Tamarindo Costa Rica
Date November 12-17, 2022
Event Chair Cor Claus…Co Chair Dennis Friedman
Well, this was the first couples’ trip in three years that didn’t fall victim to the Covid Pandemic, although it was close. Cor Claus did a great job negotiating with the JW Marriott getting the same group rate for the 15 couples that had been quoted of a group of 20 couples, all without any reduced benefits or penalties.
The group flew into Libera Costa Rica on November 12th and were transported to the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa in a luxury bus arriving at 8:30pm. The following day started with a great buffet breakfast, which was included, then a walk along the beach or a hike around the gated grounds to explore the vast resort compound that contained lots of wildlife including monkeys, exotic birds, and numerous other species. Couples then began to plan for golf or participate in several other activities available at the resort including biking, horseback riding, hiking, etc.
On Sunday the group enjoyed a wonderful cocktail/dinner party arranged by Cor’s lovely wife Lauren. The event lasted about 4 ½ hours and included open bar, great food selections, and live music.
On Monday, the Men’s Fishing Tournament was conducted. Dennis Friedman served as the “Fish Boss” for the tournament. He arranged for all the charter boats for both the Men’s and Couple’s Tournaments. The charter boat company also provided all transportation on land, providing comfortable coaches driven by experienced local drivers and owners. The service included transportation to and from the airport, night trips to restaurants in Tamarindo for dinner, and to and from the charter boats. The service was trouble free.
The men fished on great seas from well-maintained 35 to 45-foot boats. They had great fishing for Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado. While the men’s tournament was underway, the ladies were treated in the resort spa with massages and facial treatments. In the afternoon they could also attend a cooking class featuring an authentic Costa Rica recipe. That evening a bus was waiting to take the group to a nice restaurant in Tamarindo. They brought their freshly caught Tuna and Dorado to be prepared by chefs in the restaurant. The Chefs prepared the fish perfectly which was served along with other entrees.
Tuesday was the Couples Tournament. Again, the seas were perfect, and the fishing was awesome. Sailfish and Dorado were caught in good numbers along with a Striped Marlin caught by Lauren Claus. That evening the group again ventured to a Tamarindo restaurant and enjoyed another delicious meal with wine and cocktails.
Wednesday was a day off and couples were free to relax or spend the day as they chose to. That evening was reserved for the farewell cocktail party and buffet dinner. The Cocktail Party was conducted at the bar on the beach. They were entertained by a dance group adding a folkloristic charm. A beautiful buffet dinner followed in the dinning area boarding the beach.
Tournament results:
Don Herman won the “Trip Chairman Perpetual Trophy”
Cor and Lauren Claus won the “James W Woods Perpetual Trophy”
Lauren Claus won the “Dorothy Macrate Women’s Perpetual Trophy”
Tournament winners also received $500
Comments from the group were very positive…the best trip ever!
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