Can you have both? Eco Hotel and Luxury Accomodation: Costa Rica's Waterfall Villas can say Yes!

May 3, 2011 - PRLog -- What makes a hotel ecological and sustainable? There are many perspectives, and most certifications are self administered questionnaires that range in cost. Most focus on energy usage, waste management, and the use of chemicals. Often overlooked is the most important factor – the protection and conservation of animal habitat, and sustainablity of the local indigenous populations. None of the current certifications require a hotel to have a minimum footprint, or programs to hire the locals in their area to be labeled ecological or sustainable.
Some of the biggest challenges to sustainability is teaching locals how to speak English to work in the tourist industry, or finding jobs for those that are less educated. Most tourists are very impatient when they do not speak a word of another language and must communicate with persons who are trying to learn. This attitude is counter-productive to true sustainability.
Another mis-understanding by travelers is that a sustainable and ecological hotel must be rustical – similar in feel to camping. Many eco-retreats are open cabinas or tents that keep you exposed to nature constantly. When located very remotely, there might not be a choice. But there is a balance that can afford luxury with recycled or natural building materials to the area – this is know now as the Balinese style. Bali has thousnads of years practise in making comfortable accommodations that work well in the tropics without having to expose one to the elements and the insects.
Secluded in the rainforest, Waterfall Villas eco-retreat has Suites that have been designed with the Balinese style and constructed with recycled materials that do not attract mold or live-in insects. The wood is cedar from fallen trees from the same property and this repels insects. Even the roof is made with the same recycled material and is not the normal corrugated metal that rusts and gives a stagnant energy as used in many tropical buildings.
Adorned with Zen furnishings of teak and Costa Rican grown bamboo, beautiful artwork, and volcanic stone statues from Bali. This level of luxury and personal service is beyond what you will find at any eco hotel or resort in Costa Rica.
As part of the latest conservation developments in the region Waterfall Villas – Costa Rica has become the first corporate sponsor of the conservation group ASANA, that guards the official biological corridor of the Tapir that stretches from the Osa Penninsula to the mountains near San Isidro. The Cascadas Farallas private reserve (75%) of the Waterfall Villas property is right on the biological corridor and has been dedicated to the preservation of this biological corridor of 146 species of mammals, and 600 bird species. Many rare species come to the waterfalls during their yearly migrations and to nest and care for young during the summer months.
Honeymoon Costa Rica: Private Waterfalls at Waterfall Villas www.waterfallvillas.com
Imagine bathing under a 100ft tall cascading stairway to heaven waterfall, relaxing on the wood decks at the falls, listening to the sound of the waterfalls off your balcony – at the top of the waterfall cascade! The constant flow of crystalline white water is breathtaking. Exotic giant florescent blue butterflies dance every day in the falls, while birds flash colors; this is the primeval rainforest right inside the biological Corridor of the Tapir.
Candle-lit dinners next to the Waterfalls are a fabulous culinary delight; the chef offers a wide range of world cuisine, including gourmet vegetarian, and raw vegan food. Enjoy luxurious massages at the Waterfall Spa with the love of your life. The property has nature trails and lots of special places to sit and enjoy your romantic getaway.
The South Pacific region also has plenty of adventure: horseback riding, different rivers for white water rafting, snorkeling / diving at nearby Cano Island, and eco discovery at the Corcovado National Park and the Baru Reverve. Experience exquisite orange purple sunsets watching the surfers at Dominical Beach, and even spice it up with salsa dancing and mojitos – local nightlife and restaurants abound.

Healing Journey - May Special 5 nights
Discover the natural gems of Costa Rica: Nauyaca Waterfalls and the Corcovado National Parkin a package that is sure to heal your soul.
•   Butterfly Suite - w/King bed, Zen style bathroom, AC, mini fridge, balcony at the top of the waterfalls!
•   Waterfall Couple's Massage (1 hr) for 2 persons
•   Bamboo Jaguar Treatment with Papaya facial (1.15 hours per person)
•   Guided Hike OR Horseback to the giant Nauyaca Waterfalls - horse tour start is 3 minutes from Waterfall Villas * Hike is challenging level
•   Corcovado National Park Guided Hike -Easy hike - transfer by boat included
•   Daily breakfast
•   5 romantic dinners
•   Taxes 13%
$1,825 for 2 persons includes daily cleaning and 24 security

See www.waterfallvillas.com for Romantic Getaways, and more Honeymoon Package details.

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Franco Bolivar, native Costa Rican and hotelier together with Fateh created a unique masterpiece in intimate luxury accommodations at eco-resort Waterfall Villas with private waterfalls - offering romantic honeymoons, exotic shamanic weddings, and Yoga.