We've just returned from our week long honeymoon in paradise, a.k.a Los Altos. If you are laid back, curious, and adventurous this is THE best place for you. We were so happy to find that everything on the Los Altos website rang true. The pictures don't lie - it really is that beautiful. And the prices were more than fair -- no hidden last minute fees or surcharges. Calvin deserves much respect and commondation for running such a superb establishment, with honor and honesty.

Yanina, Ari, and the rest of the staff were absolutely outstanding. We couldn't have asked for better food or service. Oso (the resident guard dog and moocher) stole our hearts as well :)

If you're looking for a Hilton/Hyatt type of conventional experience, go elsewhere. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and can go with the flow, this is the place! One final note: learning a little simple Spanish before you go will enhance your experience and endear you to the staff.

Obviously this place is great. Unique, all though I do not recommend reading every single review (keep reading mine, though) and looking at every single picture...that takes some of the fun out of it.

There are a few things I know we'll do differently if I ever return, so I will tell all you future Team Eros members now.

First we would stay on the property more. The grounds are great, it is the most luxurious and relaxing spot you will find on your vacation. You are paying a lot of money for a reason. I wish I didn't try to think of excursions or trips everyday. The most fun we had during the trip were on the days we stayed and swam, ate, napped, and had massages all day.

The food was amazing. I would take advantage of the "bocas", which are meals prepared on nights where free dinner isn't served. Their tenderloin is increible; best steak I've ever had (if you have the spicy tenderloin burritos, let me know how they are...). Make sure they make the tiramisu. Lastly, the wine with the green top is the best.

The sunset massage with private dinner is a must and that's all that really needs to be said about that.

The staff was great. Specifically, Hanniah (sorry if misspelled) stood out above the others. She was very friendly and approachable. One of the nights was my birthday and some of the workers built me a cake. Hanniah brought it down after the private dinner and sang happy birthday (solo) in Spanish. Very nice and sweet touch. They didn't do that for me at the La Quinta last year. All of the drivers are super friendly and genuine.

If you go into Tamarindo for dinner eat at La Nibbana, mention the owners girlfriend, who works at LADE, and you might get a free round. Make sure to get the pizza. If you get the urge to smell it, that's normal...it smells real good.

We didn't go into this thinking we would come away with newfound friends, but we met some really great people on our trip (even if they were Candians or British).

Every single person we met, and every single thing about LADE was *quite* nice.

A great honeymoon for those looking for down to earth friendly luxury.
The food was fantastic. Sharing mealtimes at a common dining room table with the other guests was very interesting.
Offers the perfect balance of relaxation, alone time with the choice of sporty/ adventure trips and mingling with the other guests.

Staff are super genuine and friendly ; cater for your every whim, in a charming and relaxed manner, as opposed to a stuck up artificial pretentious 5 star resort way.

Make sure to visit the many choices of beaches and take Oso the dog for a 5.5km morning walk.

Yoga lessons overlooking the forest, Couples sunset massage, the half day spa, Blue dolphin catamaran cruise, surfing lessons, canope zip line, Conchal beach and Lola's were a dream.

We visited Los Altos on our honeymoon in late July. This place is amazing! When making our travel plans I had a few concerns about the casual booking policies (all you do is email a copy of your e-tickets and they save you a room...they write all reservations in pencil on a calender) but Francisco was right on time at the airport in Liberia waiting to greet us when we arrived with a cooler full of drinks! We made the beautiful (although bumpy - the roads really are terrible but made us feel adventurous) drive to LADE and Ari gave us a tour of the property when we arrived. This is a beautiful place! We were so thrilled with our room, the pool, the spa, EVERYTHING!

The food is great as well - We found there was plenty but it might depend on how big a crowd you have eating....Breakfast is huge and the dinner they serve on Tuesdays and Saturdays is wonderful. There is always a cooler of beer, water, sodas, etc available and wine as well.

Service - as everyone says - is unreal. We loved every single person we met in Costa Rica. The hotel takes care of your every need - laundry is done every day, when you go to the beach they pack you a tote bag with towels and water and then bring beach chairs and a boogie board down with you as well! We never tried to contact the staff while we were in town but they were always waiting for us when and where we had agreed. I wouldn't recommend renting a car in Costa Rica because the roads were terrible and confusing! We stayed in town a few nights but were always ready to come home by 9 so never had to rely on a cab. Also, we tipped at the end which is nice because you don't have to have cash on you at all times....

Excursions - Definitely do the full day tour! You have to go with another couple from the hotel but it was really fun - canopy tour, mud baths, etc. We also had surf lessons which were great. The catamaran tour was also fun - it rained on us the entire time so it turned into more of a booze cruise but was still pretty good - and my husband loves the free t-shirt - ha. The couples massage at the spa is unbelievable - as well as the romantic dinner.

We were completely happy with LADE and can't wait to visit again!!! Thank you for making our honeymoon wonderful!!!