FORBES Outdoor Pros pick CR in Top Worldwide

FORBES Traveler.com. Outdoor pros pick 10 top trips worldwide
Costa Rica is #8; http://www.forbestraveler.com/2006/10/06102301_story.html
Surf Playa Grande, Costa Rica: Facing full into the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean, Playa Grande in Marino Las Baulas National Park on Costa Rica’s north-central coast is an epic tropical getaway. Stephen Sullivan comes for the warm weather, the friendly local culture and the surf. “We stay at a house right on the beach and traipse up and down the coast looking for waves.” Sullivan, who visits Playa Grande with a group of friends from his home town of Jackson, Wyo., has hired boats to take the group offshore to remote surf spots like Witches Rock and Ollie’s Point. “It’s a pretty deluxe way to surf,” he said. Recommended by Stephen Sullivan, founder, Cloudveil Mountain Works Inc.
Outdoor CEO Adventure, expert panel: Kimberly Coupounas, CEO, GoLite LLC; Jim Holland, CEO, Backcountry.com; John d’Arbeloff, Founder/President, RailRiders Adventure Clothing; Kim Miller, CEO, Scarpa North America; Peter Worley, President, Teva Footwear; Steve Rendle, President, The North Face; Naomi Shapiro, President, Creative Brilliance Communications; Stephen Sullivan, Founder, Cloudveil Mountain Works Inc.; Kirk Richardson, CEO, Keen Footwear; Lara Merriken, Founder/CEO, Humm Foods Inc.

FORBES Traveler.com; DESTINATIONS:
The Scene; It certainly looks good on paper: an embarrassment of natural riches, a stable government and tourism network, relatively inexpensive prices and a population that appears to genuinely enjoy the company of its American neighbors. A visit to Costa Rica will confirm the most optimistic of suspicions. The birthplace of ecotourism continues to draw thousands of gringos seeking a dash of rain forest, ocean and volcanic adventure. And while the launch of the Four Seasons on the Papagayo Peninsula opened the entire northwestern corner to tourism, it’s not the only place to find luxury. Some ecolodges are secluded and surprisingly decadent, while new properties of the air-conditioned variety continue to open.
To Be Seen; Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs. After a guided walk through the rain forest, relax with a cold beer in a natural hot bath. On clear nights you might catch some spectacular lava displays. The Caribbean Coast. The beaches on the eastern coast have calmer waters and fewer tourists than their Pacific counterparts. Watch sea turtles laying their eggs in Tortuguero, or relax in the lazy beach town of Cahuita. The Osa Peninsula. Home to jaguars, tapirs and macaws, this protected reserve in the southwest corner of the country also features some of its best ecolodges, including the Aguila de Osa Inn.
For The VIP; Creole Cooking Class at the Inn at Coyote Mountain. This secluded estancia in the hills of San Ramon is famous for its customized culinary experiences. After a shopping jaunt to the local farmer’s market, guests help prepare a Latin-Creole meal under the guidance of a trio of expert chefs. Cigars at the White House. The Casa Blanca, an intimate estate in the hills overlooking San Jose, features private helicopter service and a fully stocked cigar bar. And this White House isn’t subject to any trade embargos. Chauffeur for the Week. Unless you’re happily ensconced in a pleasure palace, a week in Costa Rica usually entails visiting a handful of forest and beach locations. A dedicated driver makes all the difference. Dream Tours of San Jose offers customized car and driver packages.