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N eedless to say this isn't a story about conga lines and tequila, but rather an exploration and appreciation of life. Costa Rica itself may only cover .03 percent of the planet's surface, but it is responsible for roughly six percent of the world's biodiversity. From lush rainforests to rich waters, its natural wealth of life is due in part to its geographical location. For thousands of years, Costa Rica has served as a vital link between North and South America, a bridge for which countless species of plants and wildlife have passed through. And with the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on either side, its positioning only adds to its heterogeneity. While it's literally impossible to experience all of a geographically diverse country like Costa Rica in one week (and actually take a moment to acknowledge its beauty), I did my best to do so, albeit sticking strictly to part of its Pacific coast. The first step in my journey along the country's western shore was to detail where I'd be staying on my way up from Herradura Bay to the Gulf of Papagayo. The easiest way to navigate accommodations along the Pacific was with Marriott's luxury property portfolio in the region, each hotel offering as diverse of an experience as the region in which it's set. This allows guests to experience as much, or as little, of the nearby environment as they please. My trip began in Herradura at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, a Spanish colonial-style property engulfed in a lush, tropical rainforest on one side and Herradura Bay on the other. With its close proximity to five rainforest microclimates and Carara National Park, it gives one the feeling of being on the edge of civilization (despite the fact that you're staying at a five-star hotel). For my part, I stayed in the 1,775-square-foot presidential suite. Its three balconies offer otherworldly views of the bay and glimpses wild macaws—enough to make even the most distracted human snap back into focus. The resort's key amenities include a full-service spa, a picturesque swimming pool (once a popular retreat for celebrities) and an 18-hole course: La Iguana Golf Club. The course is an ecotourism experience in itself, with its exotic plant and wildlife pleasantly infringing on the edge of every green. The area is also a huge attraction for fisherman, who have been known to purchase property near Los Sueños just to get a boat slot due to its bountiful waters. Culture and personality are ingrained into the bedrock of this place from its smiling faces to traditional menu options like the "casado" or "married man," which is a Costa Rican meal using rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla and options for chicken, beef, pork or fish. It's fabled that the term originated from what married men ate at home in the Central American country. The resort is also known for its 1960s-style steakhouse, 18 & Greene, which sits judiciously at the edge of the course. HERRADURA Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort VUE ON TRAVEL V U E N J . C O M 112

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