Defining Barefoot Luxury

When people contact me about Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel, it is easy for me to describe to them what too expect while on vacation here having fallen in love with the quiet way of life in this area and its untouched pristine beauty many years ago on first site. I tell them too expect Barefoot Luxury.

I then go on to explain that there are no rules at Cristal Azul but rather endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Too expect no hustle and no bustle, no chaos and no stress. I describe how time stops on this beach and deep long breaths can be taken. Shoes are replaced with flips flops – cubicles with hammocks. Finally I tell them it is something you have to experience first hand to understand because it is so hard to describe the barefoot luxury that is our daily existence.
“When defining ‘Barefoot Luxury’, there’s much more to it than throwing away your shoes for a week as industry professionals explain. “‘Barefoot Luxury’ is synonymous with a ‘natural’ experience, which is very much a trend these days,” explains Six Senses Resorts and Spas managing director Bernhard Bohnenberger. “It’s about getting back to nature and being at one with the environment.”

Embracing Barefoot Luxury at Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel

Barefoot Luxury at Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel is a “toes in the sand” existence where visitors get to connect with simple, breathtaking luxuries like walking on a deserted tropical beach or falling asleep to the pounding of the surf and nocturnal sounds of the jungle. It’s the perfect mixing of natural wonders, creature comforts, understated elegance and warm personal service in a relaxed and informal setting that many travelers today seek out as they look for the ultimate barefoot luxury vacation in Costa Rica.

“Gone are the days where luxury means over-the-top “look at me!” opulence or gaudy, glittery furnishings. Today, time off to simply do nothing is a luxury. So is fresh, clean air and wild, untethered landscapes. Nature: being wholly enveloped by it and immersed in it. Understated elegance. Local handmade products, local food, art, natural materials, freedom to pour yourself a glass of wine or grab a beer, privacy, intimacy, quiet and space – lots and lots of space.” (Cindy Fan, So Many Miles. 2012). And this truly defines a trip to Cristal Azul and the area.

No Rules – No Shoes – No Rush – No Problemo!

Cristal Azul wholeheartedly embraces this new type of “luxury” travel that is so different from what had been industry norm up until a few years ago, and has done so for many years. Leave your resort wear, stilettos and cocktail attire at home; there are no dress codes here except to be comfortable and cool. Flip-flops, tees, bathing suits and sarongs are the most you will need. This is not the type of luxury that can be dressed up or mass produced, but rather Cristal Azul provides the luxury to escape from the worries of day-to day-life and to be surrounded by stunning, natural beauty – to enjoy sunny days and starlit nights on 14 acres of private beachfront property.

Whether it’s getting lost in the views or getting lost in a book, Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to kick back, relax, to let your mind wander or simply think of nothing at all! A staff is on site in case a need arises, but out of site as guests have access to an honor bar in the rancho. Barefoot luxury allows you to enjoy the perks of a resort, at your own pace, no pressure! It’s a luxury that is created with simple, understated elegance and a warm personal touch. It’s the luxurious feeling of being free in the wild…and also a little spoiled in Costa Rica!

Luxury in Paradise

Barefoot Luxury at Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel means waking up at your leisure knowing that coffee and a fabulous breakfast is waiting for you in the rancho. It is the luxury of knowing that your day has been prearranged for you and that all you have to do is show up on time and enjoy. It is the luxury of not worrying what time it is. It is the luxury of knowing that the day is yours to do as you please be it filled with activity and adventure or rest and relaxation.

It is the luxury of simply doing nothing at all. It is the luxury of knowing you are going to eat fresh, local food prepared in mouthwatering typical dishes daily. It’s the luxury of knowing that while the jungle outside your cabina at night might be alive and active, you are going to sleep soundly with AC and fine linens after a hot shower – and that the critters from the jungle will stay outside! It’s the luxury of knowing the pool and bar are accessible to you 24 hours a day!

At Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel there is a laid back, “not a worry in the world”, “go-at-your-own-pace” vibe. Shortly after arrival guests shed their tablets and cell phones – binoculars and boogey boards soon take their place. Yoga is your AM & PM commute to inner peace. Long leisurely walks fill the afternoons, muscles are massaged, games are played, books are read, glasses are raised and toasts are made. Moments are enjoyed and memories are created. Life slows down and the mind, body and spirit are quickly rejuvenated.

This is the luxury a vacation at Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel offers: it’s the luxury to celebrate yourself and your valuable time off. It’s the luxury of leaving the noise behind. It’s the luxury of enjoying friends, families and loved ones and a little digital detox! It’s the luxury of a beach vacation without the crowds! Here, the luxury is Barefoot Luxury: understated elegance and simplicity in a comfortable and relaxed setting. It’s the luxury of being spoiled in paradise without any pretense.

Step Back in Time

At Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel you step back in time and for a brief moment enjoy a way of life long forgotten. Time stops here and after a few days, it is not uncommon for many to ask, “what day of the week is it?” because you truly do disconnect that much from the chaos and hectic stress of life and become lost in the incredible tranquility that is daily life in Playa San Miguel, Costa Rica.

There have been many guests who have arrived to enjoy a night or two with us and ultimately ended up staying a week, sometimes two, because they simply could not tear themselves away from Cristal Azul and the beach below. It’s a hard place to leave and one never to be forgotten.

Join Us in Paradise! Enjoy Barefoot Luxury!

It was the pristine, undeveloped beauty of the beach and slow pace of life that attracted us to this area 16 years ago long before Barefoot Luxury was a travel term. It is still what attracts travelers to traverse bumpy roads to reach us today at Cristal Azul Boutique Hotel in Playa San Miguel, Costa Rica.

Come and enjoy Barefoot Luxury with us and experience what Costa Rica was like before the world arrived! We will spoil you in paradise!

Follow the link below to hear what others have had to say about their time with us and contact us directly for special rates and custom adventure packages! Pura Vida!https://cristalazulhotel.com/reviews/

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Sea Turtles Nesting Costa Rica – it’s been their beach destination for millions of years! Long before flocks of tourists arrived on the beaches of the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica for the annual tourist season, female Olive Ridley Sea Turtles first chose it for their annual nesting season and have been returning for millions of years since. Olive Ridleys nest both individually and in “arribadas”, large nesting aggregations; this is one of the most fascinating characteristics of the Olive Ridley and what makes the sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica season special in San Miguel.

While crowds of foreigners arrive en masse at the airports to reach areas like Ostional and bus loads of students are transported from all over the country for overnight trips in the hopes to catch a glimpse of a sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica, the beach at San Miguel quietly welcomes a handful females ashore nightly and local volunteers and neighbors take care to watch over and protect them.

A small, rustic house is home to the local preservation station/hatchery and each year in June, volunteers arrive to kick off the annual season of sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica. Every night a small group walks the beach until early morning in search of Olive Ridleys coming ashore. Upon discovering a female they will stay with her, collect her eggs and return them to the hatchery where the eggs are documented and kept safely in the sands away from predators and poachers until a hatchling release is scheduled. The eggs are then exhumed and the new baby hatclings are released back into the ocean to start their journey and the cycle of life over again.

Guests at Cristal Azul Hotel have the chance to experience a night patrol and hatchling release first hand, up close and personal. You can even hold the bucket and help release the babies at your feet and then watch them take their first steps toward the surf! Typically, they do not make it out to sea on the first attempt and it takes several bumps and tumbles for them to get caught up in the current to begin their life at sea but that is part of the fun and the experience! Watching one of these little creatures in it’s first few moments of life go up against the Pacific is impressive and a moment not forgotten. Sea turtles nesting Costa Rica – a perfect reason to pack up and head to Cristal Azul Hotel!

Families and friends who are planning their summer vacations and want to experience sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica and eco tourism at it’s finest should visit during the first few months of the Green Season for the best weather! Private tours can be arranged with local coordinators who will discuss in detail and show you what it is they do for the sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica and also, for the overall preservation and protection of the local beach and maritime zone of San Miguel.

Five Interesting Facts About Sea Turtles:
1. They like to travel! These long-distance travelers have been known to swim up to 4,828 km, Wow!
2. True land and sea creatures they can dive to depths of at least 150 meters (500 feet)!
3. They are quicker than they look! Their smooth shells and paddlelike flippers help them speed through the water as fast as 24 kph.
4. Sea turtles have flourished for uncountable eons, despite being eaten by just about everything under the sun for millions of generations.
5. According to a recent count, volunteers on San Miguel have protected 2618 nests and released 129,529 baby turtles, in the past few years alone.

Sea Turtles Nesting Costa Rica Discounted Rate: 20% OFF Nightly Cabina Rate!

Sea Turtles Nesting Costa Rica Packing List:
Lightweight long sleeve shirts, pants and a headlamp with a Red Light.
Comfy shoes for walking the beach at night and socks to protect your feet from sand flies.
Hot or cold beverage container to carry at night.
No cameras at night please but absolutely perfect for day use.

To receive discounted rate please mention Sea Turtles Nesting Costa Rica offer!

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Perfect for small families the Bunk Cabina features stunning 180 ‘ ocean views with screened doors if you prefer to feel the natural breeze and to hear the sound of the ocean below and local wildlife. Enjoy a tropical open-air shower right outside your private bathroom. Fine bedding and linens, orthopedic mattresses and hypo-allergenic feather beds provide restful nights while at Cristal Azul. Your nightly rate includes a full typical breakfast of Costa Rican coffee or tea, fresh juice and a fruit salad and a delicious dish from our breakfast menu served in the Rancho.

Rates

Notes

• 4WD IS REQUIRED TO REACH CRISTAL AZUL / NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR CAB SERVICE IN AREA
• Nightly rate based on 4 occupants.
• 2 night minimum.
• PEAK SEASON – Christmas, New Years & Easter – please inquire – 4 night minimum.
• Full breakfast & daily housekeeping included.
• 13% Sales Tax not included.
• Cristal Azul welcomes guests 10 years of age and older.
• Private Chef services daily – full & half board packages available.
• Cristal Azul can accommodate 10 – 14 guests comfortably.
• Weekly & Group discounts available.
• All reservations and cancellations are handled at the sole discretion of the owners.
• English, Spanish, Portuguese spoken.

Extra Touches

Guests at Cristal Azul have access to the Boutique Spa & Golf Course at the local resort twenty minutes up the road. These must be planned and paid for prior to arrival and space is very limited. Club rentals available. Enjoy the features of a full service resort, and then escape back to Cristal Azul and enjoy your private retreat!

Four charming hillside cabinas guarantee there is never a crowd at Cristal Azul. Offering the utmost in privacy and comfort with the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern Coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula, guests enjoy a simple touch of luxury at this remote beach retreat in paradise. Cristal Azul can accommodate up to 13 guests.

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We are thrilled to announce that we will be opening our Cevichera offering fresh fish and seafood and ceviche on the beach at San Miguel! We will be announcing opening events shortly!

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From $1,100 for 7 nights, per person

Hosting vacations for good friends and family away from the stresses of daily life is one of the things we do best.

Cristal Azul is an award winning B&B that is also available to travelers who prefer the experience of a private rental property. Located in the remote and undeveloped beach town of San Miguel your group will enjoy stunning views and barefoot luxury at this tropical playground in paradise. Step off the beaten path and enjoy what Costa Rica was like before the world arrived! Nestled on a hillside, set in the canopy amongst the wildlife with the waves crashing below, Cristal Azul is a perfect setting to unplug, unwind, eat, drink & be merry with your nearest and dearest.

Packages are custom created, please inquire! We would love to help you plan a group getaway in paradise! In country travel and accommodation services available.

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Custom priced for 7 nights

A multi destination vacation package! Enjoy the best of Costa Rica and visit Leaves & Lizards to experience the wonders of the Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs and then head out to the beach and enjoy the warm sun and sands of the Nicoya Peninsula at Cristal Azul!

Please contact us directly for rates as this multi destination vacation package is quoted personally depending on how guests would like to divide their stay between the two resorts.

Add-on’s:

• Spa & Golf Day Guest Day Packages available at local resort with advance reservation.

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$950 for 5 nights, per person

Sales Tax included. Staff gratuities not included.

• Five nights in an ocean view cabina with a full typical breakfast and gourmet dinner plate daily.
• One lunch on the beach at our cevichera, Locos Cocos.
• Snorkel & Fish at Chora Island Tour
• Snorkel Tour at Tortuga Island Tour

Seasonal Add On/Scuba Nov – Feb. Incurs additional cost per person.

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$525 for 3 nights, per person

Sales Tax included. Staff gratuities not included.

• Three nights in an ocean view cabina with a full typical breakfast and gourmet dinner plate daily.
• One lunch on the beach at Locos Cocos.
• Macaw Sanctuary Tour $10 Donation made by guest at site.
• Private Guided Bird Tour
• Mangrove Kayak Tour

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$775 for 5 nights, per person

Sales Tax included. Staff gratuities not included.

• Five nights in an ocean view cabina with a full typical breakfast and gourmet dinner plate daily.
• One lunch on the beach at Locos Cocos
• Jungle Butterfly Eco-Farm Tour
• Macaw Sanctuary Tour $10 Donation made by guest at site.
• Private Guided Birding Tour
• Mangrove Kayak Tour
• Seasonal Add-on: Sea Turtle Preservation Station June – Dec.

Add-on’s:

• Seasonal/Sea Turtle Preservation Station and Scuba.
• Spa & Golf Day Guest Day Packages available at local resort with advance reservation.

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To accommodate an additional travelers, deluxe Twin Beds can be prepared in our ocean view villas to offer a Queen +1 Cabina featuring stunning 180’ ocean views and screened doors if you prefer to feel the natural breeze and to hear the sound of the ocean below and local wildlife. Enjoy a tropical open-air shower right outside your private bathroom. Fine bedding & linens, orthopedic mattresses and hypo-allergenic feather beds provide restful nights while at Cristal Azul. Your nightly rate includes a full typical breakfast of Costa Rican coffee or tea, fresh juice and a fruit salad and a delicious dish from our breakfast menu served in the Rancho.

Rates

Notes

• 4WD IS REQUIRED TO REACH CRISTAL AZUL / NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR CAB SERVICE IN AREA
• Nightly rate based on 3 occupants.
• 2 night minimum.
• PEAK SEASON – Christmas, New Years & Easter – please inquire – 4 night minimum.
• Full breakfast & daily housekeeping included.
• 13% Sales Tax not included.
• Cristal Azul welcomes guests 10 years of age and older.
• Private Chef services daily – full & half board packages available.
• Cristal Azul can accommodate 10 – 14 guests comfortably.
• Weekly & Group discounts available.
• All reservations and cancellations are handled at the sole discretion of the owners.
• English, Spanish, Portuguese spoken.

Extra Touches

Guests at Cristal Azul have access to the Boutique Spa & Golf Course at the local resort twenty minutes up the road. These must be planned and paid for prior to arrival and space is very limited. Club rentals available. Enjoy the features of a full service resort, and then escape back to Cristal Azul and enjoy your private retreat!

Four charming hillside cabinas guarantee there is never a crowd at Cristal Azul. Offering the utmost in privacy and comfort with the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern Coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula, guests enjoy a simple touch of luxury at this remote beach retreat in paradise. Cristal Azul can accommodate up to 13 guests.

The post Queen +1 Villas appeared first on Cristal Azul .