.  The weather is very warm with a breeze and very little rainfall.  Your family will love going back to work and school from their winter vacations with a nice tropical glow and tons of stories to brag about to their peers and co-workers.  If your looking to save a little money as well this year you could check out hotel deals or a self-catering Costa Rica rental properties if your trying to budget. This can help save on food to give you a little extra to spend on great activities and instead enjoy just a few unforgettable meals out on the town.

Villa Langosta Pool View

Maybe some of your New Year’s resolutions include getting in some more exercise.  Vacation rentals in Tamarindo offer beachfront properties that you can crawl out of bed and surf in the morning.  If your looking to ease into the whole exercise concept you can instead enjoy long walks on the beach and catch some of the most beautiful sunsets around. 

Is trying new things is on your bucket list.? Some new activities for you and your family may include zip-lining, or exploring the rain forest.  Perhaps some paddle boarding or kayaking would fill your need for some sunshine. Maybe some foreign cuisine is more your flavor.  You can try the typical Costa Rican Casados, which include the delicious and local Gallo Pinto and the sweet plantain also called maduros.  There are also a variety of fresh fish caught and prepared on a daily basis on local fishing boats.

An enjoyable stay at one of the many fine Tamarindo vacation rentals may just be the holiday your family needs before starting the busy year, and what better way to ring in the New Year then with family.  Accomplish some of your New Years resolutions early this year and explore the beaches, rainforests, and beautiful cities in Costa Rica.  Don’t let another year go by with regrets of working too much, not spending time with the family, and doing the same old trips year in and year out.  Ring in the New Year with some adventure and an amazing tan!

Fiesta - Bienvenidos en Costa Rica

10. Who wants to see a ball drop on TV when you can get you and your family together and enjoy the warm Costa Rican weather and activities.

9. Great excuse to take advantage of those post-Christmas sales when you get home and save money on your belated gift shopping.

8. Instead of spending countless hours putting up and taking down Holiday decorations, grab a Costa Rica vacation rental and save yourself the hassle of taking them all down come January.  Your neighbors will understand, after all you were on vacation.

7. Instead of waiting for your kids to come home after midnight bring them to one of the many discothèques and show them the kid in you and dance the night away.  You can all return to your vacation rental at the end of the night and laugh at how ridiculous you looked.

6. Who wants a holiday ham when you can have fresh wahoo with mango chutney?

Fiesta en Playas Del Coco

Image via revistautopia.com

5. Instead of waking up the next morning in your Tamarindo vacation rental wishing you had called it a night a bit earlier; plan a surf session or a day of ATV-ing to get the family out and about.

4. Can’t pick out that perfect New Year’s outfit? No worries, throw something on and put on some flip-flops, Champagne and Guaro will be flowing and music will be pumping.

3. Sand resembles snow without the hassle of blizzards, black ice on the roads, or those dangerous icicles. 

2. Start your New Years resolutions early and do something you have never done before.  Learn to surf, Kayak, quad, snorkel, or practice your Spanish.

1. White Christmas is so last season. Unlike the states, December falls in the middle of the Costa Rican summer, meaning the lowest precipitation levels of the whole year, and the average temperature is around 80F. Get a Tamarindo or Langosta vacation rental reserved today and enjoy some sun and sand to reel in the New Year!!

This December, Horizon Pacific is proud to announce La Buena Vida #8 as the featured property of the month. La Buena Vida #8 is located just a short walk from the beach and downtown area.

This beautiful condo is located in secured tranquil complex. The complex offers security, parking and a beautiful secluded pool. The large open condo includes 3 bedrooms (1 king size bed and 3 queen size beds), 3.5 bathrooms and spacious living areas.

Enjoy waking up in this beautiful Tamarindo vacation rental and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio overlooking the jungle with monkeys and natural wildlife. Each room in the condo includes air conditioning and fans. The large living room/kitchen offers gorgeous wood and wicker furniture, plasma TVs, stainless steel appliances and more.

Just a couple minutes to town you can enjoy international restaurants, boutiques, street vendors and more. In town you can book a tour and learn how to surf, explore unforgettable scuba diving, zip lines, sunset sails and more.

When booking your tropical getaway find the perfect vacation rental in Tamarindo at La Buena Vida #8. Here you can relax and enjoy the exotic jungle, flush flora and amazing beaches. Instead of being stuck in the cold for the holidays with a hectic schedule enjoy surfing in Costa Rica and relaxing in your Costa Rica vacation rental.

Contact us today for more information on La Buena Vida #8 and we will assist you in booking your next Tamarindo vacation rental!

Costa Rica’s coastlines have more awesome beaches than can be listed in a single post, so we’re going to take a look at them in smaller groups and this week we begin our journey with a photo tour of the Top 10 Beaches of Guanacaste which is located in the North West of Costa Rica.

1. Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most well renowned beaches in Costa Rica and not without reason. There are amazing sunsets and a wonderful nightlife. You have a huge variety of Tamarindo Vacation Rentals or beautiful hotels to chose from. Tamarindo is definitely a place to catch some good surf and sun bathing.

2. Bahia Salinas

Playa Bahia Salinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Bahia Salinas is the North most beach in Costa Rica. It offers tons of great activities and Natural parks to visit there. You can also enjoy some wind surfing and kite boarding as well as a fun nightlife and a visit to Bolanos Island.

3. Potrero

Playa Potrero, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Potrero is a beautiful beach off the beat and path. The town offers white sand beaches with beautiful views of boats and fishing. It is a quiet little town with a lot of residential. Houses are simultaneously beautiful and simple all wrapped up into one. Not too many hotels around here but you can reserve a Costa Rican Vacation Rental not too far from here.

4. Samara / Carillo

Playa Samara / Carillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Samara/ Carillo is a quite beach town a little less developed but still offers a beautiful and calm beach that’s simplicity is part of its charm. One to check out if you desire a mellow day with just you, the sun, and the sand.

5. Flamingo

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Flamingo, also not too far from Tamarindo or Portero, offers white sand beaches and sport fishing locations. Fun and lively nightlife that locals also enjoy. Several restaurants and a couple of casinos. Lots of great Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, condos and villas.

6. Playa Del Coco

Playa Del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Del Coco is close to many other beaches and not that unique in the actual beach activities. However, the nightlife here is fantastic and a great place if you have a night with some time to kill with friends. Perfect to experience some Costa Rican nightlife.

7. Ocotal

Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If staying in Playa Del Coco you should definitely check out the snorkeling and scuba in Ocotal beach not to far from there. Beautiful but mellow at night, definitely a place to come check out.

8. Pan de Azucar

Playa Pan De Azucar, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Pan de Azucar, or better known as Sugar Beach, is also close to Flamingo and is a great place if you are looking to escape the crowds. A very mellow beach with the wonderful ocean at your fingertips, great for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.

9. Grande

Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If you happen to have a Tamarindo Vacation Rental you should also take a walk over to Grande. You can take a short boat ride across the Estuary for a dollar or two. Walk along the beautiful stretch of beach here or bring along a surfboard for some amazing surf.

10. Panama

Playa Panama, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Panama is a different style of beach, which offers a more unique dark sand beach and a variety of more exclusive resorts. Beautiful and elegant and a great place to kick back and relax.

11. Hermosa

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

I know we said top 10 beaches but as Mike Poynton (thanks Mike) correctly pointed out it’s criminal not to include Playa Hermosa which has great location, scenery and a cool vibe in a list of the top beaches in Guanacaste – so here it is. ;)

And that’s wrap… our guide to the Top 10 Beaches of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.