TravelWorld International Magazine, Winter 2021 - The Magic of the Holidays

When I think of Costa Rica there are three things that always come
to mind – Sustainable Tourism, Chocolate, and Coffee - Finca Rosa
Blanca gave me all three and so much more.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee
Plantation & Inn has a
welcoming entrance.
Colorful and healthy farm-to-table
salads are at Finca Rosa Blanca.
If you’re traveling within the Central Valley
to be among the rain forest and cloud forest
it may be a good idea to spend a few extra
nights closer to San Jose. Along the way,
consider a stop at La Paz Waterfalls, which
is what I did via winding Bara Blanca road
for this next Bucket List stop. La Paz is a
spectacular waterfall along the side of the
road, so no hiking involved here and time
for several Instagram moments.
One of the best hotels in the area and a
short ride to Juan Santamaria International
Airport is Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee
Plantation and Inn. It makes a great 2 to
3-night respite at the beginning or end of
an eco-adventure and what called out to me
was the architecture and its funky, bohemian
vibe.
Heliconia Exotic
Tropical Plant is
one of many at
Finca Rosa Blanca
and seen all over
Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Jonnathan picked a
tropical hibiscus for me,
which can be found
in abundance at the
beginning of the coffee
plantation tour.
Did I mention there’s a lot to discover in Costa Rica? From Canopy
tours to waterfall hikes to wellness resorts and beyond - it’s
important to pre-plan some activities prior to your winter visit and
you’ll likely want to do more - as in my case - so you can do what
I’m doing and go back and explore another area (or revisit what you
loved the most).
Costa Rica is a wonderland of eco-adventures that can satisfy that
wanderlust craving and a place where you become one with the
Pura Vida spirit of this beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming country.
Pack closed toe shoes, long pants, raincoat, insect repellant, small
flashlight, camera, binoculars, dry bag, hat, sunscreen, long sleeve
tops, sweater/jacket, and bathing suit. Be sure to leave room in
your carry on for the amazing chocolate, fragrant coffee, and other
goodies you find along the way.
40
A hidden doorway and colorful
tropical plants welcome you at the
entry of the Garden Villa, Las Aves.
My guide, Jonnathan, and I on
the Coffee Plantation Tour at
Finca Rosa Blanca.
Check this off your bucket list –
the La Paz Waterfall.
It’s easy to access as it’s
located alongside the road.
Finca Rosa Blanca is filled
with funky architecture, vibrant
art, and other lovely touches
throughout the property.
In speaking with the owners, Glenn, and Teri
Jampol, this dream all began in 1985 with
Glenn’s mom, Sylvia. They’ve been at it for
over 30 years and created one of the most
fascinating places in my travels and their
own piece of heaven.
First, as mentioned earlier, it’s the vibe that I
connected with but it’s also the art as Glenn,
originally from California, is an artist. His
work and the collection from he and his
wife, Teri, can be found around the property.
The buildings, the hidden doorways, tropical
foliage, the rooms, décor, and everything
about this hotel is a work of art.
You feel like you’re in another world as you
meander along the paths and immerse in the
nature that surrounds you – a symphony of
birds, the beauty of the colorful hibiscus and
tropical plants, and the scent of coffee as you
approach the restaurant.
Coffee beans are in abundance, of course,
along the Finca Rosa Blanca Organic
Coffee Plantation Tour.
Speaking of coffee,
the organic coffee tour is a must.
The coffee plantation of Finca Rosa Blanca
is on 30 acres of rich soil and shadegrown,
high-altitude organic coffee of
the Arabica varietals. Along my tour,
which was led by Jonnathan, I learned
about organic agriculture and sustainable
practices of not only the coffee but also
the on-property farm. As you meander
through the shaded forest, you also see a
variety of plants and flowers as you witness
the massive amount of coffee beans.
By the way, Finca Rosa Blanca’s coffee is
certified sustainable by Rainforest Alliance
and ICAFE, the Costa Rica National
Institute for Coffee.
• Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport/San Jose (SJO)
airport for your adventure to the Central Valley and the Alajuela area.
• The Retreat’s Holistic Medical Spa Package, Visit:
www.theretreatcostarica.com/wellness-packages/Holistic-Medical-Spa
• Transfers to El Silencio and Finca Rosa: Costa Rican Trails
handled transfers and tours and they were attentive, knowledgeable,
professional and there isn’t anyone else I would use for my return.
• Visit Costa Rican Tours at www.costaricantrails.com/
• Visit The Retreat at www.theretreatcostarica.com/
• Visit El Silencio Lodge & Spa at www.elsilenciolodge.com/
• Visit Finca Rosa Blanca at https://fincarosablanca.com/en
• Visit Costa Rica Tourism for Juan Castro Blanco and Paos National
Parks and more at: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en
41