Copamarina Beach Resort, offering all inclusive packages, Caribbean diving in Guanica, Puerto Rico. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/copamarina/hotel/1250/28/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:49:40 EST On Puerto Rico's undiscovered southern coast, a 20-acre beautifully landscaped tropical resort with a ¾- mile long, isolated, white-sand crescent beach, fronts the Caribbean Sea. Offering the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere desired of an Island resort, where couples and families enjoy open space, warm Caribbean sun, and clear, blue water. Brand new, The Villas at Copamarina Beach Resort, offer 2,600 square feet of living space overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean. Each villa features a 12-foot wide, wrap-around veranda with superlative views of ocean, beach, pool, and tropical gardens. The verandas feature a hammock, card table for four and chaise lounges. The villas include fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and living room. Kitchens have dishwashers, stove, pots and pans, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Complete entertainment center with TV, VCR, CD player, and AM/FM radio. Three bedrooms offer sleeping accommodations for up to six people. The master bedroom has a king bed and a bath area with separate glass shower and tub. One guestroom offers two twin beds and the other a queen bed. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: One of the top-three diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean is home to DIVE COPAMARINA where PADI instructors offer a variety of certification courses. BODYDERM SPA specializes in massage and body treatments with relaxation techniques and healing touches for body, mind, and spirit. For the ecology-minded, the adjacent Guanica Dry Forest is the world's largest dry forest reserve, an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve ideal for jogging, hiking, and bird-watching. Other resort recreation: 2 pools, 2 Jacuzzis, 2 kiddy pools, kids' playground, kayaks, paddleboats, Hobbie Cat, and Craig cats (2-person cats), 2 tennis courts lighted for night play, Tennis Pro, a rotating circuit of Celebrity Tennis Pros, volleyball, fishing, and Tour Desk. Water, water everywhere. You never have to go far to get your feet wet at Copamarina! ADVENTURE TOUR DESK Tours of world famous-Bahia Bioluminiscente (Bioluminescent Bay) spectacular phosphorescent bay in La Parguera Deep-sea fishing charters for Marlin, Dorado and Wahoo Creole fishing (learn to fish like the locals) Whale watching excursions available in January through March Eco-tours, sunset sails, seaplane rides and horseback riding trips are available. GILLIGAN'S ISLAND Named for the similarities to the popular TV program. A mangrove cay, less than one half mile offshore, popular for swimming, snorkeling, sunning and picnicking. This remote, undeveloped island with a spectacular river pool is available only by boat. GUANICA DRY FOREST RESERVE - A UNESCO PROJECT Puerto Rico's Dry Forest Reserve in Guánica is the largest remaining tract of a tropical dry coastal forest in the world and is one of the best examples of a Dry Forest. The Guanica Reserve covers more than 18,000 acres with more than 36 miles of trails and old roads. It is outstanding for hiking, caving and bird watching. The Forest is the home of more protected birds than anywhere else in Puerto Rico. The Forest was established in 1919 and is today one of six protected areas in Puerto Rico. Totally different from the forests in the north or that cover the mountains that comprise the islands mid-section. This sub-tropical dry forest is deprived of rainfall because the rain evaporates over the 5,000-foot Coderillera Mountains before reaching the Caribbean shore. The forested mountains may be deluged annually by 15-feet of rainfall, while Guanica could receive a mere 20 to 35 inches. HIKING, BIRDWATCHING, AND ECOLOGY Nature lovers and bird watchers can hike 12 forest trails, easy to rugged. In one mile, mostly along the roadway, 40 different species of birds were recorded. The largest bird population on the island is protected here, more than El Yunque Rain Forest, with over 100 species of migratory and resident birds. The Puerto Rican Whippoorwill (guabairo) survives on the island only in this reserve. Among at least 40 other endangered species surviving here are the Troupial, the Orange-Cheeked Waxbill, the Caribbean Elaenia, the Puerto Rican Bullfinch, the Puerto Rican Tody and the Puerto Rican Nightjar (once thought to be extinct). More than 700 species of trees and plants are protected in the forest, including 16 that exist only here. A species of shrimp here is found nowhere else on earth, blind shrimp in Guanica Bay. Green turtles and leatherback turtles still use the beaches of Guanica to lay their eggs and the hatchlings make their way to sea BODYDERM SPA AT COPAMARINA Specializes in massage and body treatments with relaxation techniques and healing touches for body, mind, and spirit. Aromatherapy, spa manicure and pedicures, waxing, body treatments, Hydrotherapy, massage, body-mud, exfoliation and body wraps. A variety of different packages may be custom-tailored for the client. Reiki, Rhaja Yoga and meditation workshops are available upon request. Aroma Spa Steam Capsule, exciting new treatment from Europe, combines the deep physical and mental benefits of steam and aromatherapy to wash away toxins, prevents dehydration damage to delicate tissue, and is an excellent weapon against cellulite. FITNESS CENTER The BodyDerm Fitness Center features floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides that offer spectacular views of the Caribbean and tropical gardens to enjoy during your workout. The center is open 7:00am to 7:00pm seven days a week. - Free Weights - Universal Equipment - Complete Cardiovascular and Strength Equipment - Health Walker - Running Machine - Exercise Mats - Aromatherapy Steam Capsule DINING/RESTARUANTS: One of Copamarina's greatest treasures is its cuisine. Open daily for dinner, "Alexandra", the main restaurant features gourmet dining, with Caribbean recipes prepared by our executive chef in an elegant sea view setting with a menu that combines classic elegance with a penchant for Puerto Rican cuisine. Traditional entrees such as Asopao de Langosta, Whole Fried Snapper with Mojo, tostones and a variety of conch specialties are among the choice for any evening's dinner, but unexpected delights, such as nightly chef's specials also enhance the menu. The only constant - truly fine food. We also offer a fine selection of wines and champagnes. The al fresco "Las Palmas Café" is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm for breakfast and lunch and is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails. Unique outdoor locations on the beach or in the gardens are available for special group functions. Indoor function space is also available. Special arrangements are available for picnic lunches or lunch/snack packs to enjoy with outdoor recreation and sightseeing. The Main Restaurant, open from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., offers Puerto Rican Nouvelle Cuisine prepared by award winning chefs and a complete wine list. There is nightly entertainment. Type: Resort Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/copamarina/hotel/1250/28/ Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:49:40 EST