Costa Rican timeshare — a unique overseas accomodation option
After purchasing a time-share in August ’03, I started reviewing the large catalog with listings of hundreds of time-share properties around the world, including information on availability, amenities, nearest airport and more. I have been traveling internationally for some 30 years and thought a time-share would give me greater selection for accommodations abroad.
International exchange
On a point system, my companion and I purchased a studio unit in Napa, California, near where we live, to use as an exchange property for an international location. After paying maintenance fees for two years, dues to belong to Interval International (a vacation-exchange membership company) and an international exchange fee, we were on our way to Costa Rica in October ’04, flying United from Sacramento to San José via Los Angeles with a stop in Guatemala. (Travelers should be aware that there is a $26 exit fee, payable in cash.)
An introduction to Costa Rica
Our exchange location was the Fiesta Resort (Apostado Postal 171-5400 El Roble, Puntarenas, Costa Rica; phone 011 506 663 0808 or visit www.fiestaresort.com) near Puntarenas. Because I had never been to Central America (and this was a birthday gift for my friend), we toured the country for five days before and two days after our one-week stay at the Fiesta.
A recommendation in ITN (July ’03, pg. 71) helped me find Aventuras Tierra Verde (phone 011 506 249 2354 or visit http://adventure-costarica.com), which proved to be a great tour operator. They were affordable, responded quickly and were very helpful in giving suggestions, handling details and accommodating to change. The company took care of all land arrangements, except for four or five meals (and, of course, our Fiesta Resort stay), for $575 per person.
Our touring days were filled with wonderful sights and experiences. From our hotel in San José, we were transported to Laguna Lodge (phone 011 506 280 7843 or visit www.lagunatortuguero.com) in Tortuguero via van and small boat. The lodge sits on a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
The reception building was most unusual. On a trip to Spain, the owner, Rudolfo Dada, was inspired by the designs of Gaudí. On his return to Costa Rica he commissioned architect Mario Artavia to design a Gaudí-style building, incorporating the spiral of a sea snail with the flippers of the Baula turtle — truly a modern art sculpture.
Exciting sights
Our guide, Javier, remained with our group of 15 for three days as we toured via boat the canals of Tortuguero National Park ($7 entry fee), exploring its jungles and the surrounding area.
The highlight was seeing the nesting area of the green sea turtles about 150 yards from the lodge and watching a female lay her eggs and then return to the sea. No photos were permitted, but a special light for viewing was provided. Naturalists were on hand to oversee and tag the new mother during the night excursion. What a thrilling experience!
Our departure to La Fortuna was by boat, bus and Interbus (a great shuttle bus service) as we proceeded to the Volcano Lodge (phone 011 506 460 6080 or e-mail info@volcanolodge costarica.com).
The night was clear, and from our patio we could see Arenal Volcano erupting with red lava and steam. We could even hear and feel the rumble. It was luck, as the next day and evening were cloudy.
We explored the small town of La Fortuna, visiting most of the shops and stopping for a snack, in about two hours.
Also with some luck, we saw a cloudless Poás Volcano on our last two days in Costa Rica. Our guide told us that only about 10% of visitors have a clear view.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Varablanca; phone 011 506 225 0643 or visit www.waterfall gardens.com — great webpage) were a surprise. They included the largest butterfly observatory in the world, a hummingbird garden, an eco-lodge and an enchanting location between the cloudforest and rainforest.
An hour’s drive north of San José and 20 minutes from Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is Costa Rica’s newest multimillion-dollar nature park. They have carefully designed and built trails with platforms that lead to five waterfalls and the La Paz River.
The recently built Peace Lodge uses natural stones and wood to create the essence of the rainforest. At $165-$195 per night, the lodge is not for anyone on a budget. We did not stay there but would consider it next time.
Location, location, location
The time-share at Fiesta Resort turned out to be a large 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment that could sleep eight. Daily maid service was to perfection.
The main buildings of the resort are 15 years old, with a newer wing built five years ago. The Fiesta is located on the Golfo de Nicoya, about eight miles from the city of Puntarenas, complete with a black-sand beach.
Puntarenas was once Costa Rica’s major port on the Pacific; now it’s home to many fishermen and is where you catch the car-and-passenger ferry for the Península de Nicoya or other islands. It’s only a one-hour to 90-minute drive from the international airport in San José.
We could not have asked for a more restful location, but there were still plenty of activities offered at the resort or nearby. It’s a family resort with a Kid’s Club, three large swimming pools, nightly shows, watersports, tennis courts and mini-golf.
Culinary amenities included a buffet-style restaurant (with a different theme every day), two specialty restaurants, a full fast-food snack bar, a fruit bar and several cocktail bars, so we were never hungry or thirsty. There was also a small casino plus conference facilities, a store and a tour desk to accommodate area tours. A sports disco was under renovation.
Since we were doing a time-share exchange, there was no cost for our room. However, I paid $35 per day for all food and drink because I was not yet a member; members paid $29.
If you are not a time-share member, room rates for all-inclusive accommodations average $100-$120 per day, double (children 4-12, $47-$54).
Buying local
We decided we liked Costa Rica enough that we would want to return, so we inquired about a time-share purchase here. The Club Fiesta Resort & Casino Vacacionla office is on the grounds of the resort. We were shown six choices based on size and price. The apartment (master suite) where we were staying was the largest, at 89.5 square meters. There was no pressure to buy, like with some presentations.
The closest beach resort to San José, the Fiesta has a total of 310 units. Sixty-five percent are time-share units. Of those, 70% are owned by Costa Ricans, and the remaining 30% are held by Americans, Canadians and Europeans.
For less than half of what we paid in Napa for a studio, we purchased a one-bedroom executive with kitchenette and ocean view which could sleep five but will be perfect for the two of us. The maintenance fee is $279 a year, and there’s no exchange fee because we are the owners.
We can go anytime between mid-April to mid-June and from the end of July to mid-November, but many other options are available. Our visit was during what appeared to be the low season, which is also the rainy season, although we had only a few showers. However, on the Caribbean side the seasons are reversed.
A beautiful country
Costa Rica is a very safe and beautiful country. We found the people to be considerate and respectful. We never saw a beggar or smelled any foul odors. The water is safe to drink and the food safe to eat.
Besides the turtles, volcanoes, beaches and rainforests, there are 26 national parks, eight biological reserves and 49 national wildlife refuges, with 25.4% of the country “protected.” There are plantations of bananas, coffee, papayas, coconuts, sugarcane and more.
Food is inexpensive, about $5 for a steak or seafood dinner; other meals cost $2 to $3. Transportation is easy.
While it helps to speak Spanish (my companion is fluent), English is understood in most places. Also, most places will accept dollars, giving you a good rate of exchange (448 colones to $1 when we visited; currently, it’s 472 colones to $1). No wonder so many Americans go there to retire.
As for the time-share, we’ll definitely use the one at the Fiesta Resort. With all the fees involved, only time will answer if Napa was a good investment.
I would be glad to answer any questions with an email c/o ITN.