The java's good, but the lava is even better at Costa Rica's Lost Iguana Resort & Spa

Lost among those travel advertisements that erupt all over the place, this one promising that, that one guaranteeing this?

Leave it to us to find a most unusual (read: different) and unique (read: really different) deal. Call it a most explosive and efficient adventure.

The Lost Iguana Resort & Spa in Costa Rica is an upscale boutique set on 120 acres of primal rain forest. All well and good, but the hotel is also one of the few facing the lava-flowing side of the Arenal Volcano, one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Every one of the hotel’s 42 uniquely-appointed rooms boasts perfect views of the volcano, a fascinating natural wonder and must-visit destination for travelers to Costa Rica.

Book early, book now: The hotel is offering discounts of up to 20 percent off stays through December 15, 2009, and they‘ll throw in a complimentary welcome dinner at its open-air Blue Hibiscus restaurant.

Save green, go green.

It’s has never been more colorful: The resort features hiking trails through the jungle on which guests can see 300-year-old trees, hundreds of species of flowering plants, ferns and palms and thousands of varieties of birds and wildlife.

Pooped by all the scenic sights Mother Nature offers?

Travelers can find solace by lounging at the heated pool, getting a cold drink at the swim-up bar or enjoying royal pampering in the Golden Gecko spa---the spa, with lovely Balinese touches throughout, is built along a river. The indicial open-air massage bungalows offer a menu of treatments, including facials, wraps and massages (even by firelight).

Relaxing has never been easier . . . while being pampered and plummeted, rolfed and rubbed, enjoy the sounds of the cascading river, calling toucans, howling monkeys and the occasional rumbles from the good ol’ volcano. The spa also has a gym and saunas---complimentary for guests---as well as pathways along the river dotted with benches for up-close bird watching or curling up with a book. (The latest Audubon adventure, perhaps?)



With a choice of standard deluxe rooms, luxury suites, celebrity villas and casitas, Lost Igu
ana caters to a host travelers, serving as a serene, romantic destination for couples and honeymooners; a comfortable, accommodating spot for families; and a tranquil outdoorsy respite for friends exploring this stunning central region of Costa Rica.

It’s also a great base from which to explore Arenal since hotel guests have easy access to all area activities including the Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacon Hot Springs, Sky Tram Canopy Tour and rafting. Too much info? Stop and ask the knowledgeable on-site wildlife guide who will answer questions, guide groups and book tours. And offer a smile.

In case you are in deep slumber, the front desk at Lost Iguana will ring your room when Mother Nature gives them the hands-up that the awesome Arenal is going to put on a show.

Please don’t forget to applaud.