Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
AREA GUIDES Painted Trailor, Costa Rica think paradise. Recently named “World’s Environmental Jewel,” the waves are prime, the beauty staggering and the sluggish pace seductive. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and hasn’t had an army since 1949. A peaceful oasis, this tiny nation just south of Nicaragua draws 1.5 mil- lion visitors every year and is ranked as one of the most visited internation- al destinations. Visit the Cultural Square in downtown San Jose to expe- rience the National Theater, Pre- Columbian Gold Museum and the only hotel in Costa Rica declared a Historical Architectural landmark by the Costa Rican Government – The Gran Hotel Costa Rica. With its 96 guest rooms and eight suites it is just steps away from shops, theatres, restaurants and many entertainment landmarks. International flights arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, northwest of San José. Cuba, the biggest island in the Caribbean, is located at the entrance to the Gulf of México. Cuban culture is the result of a combination of Spanish and African traditions. Cuba is just 110 miles from Florida and its colorful cap- ital city, Havana, with its pulsating nightlife, proud culture and beautiful architecture, is the heart of the country. It was after the fall of the Soviet Union 90 A village in Saba that Cuba began to market itself more as a travel destination. Today, Cuba hosts more than 500 events a year spanning scientific, technological, cul- tural, sports, educational and economic fields. Cuba’s Caribbean warmth and stimulating sites are major drawing cards for meetings and events, howev- er, these are also well supported by local meeting planners and a solid infrastructure of hotels, tourism facili- ties and transportation. The Plaza América Conference Center has 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and is surrounded by the famous Cuban beach of Varadero. Plaza América is in an area of first class hotels, just a few meters from the beach and an 18-hole golf course and only 25 minutes from Varadero International Airport. The Meliá Las Americas, a 5-star deluxe resort locat- ed near the Plaza América has 340 rooms and for golf lovers, offers golf packages including golf shops, lessons, golf games and initiation courses. Known as the “Unspoiled Queen”, Saba has a fairytale like quality; the sense of being in a place that time has graciously left unchanged. With no franchised resorts, casinos, or shopping malls, it’s a very different face of the Caribbean. The island is an extinct vol- cano with unmatched blue water diving Bahamas Sunset and excellent hiking. Recommended locations for a great dive are Third Encounter or Outer Limits, part of the Saba Marine Park established in 1987 to preserve their unique underwater environment. Among Saba’s more impressive hiking trails is “The Ladder”, 800 hand-hewn stone stairs taking you from the ocean at Ladder Bay to the town named “The Bottom” – a climb of 800 ft. Each village on Saba has several small and individually unique restau- rants offering a wide variety to choose from – American, European, Chinese, Italian, and the delicious blend of Indonesian and West Indian Creole. The Gate House Cafe in Hell’s Gate is a favorite French style eatery and is said to be one of the best restaurants in the world for wine lovers. From spicy shrimp to foie gras, Creole fish to curry lobster, every- thing is prepared to order. The Cafe also has a hotel that features five dou- ble rooms tastefully furnished in bright Caribbean style, each with beautiful ocean views. If flying onto the island, be prepared to board a small plane. Though landing at Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is safe, it is no doubt a memorable experi- ence as it is said to have the shortest commercial runway in the world. Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com