Nestled between the tropical wilderness of Panama and Nicaragua and braced by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica delivers a calm oasis of biodiversity to the beach-hungry, adventure-ready traveller. At Sol Papagayo Resort, a small-scale retreat dots the landscape where the soft sands of the shoreline wisp through majestic volcanoes and toucans call out from the rainforests to the distant peach-tinged horizon. Whether you're snorkeling past the cerulean coast or heading into Liberia to peruse the local shops, Sol Papagayo is poised to deliver the perfect Central American escape.

Rooms at the resort are brightly decorated and reminiscent of traditional dress with their striped bedding and woven furniture, and they come with a television with cable and satellite. Doors open out onto a terrace to welcome sunshine and lush rainforest vistas, and air conditioning ensures a level of complete comfort. There is also a mini fridge to complement the restaurants and bar on site in their delivery of round the clock refreshment.

Guests can enjoy the Costa Rican buffet selections from El Bambu restaurant that also offers theme nights with Italian and Mexican fare, or a gourmet a la carte restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Congo's Bar is the perfect place to stop and grab a drink after a quick dip into the pool, or before taking in the nightly entertainment. There is also a spa on site offering treatments for an additional cost that range from reflexology to wine exfoliations.

Costa Rica is famous for its canopy tours that traverse the unique treetops brimming with howler monkeys and bright local birds, and companies also organize frequent trips to volcanoes, thermal hot springs, or one of the country's many impressive national parks. Other pursuits of interest include coffee tours, windsurfing and waterfall trekking.

TORONTO DEPARTURES