Playa Grande Archives

Dec 10, 2018

What to Pack for Summertime Activities in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

While Costa Rica is not in the Southern hemisphere, the months from December until May are considered summer months here. Summer equals sun and winter equals wet in Costa Rica.

These months, and especially December, January, and February you can expect 100% sunshine and 0% chance of rain. The mornings and evenings are cool (mid-70’s) and the middle of the day is blazing hot but dry and usually accompanied by strong offshore winds.

Summertime is such a great time to visit Playa Grande that most people actually plan their vacations here during these months. What’s great about visiting Costa Rica during the summer is that the weather forecast is very consistent. This makes packing quite simple.

To make it even more simple for you though, here is a breakdown of the essentials you’ll need for various activities you will likely participate in while in Costa Rica.

Water activities

Summer in Playa Grande — Summertime is a great time to SUP in Costa Rica

You are most definitely going to want to spend a lot of time in and by the ocean while in Playa Grande. There are so many wonderful ways to spend the day with the sea including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, sailing, and kayaking.

While the sun is always very strong in Costa Rica due to the closeness to the equator, the summer months are especially intense because there is very little if any cloud coverage.

It is of the utmost importance that you regularly apply sunscreen and protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Wearing a rash guard or sun shirt and a hat is a really easy way to help ward off a painful sunburn.

Reef-friendly sunscreen
Rash guard/water shirt
An active bathing suit
A hat
Re-useable water bottle

Land adventures

Horseback riding in Playa Grande — Blue skies and endless trails

When you are not basking in the sunshine down by the sea, there are plenty of other types of activities to do during your vacation. Taking a tour of the Tamarindo estuary and mangrove forest, exploring one or more of the nearby national parks, going for a horseback ride, or flying through the canopy on a zip lining excursion are just a few of the activities that are readily available for your sheer enjoyment.

You’ll want to protect yourself from mosquitos and other insects, abrasion-causing foliage, and the sun while you are out adventuring.

Lightweight pants
Lightweight long or short sleeve shirt
Insect repellent
Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
Re-useable water bottle

Wellness activities

Wellness in Playa Grande — The perfect environment for a wellness escape

The yoga shala at the RipJack Inn has mats, blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, and towels. All you need to pack is breathable and stretchable yoga/fitness clothes that you feel comfortable practicing yoga in; the rest is available for you.

Sunset, Happy Hour, and Dining Out

sunsets in Playa Grande — Sunsets are always magical in Playa Grande

The proper attire for sunsetting, happy houring, and dining out is whatever your heart desires. There is no dress code! With the dry air and steady breeze of summer, the nighttime temperatures are quite pleasant. If you are someone who chills easily, you might want to bring a shawl or something lightweight to put on.

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Nov 18, 2018

A Closer Look at the Five Types of Yoga Classes Currently Being Offered at the RipJack Inn

Yoga is an ancient practice that was developed 5,000 years ago in India. While it has only recently, in the grand scheme of time, reached the West, it is a practice that millions of people are continuing to discover as a source of wellness, mental clarity, stress relief, vitality, healing, spiritual growth, movement, and peace of mind.

Yoga is a practice that is accessible to anyone who seeks it. While you are staying in Playa Grande, there are ample opportunities to practice yoga at the RipJack Inn.

Classes are open to all levels, including first-timers. There are several different types of yoga classes offered throughout the week at the RipJack Inn. Come for one class or purchase a package and try out several! Here are your choices.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a Sanskrit term that encompasses all the physical postures of yoga. Physical-based yoga classes include a number of different styles, as we will discuss a bit more below. Seeking a class that is labeled as Hatha yoga, verses as Ashtanga or Vinyasa, is especially ideal for those who are new to yoga as it is typically a bit slower paced.

It is important to learn the basic breathing techniques, postures, and proper alignment before you move into a faster paced flow to avoid injury and to truly experience the benefits of the practice.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga, or commonly called Vinyasa flow, is a practice that focuses heavily on breath to movement. A Vinyasa class typically includes one or more sequences that flow through multiple postures. This powerful class will definitely heat your body up!

A Vinyasa practice combines strength, flexibility, and breathwork in a fluid sequence of movements. Power yoga also falls into this type of yoga.

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice. The idea behind a Yin practice is to hold the postures, most of them seated, for an extended period of time. By holding certain postures and really breathing into them while gravity does most of the work, you will obtain a deeper stretch and opening of the body.

The slow nature of a Yin class is also a great way to develop a deeper understanding of the postures and have the time to really work your way into a proper alignment with each pose. Yin yoga is a beautiful way to end your day, as it promotes relaxation, inner peace, and a release of tension in the body.

Surfer’s Stretch

Whether you are a surfer or not, the surfer’s stretch class on Sundays is a divine treat for the body. This class focuses on deep stretches and postures that open the hips, shoulders, and lower back, as well as releasing tightness in the body that has accumulated from traveling or any vigorous activities.

This is a wonderful class to end or start your week, depending on what Sunday means to you.

Pura Vida Sangha Mindful Meditation

Pura Vida Sangha Mindful Meditation is a donation-based class that is offered every Sunday morning at 11. If you have never meditated before or would like to deepen your practice of meditation in a group setting, this is a great opportunity.

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Nov 2, 2018

How to Create Your Own Wellness Escape at the RipJack Inn

Most of us live our lives on the go, go, go!

Between working, taking care of our families, keeping up with some sort of social life, managing our finances, planning for the future, and possibly even volunteering or attending community benefits, our agendas are booked up week after week. Then throw in all of the stimulus our eyes, brains, and souls face on a daily basis from the constant barrage of the media, politics, social media and mindless entertainment.

It’s no wonder many of us feel stressed, anxious, sleep deprived, and in serious need of a vacation.

Do you dream of days on end where you can sleep in, nourish your body with healthy and fresh food that you don’t have to personally prepare, bask in the sunshine, walk barefoot in the sand, practice yoga, finish a book, and simply do nothing but listen to the sounds of nature from the hug of a hammock?

It sounds like you need and want a wellness escape! And you deserve one, we all do! The RipJack Inn makes it possible for you to create your very own wellness retreat with very little effort. Basically, all you have to do is book your ticket to Costa Rica, reserve your room at the RipJack Inn, pack your bags, and voila!

The RipJack Inn has all the ingredients readily available for a proper wellness escape.

Daily Yoga

Yoga is offered throughout the week at the RipJack Inn in one of two of our yoga shalas. Meditation, special full moon ceremonies, workshops, and other mind and body classes are regularly hosted, as well.

Healthy and Delicious Meal Choices

Our menu is a fusion of traditional Costa Rican flavors and international favorites. Our dishes feature a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables, and locally-caught fish. We have acai bowls, veggie bowls, and plenty of salads. Our menu also includes some pretty sinfully delicious dishes too!

Clean Cocktails and Smoothies

Think fresh tropical fruit juices and frozen concoctions made from scratch.

Direct Beach Access

The path to the beach is directly in front of the RipJack Inn. How convenient, right? On the other side of this beautiful path is miles of beach and plenty of oceanfront space to have entirely to yourself.

Concierge Service

Do you want to take a surf lesson, go canopy zip lining, ride horses, get a massage, set sail into the sunset, explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park, or go scuba diving? All you have to do is let us know and we will make it happen. It’s that easy!

We also recommend taking naps, lounging by either one of our pools, and making it down to the beach every evening to watch the sun set into the sea. We all need a little time to rest and rejuvenate. The benefits of treating yourself to a wellness vacation are immediate and long-lasting! Let us help you help yourself. Hit the easy button today.

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Oct 21, 2018

An Ode to Our International Family

We recently launched a campaign that asked our beloved guests and friends to share a photograph of themselves in a RipJack Inn T-shirt or tank top from where ever in the world they are from or are currently exploring. The response has been truly inspiring. What it has reminded us is that the RipJack family is quite eclectic and extensive.

We are a far-reaching family with the RipJack Inn being the thread that connects us all. Our hotel, restaurant, bar, and yoga studio has been and is frequently filled with individuals from all walks of life and parts of the planet. We think that is amazing that our small hotel and our small town continues to bring such a diverse collection of people together. And that pushing aside our unique differences, we are all drawn to Playa Grande for similar reasons.

RipJack Inn, Playa Grande — Miami Beach, Florida

As we take the month of October off to rejuvenate and reflect, we want to thank each and every one of our wonderful guests who have joined the RipJack Inn family and have continued to make this little utopia possible. As we gear up for the season, we are elated to continue to grow our family and reconnect with old friends who will be returning this upcoming year.

RipJack Inn, Costa Rica — Fontana di Trevi, Rome

Home is where your family is and our family will always have a home here!

Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Buffalo, New York

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Oct 3, 2018

Rain or Shine: What to do in October in Costa Rica

Historically, October is the rainiest month in Costa Rica. It is also the one month of the year that the RipJack Inn is closed. While the RipJack Inn family is recharging their batteries and spending some much needed quality time with their own families, Costa Rica still has a lot to offer visitors who don’t mind a little rain.

If you find yourself in Costa Rica in October, you can expect at least one daily rainstorm. There is something truly peaceful and awe-inspiring about watching a magnificent storm from the comfort of your vacation home or covered patio though. Not to mention, rainy nights evoke dreamy sleeps. There are days in October where the weather might even be beach day-worthy and uncharacteristically perfect.

And, unless you’re a wicked witch from the west, the rain isn’t going to melt you!

If you need a bit more activity than just storm watching, here are the best things to do in October.

Surf

Swell season doesn’t end in October, and in fact the swells can be quite good this time of the year. The issue of course is the wind and weather fronts. For the patient and persistent surfer though, it is not uncommon to score some post-rain glass off sessions or even early morning surfs that are clean and fun before the afternoon storms roll in.

Spa Day

For locals and visitors alike, the heart of the rainy season is a great time to recharge and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Los Altos de Eros is a boutique hotel and day spa that offers the most extraordinary spa experience in one of the most Zen-inspiring settings.

The day spa package includes three spa treatments followed by a gourmet lunch with wine on a private patio with a hot tub that overlooks the vast tropical dry forest just south of Playa Grande and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Typically during September and October, there is a substantial discount on spa treatments.

October in Playa Grande — Where spa dreams come true

Sea Turtle Arribada

October is a magical month on Playa Ostional (1 hour and 45 minutes south of Playa Grande). The few days leading up to the new moon (October 9th is the new moon), egg-heavy Olive Ridley sea turtles emerge from the ocean in hundreds to thousands strong to lay their eggs. This natural phenomenon is truly sensational!

October in Costa RIca — Olive Ridley sea turtles babies in Playa Ostional

White-Water Rafting

Costa Rica has over a half a dozen rivers that are famous for their white water rapids. The more rain and water in the rivers, the more powerful the rapids are. If you are a true adrenaline-seeker and are looking to hit the rapids hard, October is a great time to do so.

The Pacuare, Naranjo, Reventazon, Savegre, and Sarapiqui River are a few of Costa Rica’s most notorious rivers.

Explore the Caribbean Coast

September and October are historically the driest months of the year on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This is an excellent time of the year to explore the “other side.” The Caribbean side is home to the famous Tortuguero National Park in the north and the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park in the south.

The water is crystal clear over here, the snorkeling is superb, and the culture is vibrant, inviting, and quite different from the rest of the country. You can even take a Sansa Flight from the Tamarindo Airport through San Jose and over to the other side if you just want to explore this coastline for a few days and then return to Playa Grande.

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Sep 23, 2018

The Best Surfer in the Sea is the One Who…

Whether you are a first-timer or a lifetime surfer, a weekend warrior or an everyday surfer, an all-fun easy breezy surfer or on the world tour professional path, the best surfer in the water is the one who never forgets what surfing is really all about.

So, what is surfing really about?

Surf in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — This is what surfing is all about! | © Ryan Smith

We’ve all likely been in the water with someone who is aggressive, feels entitled, is ego-driven and all and all just disrupts the peace and bliss that most of us seek when we are surfing. There’s a least one at every break, whether it’s a local or a bad-attitude visitor. It is these types of surfers that bring the question ‘why do we surf’ to the surface.

Is surfing about catching every single wave that comes your way no matter what and at the expense of the safety of others? Is surfing about puffing up your chest and letting everyone know that they better get out of your way because these waves belong to you? Is surfing about proving something?

No. It’s not.

We surf because we love the ocean. We love the sacred connection we’ve formed with the sea by spending hours, days, and years out in it. We love the way that the waves undulate underneath us. We love the way the waves roll off our backs when we duck dive. We love the camaraderie and the solitude that surfing gives us. We love the challenge. We love the barrels, the set waves and the chance to dance.

We love surfing because it forces us to be present-minded, in tune with the ocean, and respectful and in-awe of the forces of nature. We love that sun-saturated, salty, noodle-arm, perma-smile feeling that a long dreamy session induces. There is no better beer, burrito or nap than a beer, burrito, or nap that follows a surf. For those of us who get it, there is no other way.

It seems that everyone wants to surf these days, and who could hardly blame them. But it is important though that we remember the rules of the game, the safety precautions of playing in the ocean, and what it is that inspired us to paddle out in the first place. If you want to be the best surfer in the sea, remember why it is that you surf and stay true to the true spirit of surfing.

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Sep 9, 2018

A Guide to Surf Safety: Marine Life, Surf Equipment, and Other Surfers

You’ve learned all about ocean currents, tides, and the sun as they relate to safety and the sport of surfing in the previous post of this two-part comprehensive surf safety guide. Now we would like to share with you some safety information and tips relating to marine life, surf equipment, and other surfers.

The more you know, the safer you will be out in the sea.

Marine Life

Costa Rica has a thriving marine ecosystem. When you enter the ocean, you are entering the territory of hundreds of different species of animals. It is important that you respect the ocean and those who call it home.

While most marine wildlife interactions are completely harmless and pose no real danger, it is important to know the potential hazards.

Sea turtles in Playa Grande — Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles! | © Pavel Kirillov/Flickr

Jellyfish and sea lice

Small jellyfish and sea lice are not uncommon, especially when cool underwater currents flush sea life to the surface. Getting stung by a jellyfish or sea lice while surfing in Playa Grande isn’t a life or death type of situation, but it can be uncomfortable.

Typically, the stinging sensation dissipates within a few minutes. If you find that you are getting stung a lot, it is probably a good idea to get out of the water to avoid being very itchy later.

Stingrays

Stingrays are very common in Costa Rica. These relatives of the shark are graceful and harmless unless you accidentally step on one. The best way to avoid this unfortunate and very painful accident is to shuffle your feet when you are walking in the shallows. Shuffling your feet will alert the stingrays of your approach and give them time to swim away.

Surf safety in Costa Rica — Shuffle those feet to keep your feet safe | © lissa1313/Flickr

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark and crocodile sightings are very uncommon, however, the estuary that separates Playa Grande from Tamarindo has a very healthy population of crocodiles and they do from time to time like to swim out to sea. It is best to avoid surfing or swimming near the estuary.

As far as sharks go, if you see one, just calmly exit the water. You are not on their menu, but it is better just to play it safe. It is also a good idea to avoid surfing or swimming when you see large congregations of small fish in the shallows. This happens throughout the year and these “bait balls” or large schools of fish do attract larger predators.

Stay safe in Costa Rica — Keep your safe distance | © Giorgio Montersino/Flickr

Surf Equipment

Always check your equipment before you go surfing. Make sure that your leash isn’t compromised in any way. Check to make sure there aren’t any dings, cracks, or breaks in your board and that your fins and track pad are securely in place.

Surf safety in Playa Grande — Be safe and check your gear | © Gustavo Veríssimo/Flickr

Other Surfers

Surfing is a sport that requires your utmost attention, awareness, and present mindedness. Always look in front of you, behind you, and to your left and right before you drop into a wave. When you are surfing around a lot of other people it is your job to make sure that you don’t put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way by being reckless.

Respect your surfing ability, know your place in the line-up, wait your turn, and follow the rules. There are enough waves for everyone. It is not worth risking an injury or damaged surfboard because you think the wave on the horizon is the last wave that will ever roll through.

Safety in Costa Rica — Seize the surf | © Fotografía de Javier/Flickr

Above all, trust your instincts and listen to your inner intuition. Don’t put yourself in obviously dangerous situations, such as trying to surf when the waves are above your ability, the currents are too strong, when the ocean is blooming with sea lice, or when it feels sharky or a bit sketchy.

Now, grab your board, paddle out, have fun, and be safe!

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Aug 12, 2018

A Brief Guide to Surfing in Playa Grande: Play by the Rules

Playa Grande has gained quite the reputation for its waves. The expansive beach break is a swell magnet and the likelihood of there being waves on any given day is high. On small swell days, the surf is accessible and safe for nearly anyone who wants to have a go. On bigger days, the surf can be very heavy and not ideal for inexperienced surfers.

It is the consistent, fun, and warm surf that draws both experienced and first-time surfers to Playa Grande. For both novice and seasoned surfers, it is important to know and follow the rules of surfing, to know your level and place in the surf, to respect the forces and elements of the ocean, and to remember that surfing is supposed to be fun and that there are enough waves to share.

In this brief three-part guide, we will share the top four rules of surfing, some tips about surfing in Playa Grande, important things to be aware of, and how to be the best surfer in the sea.

Part 1: The Top Four Rules of Surfing

You wouldn’t play or participate in any other sport without first knowing the rules of the game, yet many people enter the sea to surf without first knowing the rules of this sport. If you don’t play by the rules surfing becomes a far more dangerous activity for you and those around you. Fortunately, the rules of surfing are probably some for the simplest rules of any sport.

Rule #1: Know who has the right of way on the wave.

The person who is closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. Dropping in on someone (taking the wave when it is clearly not yours and the surfer who had the right of way is already on it or about to go) is not only rude and very frowned upon, but also very dangerous. If you happen to drop in on someone accidently, pull off of the wave, if possible, and of course apologize.

It is important to always pay attention, to constantly look around, and to double check that the wave is yours and it is safe to go before you go.

Rule #2: Don’t ditch your board.

Unless there is absolutely no one around you and you feel that you don’t have another choice, do not ditch your board if you bail on a wave or you are paddling back out and a wave is about to break in front of you. Ditching your board is extremely risky if there are other people around you. It is also hazardous to yourself, as you have no control over where the ocean might toss your board and it could end up hitting you.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t duck dive the wave or you get stuck in the whitewater zone, hang on to your board until the set passes and then start paddling back out again.

Rule #3: Use some common sense when paddling out.

When paddling out to the line-up, whether for the first time or back out after a wave, don’t paddle in a straight line directly to the peak. This is where other surfers are taking off and trying to catch their waves. Paddle around and then work your way back to the spot that you want to be.

Rule #4: Respect the other surfers.

Like any other surf spot, there are surfers who live here and that is their home break. If you want to be respected in the surf, you must also be respectful. Playa Grande is blessed with seemingly endless waves and the waves belong to no one and everyone.

It is important to maintain a positive and friendly attitude and to not be that surfer that ruins it for everyone by acting like this is your spot. Don’t be a wave hog and don’t paddle around other surfers in an aggressive “I’m going to catch every wave” type of way.

Waves in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Now, go get shacked! | © Warm Winds Surf Shop/Flickr

If everyone just follows the basic rules and uses some common sense and common courtesy, everyone can have a wave-filled and stoke-worthy session in Playa Grande.

Up next: Some valuable insight and safety information about surfing in Playa Grande.

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Jul 29, 2018

Do You Know About Costa Rica’s Third Season?

In the mezzo of winter (Costa Rican-style winter, that is), a sudden and short-lived meteorological phenomenon takes place. Humidity dissipates and disappears, the trade winds return to seize the days, and the sun is released from the grasp of the dominating nimbus clouds. Between the dry golden summer and the wet green winter is a mini season that blends the best of both main seasons.

Veranillo de San Juan is Costa Rica’s version of an Indian Summer. Sometimes referred to as veranito, this “little summer” typically takes place somewhere between the end of June and the middle of August.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Where the sea and the jungle meet | Jenn Parker/@CRJenn86

Veranillo manifests south of the Tropic of Capricorn and blesses the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, especially the northern region including the Nicoya Peninsula with all-day offshore winds, a low humidity index, and very little if any rainfall. Veranillo can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and varies in commencement and cessation dates every year.

Veranillo is a break in the rainy season and a reminder of the dry season to come. While the weather dries up, the landscape remains vibrant green, the sunsets are still otherworldly, and the seasonal sizeable swells continue to kiss this coastline.

Locals and lucky visitors alike relish in this unique weather shift. This is an optimal time weather window to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that Costa Rica has to offer without fret of saturation, unfavorable winds, or activity-cancelling electrical storms.

It would be difficult to plan your vacation to completely coincide with the exact timing of veranillo. There is also a chance that July and August can be rather rainy and unpredictable on the weather front, especially the further south that you go. However, if you happen to be here during this magical occurrence get ready to experience Costa Rica at its very best.

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Jul 21, 2018

The Crown Jewel of Fruit in Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is the world’s top pineapple producer? Roughly 111,200 acres of the country is devoted entirely to pineapple plantations and over 100,000 jobs in Costa Rica are created, directly and indirectly, by this world-favored tropical fruit. Almost three million tons of pineapple are harvested and sold domestically and internationally every year from Costa Rica.

The golden pineapple, the type grown in Costa Rica, is one of the sweetest of the 37 varieties of pineapple. The flavor embodies the tropics and even has a slight coconut essence to it. A bite of fresh pineapple straight from the source is like biting into a piña colada!

Pineapple is sold in nearly every farmer’s market, roadside stand, family-owned grocery store, and food store chain in Costa Rica. It is one of Costa Rica’s most prized and widely consumed and exported fruits.

Aside from being intoxicatingly delicious, pineapple is also rich in nutrients that can greatly benefit your health and wellbeing. As if the taste alone isn’t enough to motivate you to indulge in this tropical treat, here are 10 ways that consuming pineapple is beneficial to your health.

Reduces inflammation (inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases)
Strengthens the immune system (super high in vitamin C)
Decreases your risk of heart disease
Aids in digestion
Promotes collagen production (hello, beautiful skin!)
Supports oral health
Prevents certain types of cancer (mouth, throat, and breast)
Improves circulation (increase in cognitive abilities and decrease in risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
Regulates blood pressure
Boosts bone health

In just one cup of pineapple there are:

Calories: 82.5
Fat: 7 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 6 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 131% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
Manganese: 76% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
Copper: 9% of the RDI
Thiamin: 9% of the RDI
Folate: 7% of the RDI
Potassium: 5% of the RDI
Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
Niacin: 4% of the RDI
Pantothenic acid: 4% of the RDI
Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
Iron: 3% of the RDI

Pineapple is quite extraordinary in a smoothie or a rum cocktail. The RipJack Inn smoothie bar and cocktail bar has a great selection of smoothies and cocktails that feature this delectable fruit.

RipJack Inn Restaurant, Playa Grande — Nothing beats the heat like a freezing cold fresh fruit smoothie

Try these pineapple beverages at the RipJack Inn Restaurant:

Clockwork Orange smoothie: pineapple, carrots, celery, and apples

Basil Bomb smoothie: pineapple, basil, celery, and orange juice

Beet Blast smoothie: pineapple, beet, celery, ginger, and lime

Go Green smoothie: pineapple, spinach, cucumber, flaxseed, and moringa

Piña Colada: pineapple, coconut, and rum

Rum Punch: pineapple, mixed fruit juices, and dark rum

*You can also get creative and create your own pineapple concoction that can be whipped up on the spot for you.

One of the best things you can do for your body is to eat REAL food that comes from the earth. One of the best things that you can do for the local economy and the environment is to eat locally produced food. Costa Rica sure makes it easy and delicious to do both!

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