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After weeks of anticipation, our Costa Rica adventure finally began! From January 25 to February 1, we stayed at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, a stunning all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste. This trip was all about soaking up the sun ☀️, indulging in delicious food 🍽️, and taking time to relax 🏖️. Here’s a fun and personal day-by-day look at our tropical escape!
Day 0: Pre-Trip Meet-Up at Sosta Pizzeria 🍕
The excitement really started the day before our flight! My mom Lisette drove down from Sudbury to join us, and in the evening, we met up with some of our fellow travelers at Sosta Pizzeria in the ALT Hotel. It was a fantastic way to kick off the adventure with great food and even better company.
Among our dinner guests were our friends Anne-Marie and her mom Mary-Ann, Pam and her husband Jacob, her sister Trish and father Doug, Lisa and her husband Robert, and Sherry. We all enjoyed a delicious Italian meal—I had a pesto chicken sandwich with a side of cream of tomato soup, while Jean-Luc shared a pizza with Sherry and also had a fresh salad. Everything was absolutely delicious! 🍕🥗🍅
Unfortunately, some of our other travelers flying from Winnipeg and Victoria experienced delays and couldn’t join us, but we were all eagerly looking forward to the next day. After dinner, we headed home to get some rest for the exciting journey ahead. ✈️😴
Day 1: Arrival in Paradise 🛬🌴
After an early morning start, we left snowy Toronto ❄️ on a direct Air Canada Vacations flight, excited to trade the winter cold for Costa Rica’s tropical warmth. When we landed in Liberia, the humid air immediately wrapped around us, making it official—we had arrived in paradise! 🌞
As soon as we exited the airport, we met our Nexus tour rep, Jeremy, who greeted us warmly. Since we had already been in contact with him before the trip, everything felt smooth and effortless. Once we grabbed our luggage and made our way outside, our driver took us toward the resort. Along the way, we were treated to an absolutely breathtaking sunset. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills. It was the perfect first glimpse of the beauty that awaited us. 🌅
Arriving at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, I was not prepared for what happened next! We were given a private check-in, and as we entered, we were shocked to see our logo displayed on the wall—what an incredible welcome! As if that wasn’t enough, we were met with applause and walked the red carpet, making us feel like absolute VIPs. With a refreshing drink 🍹 in hand, I knew this trip was going to be unforgettable.
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After soaking in the excitement, we made our way to our amazing room, which had to be one of the best rooms we’ve ever stayed in. Once we dropped our bags, we headed to the So Cal Gourmet Food Emporium for a delicious buffet dinner. The meal was incredible, but the highlight of the night came afterward when we stepped outside and looked up. The skies were crystal clear, and we were lucky enough to witness a rare planetary alignment. Mars, Jupiter, and other planets were shining brightly above us. Standing there, looking at the stars and knowing we were in the perfect place to witness this cosmic event, I felt incredibly grateful. ✨
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Some of our group stayed up to enjoy the warm evening, but I decided to head to bed early—I wanted to make sure I was well-rested to fully enjoy the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Exploring the Resort & Catamaran Adventure ⛵🌊
Waking up early has its perks, and today was proof of that. As soon as I stepped outside, I was struck by how beautiful and unique our resort was. Unlike any other place we’ve stayed, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is built into the hillside, giving almost every room a spectacular ocean view. Even though we weren’t directly on the Pacific Ocean, we were nestled in a calm bay, which made for the perfect morning walk.
As I wandered along the beach, I admired the black sand, which I had seen before in Panama but still found fascinating. The tide was so low that I could walk far out into the shallow water, discovering colorful shells and pieces of driftwood along the way. The calmness of the morning was surreal, and I even spotted a crane standing by the shore, adding to the peaceful vibe. The best part? I finally got to watch the sunrise on a trip—something I rarely get the chance to do. 🌅
After soaking in the morning beauty, I headed back to meet Jean-Luc, and together we went to the buffet at So Cal Gourmet Food Emporium for a hearty breakfast. The morning was all about enjoying the resort—relaxing by the pool, sipping on tropical drinks, and hanging out with friends. For lunch, we grabbed burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint, fueling up for what would be the highlight of the day—our private catamaran adventure.
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This excursion was extra special because the catamaran picked us up right from our resort’s beach—no need for shuttles or extra travel. Our private group of 11, along with our Nexus guide Jeremy, made this an intimate and fun experience. Those on the trip included: Jean-Luc & me (Nick), Beth & Francis, Heather, Sherry, Lisette (my mom!), Anne-Marie & Mary-Ann, Lisa & Robert
To get onto the catamaran, we were transported in a small boat to the anchored vessel. As soon as I stepped on board, I was blown away—this was hands down one of the most luxurious catamarans we had ever been on. It had bathrooms, bedrooms, and even an onboard chef named Jose, who would be preparing a gourmet dinner for us later.
The crew made us feel like royalty, keeping our drinks flowing 🍹 and even letting us connect our own music to the boat’s sound system. The boat also had Wi-Fi, so we could go live and share the experience with everyone back home.
As we sailed out, we passed Gorilla Head Island, a rock formation that truly looked like a gorilla’s head. The excitement kept building when we saw dolphins swimming alongside us, putting on an amazing show.
When we reached our snorkeling spot, our group split into two:
Some snorkeled or swam around the catamaran.
Others chose to explore the sea caves along the shore.
Jean-Luc went to visit the caves, with waves rushing through the openings, creating a dramatic and beautiful scene. Meanwhile, Francis, Beth, and Heather snorkeled and got to see colorful marine life beneath the surface.
I even attempted paddleboarding—let’s just say it was not my finest athletic moment! 😆 But it was fun nonetheless!
Before heading back, Chef Jose served us an amazing dinner, which included:, Fried plantains 🍌, rice & beans 🍚, pineapple 🍍 and chicken🍗
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, dolphins reappeared, including two different species—spotted dolphins and common dolphins—swimming alongside us.
As we neared the resort, birds flew all around us, diving into the water for their evening meal. Some of us even got pooped on—which we took as a sign of good luck! 😆
The grand finale? Watching the sun slowly sink into the Pacific Ocean. The sky turned into a mesmerizing mix of orange, pink, and red, and for the first time, I truly experienced the magic of a Costa Rican sunset at sea.
After returning to shore, I headed straight to bed, sticking to my plan of getting enough rest each night. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc headed to the sports bar for karaoke, which quickly became his nightly tradition on the trip.
Day 2 was pure magic—from early morning adventures to sailing at sunset, it was a day I’ll never forget. 💙⛵✨
Day 3: A Day of Relaxation & Silent Disco Fun 🎧🌞
Monday was all about enjoying everything Planet Hollywood had to offer! After waking up early, we headed to breakfast to fuel up for a full day of fun at the resort.
Once we finished eating, we made our way to the pool, where we spent the day soaking up the sun, playing games, and taking part in some of the resort’s activities and classes.
Whether it was relaxing in the water, enjoying cocktails by the swim-up bar, or just chatting with friends, the day was a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.
For dinner, we returned to So Cal Gourmet Buffet, indulging in another delicious meal with our group. But the highlight of the night was what came after dinner—a silent disco!
We had experienced silent discos on cruise ships before, but this was the first time ever at an all-inclusive resort, and we couldn’t wait to share the experience with our guests! For those unfamiliar, a silent disco is a party where everyone.
Click link below to watch video:
Day 4: Experiencing Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders 🌋🏇🌿
Tuesday was all about experiencing Costa Rica at its finest! We woke up early and boarded a private shuttle that took us across the country for an unforgettable adventure at Miravalles Volcano.
After a scenic drive, we arrived at Los Hornillas Hotel & Tours, where we were greeted with exciting news—our first activity of the day would be horseback riding up the volcano!
For those who were comfortable, horseback riding was an amazing way to take in the stunning landscapes, while others who preferred a different option took a covered wagon pulled by a tractor to the top. Either way, the views along the way were breathtaking.
Once we reached the top, we embarked on a hike across a bridge, where we were immediately met with a majestic waterfall in the distance. As we made our way down a steep cliff, we were rewarded with stunning photo opportunities in front of a second set of waterfalls—a moment that truly captured the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
But the adventure didn’t stop there! We continued on another hike over a long, windy bridge, which led us to yet another breathtaking waterfall. The sight of the rushing water, surrounded by lush greenery, made it one of the most spectacular moments of the day.
After an incredible morning exploring waterfalls, we returned to the main area of Los Hornillas, where we were treated to a delicious Costa Rican lunch. We had the option of pork, fish, chicken, or lamb, and of course, I went with the chicken, which was served with rice, beans, and a fresh salad. The lemonade was absolutely amazing, and the entire meal was one of the best we had on the trip.
Once lunch was finished, our tour guide walked us through the hot springs area, explaining how these natural pools are formed. We even got to see boiling water bubbling underground—at an incredible 700°F! The sound of the water gurgling beneath us made it clear just how powerful the volcanic activity was in this area.
Then, it was time to experience the hot springs firsthand! We had free time to explore the different pools, which ranged from cold to warm to extremely hot, each offering a unique healing experience. Some of us also took part in the healing mud treatment, covering ourselves in mineral-rich volcanic mud before rinsing off in the springs. It was such a unique experience, and we all loved every moment of it.
After a few hours of relaxing in the hot springs, we hopped back into our van, making a quick stop at El Jardín, a well-known souvenir shop, where we picked up some trinkets and keepsakes to bring home.
As the sunset painted the sky, we made our way back to the resort, tired but grateful for an unforgettable day in Costa Rica, we also got to see some Howler monkeys on the way. That evening, we ate at the buffet before heading to bed early, excited for our next excursion the following day.
It was an incredible day of adventure, relaxation, and experiencing the raw beauty of Costa Rica—one we would never forget! 🌋💦✨
Day 5: Wildlife Encounters & Foam Party Fun 🦥🦜🎉
Wednesday was another action-packed day filled with adventure and wildlife! We woke up early once again and boarded a bus to Diamante Adventure Park, ready to explore one of Costa Rica’s most well-known animal sanctuaries.
Upon arrival, our tour group was taken down to the sanctuary, where we learned that all the animals housed here were rescues—saved from poaching, illegal trade, or unsafe conditions. Seeing how well they were being cared for was truly inspiring.
The first animals we encountered were some wild turkey-like birds and parakeets, but things got even more exciting as we moved along. We got up close with two types of toucans—the Yellow-throated Toucan and the Rainbow Toucan—their bright, colorful beaks making them look like they had stepped straight out of a storybook.
Continuing through the sanctuary, we saw an incredible variety of wildlife, including:
✅ Sloths 🦥 (a definite highlight!)
✅ Butterflies fluttering around the gardens
✅ Turtles lazily basking in the sun
✅ Ocelots, iguanas, caimans, and crocodiles 🐆🐊
✅ Jaguars and a puma 😲
✅ Margays, deer, and other native animals
It was fascinating to see these creatures up close and even more heartwarming to know they were now in safe and caring hands.
After finishing our sanctuary tour, we waited for the shuttle to return to the entrance when we noticed a hiking trail nearby. Instead of waiting around, we decided to take the scenic route back and explore!
Along the way, we came across banana trees, cocoa trees, and vibrant tropical flowers, making the walk both beautiful and educational. But the best part? We stumbled upon a small farm area, where a staff member invited us to feed the animals!
We were given carrots and had the chance to feed: A cow 🐄 chickens 🐓 A pig 🐖 rabbits 🐰 and sheep 🐑
It was such a fun and unexpected experience—we weren’t expecting to meet farm animals on this adventure, but it made the morning all the more special.
Once we finished feeding the animals, we faced the challenging part of the hike—climbing back up the mountain in the hot Costa Rican sun. It was definitely a workout, but once we reached the welcome center, we felt accomplished (and very ready for lunch!).
Back at the resort, we grabbed lunch at the buffet before heading straight to the pool, where a foam party was in full swing!
Dancing in a cloud of bubbles, surrounded by friends and music, made for an absolutely hilarious and fun afternoon. There’s just something about being covered in foam and letting loose on vacation that makes it unforgettable!
Click link below to watch video:
That night, we hosted our LIVE show then we had a delicious dinner at the steakhouse. It was a perfect way to end the day, with great food and great company.
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After a few days of back-to-back excursions, I decided to turn in early once again to rest up, while others stayed up to continue the fun.
It was another incredible day in Costa Rica—filled with wildlife, adventure, and unforgettable resort fun! 💙🐾🌿
Day 6: Poolside Relaxation & Oscar Night Glamour 🏖️🎬✨
After several action-packed days of excursions, Thursday was all about relaxing and recharging at the resort. We spent the entire day by the pool, soaking up the sun, sipping on refreshing drinks, and enjoying some much-needed R&R.
The vibe was laid-back and carefree, with no plans other than to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. After a week of adventure, it felt amazing to just float in the water, lounge in the sun, and fully embrace the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
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That evening, it was time for something special—Oscar Night! 🌟 Everyone got dressed to impress, putting on our best outfits before walking the red carpet in true Hollywood style.
To make the event even more fun, Lisa had prepared Oscar awards for each of us, handing them out as we walked the carpet. It was a hilarious and heartwarming moment, as we all laughed and celebrated together, embracing the movie star fantasy for the night.
After the awards ceremony, we headed to the Teppanyaki restaurant, where we were treated to an incredible dining experience. The chefs put on a spectacular show, flipping knives, tossing ingredients, and cooking everything right in front of us with expert precision.
The meal itself was absolutely delicious, filled with perfectly seasoned meats, fresh seafood, and flavorful rice and vegetables. There’s something about the energy of a teppanyaki dinner that makes it even more enjoyable, and we had an amazing time watching the show, eating delicious food, and laughing together.
After dinner, we all reflected on how fast the week had flown by, cherishing these final days together at the resort.
It was a perfect mix of relaxation and celebration, and Oscar Night quickly became one of our most memorable evenings of the trip! 🎬🏆✨
Day 7: A Bittersweet Farewell to Paradise 🌴📸
Friday was our final full day at the resort, and while we weren’t ready to leave, we were determined to make the most of it.
That morning, we all gathered at the pool for a special group photo by the Hollywood sign, proudly wearing the custom shirts we had made for everyone on this trip. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing our time together was coming to an end, but also a beautiful way to celebrate the unforgettable week we had just shared.
With the sun shining and the resort still buzzing with energy, we spent our last day poolside, enjoying one last chance to swim, relax, and have fun together.
For lunch, we headed to Guy’s Burger Joint for one final delicious meal, savoring every bite and reminiscing about all the incredible moments we had experienced throughout the week.
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That evening, the resort organized a special dinner for us at the Tex-Mex restaurant, but with a twist—since we weren’t able to book a reservation at the Italian restaurant, they arranged for us to enjoy an Italian feast served family-style right at our table!
Multiple dishes were brought out, allowing us to share and enjoy a variety of flavors, making it feel like the perfect meal to wrap up our trip. As we laughed, toasted, and reflected on the week, it truly hit us just how incredible this experience had been.
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Heading Home: A Trip of a Lifetime ✈️🏡
On Saturday, it was time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and board our flight home. The return trip was uneventful, with only a slight delay, but all we could think about was getting back to our fur babies, who had surely been missing us just as much as we missed them.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip, one of our absolute favorites. The staff at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica was incredible, the resort itself was clean, beautiful, and one of the best we’ve ever stayed at, and Costa Rica left an imprint on our hearts.
There’s no doubt that we’ll be back again someday, but for now, we’re looking forward to our next adventures!
What’s Next? 🌊🛳️
Next up—our cruise to the Bahamas in March! 🚢☀️ We can’t wait to share that experience with you once it happens.
And let’s not forget—we’re also heading to Jamaica! Want to come along with us? If you’re interested in more details about our Jamaica trip, click here!
Until the next adventure—Pura Vida! 🌴✨
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