Why Costa Rica in December is the Ideal Getaway

For a December trip, I recommend staying in the Guanacaste region, on the Pacific Coast. It is the dry season then, but not the hottest part of the year. (In contrast, December is the green, or rainy, season in much of the rest of the country.) Guanacaste is also a perfect choice because it offers a great selection of excellent resorts and access to all the water sports, coastal excursions and beach activities.

I highly recommend all-inclusive resorts here for several reasons. First, the resorts along the Pacific Coast are spread out over a large area. This means that if you need to venture out for most meals you will often need to travel over rough roads and potentially long distances. All-inclusives tend to have numerous dining options on site, often with at least one dining venue or room service open 24 hours a day. Second, all-inclusives have the advantage over small hotels or self-catering accommodations in that they include easy access to equipment for water sports and recreation. No need to line up an outfitter for kayaking: at these all-inclusive resorts you can just walk down to the beach and borrow the equipment you need.

Activities on or near the water reign supreme along the coast in Guanacaste. Swimming, fishing excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating are just some of the popular possibilities. The beaches are unbelievably long, and most are very quiet with limited development. Walking along or lounging on the beautiful beaches will certainly be part of your routine here.

Half or full day catamaran charters will pick you up right on the beach at your resort. This is a great opportunity to snorkel, view wildlife, go scuba diving or fish. Humpback whales are migrating through these waters in December. The sunsets are particularly enjoyable from out on the water.

Nature lovers won't want to miss seeing leatherback sea turtle nesting at Playa Grande. These are the largest sea turtles in the world! Advance planning is required, however, because of the special wildlife protections afforded these animals. Nighttime tours of the nesting area can be scheduled according to

If you are feeling the need to get out of the sun, most resorts have full-service spas. For instance, the AWAY® Spa is unique, with private treatment rooms that resemble butterfly cocoons. This is symbolic of the fact that Costa Rica has more than 1500 species of butterflies!

Many travelers don't appreciate that Costa Rica is also a top golf destination. The Westin Reserva Conchal offers an 18-hole course designed by the legendary Robert Trend Jones, while the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo has been ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest.

Although it will be rainier in the interior of the country because it is December in Costa Rica, it's definitely worth donning some rain gear to take a day trip to the Arenal Volcano. Some of the world's best zip lining is here, plus other adventure sports like rappelling. This is a full-day adventure, so it makes sense to book a guided trip with transportation pickup at your resort.

Dining options in Costa Rica reflect the blending of numerous diverse cultures that have made Costa Rica home. Many of today's most inventive restaurants are highlighting this diversity with modern reinterpretations. Small, family-run establishments are a great way to get off the beaten path; in fact, some of the most authentic food is available at pitstops along the highway, marisquerías (for seafood) and fruit stands. For the less adventurous, I've listed below some fine dining options around Guanacaste. (Of course, if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, most or all of your meals will be included.) In December in Costa Rica (Guanacaste in particular), the weather should be great for outdoor dining any meal of the day:

Pesce: an elegant Italian dining experience with panoramic views of the ocean. Also features local seafood. In the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.

El Colibri: a small Argentinian-style steakhouse noted for its high-quality service and more than 10 different steak preparations.

Ostra at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo: offers a menu that is almost entirely seafood-based, including dishes like "Catch of the Moon," a local fish selection based on the phase of the moon.

For a truly unique dining experience, seek out a spot at HiR Fine Dining. This is an intimate venue hosting a maximum of 12 guests per night. These evening-long, seven-plate dinners are based in the chef's home, and guests are seated together. This is a highly personal experience, with the entire evening orchestrated and hosted by the chef alone. Reserve well in advance.

The AWAY Spa Bar at the W Costa Rica: Reserva Conchal is the place to detox, then retox and socialize. This is the first full-service bar located inside an AWAY Spa at W hotel properties.

Fish & Cheeses: a gourmet store and restaurant, featuring fresh pastas, homemade cheeses, a top wine selection and live music. Authentic pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven are an excellent bet for a casual bite.

For something very casual and rustic, check out Monkey Bar just down the beach from the Riu Palace Resort. Relax in a hammock, converse with the friendly staff, and enjoy a cold beer. You may even see some curious monkeys emerge from the surrounding forest. Best to travel there on foot.