In April 2026, a group of senior travelers from the Royal Oaks Retirement Community in Arizona set off to explore the natural beauty and culture of Costa Rica with Serendipity Adventures. Among them was Royal Oaks resident and Serendipity superfan Bill George, who reflects on the highlights of the trip and what made the experience so memorable.
They say that “Pura Vida” is more than just a greeting in Costa Rica; it is a way of life. Directly translated as “pure life,” the phrase captures a philosophy of living with gratitude, simplicity, and an appreciation for the natural world around us.
At the end of April, 34 adventurous residents of Royal Oaks decided to see if that famous spirit of “pure life” would translate to our community. Our group set off on a ten-day journey that proved curiosity and a love for exploration have no expiration date. From the
moment we touched down, it was clear that we weren’t just tourists—we were a team of travelers and guides ready to soak up every ounce of beauty that Costa Rica had to offer.
Our immersion began on Day 2 with the rich aromas of a local coffee plantation. We followed the journey of the bean from the bright red “cherries” on the tree to the final, intricate roasting process. On Day 3, we stepped into the cathedral-like canopy of the rainforest at a Biological Station, where we learned how these complex ecosystems breathe while spotting wildlife tucked away in the greenery.
Day 4 was a “sweet” success as we toured a chocolate plantation—and yes, there were plenty of samples to go around! By Day 5, the majestic Arenal Volcano loomed on the horizon. That evening provided one of our most thrilling moments: a night walk into the forest. Guided by flashlights, we entered a hidden world echoing with the calls of exotic frogs and shimmering with the movement of night-dwelling creatures. On Day 6, we chose our own adventures, with some of us traversing the breathtaking Hanging Bridges while others enjoyed a tranquil nature walk and the delicate beauty of a butterfly pavilion. However, the excitement hit a high note on Day 7. Several of our adventuresome travelers headed to the top of a mountain to tackle a thrilling 11-stage zipline course. Soaring high above the canopy and zipping all the way down the mountainside, they proved that the Royal Oaks spirit is truly adventurous!
Later that day, we slowed things down with a sloth-spotting safari, where we also watched Howler monkeys lounging on tree limbs. Our transition to the Pacific coast on Day 8 was anything but a simple drive. We stopped for a river boat safari, counting nearly two dozen crocodiles and laughing at the antics of White-Faced monkeys. Lunch was a step back in time at a 130-year-old sugar cane plantation, where we learned the secrets of Costa Rican rum (and confirmed the quality with a tasting!). We capped off the trip with a day of leisure at a beautiful beachfront resort, followed by a Day 9 sunset dinner cruise. Between snorkeling in the turquoise water and watching the sun dip below the horizon, it was the perfect “grand finale” to our journey before heading to the airport on Day 10.
While the lodges were beautiful and the landscapes were breathtaking, perhaps the most impressive feat of the entire journey was the seamless nature of the experience. Traveling with a large group can be complex, but thanks to the meticulous planning of Serendipity Adventures and Nada, every logistical detail was handled with first-class care. They tailored the pace perfectly to our group, ensuring that our comfort and safety were always the top priority. The ultimate testament to their expertise? All 34 of us returned home with nothing but incredible photos and vibrant memories—not a single injury or illness in sight. We left as neighbors, but we returned as friends forever bonded by the sights, sounds, and “Pura Vida” of Costa Rica.