History Mystery shrouds pre-Columbian Costa Rica: Few archaeological monuments and no proof of a written language have been discovered. The indigenous people did not have the necessary numbers or organization to resist the Spanish, and their populations dwindled quickly because of susceptibility to European diseases. As a result, the Spanish influence is felt more strongly here than in any other Central American country. The few remaining examples of the indigenous culture include the fabulous collection of jade on display at San Jose's Museo de Jade and the major archaeological site at Guayabo, which is slowly revealing the presence of streets, aqueducts and causeways. This evidence suggests that the culture present on the eve of the Spanish invasion mirrored that of the Incas and Mayas of Peru and Mexico, respectively, more closely than was previously suspected. Costa Rica ('the rich coast') was dubbed so by Christopher Columbus himself, who stayed for 17 days in 1502 and was impressed by the gold decorations worn by the friendly locals. Colonization was not immediately successful, taking until the 1560s for the Spanish settlers to make a dent in the tangled jungle. The first colony, Cartago, was settled in the fertile and salubrious central highlands, departing from the Spaniards' usual practice of settling the coastal areas, because the tropical shoreline was more prone to disease. This settlement also differed from the normal pattern of colonization in that the presence of only a few Indians meant there was no labor to milk and no mestizo culture created from intermarriage.The hoped-for hoards of gold did not eventuate, and Costa Rica remained a forgotten backwater for many years. The 18th century saw the establishment of settlements such as Heredia, San Jose and Alajuela. Much of Cartago was destroyed in 1723 by the eruption of Volcan Irazu, but its hard-working survivors rebuilt the town. The introduction of coffee in 1808 spurred further development, and the country was invigorated by independence in 1821. Coffee brought wealth, a class structure and a more outward-looking perspective. A bizarre turn of events in 1856 provided one of the first important landmarks in the nation's history and served to unify the people. During the term of coffee-grower-turned-president Juan Rafael Mora, a period remembered for the country's economic and cultural growth, Costa Rica was invaded by US military adventurer William Walker and his army of recently captured Nicaraguan slaves. Mora organized an army of 9000 civilians that, against all odds, succeeded in forcing Walker Co to flee.The ensuing years of the 19th century saw power struggles among members of the coffee-growing elite and the institution of the first democratic elections. Democracy has since been a hallmark of Costa Rican politics, with few despotic interludes. Civil war, however, did raise its ugly head in the 1940s when ex-president Calderon (whose working-class-oriented Christian Socialist policies had alienated him from the conservatives and the wealthy) and his successor, Picado, lined up against the recent ballot-winner Ulate (whose election win was not recognized by Picado's government) and Jose (Don Pepe) Figueres. After several weeks of warfare Figueres emerged victorious, formed an interim government and handed the presidency to Ulate. The National Liberation Party, formed by Figueres in 1949 has dominated the political scene since this brief kerfuffle.The constitution of 1949 finally gave women and blacks the vote and, controversially, dismantled the country's armed forces - giving Costa Rica the sobriquet of 'the only country which doesn't have an army'. President Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his attempts to spread Costa Rica's example of peace to the rest of Central America. The National Liberation Party's major opponent is the Christian Socialists, who retain the support of the poor and working class. Both political parties are oligarchical, with father-son and husband-wife associations predominating. In Februay 1998 the Social Christian Unity Party's Miguel Angel Rodriguez won the presidency with almost exactly 50% of the vote. He's a conservative businessman and economist who made the economy the priority of his campaign. Costa Ricans have blamed the National Liberation Party's outgoing president for ruining their national economy and putting the country into recession. Rodriguez is expected to privatize state companies and seek foreign investment in an effort to create jobs.Other noteworthy events of recent years include several natural disasters that caused widespread flooding, road damage, and destruction of homes. In July 1996, Hurricane Cesar resulted in several dozen deaths and the cutting off of much of southern Costa Rica from the rest of the country. The Interamericana Highway was closed for about two months and the overall damage was estimated at about US$100 million. The ill-famed Hurricane Mitch of November 1998 caused substantial damage to Costa Rica, but the most catastrophic events occurred in the countries to the north, especially Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Disclaimer: The above information has been provided by Lonely Planet. Although Lonely Planet has tried to make the above information as accurate as possible, Lonely Planet do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from the above information. You are encouraged to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.

Master Bedroom Villa Type A (one bedroom) Villa Type B (two bedrooms) Villa Type C (three bedrooms). This room is special for honeymoon packages; it consists of a room with air conditioned, a king size bed and a suite bathroom. Maximum capacity is of 2 pax. This room has a master bedroom with a king size bed with air conditioning or fan and a master bathroom, the other bedroom includes a full size bed and a single bed, the living room has two couches that can be converted into two single beds, small dining room, a terrace with a hammock, kitchenette (includes dishware for seven, glasses, pans and a saucepan, refrigerator, electric stove, etc.). Maximum capacity, 7 pax. Since this villa is rather large, it only has fans. It has a master bedroom with a king size bed and a master bathroom, one bedroom with a full size bed and a single bed, and another bedroom with two single beds. The living room has two couches that can be converted into two single beds, a dining room, a terrace with a hammock, kitchenette (includes dishware for nine, glasses, pans and a saucepan, refrigerator, electric stove, etc.). Maximum capacity is of 9 pax.

At Villas Playa Samara we have chosen to make your honeymoon the most unforgettable life time experience As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by our happy staff and you will find yourself amassed by the beauty of our environment. This room consists of one bedroom with a king size bed or a queen size bed and a single bed (depending on availability), a master bathroom, a living room with two couches that can be converted into beds, small dining room, a terrace with a hammock, kitchenette (includes dishware for five, glasses, pans and a saucepan, refrigerator, electric stove, etc.) Maximum capacity, 5 pax. This room has a master bedroom with a king size bed with air conditioning or fan and a master bathroom, the other bedroom includes a full size bed and a single bed, the living room has two couches that can be converted into two single beds, small dining room, a terrace with a hammock, kitchenette (includes dishware for seven, glasses, pans and a saucepan, refrigerator, electric stove, etc.). Maximum

From the International Airport in San Jose, one can fly directly to Samara. Two different companies are operating:Travelair(Tel: 00 506 2203054), and SANSA (00 506 2219414). The flight takes about 40 minutes and costs between US$50 and US$70 one way per person, depending on the season. You will arrive at an airstrip called Carrillo, you will be picked up there free of charge by the hotel car. There is also daily public bus service direct from San Jose to Samara and return. It is quite rustic but very cheap, just $8. The trip takes about 5hours. From the terminal you also will be picked up by the hotel car. A taxi would bring you to Samara in about four hours and half with a cost of about $150. Also you can rent a car at the airport, where various companies are operating. It this case you would leave San Jose or the airport and go on the Panamerican Hayway, heading north to Nicaragua, or just follow signs pointing to Liberia. After about 2 hours drive, at Sardinal you turn off left on a sign indicating Puente de Amistad (the newly opened bridge over the Tempisque River). After having crossed the river Tempisque (on the ferry boat, which takes 15 min.) you follow to the town of Nicoya, and from there it is another 30 minutes or 30 kilometers drive into Samara. The airport of City of Liberia has recently opened his international service, receiving flights from USA and Canada. This is a very good alternative to the San Jose International airport, because it is only one hour and a half cardrive from Samara. In April 2003 the bridge over the Tempisque opened its service, now avoiding loosing time to wait for the ferry. You can reach Samara now from San Jose in 3 hours.

; Getting There. Samara has a superb coral reef and its own picturesque wooded island in the bay ~ Isla Chora. It's popular with swimmers and windsurfers, and it's an ideal beach for your kids. Samara is not only a charming beach resort, with a wide choice of friendly and attractive hotels, restaurants, bars and discos, but, unlike other Pacific Ocean resorts, it is also a thriving fishing and farming community. There are cowboys and cattle drives, fishing boats returning at sunset, exotic fruit harvests, specialty and organic farming, tree nurseries and reforestation projects and many other authentic and vital Samara activities. There are unusual plant and animal species, ancient Indian sites, underwater caves and coastal and mountain nature trails. Guitar, Spanish, aerobic and dancing lessons and massages are available. And there is even a Samara art gallery with its own resident artist. Street Map download, explore and print Map. Source: SamaraBeach.com

 Guest rooms have air conditioning
 Rent-a-car service
 Credit cards accepted
 Dinner may be served in the room
 Facsimile services
 Jacuzzi tub
 Kitchen
 Laundry services/washing machine
 Licensed bar
 Around-the-clock recetpion
 Parking lot
 Private park, garden, courtyard
 Quiet surroundings
 Fridge
 Restaurant
 Shop on premises
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Swimming pool
 Tea and coffee making facilities
 Phone at reception
 Patio, summer terrace