Tico population is approximately 2500 people. The influx of Americans and Europeans is approximately 500 people.

Playa Guiones remains a natural beauty because there are no buildings located on it or rising above the tree level that borders it. All Harmony accommodations are located within our tropical garden, a stone's throw from the beach.

It is a surfer beach with strong waves and occasionally rip tides. There is no lifeguard. People swim at their own discretion. Safer swimming beaches are within short driving distance from the hotel.

There are lots of tours and activities for children, although they are more ideal for children 7 and above. See ACTIVITIES for more.

Yes, learn more about it from RESTAURANT & BAR.

We will happily receive your payments by credit card or cash (US dollars or Colones). Harmony accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Amex and Diners).

Yes, you can. Also, please keep in mind that there are NO readily available ATM machines in Nosara.

The weather varies with the months but the temperature is usually around 85-90 degrees in the afternoon and 75 degrees in the evening. September and October are the rainiest months of the green season. For more, see SURF.

The closest gas station is in Samara, which is about 30 minutes away.

There is a wide variety of restaurants for all budgets. We recommend a lunch at the local soda for a casado at least once. A favorite restaurant, located on the beach just past the northern cliffs that flank Playa Guiones, is La Luna. There are even a couple of Pizzerias in town.

Yes, each has an A/C unit and a ceiling fan.

No. We aim to provide a break free from television and the everyday routine.

Yes. See ROOMS & RESERVATIONS.

See ROOMS & RESERVATIONS for a more thorough description.

No, but it is available in the restaurant from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Rooms also have coffee makers.

Yes, there is a direct dial phone for local and international calls in each room.

Currently it is 16.39 percent, which covers sales tax and ICT (tourism ministry tax).

There are the 10% service charge and the 13% sales tax. An additional tip on top of the 10% for servers is welcome but not required.

Yes, they even fit a laptop.

Yes, leave your clothes with us in the early morning and you will have them back in the late afternoon.

Yes, showers in the bathrooms have hot water.

Yes, upon request.

All rooms and the restaurant are no smoking. Smoking is allowed in the open-air areas and at the bar.

Yes, we have WiFi access at the hotel, but no computer terminal. Either bring your own laptop, or visit the nearby Internet café.

There's a shop that provides books and things you can't find easily in Nosara. For more info, visit BOOKSHOP.

There are local government doctors and a private physician in Nosara.

A passport, which needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, is required for entering Costa Rica from another country. Ideally leave the original passport in the room's safe deposit box and carry around your license or a copy of the passport.

No shots are necessary for travel to Costa Rica.

Electricity outlets are standard United States outlets.

Each season has its benefits and typical weather patterns but nothing in Mother Nature is for sure. For more on the weather, see SURF.

Small US Bills, Swim Suit/ Board Shorts (2 pair), Camera, Flashlight, Hat, Beach Towel, 30-45 SPF Sunscreen, Sandals, Tennis Shoes, and Bug Spray. And for surfers: Rash Guards.

The beach at our location is ideal for learning and getting good waves for both longboards and short boards. Within an hour drive either to the north or south there are breaks that will stimulate any surfer.

Yes, the food and water at the Harmony and most spots in Nosara are safe. We pride ourselves in offering guests some of the best drinking water in the world through a rainwater catchment and purification system.

Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in America. In 1869, a compulsory state-paid system of education was established. Today Costa Rica's literacy rate averages around 96%, which is one of the highest in Central America.

Peace is also one of the country's most honored virtues. The army itself was abolished in 1948. And to further their acclaim, President Arias won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1987 for devising a Central American peace plan that was signed by the leaders of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

During the green season (Late April - Early November), it is recommended to use a 4x4 because 3 to 4 times per year there is no road access due to heavy rains.

Almost all of the International car rental franchises have representation in Costa Rica. Car rental rates vary by the car and the season. The poor road conditions, especially in rural areas, drive up the rates because of high vehicle maintenance costs.

Upon returning the car, they will ask you to check out the car with them. They may charge for any surface defect or missing part that was not originally noted before your initial departure. They will charge you at USA body shop prices.

In Costa Rica you are allowed to drive with your regular license for three months.

Please work with a travel agent or directly with the car rental company for your rent-a-car reservations. However we can recommend Alamo Rent a Car since they have very good service. They have offices in San Jose, Alajuela, Liberia and Nosara. Their website is www.alamocostarica.com. The Nosara office does not yet show up on the website, but it is located near the Harmony, across the street from Café de Paris, and the phone number is 682-0254.

Other rental car companies to consider are Toyota Rent-a-Car, Budget Rent-a-Car, Mapache Rent-a-Car, National, Elegante, Hola!, ACE, and Economy.

 

The company that manages the Harmony Hotel operates three other high end resorts and lodges that all share the same focus on service quality and sustainability.

In Manuel Antonio, we recommend the Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort.

Arenas del Mar is a beach and nature resort located next to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. "Unique and spectacular beach and nature experiences combined with highest levels of com fort and sustainability in a local Costa Rican setting" define the concept of Arenas del Mar.

The resort caters to tourists that are looking for more than just another high end resort experience. Arenas del mar offers a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Guest rooms, apartments and suites offer spectacular ocean views, upscale dining in two hotel restaurants with a focus on fresh local products and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations.

Other hotel facilities include a small spa located below the main restaurant with breathtaking views of Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean, a gift shop featuring local art and souvenirs and a state of the art business center near the hotel lobby.

Sustainability is a key component of the concept at all levels of the operation and the Certification for Sustainable Tourism-a program designed by the Costa Rican Tourism ministry-serves as a guide for the building and operation of the hotel. Arenas del Mar sets out to minimize the impact on the surrounding nature, while maximizing the positive economic impact on the local community through employment.

For more information and reservations, contact: www.arenasdelmar.com

On the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, we recommend the award winning ecolodge Lapa Rios.

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. Lapa Rios is built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical breezes. The main lodge, housing the restaurant and bar, soars 50 feet and is built of local, natural materials. Palm thatched roofs meet a three-story hardwood circular stairway. Climb to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture adds to relaxation in this tranquil panorama of nature.

For more info and reservations, contact www.laparios.com