“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain

With Golbon Destinations your time is spent discovering and delighting in an extraordinary place.  Whether it’s one of Europe’s grand cities, or an exotic tropical hideaway, each carefully-selected location offers its own blend of sights, sensations and flavors.  As you begin your experience, you quickly find that you are already in the company of not just industry peers, but friends.

And this year’s destination, Costa Rica, with its exciting array of activity options, abundant flora and fauna, welcoming citizens, and our amazing accommodations will provide an ideal setting for creating and enjoying the connections made with your fellow Golbon Destinations guests.

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a unique country, small in size – comparable to West Virginia – and just over four million in population, renowned for its wildlife, natural beauty, and exciting eco-adventures, but there is so much more to recommend it.

Costa Rica has been one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Central America since its birth in the 19^th century.  Known for being the oldest democracy in Latin America, Costa Rica abolished its armed forces in its 1949 constitution, and the world’s only University for Peace was established by treaty in 1980.

Costa Rica’s developing infrastructure is balanced by green energy such as wind and hydro. One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with half a million species – from insects to the giant anteaters that devour them – it also protects one-quarter of its wild lands through law.  Costa Rica has been on the leading edge of Central and South American countries in attracting and providing sustainable eco-tourism.

Quick Facts:

• Official Language:  Spanish
• Currency:  Colon (but many prices are noted in US dollars)
• Area:  19,700 square miles; 288 miles long & 170 miles wide
• Bordered by Nicaragua (north) and Panama (south), Atlantic Ocean (west) and Caribbean Sea (east)
• Capital:  San Jose
• The People: are referred to as “Ticos”

The “Wild Life” and the Wildlife

Costa Rica offers a satisfying selection of outdoor adventures – from the adrenaline rush of canopy ziplines, rappelling, surfing and whitewater rafting, to enjoying a scenic morning on the links or a sun-dazed afternoon at the beach. National parks allow visitors to glimpse life in both rainforest and cloud forest, bubbling volcanoes offer otherworldly vistas.

The wildlife abounds: toucans ogle you from treetops as scarlet macaws raucously screech. Look closely for a sloth on a branch or the eyes of a crocodile breaking the surface of a river, while your ears can’t miss the eerie cries of a howler monkey. Butterflies flit amid orchid-festooned trees, while colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, dolphins and whales thrive offshore, offering enjoyment of water activities such as kayaking, fishing, scuba, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and more.

Pura Vida!

Studies have shown that many Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than people on the rest of the planet, and it all comes down to pura vida (pure life), a term you’ll hear everywhere.  It means hello, goodbye, everything’s cool, same to you. It never has a negative connotation. You may enter the country not believing it, but after a week you’ll be saying it, too, unconsciously: pura vida, mae. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Guanacaste

We will be staying in the Guanacaste province, in the northwestern region of Costa Rica.  Guanacaste is one of the most popular tourist areas in the country due to its proximity to beaches and the Arenal volcano; other attractions include rivers, mountains, and coastal ecosystems.

Our Home Away from Home

Our time will be spent at the Four Seasons Papagayo Resort, Forbes’ only five-star resort in Central America. Situated on two golden sand beaches between Culebra Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Four Seasons will charm you with its eco-luxury ambiance. The staff are there to ensure you are taken care of, and the furnishings and decor of the recent renovations will keep you comfortable in understated style.

For filling any free time, the resort offers complimentary activities such as guided hikes, cooking classes and chocolate rum tastings – yum!  And after spending your day working up an appetite, choose from four dining venues – highly recommended:  enjoy the sunset while sipping premium Latin American rums at La Reserva, the open-air cocktail bar.

 

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Traveling with Golbon Destinations

Your travel arrangements are part of your Golbon Destinations experience, and we strive to make it easy for you.  Once you are registered for the trip, our travel agent will assist you with booking your airline tickets.  Golbon Special Events will secure your room reservation at our event hotel, and arrange for your ground transfers between the airport and hotel.

Leading up to the trip you’ll receive a detailed itinerary with activity options to select from, and descriptions of our evening events.  We aim to offer experiences that will appeal to the variety of personalities and interests inherent in our guest list; you can expect to have great choices for creating an itinerary that speaks to you personally.

We’ll also provide you with helpful travel tips so you know what to pack and what to expect.  We attend to the logistics of your travel, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy.

Are you ready to join us? Registration is opening online later this summer. Questions? Please e-mail us at events@golbon.com.

Trip Package Inclusions

Each trip for two requires 12,750 Golbon Destinations points

• Roundtrip air transportation (coach) between your home city and Liberia International Airport, booked through Golbon’s travel agency
• Transportation between Liberia Airport and the Four Seasons Papagayo on January 25 and 31.
• Six nights’ deluxe accommodations at Four Seasons Papagayo over program dates.
• Participation in Golbon-hosted evening events, recreational outings and activities
• Special gifts and much more!

      Note:  Enhancements or adjustments to the above may be arranged and can be billed separately.

Program Rules

1. General registration form must be received by Golbon and airline ticketing must be completed no later than November 15 to avoid a minimum surcharge of $125 per attendee.
2. Accommodations are booked for a maximum of double occupancy each room.  Third guest in room incurs charge of $100 per night.
3. All tours are pre-arranged and pre-paid by Golbon; any changes made onsite to pre-selected recreation will result in a charge of $150 per change.
4. Rooms, meals and activity costs are paid for by Golbon in advance.  In event of cancellation, any cancellation fees or other costs incurred will be deducted from participant’s Golbon Destinations points.
5. Trip packages must be accepted as presented; no offsets or other considerations for adjustments to the package.
6. Golbon will not be liable for any and all claims arising from accidental harm, injury or death to a person or persons, or for damaged or lost possessions, while attending Golbon Destinations Incentive Trips.  The liability form that will be provided must be signed and returned for each attendee prior to airline ticketing.

 

Previous guests of Golbon Destinations have said…

“It’s an experience I’ll be talking about forever.”

“Golbon is second to NOBODY with their events, planning, thoughtfulness, and overall service on these wonderful trips!”

“One of the best times of my life!”

“Great planning and wonderful people. Fun way to exchange business ideas and how other companies address similar issues.”