Travel is an art, and never more so when you do so in style. At Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, we know that whether you’re flying first class to our tropical destination or preparing for a luxurious retreat in one of our Costa Rica villas for rent, the right essentials are the best things to travel with, if you want to elevate your entire experience.
And yet, the Internet is full of posts listing luxury travel essentials – from designer luggage to the coziest airplane gear. As we’re not those kinds of experts, we’ll leave the gear, the must-packs, and the other luxury lists to others. (We are happy to provide you with our Costa Rica packing list, curated for both the high season and the green season!)
That said, we’ve done our fair share of travel, know Costa Rica inside and out, and are absolutely the experts in the kind of travel essentials that will make your next adventure unforgettable. And so, we’ve curated a list of the best things to travel with in 2025. From mindset shifts to just a handful of must-haves, here’s what we consider the new Costa Rica luxury travel essentials:
The Perfect Travel Companions
Choosing who to travel with might just be the most important decision you make before setting foot on a plane. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo, it’s essential to be selective. Imagine this: you’ve rented one of our stunning Costa Rica villas for rent, where every sunset feels like it’s painted just for you. The last thing you want is drama or negativity or a clash of wills killing your vibe.
If you’re planning a group trip, invite those who know how to relax and have a good time. For family vacations, consider whether this is the trip for bonding – or a break from 24/7 daily parenting duties (which, in Costa Rica, can still mean traveling with kids!). Solo travelers, we see you! Sometimes, the best travel companion is yourself. Whoever you choose and however you travel, ensure that your plans align with your travel style, wellbeing, and travel vision for a truly luxurious and peaceful getaway.
A Destination That Speaks to You
The where of it all sets the tone for your trip, so choose your destination wisely. If you’re seeking sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforests, and Pacific-view luxury, Costa Rica does not disappoint.
That said, research is key: create a wish list of dream activities and attractions – Costa Rica is small but you can’t do everything, everywhere – and factor in your travel needs, the time of year, and the type of accommodations you seek.
The whole truth is that Costa Rica offers something for everyone (unless you’re in the market for a luxury ski vacation – in which case, our apologies!) – whether it’s eco-adventures, serene wellness retreats, or the indulgence of staying in one of our meticulously curated villas. Each of our properties provides privacy, comfort, and proximity to unforgettable experiences – like a beachside dinner or a morning hike in the rainforest. Choosing the right location ensures every moment of your trip feels like an Instagram-worthy experience.
The Willingness to Plan… and Pivot
Travel planning is part of the fun. Mapping out your wish list and itinerary ensures you maximize your timeand avoid last-minute scrambling. Want to catch a sunset catamaran tour or enjoy a private chef-prepared dinner? Book in advance to ensure you get exactly what you want.
That said, balance is key: leave room for spontaneity. Some of the most magical travel moments are unplanned – like stumbling upon a secluded beach or a hidden café. Planning also includes preparation for logistical details, from travel insurance to airport transfers.
Luckily, that’s where we come in: At Luxury Villas Costa Rica, our exclusive 5-star concierge service sets the standard. You’ll have a dedicated concierge to assist, guide, and host you from the planning stages through your entire stay. Whether it’s arranging tours and transportation, coordinating grocery purchases and in-villa spa services, requesting laundry service, or hiring private chefs, your concierge will be available to meet your needs.
Our 5-star concierge services include:
- Kitchen Stocking: We can arrange to stock your fridge and pantry (at the guest’s expense) before your arrival.
- Transportation: Whether you need a rental car or a quick airport transfer (even via helicopter!), we’ll take care of it.
- Tours: Your concierge is an expert on local attractions. They can help you weigh your options, choose the best activities, and plan your dream trip.
- Private Chef: If you’re craving something special but prefer the privacy of dining in, we have the perfect solution.
- Spa Services: Your concierge can arrange in-home spa services for a truly relaxing experience.
The Desire to Unplug and Relax
True luxury often comes down to the ability to unplug. After all, you can be surrounded by best-in-class everything and not be able to enjoy it, if you can’t lean in and relax.
While technology keeps us connected, vacation offers a chance to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. Embrace mindfulness by setting that way message, leaving work emails behind, and putting digital distractions in the rearview. Instead, immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Picture yourself lounging by a private pool, listening to the waves, or enjoying a rejuvenating spa day. Be present: savor each meal, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and take a moment to breathe in the fresh ocean air. That’s the luxury of true relaxation.
A Traveler’s Mindset
Material possessions may provide temporary happiness, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Costa Rica is brimming with opportunities to explore and grow. Whether it’s ziplining through the rainforest, enjoying a private sunset sail, or learning to cook local cuisine, these moments become part of your story.
Because travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about how you approach the journey. Cultivate a traveler’s mindset by embracing three key principles:
- Flexibility: Be open to changes and surprises. Not every plan will go perfectly (although we promise, we’re going to try!), but often, detours lead to the best stories.
- Openness: Engage with our local culture, cuisine, and traditions. Ask questions, try something new, and broaden your perspective.
- Mindfulness: Stay grounded and present throughout your travels. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or even something as simple as putting down your phone can help you stay calm and enjoy every moment.
These practices allow you to navigate challenges with grace and make meaningful connections with Costa Rica’s places and the people you meet along the way.
Bonus Tip: Must-Have Tech and Travel Gear
In addition to our packing list, there are a few additional luxury essentials that we’d consider the best things to travel with in 2025, especially if you’re headed to Costa Rica!
- Portable Wi-Fi Devices: Stay connected no matter where you are. Whether you’re navigating the streets of San José or streaming a movie by the pool, portable Wi-Fi keeps you online.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for long flights or moments when you need to escape into your own world.
- Power Banks and Adapters: Never run out of juice for your phone or camera. A universal adapter ensures your gadgets are ready to go anywhere.
- Smart Luggage: Invest in luggage that charges your devices and tracks its location.
Additionally, don’t forget to download offline maps, translation apps, and a good camera to capture your adventures.
Where to Stay: Luxury Costa Rica Villas for Rent
At Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, we know that true luxury – the kind that stands apart – is not just about amenities; it’s about service level and your experience. We are proud to offer true luxury at the following villas:
Royal Estates
Tamarindo | 10 Beds | 11 Baths | 23 Guests
Welcome to Royal Estates, a masterpiece of luxury in Tamarindo’s exclusive El Tesoro gated community, where two villas are joined by a lush, tropical pathway and surrounded by sweeping 200+ degree views of ocean and mountains. From every room, you’ll marvel at Tamarindo’s most spectacular scenery, all while enjoying the pinnacle of modern elegance and relaxation.
This ocean-view estate offers two private pools that frame year-round sunsets over the Pacific – the perfect backdrop for any occasion, whether it’s an intimate holiday or toasting an elegant Christmas feast. Indoors, an open design floods each space with light and stunning views, while tranquil outdoor nooks are ideal for yoga or ocean-view massages.
Royal Estates goes beyond beautiful spaces with a dedicated house staff providing breakfast, cocktail prep, cleaning, and laundry services, so you can fully relax and enjoy the surroundings. Minutes from Tamarindo Beach and vibrant town life, Royal Estates promises an unrivaled experience of sophistication and tropical charm.
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Serenity Point
Tamarindo | 7 Beds | 9 Baths | 17 Guests
Serenity Point is more than a villa; it’s an architectural masterpiece brought to life by renowned architect Richard Muller. Nestled in a beachfront gated community, this exclusive retreat offers seven oceanfront bedrooms, each with private patios and captivating views of Langosta Beach and Tamarindo Bay.
The villa’s seamless integration of nature and design is evident in its indoor-outdoor showers, lush water gardens, and palm-lined entrance, creating a serene and inviting ambiance from the moment you arrive. Serenity Point’s private infinity pool, perfectly positioned to overlook the coastline, is the ultimate setting for relaxation or celebration, whether you’re soaking in the views by day or stargazing at night.
For those seeking activity, Serenity Point offers an array of luxurious amenities, including a private gym with ocean views, and an in-home mini golf course for playful moments. Every detail of the villa is designed to cater to both relaxation and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests. Serenity Point also offers full villa staff, including VIP concierge services and daily breakfast.
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Flamingo Blu
Flamingo Beach | 5 Beds | 6 Baths | 10 Guests
If you’re the type of traveler to define luxury in terms of privacy and seclusion, then Flamingo Blu will fulfill your every wildest luxury dream: Set on a quiet hillside that arcs down toward the curve of Flamingo Beach, this exquisite vacation home is a true work of art.
Built completely in the round – Flamingo Blue radiates outward from an inner courtyard – this home plays architectural homage to light and air, natural landscapes and ocean breezes. Natural light streams in through every window and open door, tracing its path from east to west, fanning illumination throughout the villa.
Outdoors, a spectacular infinity pool stands as showcase, spilling down the mountainside toward the lapping Pacific waves. Don’t want to take a swim? A curving sun deck serves as a spectacular – and sun-drenched – spot to relax, read a book, and enjoy famed Flamingo Beach sunsets. Sunsets that are all yours. As we said, privacy.
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Villa Alegria
Hacienda Pinilla | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Baths | 17 Guests
Welcome to Casa Alegria, a retreat that redefines what it means to feel at home. Aptly named the “Home of Joy,” this stunning villa is designed to craft unforgettable moments and elevate your stay into a masterpiece of relaxation and connection.
Casa Alegria’s crown jewel is its sprawling, one-of-a-kind pool area. Not just a pool but an aquatic haven, it boasts a heated 3x3m Jacuzzi that comfortably seats 10 – an invitation to indulge in your own private paradise.
Indoors, each master suite offers a view of the shimmering pool and opens onto a private balcony or terrace, setting the stage for mornings that feel like magic. Meanwhile, young adventurers will fall in love with the custom-designed children’s room, complete with three bunk beds, a mini climbing wall, and a mezzanine, promising endless hours of fun and epic sleepovers.
At Casa Alegria, luxury isn’t just a feature – it’s a way of life. Immerse yourself in a world where elegance meets ease, and every detail is crafted to make your stay extraordinary.
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Pack for Your Every Whim: Dedicated LVCR Concierge Services
When you reserve one of our Costa Rica all-inclusive villas, you’re guaranteeing yourself both a spectacular vacation home and full (and FREE) travel concierge services.
So, what does that mean? After you make your reservation, your personal concierge will get in touch. She’ll send our welcome book, which includes plenty of details about the Tamarindo area, activities, tours, and other need-to-know information. Then, your concierge will follow up, in order to know you and your travel group as well as s/he knows Costa Rica.
After you’ve built your must-see, must-experience list, your concierge will help you build your trip around your wish list: tours, adventures, spa services, personal chefs – whatever you seek, your concierge will source. Then, s/he will book them all on your behalf, with zero markup.
And, while you’re here, your personal concierge is on call to attend any problems, questions, or other issues. You’re never without helping, and that itself is its own amenity.
