Javi's On Location Series posts in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

I’m one spoiled Costa Rican frog; my job requires me to hop to the most luxurious hotels in the country so that I can give you my reviews. Most recently, I was able to check in to the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa in Hacienda Pinilla...[More]

I’m so lucky to get to travel around Costa Rica and stay at some of the best hotels that the country has to offer. Recently, I got to stay on location at Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa, a beach resort in the Central Pacific region, along Playa Esterillos Este...[More]

My job is NOT terrible. Not in any way. I get to hop around Costa Rica, trying out all of the food, drinks, dances, and adventures that my country has to offer so that I can report the good, bad, and ugly back to my loyal readers. It’s the sweet life, for sure. I was so excited when I heard that my next assignment was to stay at Palma Real Hotel & Casino for a few days...[More]

There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking... [More]

As I travel around Costa Rica, I have the privilege of staying at some amazing hotels, and recently I was treated to a stay with a view that had me hopping up and down with joy. The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa, in La Fortuna, San Carlos, is a hotel filled with accommodations that make each guest feel comfortable. It is also a place of awe, wonder and adventure. Let me tell you a little bit more about this hotel and my stay... [More]

Of all the types of tours that you can take in Costa Rica – and there are many types – my all-time favorite might be one that is a little less traditional: a chocolate tour! While I’ve been hopping around cacao trees for years, admiring their beauty, actual organized tours have become very popular in Costa Rica lately.. [More]

Final boarding call for...a table of two! One of my favorite things to talk about is Costa Rica cuisine. I love a good meal, and even more than that, I love having a unique dining experience...[More]

Once I get tired of sleeping in the tree branches around the nation's capital of San Jose, I hop my way toward the comforts of Garden Court Express Hotel. Convenience is this modern hotel's forte! Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Garden Court Express lies within walking distance to several hot spots including theaters, local museums, restaurants and National Parks. To sweeten the deal, San Jose Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas sits 6.5 kilometers away.

At check in, you'll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail to start off your stay in style. I'm not much of a drinker, so I gave mine to friend named Paco who opened the door for me when I leapt in the hotel...[More]

Situated less than 5 kilometers from the heart of San Jose, Best Western Irazu Hotel & Casino merges the bustle of the city life with the laid-back feel of the countryside. What I love about it is that it's just far enough from the noise where it doesn't keep you up at night, yet still close to all of the action. Last time I stayed at the Best Western Irazu Hotel, I soaked in the local attractions such as Braulio Carrillo National Park and Costa Rican Art Museum. It may not tout the exotic appeal of jungle hotels, but the Best Western Irazu offers convenience, comfort and great customer service! Over the last several months, I've noticed that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which are expected to be finished by around January 2014. I can't wait to see the new improvements for the new year...[More]

As a beachfront resort along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Best Western Jaco Beach is luxury I couldn't pass up! This is one of my favorite places to stretch out my little froggy legs and soak up the gorgeous vistas in a relaxing tropical atmosphere. This eco-friendly hotel has an abundance of outdoor activities and local attractions nearby... [More]

With Smart Audio Tours, you can discover the secrets of Costa Rica that only locals and frogs like me know. Smart Audio Tours offers a cool new application that provides visitors with the opportunity to experience main tourist hotspots and cultural attractions through individually guided tours. Pull out your own smartphone (if I had one I would too), or rent one through to museum to listen to insightful descriptions of exhibits and look at photos and videos, all in your language of choice. In Costa Rica, Smart Audio Tours walk or hop you through the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Numismatic Museum, which are both located in downtown San Jose...[More]

A few weeks ago, Hotel Cristal Ballena was kind enough to let me rest my tired frog feet at their luxurious resort. I was blown away by everything this 4-star paradise has to offer! Situated in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, Cristal Ballena lies only 30 minutes from Palmar Sur Airport for travel convenience, and within hopping distance from Ballena Marine National Park...[More]

Are you looking for an escape from reality? From city-made smog, traffic congestion, cell phones and jam-packed schedules? I've been to a lot of hotels in Costa Rica, but one of my absolute favorites is the Punta Islita Hotel, which sits along the stunning Pacific coast in the mountainside. Overlooking the shoreline, this pool offers a stunning infinity pool, sustainable par-3, 9-hole golf course; two on-site restaurants and luxurious accommodations. Trust me: You'll never want to leave this hotel!...[More]

Guanacaste is the most visited region in Costa Rica, and for good reason! While I spend a lot of my time traveling the country, I always find myself coming back to the province for its warm coastal waters and tranquil beaches. Lush tropical forests hang along the sandy shoreline here, making it the perfect place for both families and couples. If you want to visit Playa Potrero, there's no better Costa Rica hotel to stay in than Bahia del Sol. Located on the second safest beach of Costa Rica, this hotel features everything a traveler may want in a resort. I recently stayed here and loved it so much that I want to share my experience with you!...[More]

Living in Costa Rica, I am lucky enough to have access to some of the world's most beautiful volcanoes, including the Poas. As such a unique geological formation that attracts a wide array of wildlife, volcanoes are vibrant and simply beautiful. That is why one of my favorite places to visit is the Colinas Del Poas, which offers travelers exciting options for adventure! This center is one of the best in the area, and is the perfect place for those who want to have a taste of everything. Here you can go zip lining, explore the lake, dine on the extraordinary cuisine at the on-site restaurant and much more. Hop along with me, and I'll tell you all about my time spent here![More]

You may think that my life as a traveling frog is pretty leisurely, but it can get hectic bouncing from town to town. That's why when I stayed with Stay In Costa Rica, I took full advantage of the luxury accommodations! There is virtually no reason for leaving this massive complex because everything you could want in a Costa Rica vacation can be found on the grounds. I will warn you, you're not going to want to leave this paradise! There's a reason why the complex was rated as one of the world's best by Travel + Leisure magazine...[More]

If you've never been to a cloud forest before, there's something in store for you! The misty air that surrounds lush greenery is a sight to see (and one worth seeing with your own eyes), and the region of Monteverde is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, restaurants, cafes, cultural establishments and more. One of my absolute favorite places to stay here is El Establo Mountain Hotel, a luxurious hotel with unparalleled scenery, two on-site restaurants and enough amenities that you can explore the entire landscape even from up in the trees! My friends at this hotel love Costa Rica, the local culture and wildlife, and it's apparent at their mountain hotel.[More]

Finding the perfect place to stay on your Costa Rican vacation may be one of the top things on your list! After all, this is where you will be sleeping and the region is where you're going to be exploring. On my last trip, I stayed at the Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa in Guanacaste. The beautifully modern d'cor and comfortable environment make this a great spot for both laid-back travelers and those who enjoy the finer things in life. I had a great time at this eco-friendly resort, and the folks here are incredibly welcoming! I'll share with you just a few of my favorite parts about staying here...[More]

If you're like me, you love a good cup of coffee! There is just something comforting about sipping on some java, and Costa Rica is home to the best gourmet blends in the world in my humble opinion. While there are several coffee tours that teach you about harvesting and the process of getting the bean into your cup, one of my favorites is the Britt Coffee Tour that takes place just north of downtown Heredia. Since 1991, nearly 1 million visitors have toured the working plantation and roastery. As the original Costa Rican coffee tour, there's no better place in Costa Rica to visit if you're a caffeine fiend! I had so much fun during my experience at the coffee plantation - I just couldn't wait to share my story with you...[More]