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Provided with exciting wilderness landscapes, delicious food, friendly people, decent infrastructure and an all-in-all safe environment, Costa Rica could easily be considered the most ideal family destination – like an all-real, natural Disneyland! With games and activities that everyone, from toddler to adult, can enjoy together, and simultaneously. If you are interested in getting yourself and your gang away from tech-based entertainment, then traveling to the family-friendly Costa Rica should be on your bucket list. It’s merely a matter of finding where to stay and learning what to do.

The Magic Kingdom of Guanacaste

If Costa Rica is Disneyland, then Guanacaste should be the Magic Kingdom. No other province in the country captures and embodies the Costa Rican spirit like this Pacific haven. The tropical atmosphere, the chill out vibes, the warm-hearted locals, the surfable ocean, the artisan markets, the international shops, the skate parks, the opulent jungle, the untamed free animals, the hikes, the volcanoes, the pristine beaches, the outstanding sunsets and the countless activities. All this can be found in the promised land of Guanacaste. The offer is so rich that you could keep coming again and again and never have two trips the same.

If you came and decided to do beaches alone, you would be able to return home saying you have experienced what the Magic Kingdom of Costa Rica is all about. Pick your game, pack your belongings for the day and set out for your family adventure.

Some beaches like Tamarindo and Playa Grande are perfect for surfing, you can book a group lesson and learn all together!
Some others are great for snorkeling, like Playa Conchal or Pirates Bay.
Playa Flamingo is renowned for its scuba diving and deep-ocean fishing.
Lastly, if all you want is a family-friendly Costa Rican beach, to spend the day together under the sun building sand castles, think about Playa Avellanas or Playa Potrero.

Where To Stay – Playa Potrero

Strategically located close to some of the most stunning beaches in Guanacaste, such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Penca, as well as some of the busiest and most developed beach towns like Tamarindo, this small coastal village still manages to retain its serene and laid-back atmosphere. You’ll be living within the limits of Disneyland, close to all the action, but able to choose how close to the fireworks you want to get every day. Just 1.5 hours away from the Liberia Airport, Playa Potrero is the perfect choice for a family vacation in Costa Rica!

Casa Arribada

Bring your loved ones together in this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath retreat with space for up to 10 guests. Enjoy a private pool with a waterfall, outdoor BBQ, and family-friendly amenities like a Pack ‘n Play and beach gear. Walk to Playa Potrero or explore nearby Flamingo and Conchal with ease using a golf cart. Your dream family vacation awaits in Casa Arribada.

Casa Sol Azul

If you are looking for a spacious comfortable ocean view home, then look no further. Casa Sol Azul is a remarkable 4-bedroom house that sleeps up to 10 people. You could even come with family friends and share the space, and the adventure!

If you’d like to broaden your experience beyond the mainstream beach activity, you can always visit La Fortuna, home to the active volcano Arenal and the multiple activities available around it. From your basic yet always endearing hiking, to a waterfall tour, zip lining, rafting, ATV tours, wildlife watching and more.

Costa Rica for Families

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Remember: the smartest move is deciding where to stay first. Once you know where your base of operations will be, you can start browsing through your activities brochure. Keep in mind that you’ll always have a stunning beach to fall back on, so even the most uneventful day is guaranteed to be a fulfilling experience. That settled, you are now ready to decide upon the itinerary that would suit your family best. How many members are we talking about? What’s the age group? Are you sports-driven? As family friendly Costa Rica truly does have it all for all, we are going to categorize the most relevant adventures in terms of difficulty, and let you choose the kind of trip you want to have. But don’t forget, location’s first!

Where To Stay – Casa del Mar

Casa Del Mar is private, secure and located within the pristine, gated community of Mar Vista, in Playa Flamingo, which has 24 hour security throughout. It is exquisitely designed to be the quintessential modern vacation home, with its large open floor plan and expansive windows, engulfing you in the Costa Rican sunlight! With 3 bedrooms, 6 beds and 4 bathrooms, this house can comfortably host a family of 10.

Appropriate for All Ages – Beginner Level

How many activities does a baby need? Give them a box and stick and you got entertainment for hours, right? Well, if you are traveling with a toddler and the box and the stick routine doesn’t do it for you, here are a couple of experiences the whole family can enjoy.

Hiking: Guanacaste is full of clearly defined trails where you can perfectly push down a stroller as you hike through the sloth, monkey and butterfly filled rainforests.
Animal sanctuaries: A great choice if you’d like to have a closer encounter with animals, from Monkey Farm to Ponderosa Adventure Park, Guanacaste has plenty of options that will have your toddler and yourself equally dazzled.
Sailing: How about enjoying the costarican sunset from a privileged point of view? Rent a catamaran tour and sail away with your family to get front-row seats to nature’s daily spectacle.
Beach: Don’t be surprised if hanging out at the beach ends up being your first choice as well as your last. With each beach offering a unique experience, you can enjoy as many coastal adventures as there are beaches to discover.

Where To Stay – Casa Alouatta

A 5 bedroom and 6 bathroom home located in Las Catalinas, perfect for two whole families traveling together that prefer, at times, their separate space. Las Catalinas is a beautiful and walkable community that offers the Pacific ocean on one side and over 1,000 acres of spectacular tropical dry forest hills and valleys with extensive hiking and biking on the other. If logistics is an issue for you and would rather stay put in one place and still find plenty to do, this might just be the place for you.

Ideal For Young Children – Intermediate Level

Now this group surely presents more of a challenge. Though the beach is sure to satisfy them all, here are a few more possibilities to pull from the hat when wanted or needed.

Horseback riding: Sightseeing takes an interesting turn when it meets horseback riding!
Surf: The ultimate family friendly Costa Rica experience! You can book a group lesson in any of the plenty of surf schools located in basically every beach, and learn to surf all together (don’t be surprised if your kids pick it up before you do). One ride down a wave and you won’t look back – you’ll want to do it again and again!
Foodie tours: Costa Rica for families at its finest, book a day trip to one of the many cacao or coffee farms in Guanacaste and give yourself and your children a local culinary experience. Learn how they plant, care, harvest, and produce these two world-class delicities and have a taste while you are at it!
Surf-skate: If not for you, for the kids! Surfing and skating skills are more easily learned when young, and one complements the other. Watch your kiddos slide into fun times with a surf-skate private or group lesson.

Where To Stay – Casa Gran Vista

As its name in spanish proclaims, Casa Gran Vista counts with an incredible Playa Flamingo view. Nestled in the exclusive Mar Vista Community, this luxurious vacation rental is perfect for families or groups, offering comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests across 3 spacious bedrooms, each with a full ensuite bathroom.

Challenging adolescents – Advanced Level

Probably the hardest-to-please age group of them all. No matter how hard you try, these young adults always manage to stay unimpressed – until Costa Rica. Try any of the following and, heart-crossed, you’ll get yourself a smile.

Zip lining: Ever tried soaring over an entire rainforest at medium to high speed while hanging from a cable in the air? Thought so… Try it once and you’ll never forget it. Expert tip: some places allow younger children to take the ride if attached to a guide.
Rafting: No kids allowed! The rapids, ranging from milder to more intense experiences, are definitely for grown-up adventurers. You need to paddle, hang on to the boat, and be ready to take action if, for whatever reason, you happen to fall!
Diving: Ideal for the whole family. Book a diving lesson and discover Costa Rica’s subaquatic world.
ATV tours: No matter where you are, driving an ATV is always fun for those who enjoy on-wheels action, but when exploring the exhilarating landscapes of Costa Rica, believe us, it gets even better.

Where To Stay – Casa de Iluminación

This 16-guests Playa Flamingo home has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a dream vacation with all the modern technical amenities you may need. Its features include an open-concept kitchen and living room, 5 bedrooms with en suites, grill and gas range, and covered outdoor dining/lounge areas with a fire pit. Facing westward, floor-to-ceiling windows offer jaw-dropping sunset views of the infinity pool deck and the endless Pacific Ocean beyond.

We hope this Costa Rica for families guide helps you get a clear idea of what this country has to offer. Put your cell phones down, unplug your headphones, and set off to one unforgettable family adventure in this natural Magic Kingdom. We guarantee you won’t return home as the same person. Pura vida!

Coming to Costa Rica is more than laying on the beach, getting some sunlight and maybe hitting a few waves on a surfboard, to truly experience what this tropical paradise has to offer, you should tune your frequency to the pura vida lifestyle.

Pura vida literally translates to pure life, and it contains and expresses the essence of Costa Rica’s culture at its finest. Normally used as a way of saying hello and goodbye, celebrating and encouraging someone, or shrugging away a minor setback, pura vida is all about embracing life as it is and finding joy in whatever it may bring.

With the beach as its homeland and perpetuator, there is no better province than Guanacaste to immerse in and experience this mindset that encourages you to turn your attention back to the simple things in life. The beach, the surf, the people, the nature, the food, and the adventure here, are a pure manifestation of the pura vida lifestyle. So slow down, let go, and enjoy the ride! We are going to detain ourselves on these aspects separately and browse some of our Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals while we are at it! Pura vida!

THE BEACH

Costa Rica is home to many world-class beaches, with Guanacaste being its main host. Stretching all the way from Samara in the south up to Playa Hermosa in the north, this Pacific coast province shelters an infinite number of pura vida beach communities, with Playa Flamingo being one of the most outstanding ones. Located in one of the liveliest and most developed areas, this exclusive beach town manages to preserve its laid-back atmosphere and its connection with nature while having good access to the comforts of an urbanized region, kind of like having the best of both worlds if you ask us. With white sand, warm turquoise water, lush vegetation and epic sunsets, the place is pura-vida-ready. Come stay at one of our Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals, and see for yourself!

Condos Casa Blanca 6 & 7

These charming Guanacaste, Costa Rica Vacation Rentals offer 2-bed, 2-baths and are nestled in the serene Casa Blanca Complex in vibrant Surfside, Potrero, just a 10-minute drive away from Flamingo. Accommodating up to 4 to 5 guests, the delightful retreat is just steps away from one of the three most outstanding beaches in the zone – Potrero, Penca and Prieta – in an even quieter town close to all the action.

THE SURF

Surfing embodies the pura vida lifestyle like no other activity does and is inherent to Costa Rica’s appeal and philosophy. When staying at almost any of Guanacaste’s beach towns you’ll be able to practice the sport every day, for tides are usually even and steady, though there are particular spots more beginner-friendly than others that may be more pro-suited. Whatever your level, surfing is an invitation to align yourself with nature, go to bed at sundown and rise with the sunlight, eat healthily, check the tides to see at what time during the day it would be better for you to grab your surfboard, and share with the ocean, whose a great teacher! You’ll be riding through life like you ride waves in no time, and that my friend, is pura vida!

THE PEOPLE

Costarican people, locally referred to as Ticos, are not only warm and friendly as a basic human behavior, but they also value community greatly. Slow-paced and relaxed, they usually take their time to do stuff, which may frustrate any of us coming from a different culture at first, but may enlighten us afterward, if we manage to embrace the pura vida lifestyle. Empathic and helpful with close friends and complete strangers alike, Ticos are a fundamental part of what makes beach towns such as Flamingo and Potrero in Guanacaste the comfy and safe environments that they are.

Villa Blanca

One of our top Guanacaste Costa Rica vacation rentals! This exquisite 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom haven sprawls over 5,500 sq ft, offering unparalleled privacy and modern comforts for an unforgettable getaway. Marvel at the sweeping 360-degree vistas of the valley, mountains, and Pacific Ocean, including the captivating Flamingo Marina, creating an exclusive sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment.

THE NATURE

Let’s admit it, it is easier to appreciate life as it is when you rise with the sun to warm and embracing weather, chiming birds and exuberant green jungle surroundings. This is what staying at Playa Flamingo is like. And to top it off, you’ll get to move around a tranquil town, where nature’s the protagonist and you’re a mere visitor who gets to enjoy its generosity.

Villa de Oro

A luxurious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom ocean-view sanctuary that offers unparalleled elegance and comfort, with modern amenities and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

THE FOOD

This being-one-with-nature attitude wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include food, naturally. Costarican dishes are simple yet rich in nutrients and natural ingredients. A quintessential example is the “Casado,” a traditional dish that can include options like grilled fish (often tilapia or sea bass), chicken, or steak. The dish typically features rice, black beans, plantains, a salad, and a tortilla. For those looking to elevate their meal, local sodas (small family-run restaurants) offer various enhancements like sweet plantains, homemade salads, grilled vegetables, and different types of picadillo (a flavorful hash made with vegetables or meat). If you are looking for something more international, both Potrero and Flamingo offer a wide array of culinary experiences, from high-end restaurants like Casa Chameleon to beachfront restaurants or boutique breweries run typically by expats that are now a permanent part of the community.

THE ADVENTURE

As if all mentioned wasn’t enough, Costa Rica’s natural scenery does not limit to beautiful beaches, you’ll also find jungle, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes and savannas! Together with an unlimited number of activities to develop in every single one of them. From trekking, trail running, ATV tours, horseback riding and biking, to sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sportfishing, rafting, ziplining and – should we keep going? Playa Flamingo particularly, courtesy of its Marina, is one of the hottest places in all of Guanacaste for all ocean-related activities. Not only will you be surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes you’ve ever seen, but you’ll also get to interact with them in the safest yet most thrilling and respectful ways.

Coming to Guanacaste Costa Rica is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect. The pura vida lifestyle will find you wherever you go and whatever you do, our advice: let it in! Embrace the moment and let it carry you to places and states you wouldn’t have imagined. You’ll be getting the best out of every seemingly uneventful episode and return home fully refreshed and grateful. In Costa Rica, life is how it is supposed to be, and it is perfect!

When it comes to deciding which the best beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica is, you’ll rarely find two people who agree. The thing is, there are so many and each so particularly stunning in their own unique way, that it truly comes down to personal preferences. Are you more into touristy-packed places or off-road quiet settings? Do you enjoy surfing or long walks down the coastline? Do you identify yourself as an explorer or more of a lay-back-and-relax kind of traveler? Fortunately for us, the Pacific’s Golden Coast has plenty of options for us to choose from, and even better, they are close to one another, meaning you can try your Indiana Jones attitude one day, and switch to Sex & the City style the next. Trying to consider all traits as equally valuable, here’s our list of the best beach towns in Guanacaste Costa Rica.

1. Playa Conchal

We couldn’t have a best beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica list and not include, up first, Playa Conchal. If you are looking for your A-list, classic paradisiacal, white-sand and turquoise water beach, then look no further. Popularly known as the most beautiful in the country, this wide, bay-shaped beach stands out for the millions of sea-shell fragments that compose its shores – which is where it gets its name from – and reflect the sunlight in a majestic iridescent way. This dust-free sand also allows the water to remain crystal-clear, thus making it an ideal place to go snorkeling if you are up for a more active approach. If you aren’t, then simply lay back, and enjoy the view.

2. Playa Flamingo

With pristine white sand shores of its own, Playa Flamingo is closely competing for the number one position in the ranking. Its quieter atmosphere makes it an ideal place for families and jet-setters looking to indulge in Guanacaste’s beauty in a more exclusive and sophisticated neighborhood. Its world-class marina is packed with charming cafes and picturesque shops, and promotes activities like sport and deep-ocean fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Home to several up-scale gated communities, you can enjoy the lush natural surroundings while delighting in the comforts of a clubhouse, high-quality cuisine, workout facilities, biking trails, tennis courts, infinity pools and more.

Casa del Mar – Mar Vista

Private, secure and located within the gated community of Mar Vista which has 24 hour security throughout. It is exquisitely designed to be the quintessential modern vacation home, with its large open floor plan and expansive windows, engulfing you in the Costa Rican sunlight!

Offering 3 Bedrooms and 4 Baths, and a separate TV Room with Queen pull-out sofa, if you’d like to choose this as an additional bedroom to host up to 10 people.

3. Playa Danta/Dantita

Beaches Danta and Dantita are two epitomes of Costa Rica’s tropical beauty with wide open views of the ocean’s immensity and a dock from which you can jump off and swim away. These stunning beaches are within walking distance from Las Catalinas city center, one of the best beach towns in Guanacaste Costa Rica, and are perfect examples of why Guanacaste is renowned for its coastal splendor. Las Catalinas is a vibrant up-and-coming, European-style, family-friendly community filled with restaurants, ice-cream shops, breweries, fountains and 1,000 acres of tropical dry rainforest perfect for hiking, biking and trail running, right by its side.

Casa Cazenovia – Las Catalinas

A charming 3-bedroom townhouse with a rooftop terrace, ideally situated just steps away from the stunning Playa Danta, where your group can gather to witness breathtaking sunsets while enjoying drinks or a delightful meal.

4. Pirates Bay

Here’s where that Indiana Jones attitude we were talking about would come in handy, roads to Pirates Bay are amongst the most challenging in the area, so make sure you have a safe car to navigate them. Now, if you are not willing to give it a go, then we wouldn’t advise visiting this beach as a priority, and not because relaxing under the sun cannot happen at Pirates Bay, but rather because a great part of its charm resides in its having plenty of opportunities to explore. From hiking to snorkeling to wildlife watching, this secluded paradise has crystalline water and a dry tropical forest full of walking pathways to entice your spirit of adventure. Rustically charming, this untamed corner of rock and sand is the definition of a hidden gem.

5. Playa Avellanas

If you are looking for the ultimate Costa Rican beach experience, this one won’t disappoint. You get the sand, the turquoise water, the waves, the sunsets, and the vibe. Located 11 km south of Tamarindo you’ll find Playa Avellanas, its lower profile cousin, with equally epic surf waves, warm blue water, long and wide golden sand shores but way fewer crowds. Ideal for families wanting a more chill atmosphere, as well as surfers not willing to share the ocean with all of Tamarindo’s beginners. Lola’s is the most popular restaurant in town and a true emblem of Avellanas, gather around if you wish to share a delicious tropical meal without changing out of your bathing suit.

6. Playa Tamarindo

The most popular guy in school. Is it busier? Yes, but you don’t become the best beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica if you fail to gather a crowd. If you only had one shot to spare when visiting Costa Rica, we would advise you to use it in Tamarindo, because it is where you would get to experience a little bit of everything that makes this country great. The beach is long and wide, the ocean is clear and perfectly gentle to learn how to surf, it is filled with restaurants by the beach where you can drink a cocktail as you watch the most epic sunset you’ll find worldwide, it has both local and international flavors, artisan markets during the day and during the night, live music, happy hour, parties, wildlife, nature, warm people, and more. You name it, you got it.

7. Playa Penca

Arguably one of the best beach towns in Guanacaste Costa Rica for its strategic location, Potrero may seem unassuming but it is home to more than one paradisiacal beach, Playa Penca amongst its finest. With almost flawless white sand and an aquamarine ocean with small and regular tides perfect for swimming and sailing, this little slice of heaven is perfect for travelers looking for a more serene ambiance to spend their days. If we were you though, we’d practice some very advantageous beach-hopping while you are in town, and we have just the place for you to stay at.

Villa Blanca

Nestled in the serene mountains overlooking Playa Potrero, this exquisite 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom haven sprawls over 5,500 sq ft, offering unparalleled privacy and modern comforts for an unforgettable getaway with easy access to nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and a handful of the prettiest beaches in Guanacaste.

8. Playa Marbella

Every family has its black sheep, that one member that is different almost to rebellion and that highlights the good and the bad in the group by its mere existence. Well, we bring to you Playa Marbella, the black sheep to our homogeneous tribe of white-sand and crystal-clear waters. Secluded to a point in which you actually feel like you’ve left the rest of the world behind and entered a new dimension, where there’s only a deep-blue ocean, wild black sand and random packs of pelicans flying around as if that piece of land belonged to them. Like peeking into a secret place unconcerned with humans, Playa Marbella offers a quiet and solitary scene that you can step into and participate in as one more blissful member of nature’s banquet.

9. Playa Grande

Another beautiful surf town with a big expat community, gorgeous sunsets and a special twist for wildlife lovers: leatherback turtles lay their eggs here between November and February each year, a must-see natural spectacle for which you can book a tour from almost anywhere in Guanacaste. Located within a National Park, this tropical sanctuary is quiet and less crowded.

10. Playa Minas

Last but never least we have Playa Minas, which could easily be tagged as the Pretty Girl of the group and one that can make you go “ahhhh” as soon as you set foot on it, captivating you completely. It is small and comfy, with perfect turquoise water and soft white sand, a rock wall on one side and plenty of shade for you to relax under. Great atmosphere, though it can get crowded during the weekends, playa Minas can make you feel like a movie, as it serves everything you could wish for when visiting a beach in a Caribbean country.

What we learn from making this list is that you truly can’t go wrong when picking the best beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica, no matter where you turn, probabilities indicate you’ll land on some breathtaking piece of Earth. So whether you have a lot of time on your hands to explore many or merely a couple of days to wind down, all the best beach towns in Guanacaste we’ll be more than accommodating hosts to your vocational needs.

Oceanviews over infinity pools, quiet sunsets on the deck, and walking around in nothing but your wet bathing suit. These are just some of the appeals of choosing luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. As the most popular vacation spot in Costa Rica, the province of Guanacaste provides ample choices for the discerning vacationer.

Hailed as the safest country in Latin America, visiting Costa Rica means you don’t have to hole up in an all-inclusive resort. Feel free to venture out and explore what one of the most biodiverse regions in the world has to offer. But don’t give up the luxury! Staying at luxury rentals in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province means you can have all the indulgence of a resort with the exclusivity of a private villa.

Top 5 Reasons to Book Luxury Rentals Costa Rica Guanacaste

Secluded Luxury: Luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste offer a secluded setting, providing you with a feeling of exclusivity and privacy. Nestled within the beautiful natural landscapes, these rentals offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of touristy towns and sites.

The private communities these types of rentals reside in often feature exquisite restaurants with stunning ocean views like Gracia in Mar Vista. Additionally, you can immerse yourself (visitors can immerse themselves) in the luxury experience by exploring the picturesque plazas and elegantly adorned shops that characterize special destinations in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, such as Las Catalinas.

Upscale Amenities and Personalized Services: Upscale amenities such as infinity pools, private chefs, and spa services in your own private villa allow you to completely relax. Add-on personalized services like concierge assistance and customized tours, and every aspect of your stay is tailor-made for an unforgettable experience.

Stunning Locations: Guanacaste boasts some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush forests. Luxury rentals in Guanacaste make the most of these stunning locations, offering panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and forest. Communities like Las Catalinas offer many miles of hiking trails that allow you to truly enjoy your surroundings.

Outdoor Living: By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces, luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste allow you to be fully immersed in the region’s natural beauty. Outdoor lounging areas, open-air dining spaces, swimming pools, and lush tropical gardens will help you feel a sense of connection with the surrounding environment.

Attention to Detail: From luxurious furnishings to high-quality linens and toiletries, every aspect of a luxury vacation rental is designed to give you a feeling of comfort and sophistication. Picture yourself sitting under the stars, feet propped up while enjoying a gas fireplace by the pool. It’s this attention to detail that sets our villas apart from other luxury vacation options available in Guanacaste.

Top 5 Luxury Vacation Rentals In Guanacaste Costa Rica

Casa Ayla: With over 4,000 square feet of living space located in the fabulous Mar Vista community, Casa Ayla is the epitome of luxury! This vacation rental offers two separate living spaces that can sleep up to 18 people, an outdoor oasis, two swimming pools, and high ceilings that give you a feeling of spacious luxury.

Villa Vista Pacifico: With expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the new Flamingo Marina, this beautiful villa is perched in the hills above Playa Potrero. The villa has five ocean-view, en suite bedrooms promising comfort and privacy for up to 10 guests, relaxing terraces, and an infinity pool.

Villa Vista Paraiso: Overlooking the town of Potrero and Potrero Beach, this villa boasts an amazing view seen from throughout the open-concept house. Four en suite bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with their own balcony and a handmade king-size bed made from local wood. There is an abundance of outdoor space to enjoy the views from the double-edge infinity pool to one of the many balconies and terraces.

Casa Del Mar: Located in Playa Flamingo, within the gated community of Mar Vista, Casa del Mar is a three-bedroom/four-bathroom villa with two master suites featuring private patios and breathtaking ocean views. You will want to spend all of your time on the expansive patio with the infinity pool!

Villa Blanca: Nestled in the mountains overlooking Playa Potrero, this exquisite 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa sprawls over 5,500 square feet, offering unparalleled privacy and modern comforts. Enjoy the sweeping 360-degree vistas of the valley, mountains, and Pacific Ocean from the gourmet kitchen, stone terrace, outdoor kitchen, and stunning infinity-edge pool.

Top 5 Luxury Vacation Excursions in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Deluxe Hot Springs and Volcano Experience: Get the best of the best at Costa Rica’s famous Arenal Volcano! Hike the longest hanging bridges or strap onto the longest zipline in the country before visiting the most luxurious hot springs Costa Rica has to offer. Tabacón Hot Springs Resort features several thermal pools along its volcanic hot river, which is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden with a view of the volcano. This deluxe excursion ends with a 5-star dinner buffet before heading back to the beach in a private shuttle.

Private Catamaran Charter to a Secluded Beach: Enjoy a full day of sailing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in your very own private yacht! Enjoy time with friends and family as you scour the sea for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Have fun on the water kayaking or a stand-up paddle board, or see what lies beneath with a snorkel together. With a cocktail in hand and the gentle rocking of the ocean, this will be a sunset you will never forget.

Golf at Tropical Championship Courses: With views of the sea and tropical surroundings that offer chance wildlife encounters, golfing in Guanacaste is a luxury beyond compare! Ranked among the “top 100 courses outside the US”, the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course at Peninsula Papagayo winds through 125 acres of old-growth forest and sea cliffs shaped by ancient lava flow. The nearby greens at Reserva Conchal are designed for hours of fun and beautiful views. Certified by the Audobon Society, these greens are considered a cooperative sanctuary for wildlife.

Private Helicopter Tour of the Coast: Experience the ultimate sunset in the skies from a private helicopter charter! Fly over the breathtaking Gold Coast at the golden hour and see the beautiful beaches and endangered tropical dry forest that Guanacaste is famous for. Fly out of nearby Liberia for this unique tour that you and your family will remember for a lifetime.

Luxury In-house Services: A hot stone massage and a fancy four-course meal – all without having to leave the comfort of your luxury villa! Ok, this isn’t exactly an excursion, but who wants to leave home when there are so many luxuries available behind closed doors? Indulge yourself with massages, body wraps, facials, and pedicures. Order in a buffet-style meal for the family with your own private chef that can cater to any of your dietary needs. All of these concierge services are available and more with your luxury rental with Tropical Homes of Costa Rica.

Luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica provide you with all the amenities and comforts of a resort with the feeling of seclusion and exclusivity of a private villa. Get ready to enjoy your vacation in style when you choose luxury rentals in Costa Rica!

By Jennifer LaCharite

Quaint cobblestone roads and gurgling fountains in the town square overlooking the sea. This may sound like a small town nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, but you’ll find this charming beach town in Costa Rica! Las Catalinas is a relatively new development along the Gold Coast of Costa Rica with heaps of old-world charm. If you want to visit a beautiful, walkable community with safety and sociability at its core, then Las Catalinas vacation rentals should be at the top of your travel list.

Where is Las Catalinas?

Located along the Northwest Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Las Catalinas is a coastal development in the province of Guanacaste. It’s only 15 minutes from popular Flamingo Beach and its world-class marina. Only 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, you can be “wheels down” and in Las Catalinas in just over an hour.

What is Las Catalinas?

With construction beginning in 2009, the community of Las Catalinas is a relatively new town in Costa Rica. With a vision of “the good life” in mind, Las Catalinas was developed with ecological responsibility, sustainability, social cohesion, and personal connection in mind. Created to promote a healthy way of living and a safe place for children to play, Las Catalinas is a car-free community. Vehicles are parked in lots and residents and visitors are invited to walk the cobblestone streets freely and safely. There are also 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest with hiking and biking trails on the property.

Why Visit Las Catalinas?

If you are searching for luxury living in a walkable community that covers most of your needs, Las Catalinas is the place for you! There are shops, restaurants, swimming pools, a brewery, a beach club, boutique hotels, and various vacation rentals in Las Catalinas from condos to full houses with private pools. There are also two beautiful beaches that can be easily accessed from this seaside community on foot. With a concierge service that can arrange a private shuttle from the airport, you won’t need to rent a car to visit the walkable community of Las Catalinas!

Top Things to Do in Las Catalinas

Explore the Town: It’s easy to enjoy this beach town on foot. Take a stroll through the main plaza and sip on cappuccinos while watching kids play in the splash pad fountain. Just relax and take it all in.

Hit the Beach: The white sand beach of Playa Danta stretches along the town of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. With rocky outcropping on either end, it is protected from big waves and is ideal for swimming and water sports like stand-up paddle board (SUP). You can take a short hike to Playa Dantita if you are looking for more seclusion.

Snorkel and Scuba Dive: The Las Catalinas Islands found off of the coast of the community of Las Catalinas are famous for having some of the best diving in Costa Rica. These underwater volcanic rock formations are abundant with sea life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays. Excellent snorkeling can be done right off the shores of Playa Danta and Dantita.

Hiking and Biking: As part of their conservation and wellness efforts, Las Catalinas features 42 kilometers (26 miles) of maintained trails. These trails are designated for walking, running, biking, and hiking. There are 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) of single-track mountain biking trails with views of the coast and five world-class hiking trails to discover.

Sunset at Sentido Norte: Dining is an experience you have to try at Sentido Norte, especially at sunset. The glorious sunset overlooking the ocean is heralded by the sound of a large gong, struck by one of the restaurant’s lucky guests. Treat yourself to fine Mesoamerican cuisine as you dine al fresco while enjoying a vast ocean view. Reservations are strongly recommended to get a great seat for this epic sunset spot at Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas.

Top Las Catalinas Vacation Rentals

Casa Alouatta: If you are traveling with a big group or two families traveling together but want your own space, then Casa Alouatta is the perfect Las Catalinas vacation rental for you. The main house has three bedrooms while the adjoining guesthouse has two bedrooms. Each has its own kitchen, living room, and beautiful ocean views.

The three-story main villa has two king suites with a private balcony, a children’s bunk bedroom with foosball, and a TV room with two daybeds for even more sleeping spots. The guesthouse has two queen suites.

The property features a swimming pool with an ocean view, a barbecue area, a covered terrace, a yoga palapa, and a path to the beach.

Casa Cazenovia: Just steps from the beach is one of the most unique Las Catalinas rentals – Casa Cazenovia. This four-bedroom vacation home is perfect for families. This villa blends indoor and outdoor living in a unique way, with a lap pool that spans the inside of the house! You will feel like you’re at a Grecian bathhouse with this unique feature you have to see to believe.

A guest favorite of this property has got to be the rooftop terrace, where you can hold your own little get-together and watch the sunset.

Casa Cazenovia 3 bedroom: accommodating eight guests, Casa Cazenovia 3 bedroom is the perfect choice for a family vacation or a couple’s trip with friends. Each of its three bedrooms has its own private bathroom.

The crown jewel of this Las Catalinas vacation rental is the rooftop terrace. Perfect for sunset cocktails and conversations around the grill.

Plaza Mercado 12: Looking for something smaller? Plaza Mercado 12 is a perfectly appointed two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo with an ocean view.

If you are looking for a unique coastal retreat with everything from restaurants to recreational facilities, town plazas to hiking trails, and swimming pools to beautiful beaches all within reach then booking a Las Catalinas vacation rental should be on your bucket list. With old-world charm blended with modern conveniences and conscious town planning built around well-being and enjoyment, you’ll experience “the good life” in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica.