Monday, March 26, 2012

Luna Llena Beach Club Camp Ground Now Open!

Luna Llena Beach Club Camp Ground Now Open!!

The Luna Llena Team is announcing the opening of our camp ground in Cabuya!  Contact us if you're interested... here are all the details:

Beach front camping beside beautiful Rio Lajas and surf-point "Los Reyes"

Simple bathroom with shower and toilet, cold water
Rancho with electricity
Furniture and BBQ with water connection and electricity
Hammocks
$50 for maximum 5 persons, each additional person $5

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Luna Llena Birthday Girls!

We recently celebrated two very special Luna Llena birthdays. 

Milly had a milestone birthday… celebrating 50 amazing years!  She is such a youthful inspiration to us all.  We had a fantastic time at the party in Cabuya, with delicious food, great music, dancing, a bonfire, and so many lovely people.  Cheers to you Milly!!

Lisbeth turned 22!  Lisbeth works so hard every day, and on top of that, she is entering her second year of college.  We all wish her the best with her studies this year.  To celebrate this bright young lady we all went out to enjoy an amazing dinner at Tierra y Fuego.  Delicious pizza and a lot of laughs!  Happy birthday Lis!!
















Thursday, March 8, 2012

Red Tide (Marea Roja)


The Nicoya Peninsula is currently experiencing what is known as a Red Tide or Marea Roja along many of its beaches.  You may have noticed the ocean appears to be a reddish-brown colour, and has a foul smell.  Some days are worse than others, and unfortunately our beaches are less than enjoyable on the bad days.  However, we are very lucky here in Montezuma to have many beautiful fresh water rivers and waterfalls to cool off in while we tolerate the Red Tide. 
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions we’ve been hearing in the hotel lately:

What is it?
Red Tide is a term used to describe a natural phenomenon known as an Algal Bloom which is a high concentration of algae in the ocean.  Some of these algal blooms produce natural toxins and a depletion of oxygen in the water, these are referred to as Harmful Algal Blooms.  These algal blooms are not a significant threat to human life, however many fish and marine species do suffer greatly from ingesting the toxins and living in oxygen deprived water.

Is it safe to swim?
It is safe to swim, however some people report feeling nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, itching, and possible ear infections as a result of swimming in the red tide.  People with existing respiratory disease should not go swimming at this time.
We recommend going to one of the many beautiful waterfalls for a swim when you notice the ocean is discoloured and smells bad.

When will it end?!?!?
We really wish we knew!  The red tide has been here for more than a month already off and on.  The current hot summer weather conditions are ideal for algal blooms.  Until winds, currents, and/or storms move the blooms further away from our beaches, we will continue to experience the red tide.   

Don’t let it have a negative impact on your stay!  Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit the beach when the sun is less powerful.  Montezuma has many amazing sights and activities for you to enjoy – just ask us for some recommendations! 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Running of the Bulls - Cobano Style!

Running of the Bulls - Cobano Style!

The Fiestas de Cobano started last weekend, February 16, and continue through this weekend, February 27. There is lots of bull-riding fun televised by Teletica, carnival rides, games, food, and lots of partying, as usual! For a calendar and list of events, check out this site: Fiestas Cobano Events Calendar 2012





Milly had a great time at the Fiesta this weekend!

Milly (middle) with Lis (right), part of Luna Llena's top-notch cleaning staff, with Lis's boyfriend (left).

Milly with the Queen of the Fiesta!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Another Luna Llena Baby Shower!

Another Luna Llena Baby Shower!

Jean, part of our Luna Llena Reception Office Team, is expecting the birth of her first child, a baby girl, in April. Milly, Leah and Ashley prepared a lovely and memorable baby shower for her at Vaca Loca in downtown Montezuma on Friday, February 10. Jean and Jose send their heartfelt thanks to all who attended and their baby girl sends a little kick of "thank you" for all the adorable gifts! Here are some photos of the event:





Leah, who is an amazing baker and whose desserts can be purchased at Vaca Loca, made a DELICIOUS chocolate-banana-Nutella cake in the shape of a heart:


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Beware of Pirate Taxis

Beware of Pirate Taxis in Costa Rica

When traveling in Costa Rica it is always safest to go with a licensed taxi driver. In Costa Rica all licensed taxi drivers drive red taxis with a yellow triangle with an official taxi number on the door. All taxis are required to have a working meter which charges you a standard amount. Taxis coming from the airport in San Jose do tack on an extra surcharge.

Everywhere in Costa Rica there are pirate taxis. We are not saying that these are all automatically unsafe, but you never know what you are going to get when you take one of them. Their car may not be in good condition, the driver himself may not even have a driver's license. Additionally, unless you know exactly how much the fare should be to where you are going, a pirate taxi has no meter and may even be charging you more than the appropriate fare. Although it is rare in Costa Rica, there have been instances of pirate taxis taking clients to isolated spots in order to rob them, etc.

A licensed taxi driver is in contact with other taxi drivers. People know him and he is part of a community which he pays taxes and licensing fees to be a part of. Licensed taxi drivers are much less likely to be thieves or to treat you dishonestly. It is much safer to take licensed taxis as a tourist in Costa Rica.

Friday, February 3, 2012

The Guest House

The Guest House
By Rumi

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame,
the malice,
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

                                    -- Posted With Love From Milly