Great Sax at Zi Lounge!

Go to Zi Lounge tonight for a dinner special for only $12 (including taxes) and get some Sax for Free. How can you beat that deal?

Zi Lounge - Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

Pure Vibes Hostel Resort in Playas del Coco closes for good on Friday, May 17th

Pool area at Pure Vibes

Only 100 meters from the beach on the road to Las Palmas lies a property that boasts a swimming pool that you can see from the road and two buildings. This is soon to be formally known as Pure Vibes Hostel and Resort, one of the only hostels that we know of that has a pool in the area.

Symon Murray, a Canadian resident, provided a clean environment for those travelers that are traveling on a budget. Pure Vibes first started as a restaurant within the old property and management but when aspirations of the former person in charge went beyond his limits, Symon took over the entire project and what a relief. Pure Vibes hosted various promotions including events for the MMA fights in Coco and Liberia & Shuttle services to bridge the gap of Tamarindo and Coco.

Main House at Pure Vibes

Unfortunately, Pure Vibes is the latest news of a closing business in Playas del Coco. It has been just over a year of Pure Fun at the hostel property and hosting of groups from Denmark and other countries visiting Costa Rica. "Truth be told there is no such thing as high & low season." says Symon Murray "There is high weeks (xmas and semana santa) and a general season until things get really slow in Sept/Oct".

For hotels, hostels and vacation rentals, Symon is in agreeing with many others by saying "The town is too slow to sustain business and we have not hit the lowest part of the season" but adds "It has been a great experience and we thank all the guest and locals that supported us throughout the year".

As the Green Season slowly arrives, the local businesses rapidly disappear. There will be a new wave of anticipation and aspirations that bring new life to Coco in November and December for the high season but it seems that each year that goes by there is a change in businesses for the next year.

Hidden treasure for great food in Playas del Coco

It's open to the Public: Pisces Restaurant

Somedays in a small town like the ones located in Guanacaste you just need to get away from the main streets and vendors to enjoy a great meal away from the action. This happened to be one of those days so we ventured to the nicest road in Playas del Coco and followed it back to the gate to Coco Bay Estates. After a brief discussion with the security guard, he let us through to grounds and made our way to the poolside restaurant called Pisces.

Pisces Restaurant is not your normal location on the beach or even on the main road. It's not a rancho or a soda either. Pisces is a relaxing location within a private community (but open to the public) that looks out at the poolside and Tennis courts with beautiful landscapes.

This was a Sunday afternoon during our visit so I naturally ordered off the Sunday Brunch menu. I need to order fast since it was about 1:45pm and the brunch hours are from 10am until 2p but I sure am glad I did because I have not had Eggs Benedict in a long time especially since I have not been back to the states in a while.

Check THE HOWLING MONKEY for a coupon

After one Eggs Benedict disappeared

The Eggs Benedict was delivered with a salad and I noticed how light the Hollandaise sauce was. This was not a bad thing at all and was extremely delicious, light and full of flavor. While enjoying two Eggs Benedict and the salad, which had it's own type of vinaigrette (yummy), I also had a Bloody Mary to wash it down. It was bold and spicy and the perfect compliment.

We don't usually write about individual restaurants or dishes served in restaurants but this was exceptional and worth another visit. We think that you would enjoy it as well and hopefully see you there on one of the next Sundays for brunch and maybe during one of their other events. We did find out that they are have entertainment on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm and happy hour with reduced prices on drinks and appetizers.

We did notice that they have a little bit different hours of operation for the restaurant, so take note below.
Open for Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday
Open for Dinner: Thursday, Friday & Saturday

GAME 7 - Ducks v. Red Wings Tonight at Coconutz

Come to Coconutz tonight for game 7 of the first round in the NHL Playoffs WITH SOUND!

Anaheim Ducks v. Detroit Red Wings

Game 7 at Honda Center - Anaheim, California

GAME TIME: 8pm

Ducks v. Red Wings 8pm

Another one bites the dust... Woody's Bistro

Not more than two years ago Woody's Bistro opened and is now closed. This is just another business in Playas del Coco that has closed down few a number of different reasons.

Woody's Bistro is the victim of high rent increases in which business demand does not support.

In Playas del Coco and other beach communities in Guanacaste, rentals properties tend to go for much more than what businesses can support. This is by no means the property owners problem since they want to rent it for the most they can get but how much is too much?

Here is a list of just a few businesses in Playas del Coco that have closed (or will close) within the last year:

Beso Loco Bar

La Cebichera

Monkey Business (shared location with La Cebichera)

Beach Bums (closing July 2013)

Chinamo

ZiZiandCo

Woody's Bistro

Soda Oasis

Chori Pan

Pizza Place in Coco Beach Hotel (not in business long enough to remember the name)

El Zarpe

Coco Cabana (formerly El Zarpe)

La Dolce Vida

Cafe Java

Yoga Center (Never really opened due to Municipality disputes)

Unfortunately this list is only in Playas del Coco and not even all of them. It is sad to see so many not make it but in reality, Coco business is tough business. Many believe that Coco is a thriving community full of tourists and someday it may be that but we don;t think having so many restaurants (especially pizza) is a smart move.

We hope that the future business owners in Guanacste realize the numbers behind the business and have all of their homework done before diving into the dream of owning a bar in Costa Rica. Although it sounds like a lot of fun, it may just not be.

Remember the old term so many of us use: "If you want to become a Millionaire, bring two million."

Assembly for Guanacaste Families to Discuss the Future of Country Day School Guanacaste

Assembly for Guanacaste Families to Discuss the Future of
Country Day School Guanacaste
Why:  CDSG is in danger of closing without your support!
Where: Country Day School Cafeteria
When: 8:00 am Friday, May 10
What: A brief presentation followed by a Q&A session

Brief Summary of Events and Goals
 

• On Tuesday, the owners of CDSG formally announced their cessation of control of CDSG. This allows for the school to transition to a newly created nonprofit entity, run by a community-elected board of trustees.

• For this to occur, the non-profit association must have a certain level of assurance backed by pledged support to proceed as planned for the 2013-14 school year.

• As of today, while still short of the financial goal, we have an encouraging amount of support in the form of pledged enrollment and donations. Our goal remains within reach!

• The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that EVERYONE in the Guanacaste Community has his or her questions and concerns heard and addressed in order to make an informed decision. Based on the feedback and support received at the meeting, a final decision will be made in the following days as to whether the school will open for the 2013-14 school year.

• We encourage everyone who sees the value and importance in having a U.S. Accredited School in Guanacaste to attend.

Mothers Day specials at Coconutz

Guanacaste School needs your help.

SAVE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL FOR GUANACASTE!

SAVE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL FOR GUANACASTE!

Country Day School Guanacaste

What exactly is happening?  

The owner of CDSG has decided to close the school on very short notice for personal reasons.  However, we now have a special opportunity as a community to transition CDSG to a nonprofit organization run by an elected board that much better represents the values of the parents and the community.  But we must act NOW. 

Why it’s so important for the Guanacaste community? 

CDSG is the only United States accredited school in Guanacaste.  This accreditation, coming from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), makes it possible for EVERY student that receives a diploma to be considered for any university in North America and the world.  If our community loses this valuable asset, Guanacaste becomes a much less attractive destination for families to take up residence, thus reducing the value of our entire community, negatively impacting property values and community businesses.

Some schools in Guanacaste have an IB program. What’s the difference?

An International Baccalaureate is a degree that, despite being available from many schools, is only actually earned by an average of 3% of those student bodies.  This means that 97% do not graduate with any world-wide accepted accreditation, even if the school is an IB accredited school.  

Does the MSA accreditation transfer to the nonprofit entity? 

Yes.  

Is there already a nonprofit setup? 

Not yet, but it’s in the works. It’s a process that will take a few more months to complete.    In the meantime, there is a standard corporate entity with a bank account for collecting the needed funds. 

Is this the same structure as La Paz?  

No.  They are run by a board appointed by the founding members of the school, and communicate with a parent advisory board that can make suggestions, but not decisions.  Our board will be elected solely from an association of qualified members of the CDSG community.  

Will the curriculum change?

The curriculum will continue to be based on the high standards of the State of Virginia, which is the standard used by International and Embassy based schools throughout the world.  

What about the Spanish programs? 

With a newly elected board structure, we will now be empowered to make the changes we collectively seek. 

Is there a new tuition structure?  

Yes!  A transition team has reviewed the operating costs and is implementing an updated tuition schedule for 2013-14 that is attached to this mailing.  Changes include:

• Siblings from prek-8th grade will be accepted at a significant discount. 
• We are offering a one time school transfer discount for any students from prek-8th grade that are currently enrolled in an another Guanacaste private school program.  We will guarantee this tuition rate for two academic years.  Additionally, any matriculation fees paid to another school for the 2013-14 school year will be waived. This offer subject to limited availability.  

Will there be Scholarships or Financial Aid available?  

Yes.  Our intent is to initially target 20 scholarships for select and exceptional, lower income, Costa Rican students.  Additionally, a limited amount of financial aid is available to qualifying families.  

Do we have enough money raised to make the transition?  

At this time, we do not.  We have a projected shortfall of $500,000 over the academic year.  The good news is we already have about $200,000 pledged from a core of dedicated and concerned parents that have been working hard to make this transition happen.  With a combination of increased enrollment, community donations and private financing, we can overcome the remaining shortfall, but we have to act fast.  That’s why we need you to pledge your support today, whether it be via matriculation, a donation or a loan for financial support.  Another way to contribute is an option for families to pay for future years in advance.  We can be creative, but we need your support at whatever level you are able.  

What is the deadline?  

Due to unexpected demands from the current owner, time is very short.  We need a pledged commitment in the form of new enrollment, donations or unsecured loans totaling an additional $250,000 by this Friday, May 10 for the transition team to sign a contract that formally accepts the costs related to running the school.   

What if we are not successful?  

The owner intends to liquidate the school and send a letter warning the staff this week.  

I’m in and want to support!  

Please either respond to this email or call one of the numbers below with your pledged intent to matriculate, donate or lend financial support. 

Who should I call to discuss this further?  

Any of the following look forward to speaking with you!  

Jeff Ruzicka (Spanish speaking) 8379-1889 / jeff@marlindelrey.com

Bruce McKillican (Spanish speaking) 8832-5773 / bmckillican@gmail.com

Don Nesbit 8898-6537 / kenaracapital@gmail.com

Mark Staiano  8638-8016 / staianomark@gmail.com

COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL GUANACASTE REVISED TUITION SCHEDULE FOR 2013-2014

        

Grade, First Child and/or First Year, Multi-Child*, Multi-Year Transfer**, Matriculation***

Prek: $5,150, $2,800, $2,800, $750

K-2: $6,290, $5,000, $5,000, $750

3-5: $7,470, $5,000, $5,000, $750

6-8: $8,650, $6,350, $6,350, $750

9-12: $10,500, $10,500, $10,500, $750
  

new student fee****

$1,000, N/A, N/A

* Student must have been enrolled in CDSG during 2012-13 to be eligible for the multi-child discount.
** Applies to any student that was enrolled in an alternative Guanacaste private school for the 2012-13 school year. Limited availabity

*** Applied on a per child basis. CDSG will accept as a credit any verified matriculation fee paid to another Guanacaste private school.

**** Applies to any student not enrolled in a Guanacaste private school for the 2012-13 school year.

   

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Businesses for sale in Tamarindo

Here is a short list of some businesses available for purchase in Playa Tamarindo. If you are interested or selling your then place Contact Us.

Chillerz Bar & Grill

Chillerz Bar & Grill

Subwave

Mail Boxes Etc.

Contact Us.

La Oveja Negra Hostel, Restaurant & Surf Camp

Cevicheria Ricante

Mail Boxes Etc.

Cafe Sophia

Lazy Wave Restaurant & Lounge

El Garito Bar

Beach Bums is Closing...

Bar at Beach Bums

What started out as the Coco Mar discothèque and suffered a loss of half of the venue, the owners of the concession of that property decided to have some new blood come in to keep a restaurant/bar themed business in the location.

Burdened at the time with only an upstairs bar and a downstairs kitchen, the place was hard pressed to find someone to change the image and the obstacles of a terribly bad layout. 

Three years ago, Robert and Allan got together to open Beach Bums. They slowly changed the image of the bar and it quickly became a place to see live music like Yerba Buena, Dogandul, Calle Latina and even Raggae star Andrew Bees formally of Black Uhuru. 

After the first year of business and the agony of the new park be built in front of their restaurant, Robert built a new bar downstairs that ignited the sales and brought new life to the beach area and volleyball court.

We can say that ElCocoBeach.com will miss the Ceviche, Ribs and the extremely cold beer that they always served. We will also miss the shots of Jagermeister with Robert and the bartenders, not in that order.

Stop by Beach Bums before it closes in July and sling a few back. More information will be posted for the Beach Bums Blowout but we do know that Bobby Brown will be playing his last night at Beach Bums on July 6th starting at 6pm.