Unsolved Mysteries:The Costa Rica Honeymoon Edition

In just a few weeks, my beloved James and I will celebrate our six-year anniversary. We have certainly had our fair share of crazy moments but the one that has kept me up at nights in a stupor of thought occurred shortly after we were married.

You see, Jamie and I spent our honeymoon in Costa Rica. Ma honey did an impeccable job planning our entire trip. We started at the Magellan Inn in Cahuita. With its deserted beaches on the Caribbean ocean and gorgeous grounds, this was the perfect newlywed spot.

Well, if it weren’t for the “chastity” beds they had pushed together instead of just springing for a queen-sized bed.

From there, it was onto Poas Volcano Lodge where we scaled volcanos and hiked through La Paz Butterfly Gardens. Oh, and I fell in love with plantains and a roadside stand’s creme de leche, those two things alone accounted for my 30-lbs weight gain during our honeymoon.


Half-way into our trip, we were supposed to spend a night camping in the rain forest but had to cancel when Jamie hit a purple and pink bus that caused a huge traffic jam in downtown San Jose.

But I’m not allowed to talk about that.

Now, onto the mystery. The last area we stayed was Tabacan, a five-star resort located at the base of Arenal Volcano in Northern Costa Rica. Tabacan had 12 natural thermal hot springs, with grounds that were littered with lagoons and waterfalls. From our private porch, we could watch the lava flowing from the volcano. Bottom line: it was surreal and gorgeous.

One afternoon, we decided to go on a long hike to a waterfall. Not wanting to bring our newly-minted wedding rings, we took them off and I hid them in the bottom of my make-up bag. When we returned a few hours later, they were gone.

We immediately reported the theft to the manager. He asked if housekeeping had come by and we responded affirmatively. We were on our way to dinner and he said he would look into it. A couple of hours later, he appeared at out table. He showed us the room report of all the key swipes:

1) The maid
2) Us
3) Manager
4) Manager

He said he had talked to housekeeping and they denied the charge. He then defended them, saying they had been at the resort a long time and they have never had any problems. He left and we resolved to go to the police the next morning.

Until we went back to our room. There, very strategically placed behind two glasses in the bathroom, were our rings. They were obviously planted there when we were at dinner.

So, Super Sleuths, what sayest ye? Who done it and was the manager in on the crime? Have you ever had anything stolen from a hotel?

Other Posts