September

Costa Rica Scoop news for upscale travel by Grupo Islita │ 2013

October

2013

- Grupo Islita -

It’s almost that time of the year when we open the door to scary ghouls, legends, and creepy creatures. By embracing edgy creativity we effectively transform our fears into a fun occasion that prompts laughter and surprise.

Although Halloween isn’t a traditional Costa Rican cele-bration, we have adopted much of its festive, daring fla-vor and have let its playful spirit infuse this edition of the Costa Rica Scoop.

Like Halloween, travel is an opportunity to embrace the unknown, to explore unfamiliar landscapes, to try different foods, and push ourselves just a bit beyond our daily com-fort zone. So on your next travel adventure, we prompt you to embrace the spirit of the spooky season to let go and enrich your experience.

If you do celebrate Halloween, may you enjoy fun tricks and wonderful treats! - Gustavo

Boo Greetings from Gustavo

Grupo Islita’s CEO Gustavo Segura

Carly Brooke’s website, The Fea-tured Creature recently proved that a little flip in perspective can trans-form a scary scene into a fascinating and stylish ballroom.

Just by turning this shadowy picture upside down, chilling bats adopt a friendlier stance, casting themselves as talented choreographers and charming dancers.

To these little fur balls we say… Par-ty on! And thanks for the valuable mini-life lesson!

Flip Your Perspective

Animal-expert Carly Brooke’s finds the hidden party animal in batches of bats.

http://www.grupoislita.com/

Despite my intimidating appearance…

I would never hurt a fly.

But nothing gives me cold-blooded chills

like the Costa Rican Legend of

La Segua!

The Guanacaste version of the tale of

La Segua traces its roots to the pun-

ishment of a rebellious daughter. The

story begins with a beautiful but vain

girl who in a fit of rage attempts to

slap her own mother, furious at the

latter’s attempt to stop a date with

the town’s richest but ill-intentioned

young man.

It is said that a disembodied hand

sprung out of thin air, preventing the

aggression and cursing the young

woman. Her punishment: to roam

lonely roads in search of lascivious

men, drawing them in with her beau-

ty, only to transform into a horrible

monster right before the first kiss.

Those who have run away from La Se-

gua describe her as a nauseating

creature of human body with a

horse’s skull for a head and a terrify-

ing screech for a voice.

Despite my intimidating appearance…

I would never hurt a fly.

But nothing gives me cold-blooded chills

like the Costa Rican Legend of

La Segua!

Illustration courtesy of Rodtico21, Wikipedia.

- Hotel Punta Islita -

Toad Water Refreshment

I f someone in Costa Rica offers you

Agua de Sapo , you should know Agua

de Sapo means toad water. But before

you run for the hills, give it a shot with

full peace of mind. Agua de Sapo does not

contain toad, toad parts, or toad habitat. It

is simply a refreshing traditional drink from

our Limon province.

To try an easy home version, boil a cup of

water with raw sugar and crushed ginger to

taste. Let it cool off, strain, add lime juice,

drop some ice cubes, and enjoy!

Face Two Fears

C anopy zip-lining is one of Costa

Rica’s most popular eco-thrills.

Steel cables let the adventure-

hearted soar over the tree tops

for an unforgettable flight. But did you

know that at Hotel Punta Islita you can

schedule a Twilight Canopy? The rush of

the zip is heightened by the dimming for-

est. A fun and safe experience for all ages

for full bragging rights. Conquer your fear

of heights AND your fear of the dark!

- Hotel Punta Islita -

C ainotophobia: Fear of

change. Hotel Punta

Islita is certainly not

averse to transfor-

mation. Our recent remodeling

has been completed and guests

are already raving about the new

outdoor terraces, wider path-

ways to reach the beach, spruced

-up accommodations, expanded

parking area, new Lapa Lookout

Center, and more.

And look for a new website and

other surprises in the coming

weeks.

When change=improvement,

we embrace it wholeheartedly!

Lapa Lookout British Ambassadors to Costa Rica, Chris and Sharon Campbell officially inaugurated the Islita Lapa Lookout.

Nighttime views of Islita Beach’s signature islet outcrop from one of our new al fresco viewing decks.

Cainotophobia? Not Here!

My blood-curdling

spines are nothing

compared to the

glistening fangs of

the Costa Rican

folk monster,

El Cadejos!.

There are many versions of the El Cadejos

folktale. But they all agree that this dog-like

creature instills fear in the hearts of those

who venture out in the night after an evening

of -ahem, heavy drinking. A huge beast of

long fangs and blood-red snout carries heavy

chains that can be heard but not seen. Fiery

eyes and a soul freezing howl complete the

horrifying picture.

Some say that El Cadejos is a former party

animal, cursed by his own father to roam in

solitude in search of drunken mortals. Alt-

hough it is unclear whether his intent is to

protect or attack inebriated wanderers… all

who encounter The Cadejos run home before

it has a chance to explain!

- El Silencio Lodge & Spa -

I f you or your family have yet to join

the growing numbers of Chia con-

verts, Halloween may be the per-

fect time to try this wonderful

health concoction. Formerly used to cre-

ate bushy sprouted sculptures, Chia has

made a comeback as a super food.

Loaded with protein, fiber, omega-3 oil,

and key minerals. When soaked in wa-

ter, they puff up in a gel bubble and float

around like alien eggs. Just ad a spoon-

ful to a glass of lemonade, let stand for

about ten minutes, and gulp if you dare!

Love the Nightlife

Gooey Lemonade

Chirps, hoots, and flutters are some of

the amazing nighttime sounds from our

private forest reserve. When the sun

sets, the signature serenade of insects,

birds, frogs, bats, and up to 90% of the

forest dwellers begins. Our thrilling guid-

ed evening hike lets daring guests enjoy a

truly unique experience for close encoun-

ters with bewildering species.

- El Silencio Lodge & Spa -

El Silencio Lodge & Spa’s spacious Two Bedroom Villas are perfect for family getaways or perhaps an extended stay to write a mystery novel!

S cary beautiful! El Silencio Lodge

& Spa’s new Two Bedroom Villas

raise the bar for family comfort

and privacy. Homelike dining and

lounging areas transport guests to a magi-

cal living space, completely immersed in

Costa Rica’s fabled mountain cloud forest.

A spacious master bedroom with an ultra-

comfort king sized bed and a second bed-

room with two full beds bookend large

common areas. Each bedroom features

an independent full bathroom, flat-screen

satellite TV, gas heaters, large closets,

complimentary WiFi, and a writing desk.

The Suites have a full kitchen, a dining ar-

ea, a large deck with heated whirlpool,

and a private parking area.

For a sneak pre-

view, just click on

the image on the

right to launch an e

-brochure.

NEW! Two Bedroom Villas

Real Zombies in Costa Rica?

Real Zombies in Costa Rica?

This is quite possibly the scariest

video we have ever seen. And it is

real… Filmed by the BBC in Costa

Rica’s thick jungle, this eerie foot-

age depicts real zombies!

Bullet ants, feared for their painful

sting, fall victim to a fungal spore

that burrows in their brains, gain-

ing control of their bodies in the

most horrifying way imaginable.

Not for the squeamish, not for the

faint of heart. Watch if you dare!

We are just thankful that this

spore is harmless to non-insects!

(And believe it or not, it is simply

part of nature’s own species equi-

librium cycle.)

- Costa Rica -

Ghost Butterfly

- Costa Rica -

Our Country is Re-Branded! You may soon find the new Esencial Costa Rica logo in travel bro-

chures, investment guides, and even consumer products. Costa Rica

has just announced the launch of its new country brand. Essential

Costa Rica (in English) is a colorful emblem to depict Costa Rica’s

character and diverse facets. From unbridled nature to peace-loving

people. From high tech innovations to artistic expressions, Esencial

Costa Rica extends an exciting invitation to rediscover this tiny Cen-

tral American country and its bold future outlook.

We hope you enjoy the campaign’s beautiful introductory video.

Although in Spanish, it highlights spectacular scenery and inspiring

glimpses of Costa Rica’s daily life.

Enjoy the release of Esencial Costa Rica launch video!

hotelpuntaislita.com │ elsilenciolodge.com ..….

Grupo Islita’s two select

properties blend the

best of Costa Rica’s

beach and mountain

settings featuring in-

tense nature, upscale

comfort and bespoke

services.

We will gladly assist you!

Email: reserve@grupoislita.com Phone in Costa Rica: +506 2231-6122

Toll Free from US & Canada: 1-866-446-4053

Online chat: www.hotelpuntaislita.com or www.elsilenciolodge.com

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