Costa Rica - A Traveler's Guide 2004 - 2005

Rating:
Summary: Stunning!
Review: A really great video and plenty of rainforest shots, natural beauty, deep sea fishing, costa rican animals, (including a rare glimpse of a sloth in the day time!) I love horses so I'm looking forward to the horse back mountain tour as featured in the video when I go to Costa Rica in the Summer.
After all the tours and adventure it's great to see such elegant and stylish boutiques and kind, generous locals. Unfortunetly too many Americans still see Costa Rica as a Central American wilderness and only to be touched with a surf board and wearing the designer dreadlocks. The contrast couldn't be different, Costa Rica has entered the new millenium, finally kicking off its scruffy backpacker image and dope smoking hippies.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Coverage of Boutique Hotels.
Review: As a frequent visitor to Costa Rica I was impressed with the choice of hotels reviewed in this video. If you are interested in getting a foreglimpse of some of the best places to stay and dine, as well as hooking up with the country's best tour guides and deep sea fishing charters, I would say this video is for you. Rooms at the hotels recommended are still cheap by U.S. standards, so they represent great value to the U.S. visitor, and a steal for Europeans. Ditto restaurants.

On the other hand, if you are a backpacker looking for $15 a night room at a hostel, I would not recommend this video, nor would I recommend it if you are in search of an "Endless Summer" surf video. The coverage of national parks such as Monteverde, Damas Estuary and MA is good, but I would suggest if you are looking for a National Geographic nature video, that's what you should buy. This video truly is a Traveler's Guide for the upscale traveler.

Rachel Gibson, Palm Beach, Fla.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting travel guide
Review: I found this travel guide on Costa Rica very interesting and different from all the other stereotyped travel videos out there. This really is a great video, the film work is incredible and the host is truly gorgeous!
I was expecting the usual hippy, backpacker guide to costa rica and what I got was National Geographic film work, rainforests, natural wildlife and animals, truly outstanding (quality) hotels and breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside.
If you're expecting a hippy guide to Costa Rica then this isn't for you, this is aimed at the more open minded, true hearted traveller.
One of my favorite scenes was the mango swamp tour, think "apocalypse now" and Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and you won't be disapointed.

Rating:
Summary: Watch before you book your vacation!!!
Review: I have been to Costa Rica every year since 1992, and this is the best travel documentary I have seen on this beautiful country. The guide travels through the country showing the BEST Costa Rica has to offer. Do not miss this video as it previews the special gem of a hotel, Villa Caletas, and a secret hot springs that greatly rivals Tabacon. I watched a number of travel videos on Costa Rica and this is the most current and comprehensive video available - it's even entertaining!!! Watch this video and plan the trip of a lifetime.

Rating:
Summary: Luxury adventure
Review: I loved this video, Villa Caletas is my favorite hotel in the world so I really just bought this dvd to see the hotel again! The music in this travel video is amazing, you guys should sell the soundtrack!

Rating:
Summary: infomercial agreed
Review: I think this DVD should have been a freebe from the Costa Rica Hotel & Tourist Dept. It really just advertises upscale hotels, which are helpful but not what I wanted from this DVD. Some of the countryside is covered and a few other tips and sights However, with such a beautiful country as the host describes they really needed to show it instead of the hotel rooms, pools, restaurants, interviews with the hotel owners...you get it. I'll look to Globe Trekers, or Lonely Planet for an extensive look at the country, culture, people etc....my copy is up for sale on ebay.

Rating:
Summary: Aria Alexandra documentary
Review: This DVD shows the hostess donning a vast array of outfits, from designer bikinis to evening dresses. She also shows you how to accessorize with flowers. Covered topics include proper walking technique with high heels on jungle trails, best approaches for posing and how to be in most if not all shots.
The glow of Arenal volcano is definetely no match for Aria's lip gloss, those lips look more humid than the mangrove forest.

All in all, if you're a big fan of Ms. Alexandra, don't miss this DVD. Oh, and she's like, in Costa Rica or something.

Rating:
Summary: Great Guide
Review: This is a fantastic travel guide to Costa Rica, a country I love returning to again and again. Hopefully this video will encourage you to travel around the country by car, explore rainforests, mango tours, fishing trips, an amazing butterfly park and beautiful luxury hotels.
Lastly the host is incredible, she should be on T.V!



Rating:
Summary: Great travl guide
Review: This is a very helpful video in trying to decide on different areas, hotels and what to see and do in Costa Rica. The host is great and the scenes are breathtaking. Our kids especially liked the shots of the sloth and my wife loves horse back riding so she's gonna enjoy the mountain forest horse back tour.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing but an infomercial!
Review: This is nothing but an infomercial about 5 expensive hotels and the tours they can arrange for you. There is little or nothing about the history, culture, or points of local interest. Plenty of shots of the hotel rooms and swimming pools, and how to get a massage from a Parisian with a bad accent.

It is narrated by some valley girl who is more interested in showing you her bikini than the country. Gushy dialog but at least she gets the pronunciation correct.

This is not a travelogue, it is an embarrassing waste of time.