Costa Rica is the new Caribbean hot spot for families, honeymooners and solo-travelers alike. The dazzling beaches coupled with an inland of lush rainforests make this country one of the most beautiful vacation retreats for travelers all over the world. Although its popularity seems to grow year upon year, there still seems to be an aura of confusion that settles around this Central American country. Potential visitors wonder if this country is safe, what the exact prices are, and what is it that keeps bringing visitors back. To get the story straight from the source, we contacted one of The Society’s founding members, Michael Brown of Costa Rica’s Mead Brown, to help clear the fog around Costa Rica vacations. Michael Brown is a marketing, public relations and project management professional who is an alumnus of the Prince of Wales’ Business and the Environment Programme that was developed by CambridgeUniversity.

1. What are the most common misconceptions about Costa Rica?

A common misconception about Costa Rica is that it’s a cheap getaway. It’s not. While surf shacks and similar bare-bones type accommodations can be found for $15 per night, North American-style accommodations come at North American prices. Quality hotel rooms on the Pacific Coast start at $200 per night, and our luxury condominiums begin around $450 with villas running $2,500 per night in high season. Clearly our guests aren’t roughing it at those rates! Another misconception is that vacationing in Costa Rica requires roughing it-it doesn’t. Oh, I’ll add a third: That Costa Rica is an island! It’s still attached to North and South America; we do have a Pacific Coast and a Caribbean Coast.

2. What are the top activities you recommend to your guests?

The thrill of landing a sailfish or marlin in the calm waters of the Pacific (65 world record fish have been caught here), seeing rare birds (more than 850 species have been identified, including the rather common scarlet macaws and toucans), taking a zip-line canopy, or taking an informative and leisurely aerial tram tour are always great way to experience Costa Rica. There is truly something for everyone: Beautiful beaches, cloud and rain forests, active volcanoes, dolphins, monkeys, white water river rafting, sea kayaking, horseback riding, yoga retreats, surfing, spa and massage treatments, championship golf, tennis, fine restaurants and Cuban cigars.

3. When is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?

Any time from mid-November through August, or December through April is magnificent. Specific seasons do have specific activities though, for example, dolphins are most commonly sighted in September and October, and sailfish are most often caught mid-December through the end of April.

4. What are the top three pieces of advice that you give your renters when vacationing in Costa Rica?

Stay at least ten days; you’ll be glad you did. Wear sunscreen; we’re very near the equator and the sun is intense. Try something new. If you’re coming to fish, spend a day on a horse. If you’re coming for the beaches, take a hike in the rainforest.

5. If you had to describe Costa Rica in three words, what would they be?

No artificial ingredients!

6. As far as safety goes, what is your advice for your renters?

Be smart. Don’t leave valuables in a car; doing so is asking for trouble. Carry a photocopy of your passport’s ID and entry stamp pages (we’re happy to make copies for our guests) and leave the original in the rental unit’s safe. We recommend that our guests allow us to arrange for a van and driver to taxi them from the airport to their accommodations. Once here, they can get around by golf cart and taxi, or by rental car if they prefer. Driving over the mountain from San Jose is a white-knuckle experience; leave the driving to someone else, you’re on vacation!

7. Do you find that you have repeat customers? If so, why do you think this is?

Many come to Costa Rica thinking it’s a “once in a lifetime” trip. It’s a big world after all and there is a lot to see. Once here though, people become spellbound and many make an annual pilgrimage back; they make it part of their circuit; Sea Island, Nantucket or the San Juan Islands in August and Costa Rica in February.

8. As far as luxury goes, what do your properties provide that ensure each guest feels fully pampered?

Personal service is the ultimate luxury. In today’s world, people can purchase most anything, yachts, jets, or rare automobiles, be it outright or fractionally. As the saying goes, “Tomorrow is promised to no man,” so time is precious and time is something people can “buy” when they desire and can afford personal service. Sure, anyone can purchase an ice chest here, sandwiches there, tote it all to the boat and then enjoy a marvelous picnic, but real luxury is having someone else spend their time attending to these details (and getting them right!).

9. What do you find travelers are most impressed with when they stay at your vacation rentals?

That we can deliver to North American or European expectations in a developing world.

10. If you had to plan a day out for your travelers to fully experience the culture and spirit of Costa Rica, what would it consist of?

We’d send them to Manual Antonio, the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s beloved national parks. Although it’s Costa Rica’s smallest national park, the breath-taking beauty and diversity of wildlife is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, including toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers and parakeets. Both two- and three-toed sloths are major features, as well as the mantled howler monkey, Central American squirrel monkey and white-headed capuchin monkey. Spiny-tailed iguanas, green iguanas and basilisks are also common in the park. Dolphins can be observed here, as well as the occasional migrating whale. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking provide great opportunities to experience the tropical wildlife that enriches Manuel Antonio, arguably one of the country’s most beautiful and protected costal areas.

Start early with an expert guide (they know where the animals are!), then spend quality time on one of the fabulous white sand beaches, perhaps on your own private cove. This should be followed by a late lunch or sunset cocktails at La Mariposa. It’s a day you’ll always remember.

Michael Brown is the president of Mead Brown and his properties can be visited here.