Punta San Francisco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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1 Written By: Reese Wilkins pura Vida! Punta San Francisco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2 Welcome to Carolina del Mar Our beloved Costa Rican beach retreat. It's a place that we have built for our family to enjoy, and now we re happy to share it with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We have put this book together to help guide and inspire you to make the most out of this wonderful area full of pura vida and excitement. Many adventures await you, whether you take to the road for day trips or just keep it local. We hope you use this guide to venture out and see what Guanacaste can offer! Inside you will also find the essential info about the house-which you are now the steward of for a few days. Mi casa es su casa, please treat it like your own. Your local contacts : Property Manager -William Jimenez Cell: Rental Manager -Brian Bratton Cell: Surf Instructor - Miguel Calderon Cell: Masseuse- Ingrid Ramos Valerin Cell:

3 Tamarindo History Tamarindo has witnessed a number of changes over the past 45 years with an evolution from a small fishing village to a surfer's paradise and now an international destination. Tourism has firmly been established as the main industry in Tamarindo for the past 30 years - cabinas, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, surf shops and bars proliferate --making this international watering hole the premier surf town of the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. Lots of people from all over the world make Tamarindo their home, but when those first surfers arrived here in the early 1970s, Tamarindo wasn t much more than a campsite -- a small town at the end of an unpaved road without running water or electricity. Only a few phones existed and one would have to wait in line to get a call out. Most of the foreign visitors in those days arrived here in vans, trucks or converted buses that they drove down from the United States. Their journeys lasted for months, and even years, and their vehicles were their homes. Rigs were decked out with beds, kitchens, and storage for all the gear the self-sufficient traveler needed on the road. Surfers who made it to Tamarindo discovered a perfect surf break that no one seemed to be riding. It was a well kept secret. The housing options were minimal, and most of the young travelers from the United States chose to camp in their vehicles in what is now the Tamarindo Circle. The economy of Tamarindo has certainly changed over the past 45 years but so has the topography. The San Francisco estuary, also known as the Langosta estuary, next to the Barcelo on Playa Langosta used to connect to Playa Tamarindo just North of Casa Cook. Bisected by the high tide, Playa Langosta was only obtained for a number of hours a day during low tide. How cool to think : Where Carolina del Mar is now was once an island only accessible from Tamarindo during low tide. Cattle farmers corralled their livestock down to these salt flats for much needed minerals before the area was filled in by sand from the Tamarindo estuary. Local surfers mourn the day in 1975 when tractors arrived at the point break near the Tamarindo estuary and shoveled out the sand to provide fill for the road to Langosta; ruining possibly the best surf break in Costa Rica. However in recent years the sands have began to return to where they were originally making the surf break in tamarindo return to its former glory as one of the best rides around. When our family first started venturing around this area in the late 90s and early 00s all the roads between Tamarindo and the airport in Liberia were not paved. The road from Villa Real to Tamarindo was notably the worst road around, making this town an adventurous surfers paradise. In 2002 that road was paved immediately sparking the fire for an explosion of development helping tourism flourish in this once sleepy town. In fact, the airport in Liberia did not host large airline carriers until the early 2000s which left travelers in route to Tamarindo a laborious drive for hours from San Jose. We are so grateful for the short commute to and from LIR. And now the influx of American tourists has quadrupled from the arrival of services to Liberia with major airline carriers such as Delta, United, American, and Jetblue. Now with exponentially better infrastructure and easier means of getting here the economy is flourishing. Most notably is the difference in high season (Dec-April) and low season (May-Nov) where before Tamarindo would turn into a ghost town during the month of October when rains are expected to be at their peak. Now October looks like high season did 15 years ago in terms of tourist in town spending money. Many are saying there is no longer a low season only a green season and a dry season. Regardless of the season, visitors will fall in love with the endless activities this area has to offer.

4 Carolina del Mar Playa Langosta Punta San Francisco Isla Capitan Playa Tamarindo Playa Grande Tamarindo Estuary N

5 Adventures By foot-low Tide The beach in front of Carolina del Mar is best explored during low tide, this is a great time to look for shells and lounge in the tide pools. Please beware as the rocks are sharp and can be slippery as well, tread carefully. Con cuidado. Walk to the south and you will reach the Langosta rivermouth, this river is easy to cross during low tide. Once on the other side shell hunting and surf is plentiful, shade is minimal so early morning or late afternoon is recommended. This large beach is a great place to take a long stroll or jog with only a few people around. Make sure you get back across the rivermouth before the tide gets too high, if not you ll be swimming across. Be careful swimming at this rivermouth when the tide is going out - it is easy to get swept out in the rip tide. Although there is usually a lifeguard during high season, when in doubt don t go out! Please don't let these dangers steer you away from this beach for it is one of the most beloved beaches around. Walk to the North to find amazing views, from the point you can see Playa Grande, Isla Capitan, and the town of Tamarindo. If you keep heading north past the boats, and then shimmy into land, you ll be in the middle of Tamarindo s shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, surf shops, and boutiques. Here you will also find many other amenities such as ATMS, pharmacies, grocery stores, and rental car offices.

6 Langosta Shipwreck- Barco quebrada Carolina del Mar is on Punta San Francisco, according to the maps, however some call this rocky point Barco Quebrada (Shipwreck). There s a huge, corroded iron mast marooned on the point to the south of Carolina del Mar. Sometimes the sand buries it, and other times it lies exposed on the first rocks. Metal ribs and smaller oxidized pieces of the boat are buried in the tide pools on either side of this point. During low tide venture out on the rocks just to the south and you will find many remnants of this shipwreck scattered around. We ve asked many people about the shipwreck, and though their versions of the event differ greatly, we have been able to date this wreck to the late 1800s. The huge boat was moored near the farmhouse on Playa Langosta (Hacienda Pinilla), when a violent storm hit the coast. The anchors did not hold, and the ship dashed against the rocks as it was dragged north, losing cargo and rigging until it finally sank. The whole town of Villarreal went to the beach to survey the damage and to scavenge for usable things like rope, dried meat and huge bags of flour. The only thing left of the ship are iron pieces of the mast, anchor chains, and other pieces of rigging...try exploring this area at low tide but be careful of slippery sharp rocks, shoes are recommended.

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8 Adventures by foot-high tide For a beginner looking to learn how to surf the wave in front of Hotel Capitan Suizo is one of the best places to learn in Guanacaste, this spot just to the north of Carolina del Mar is a great place for beginners at high tide. You can usually find myself and the rest of the family out there on longboards in the afternoons when the tide is high. Famous surfers like Robert August and Robert Wingnut Weaver from the movie The Endless Summer have been spotted here when the swell is up. Experienced longboarders can score some very long rides, some close to the length of a football field or more. This is also one of the best places to swim at high tide, all the rocks and wave activity can make swimming in front of Carolina del Mar dangerous at times. That being said there are still a few areas during high tide around Carolina del Mar that can be safe for swimming, please use good judgement to stay safe when in doubt don't go out. To the north the point offers one of the best sunset views around (besides the one from our pool), this is a recommended experience for the whole family. Be sure to apply bug spray before watching any sunset because this is when the bugs are the worst, if you don't have any bug spray lime works just as good and is all natural. The pacific ocean can be very dangerous, watch out for powerful waves, mysterious currents, unfriendly surfaces, and creatures higher up on the food chain. Unless you are in a protected cove where the wave action is buffered, you ll undoubtedly be vulnerable to rip currents of some sort. If you're caught in one don't panic, instead swim parallel to the shore or beach, NOT toward the beach, once outside the unseen river of water sweeping you out-swim to shore where the water is cleaner with less sediments stirred up.

9 Local Knowledge - Be sure to check out the large spread of local goods from the Tamarindo farmers market (Saturdays only). It is located in the alfaro bus parking lot adjacent to El Chiringuito, just walk down the beach to the north and, take a right in front of the moored boats and look for the crowd. You can find lots of amazing goods like raw cashew butter, organic vegetables, kombucha, local handmade souvenirs, goat cheeses, chutneys, and much more. We recommend buying your produce from here, very good prices and quality, but be sure to get here early because things sell out quickly. Tamarindo Farmers Market Fish Trucks - The absolute best way to buy fish in this town is straight off the truck. When driving around town look for the flat bed trucks with big white coolers accented in blue on the back, some say mariscos on the side others don't. You can usually find these trucks parked out in front of restaurants making their daily deliveries from Puntarenas, we typically find them in the late mornings and early afternoons. You can buy anything off this truck however a little spanish will be needed. Tuna=Atun, Mahi Mahi=Dorado, Shrimp=Camarones, Red Snapper=Pargo Rojo, Seabass=Corvina, Lobster=Langosta 1 kilo is a little more than 2 pounds. (2.2lbs to be exact) Trits - Which should formally be known as the most delicious ice cream concoction in the world. They are essentially a generous portion of melt in your mouth vanilla ice cream lovingly embraced between two cookies that taste like a mixture of graham crackers and sugar cookies with a small dollop of yummy chocolate sauce thrown in for good measure. Once you discover these it will become impossible to leave a convience store without one. However, a little wasteful; the containers can be reused for many purposes. Dry Season (December-May) This time of year also know as summer(verano), the sun is plentiful, the papagayo winds are up and the water is a beautiful crystal clear turquoise making water visibility ideal for snorkel and diving trips, book one of these trips with our good friend Miguel Calderon ( ). During this time of year we always recommended waking up early with the sun (5am) and enjoying the beach in the morning for the midday sun is very intense, then returning to the beach for the afternoon sun into sunset. The dry weather makes it ideal for drying towels and wet bathing suits outside next the pool however the dry weather will also dry you out, be sure to stay hydrated. Be careful in the sun here, we are close to the equator and the intensity is escalated, use protective clothing and sunscreens with spf 35 or higher. Rainy Season (May-November) The green season or winter(inverno), is a beautiful time of year, typically a rain storm fills in every afternoon bathing the land with much needed moisture. Southern swells pumble the beaches with abundant waves making this one of the best times for surfers to visit the area. This will affect water visibility so snorkeling and diving is not recommended this time of year however horse, atv, and canopy tours can be more enjoyable because of the lusher surroundings and cooler weather (relatively cooler). The sun is still very intense here this time of year so early mornings and late afternoons are recommended for beach outings, also don't be fooled by cloud coverage, the UV rays can be amplified by the moisture in the clouds so sunscreens and protective clothing is always recommended.

10 Beaches to The North Playa Brasilito To the north are the beaches with less wave activity making it easier for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. These beaches all face north with the exception of Playa Grande that faces south, there you will find world class surfing waves, best that beginners don't venture into these waters unless the swell is at a minimal. Just north of Playa Grande is Playa Brasilito, this small fishing village is full of life, offers a few restaurants that all have fresh fish and casados, a typical Costa Rican meal. The real reason most people venture to Brasilito is to reach Playa Conchal, one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica. You can get there by taking a left just after the bridge as soon as you get into Brasilito, follow the road till it ends up on the beach, drive down the beach, be sure to follow the established trail so you don't get stuck. Once at the end of Playa Brasilito climb the small hill and you will arrive at Playa Conchal. Immediately on the right there are locals with snorkel gear hanging from the trees, the area right in front of that has some amazing snorkeling, either bring your own gear or rent from the guys there. This beach has many private parking areas inside the trees if you continue down the trail, during busier times and weekends this beach can get crowded so arrive early for the best spots. Past Brasilito the road runs towards Playa Flamingo and Playa Potrero. Continue down that road for a few kilometers and you will find a fork where you can go right for Playa Potrero or continue straight to reach Playa Flamingo. Playa Flamingo has been a fishing destinations for many years, the Marina at the moment is condemned but new plans for rebuilding it are in the works. Drive up the hill in Flamingo for some amazing views of the bay to the north and the south. Drive straight past the hill and you will reach Playa Flamingo, the shore break here can get big making for fun body surfing waves, however typically the waters here are very tame. Playa Conchal If you take the right at the fork towards Playa Potrero you will eventually pass the new Marina location where all the boats are now moored out just beyond the supply dock from the beach. For more convenience we recommend booking catamaran and fishing tours out of tamarindo instead of here. In Fact the fishing boats from here typically ride south to fish waters in front of Tamarindo. However this is where the best diving is, book a trip out to The Catalina Islands for some amazing diving if PADI certified. Continue down this road to reach Potrero, once there you can grab a beer at Las Brisas the bar on the beach at the end of Playa Potrero or follow signs to Playa Penca another amazingly beautiful beach with very few people around, it's perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Continue down the now paved road past Playa Penca and you will be heading towards Playa Pan de Azucar or Sugar Beach and Playa Danta, both are beautiful beaches with hotel restaurants located on them. These are great lunch destinations with amazing food and stunning views of the Catalina Islands. Wave activity is always buffered here so swimming is much easier in these locations. Enjoy! Playa Flamingo Playa Penca Playa Grande Playa Danta

11 Beaches to the south Playa Avellanas To get to the beaches to the south take the road out of Tamarindo and make a right in Villa Real, follow the signs to Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra. Be prepared for a bumpy ride once you pass Hacienda Pinilla, which is a very large private gated development. This dirt road can get very bad during rainy season but is usually graded once a year in preparation for dry season. Just drive slow and enjoy the sights and smells of the countryside, you will pass teak tree farms, cattle fields, and even a goat farm. The first beach you will reach is Playa Avellanas, here the restaurant Lolas sprawls out on the beach with unique seating arrangements shaded by almond trees and grand palms. This is a highly recommended lunch spot known for its pet pig Lola and amazing food, try the tuna poke. Bring a surfboard as well, the waves out front of this restaurant can be very fun around mid-high tides and are typically very user friendly just be aware of a few rocks on the inside, other than that the bottom is sandy. There are many different surf breaks in Avellanas depending on the swell and tide. The rivermouth is a good low tide break however beginners are not recommended here for the bottom is a mixture of rocks and sand. The beach breaks in front of Lolas and a little to the north of that are best for beginners, however if the swell gets large these breaks can become dangerous, easily breaking boards and bodies in the wrong spot. When in doubt don t go out. Lola s If you continue past Playa Avellanas the next beach you will reach is Playa Negra, which is known for having one of the best right hand reef breaks in the country, maybe even Central America. This break was featured in the Movie The Endless Summer and is recommended for only experienced surfers and is not to be taken lightly for the bottom is rocky. The Rancho in front of this break has a pool and a restaurant so still worth the visit for non-surfers, walks on the beach here are highly recommended. The scenery here is breathtaking, walk to the north or the south, where around each bend the colors of the sand change depending on the direction the beach faces. The topography is extremely raw giving clues of the volcanic activity that formed these rocks millions of years ago. There are also a few restaurants and cafes in the town of Negra with delicious food, try the Playa Negra Cafe or Jalapeno. Playa Negra Avellanas Rivermouth Playa Negra

12 Tamarindo Info Grocery Stores Super Langosta - small but most convenient, take a right out of the neighborhood walk/ drive 150 meters and take the left just beyond Naxos condos, this road will end right at the supermarket. Selection is limited however they carry most of the essentials. Big grocery run not recommended here. Super is bigger than the Langosta market and has a little more selection but still not the best place to do a major grocery run, they have a few fresh baked goods for sale inside as well as a few imports. It is on the left as you are coming towards Carolina del Mar on the other side of the very large and invasive white condo project in the center of town. There are various other small super markets throughout town, all are a good place to grab a quick beer to take to the beach or have an ice cream to cool down but we don't recommend buying everything for cooking at Carolina del Mar from these stores, much better ones exist just outside of town. Automercado -is hard to miss next to the big buddha statues adorning the adjacent neighborhood Tamarindo Heights on the outside of town just before the estuary as you're coming into town. This supermarket is the largest and nicest in town, if you can't find it here chances are it isn't anywhere else. However everything here seems to be a bit more pricey than the other supermarkets that are outside of town in Villa Real a short distance away. Mega Super - This store is where the locals shop, it's located on the right hand side of the road headed to Huacas/Playa Grande, if you take a left at the intersection in Villa Real. We typically do big grocery runs here to get all of our beer, and other essentials then head to Automercado to get anything we couldn't find here. This store for the most part has everything however you will have trouble finding any kind of imported goods such as wasabi, gourmet cheese, gelato, gluten free items, yogurts,baking goods but the prices are worth the extra trip. Villa Real Farmers Market - This is the best place to buy fresh produce. They are set up adjacent to the Soccer Field in Villa Real everyday, look for the tall chain link fence on the corner. Inside the fence you will find plenty of parking and a very large array of fresh produce locally grown. Try some of the fruits and vegetables unique to this part of the world, like chayote a green starchy vegetable, or mamon chinos a sweet juicy grape-like lychee inside of a red fuzzy pod. Guanabana is a delicious fruit that taste like a mixture of pineapple and strawberry making them perfect for smoothies, and yuca which is another starchy vegetable that taste delicious when boiled for a few minutes then baked for 30-40min until golden brown. You can also find all the other essentials here like carrots, tomatoes, pineapples, bananas, herbs, onions, etc. Surf Shops Many exist all over town these are the ones we recommend Watermans - Located at the entrance to the neighborhood this is the most convenient surf shop to Carolina del Mar by far, SURF, SUP, DIVE, FISH, SPEARFISH, KAYAK, BOATING, ETC... if you live to love the ocean, WATERMAN'S Surf & Sport just might be the store for you. If a very large group is looking into renting boards the selection here might not be enough. Surf Culture Surf Shop - This shop has the best options in town for rental boards, all are good shapes that are durable tuflite construction. The owner is very nice and can help get anyone the perfect board for their skill level. It is located right next to Sharky s Bar. *Contact Miguel Calderon for a surf lesson, he will arrange for the board rentals, and obtain extra instructors if needed Emergencies There is a 24hour clinic that is located on top of the last hill on the right-hand side when leaving Tamarindo and approaching Villa Real. The phone number is

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14 Eco awareness We ask our guest to help us preserve Costa Rica s natural resources by being eco conscious. We want to conserve Costa Rica s beauty so that many generations can enjoy this area as much as we have. This country has constantly been striving to be one of the most environmentally friendly countries on the planet now it's up to us. Please conserve water whenever possible...during the dry season it is necessary to truck in water because shortages would leave the house without it for months. We have mindfully landscaped the garden area with drought resistant plants to help us conserve water during the dry season. You can help us conserve water by not leaving the water running when brushing your teeth or washing dishes. The water is potable out of every single faucet, however you can buy large jugs of water from the supermarkets for drinking if you prefer to drink bottled water. This house is outfitted with a water softening system as well as carbon filters and a sterilizing uv light system. 22 C = 71 F 23 C = 73 F 24 C = 75 F 25 C = 77 F 26 C = 79 F Please be conscious with the use of air conditioners, whenever leaving a room please turn the air off...no need to cool an empty room. The air conditioners are called mini-splits which are very good at cooling the room they are located in quickly and efficiently. Please help us at Carolina del Mar by not wastefully using the air conditioners, yes it is hot in Guanacaste but please be mindful of energy usage. Use the temperature guide on the left to help find a comfortable setting... we recommend either 24 C or 25 C. Please do not run the units with doors or windows open, this causes condensation to build up which can damage the unit, also please do not put the unit below 20 C this can cause the units to overwork and the freon tubes to freeze, each unit cost around 8,000 USD. We have outfitted this house with low energy lighting to conserve energy however please turn the lights out when you leave a room. Towels that don't need to be washed can be hung up on any of the provided towel rings or racks. Towels left on the floor will be cleaned.

15 Tamarindo is an international beach town with many different cultures intermingling, you will be surprised at the variety of restaurants - Costa Rican cuisine, Israeli, Italian, Asian fusion, Argentinian, Germain, French, Mexican and American bar food to name a few. The best way to get more info on each of the restaurants would be Tripadvisor, Yelp, or a Google search. All of the restaurants deliver using the courier service TicoToGo. Simply go to there website and browse all the menus and order off the website for delivery. ticotogo.com Green Papaya: Swing on up to the bar for a breakfast burrito or pull up a tree-stump stool to sample the terrific tacos at this fantastic restaurant. The mahimahi tacos are perfection in a tortilla, while non-meat-eaters will appreciate the multiple veggie options. You'll go loco for the Coco Loco dessert. The chimichurri sauce is a must, we always buy a jar to bring home. Falafel Bar: When you get tired of casados (as you do), head to this Middle Eastern cafe for all the faves: shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh, hummus and kebabs. The pita bread is made fresh daily. Very reasonable prices for a casual dinner with unique flavors. La Bodega: This delightful shop and cafe specializes in unique combinations of ingredients, focusing on fresh, local and organic. For breakfast, they do amazing things with eggs, while lunch is a daily changing menu of unique sandwiches and salads. Any time of day, you can't go wrong with banana bread or lemon scones and a cup of fresh brewed java. La Baula: The best pizza in Tamarindo, by some accounts. This casual open-air restaurant has real wood-fired pizzas with a wide variety of toppings, as well as pastas, wine, amazing salads, and other Italian fare. Its also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in town, with a playground to keep the kids entertained. Nogui s: This friendly fish shack has one of the best beachfront locations in town. It's a perfect perch for a sunset drink or seafood dinner. There's nothing special going on with the food just basic preparations served in a paradisiacal setting. We often pick up a whole coconut pie from here for dinner parties back at Carolina del Mar. Dragonfly Bar and Grill: Dragonfly is beloved for its refined menu and its upscale tiki-bar atmosphere. The open-air dining room has twinkling lights and lanterns, with a subtle dragonfly motif throughout. The eclectic menu leans Asian, but fuses elements from around the world. Go for the Buddha Bowl filled with goodness or the fiery Thai beef served on glass noodles, you can also count on them to serve up the freshest catch prepared by skilled chefs. Desserts are also divine. Bamboo Sushi Club: This the place to get sushi in Tamarindo, by far the freshest tuna with the best variety of rolls. The atmosphere is muy tranquilo with greenery and a few water features, you feel like you're inside a zen garden. We recommend getting a tico roll or two. RESTAURANTS

16 Restaurants La Pachanga: Hand-made pasta sets this place in front of all the other Italian restaurants in town, seating is minimal, so reservations for large parties is recommended. The proportions are an almost guaranteed leftover lunch for tomorrow while the prices don't break the bank. When we are looking for a good carb filled dinner to help fuel us for long surf sessions early the next morning we always come here. Witches Rock, Eat At Joes: Here you ll find a full bar including craft beers made on-site at the microbrewery,good music, an open air layout with beautiful views of Playa Tamarindo, and a laid back vibe. Eat at Joe s will fill your belly and put you into the pura vida mindset from the moment you sit down. Fish tacos, big burgers, fresh sushi, nachos as big as your ass, craft beer, sunday Brunch, free wifi, and surf movies. Wok n Roll: Killer made-to-order woks, Pad Thai, fresh sushi, local raw oysters, and modern decor make this a hip dinner destination. With inspirations from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan,and Mongolia this place is the definition of Asian fusion. Sitting is limited and fills up quickly in busy season best for small groups or take-out. Panaderia de Paris: This bakery is the best place in town for banana bread, fresh quiches made daily, and french baguettes. Many other tasty treats can be found here such as fruit tarts, chocolate turtles, and croissants, however get there early because quiches and other favorites sell out quickly. You can never have too much banana bread. We always stop here before surfing adventures to fuel up before our sessions. Take-out only due to very minimal seating. Pangas Beach Club: Upscale elegance meets beachfront casual here at Pangas Beach Club. With rustic driftwood lounge perfect place to beach inside the Whether grabbing room, Pangas has chairs, fresh gourmet dishes and pumping surf breaks right at your fingertips, Pangas is the get lost in Tamarindo s laid back tropical lifestyle. Located on the sands of north Tamarindo estuary, Pangas is a breezy beach club by day and a relaxed restaurant and bar by night. an afternoon beer in your board shorts or enjoying a candlelit dinner in the outdoor dining something for everyone. Patagonia Argentinian Grill: Across from the Diria nestled in the alley way sits Patagonia a very popular eatery. Known for its daily specials, amazing South American cuisine, Sangria, and friendly staff. Be Sure to get a reservation for this popular spots seems to always be full for good reason. Langosta Beach Club: This beachfront bar and restaurants is a must one night, offering amazing sunset views, delicious food options, and a decent happy hour menu. The Club features a cosmopolitan and uniquely French approach to service, quality and style while catering to all walks of life. It is set in a tropical paradise, under the swaying trees on beautiful Playa Tamarindo, the Club is impeccably landscaped and designed with comfort and privacy in mind.

17 Self Care wellness Massages - Ingrid, our favorite masajista, will conveniently come set up her table at Carolina del Mar if requested. Her massages cannot be beat, guest are always commenting on how good she is. Ingrid also offers facials, and pedicures right here at Carolina del Mar, highly recommended. Ingrid Vanessa Ramos Valerin - cell Revive Wellness Center - A beautiful studio overlooking the ocean, with a tastefully appointed day spa and an upscale organic boutique featuring native products that also has a spacious, clean, air-conditioned gym. The center offers many services including personalized, one on one and small group fitness training, Yoga, Surfset Fitness, beach boot camps, B-Fit Circuit Training, TRX Training and wellness workshops. The spa offers mud wraps, scrubs, massages, bamboo therapy and facials. Other services include Reiki, Cosmetic procedures (Botox, Facial Fillers, Microdermabrasion and more) and Personal Development/Life Coaching. This place is a one stop shop for those looking to rejuvenate in the air conditioning. Day Passes for the gym and fitness studio are $15. Coco Day Spa - An all natural full service spa in the center of town offering manis, pedis, waxing, massages, wraps, and scrubs. It s clean and easy to love. Next door they have Organic Products, a small shop packed with edible and topical goodies from Costa Rica. Mermaids and Sailors Yoga Studio & Boutique - This boutique/yoga studio offers vinyasa, hatha, yin yoga, barre, and meditation in an A/C controlled studio. The boutique is fun and lively with eastern vibes, hip clothing, yoga supplies, incense,and free tea. Highly recommended. Tamarindo Church - This church is as laid back as they come with a come as you are outlook. There is communal worship every Sunday at 10 AM. As you leave town drive about 1.5 miles and keep your eyes out on the left for the church sign. They are located just 400 mts. before the entrance to the Tamarindo airport.

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19 Tamarindo SportFishing For guest of Carolina del Mar looking for the best sportfishing experience of their lives we recommend Tamarindo Sportfishing with Captain Randy Wilson. Randy was one of the first foreigners to step foot in Tamarindo back in the 1970s, he and his brother Louis who started Hotel Las Tortugas in Playa Grande were true pioneers, listening to their stories of what tamarindo looked like before tourism is very captivating. Randy is now known to be one of the best fishing Captains in Costa Rica. He has spearheaded the effort to conserve the game fish in Costa Rica by developing his own techniques and lures in the 1980 s and has continued to refine these over the years to ensure proper handling of the sailfish and marlin during hookup, fight and release. Catch and release means bringing a billfish to hand with hook and line using the best method possible to ensure the fish s survival after the hook is retrieved and the fish is released. Fish survival should be the number one priority. For more information visit their website Office: Cell: (011) (011) info@tamarindosportfishing.com

20 Meet miguel Calderon Miguel is a native Costa Rican from Santa Teresa, a beautiful beach town on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. He now lives in Tamarindo coordinating tours and giving surf lessons to visitors. He is an all around good guy who often joins our family on surf trips around the country in search of world class waves and pura vida adventures. Miguel is the recommended surf instructor/tour guide for guests of Carolina del Mar. His perfect english, positive energy, and local knowledge guarantees a great experience. You will instantly become friends with this guy. He can take/book guests from Carolina del Mar on: Canopy tours Snorkel trips Sunset catamaran cruises Horseback rides Waterfall adventures Hiking treks ATV tours Sunset Paddleboarding Kayak tours Assorted Day Trips Surf lessons Please inquire with Miguel about any other the above and be sure to let him know you are staying at Carolina del Mar. dreamsurfcr@gmail.com Cell:

21 Artist in Residence Suzanne Morgan Wilkins Artist in residence HOLLYCOVEGALLERYANDSTUDIO.COM

22 About Suzanne Suzanne Morgan Wilkins's love of nature is reflected in her bold, expressive variety of paintings from tropical settings and other beautiful destinations around the world, as well as at home in the Carolinas. Suzanne earned her BA and IMA degrees in Art from the University of South Carolina, and taught art in both the public school forum and her own art school at Holly Cove Gallery and Studio. She has in recent years set aside her love of teaching to focus on being a professional artist, and sells her paintings and giclees through galleries and interior decorators. Her newest venture was to sign on with an art licensing agent for corporate and commercial purposes. Suzanne also enjoys sharing her gift by donating her artwork to various charities and fundraisers that are close to her heart. "I experience a feast for the eyes in these beautiful locales, and this translates onto the canvas, a wide variety of subject matter...from flora and fauna to still lifes, landscapes, native people and architecture."- Suzanne