Picture romantic strolls on the beach at sunset, walking barefoot, hand in hand. The most romantic Costa Rican vacations start at the beach. Sure, there are a lot of beaches in Costa Rica, but where can you find the most beautiful beaches, fun activities for couples, and the most romantic resorts in Costa Rica? The answer is Playa Flamingo and Las Catalinas. From beach hopping to exploring nature to relaxing with a couples massage in your private villa, there are plenty of reasons why this specific area is the best place to visit in Costa Rica for couples.
Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica for Couples
Flamingo Beach
Backed by quiet mangroves, this white sand beach nestled in a small cove is a well-developed beach town on Costa Rica’s northwest coast in the province of Guanacaste. There is a brand-new world-class marina, restaurants, retail centers, and some of the best fishing in the world.
Playa Flamingo is centrally located between the Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia (LIR), which is just an hour away, and the lively beach town of Tamarindo, which is just half an hour away. It’s also only 15 minutes away from one of the most unique communities along the Gold Coast – Las Catalinas.
Las Catalinas
The beach community of Las Catalinas is fairly recently constructed to emulate the old-world charm of the Mediterranean. It is a walkable community with no motorized vehicles on the roads, enhancing its feeling of days gone by, yet it is surrounded by modern conveniences like shops, parks, restaurants, and small hotels and inns. Las Catalinas strives to achieve a welcoming, sustainable, and balanced lifestyle for its residents, whether they are living there or just visiting.
The town of Las Catalinas faces Playa Danta and backs onto 1,000 acres of tropical dry forest with extensive hiking, jogging, and mountain bike trails.
Best Things in Costa Rica for Couples to Do
Hit the Town
Stroll the streets and around the fountain at Plaza Escondida in Las Catalinas. A lot of thought and effort has been put into the layout of the town, making everything accessible for walkers and bicyclists. Visit the shops, chat with locals, and sip coffee while enjoying a French pastry at Cuatro Calle la Ronda bakery.
Hit the Beach
Watch the sunset after trying a little snorkeling or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) at Playa Danta, which is the closest beach to Las Catalinas. At Playa Flamingo be sure to check out the marina. Marina Flamingo has shops, restaurants, and accommodations to discover, plus, you can’t beat that view! Nearby Tamarindo Beach has an abundance of shops, restaurants, and people to keep you entertained. Don’t forget to visit Playa Conchal while you’re in the area. It was just named the most beautiful beach in the world!
Take a white sand beach hopping tour to Playa de Amor (Honeymoon Beach) and others.
Get Out on the Water
You can’t go to the Gold Coast of Costa Rica with your significant other without taking a romantic boat tour! Whether you want to snorkel, kayak, SUP, or spot sea turtles, dolphins, and whales you can do it all on a group or luxury private boat charter.
Flamingo Beach is a dream destination for world-class fishing. In fact, they host an annual sailfish fishing competition with participants from around the globe. Do you like sashimi? Try eating the yellowfin tuna you just caught right on the boat! If that doesn’t impress your mate, we don’t know what will.
Get Out and Explore
Hop on a horse for a romantic sunset ride on the beach. If you’re more of an adventurous couple try an ATV tour or a zipline through the jungle. If neither of these choices is your style, you can always enjoy nature while you try a round of golf at the beautiful Reserva Conchal – just 15 minutes from Playa Flamingo.
Eat Out in Style
If you’re looking for fine dining then Hazel’s Steak and Seafood at Marina Flamingo is the place to be. Dining under moonlight shining on the water below is sure to set the mood. An afternoon lunch on Flamingo Beach at Coco Loco will have you dining with your feet in the sand and a coconut in your hand. An evening at Angelina’s at La Plaza Flamingo is always fun, with live music that threatens to turn into a dance party. But for a truly special dining experience with your loved one, head to Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas. With ocean as far as the eye can see, they’ll pick a special someone to bang the gong at sunset.
Stay In and Relax
Spend a romantic night in with your sweetheart for a couple’s hot stone massage. This relaxing massage uses heated stones positioned along the body and gentle pressure like a Swedish massage. Keep the romance going when you’re served your meal just the way you want it courtesy of your very own private chef. Lastly, take a dip in your private jacuzzi – bathing suit not required!
Best Places in Costa Rica for Couples to Stay
Overlooking beautiful Playa Flamingo, Casa Tranquila is located in the gated community of Mar Vista. With a king-sized bed, cool jacuzzi, BBQ area, ocean view, and all the amenities – what more could you need?
With walking access to restaurants, parks, the beach club pool, and Playa Danta, it’s like you are a part of the community when you stay at the Loft in Las Catalinas. You will feel right at home in this studio loft apartment with its full kitchen, laundry room, and even room for guests on the main floor pull-out sofa.
Perched high atop the northern ridge of Flamingo Beach, Flamingo Bliss features spectacular ocean views in the luxury complex, 360 Splendor. Guests of the one-bedroom suite with a king-sized bed and open-concept kitchen and living room have full access to 360 Splendor’s rooftop terrace Jacuzzis and saltwater infinity pool.
Whether you’re looking to stay at Costa Rica’s romantic resorts or something more private, the area of Playa Flamingo and Las Catalinas is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for couples. So, choose a place to stay, book your tickets, and pack your bags for fun, relaxation, and romance in the tropics.
By Jennifer LaCharite