ARENAL | TORTUGUERO | CARIBBEAN | GUANACASTE | MONTEVERDE |JACO BEACH AND MANUEL ANTONIO | CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK | SAN JOSE | SARAPIQUI

Melia Cariari

The Cariari's 220 magnificently furnished rooms and suites each feature remote control TV, air conditioning, minibar, direct-dial telephone, 24-hour room service, safety deposit box and electronic key system. Suites and many of the rooms open to the pool area or offer private balconies.

The Cariari Country Club

Situated mid-way between San Jose and the Juan Santamaria International Airport, the Cariari is a natural to play when arriving in Costa Rica, and with proper planning, a great way to end your stay as well. The Cariari was designed and built by the well-known golf course architect, George Fazio, on land that was once a coffee plantation.

This par 71 course measures 6,590 yards from the championship tees, but plays much longer. You'd think the ball would travel further at 3,900 feet above sea level, but you can't prove it by me. The course is heavily wooded, the fairways are narrow with few fairway bunkers, and the greens lean toward the large side with sand traps throughout. The greens are Bermuda, and roll fast and true. The course record is held jointly by Raymond Floyd and Costa Rica's own Alvaro Ortiz. Floyd shot his 66 in 1980, and Ortiz matched this score in 1994. In April, Phil Krick, formerly of the Las Vegas Country Club, became the Cariari's head professional.

In order to play the Cariari Country Club, you must either be a member or stay at one of the hotels that has an agreement with the club. Most golfers use caddies at the Cariari and the caddie fees are very reasonable. I strongly suggest that you walk this beautiful course and take advantage of the knowledge the caddies provide

At The Hotel:

ARENAL | TORTUGUERO | CARIBBEAN | GUANACASTE | MONTEVERDE |JACO BEACH AND MANUEL ANTONIO | CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK | SAN JOSE | SARAPIQUI