Costa Rica is the kind of place where you can have it all. And these Costa Rica luxury vacation tips help define your “all.”
“Luxury” is a relative term. What does it mean to you? To us, a Costa Rica luxury vacation is an emotional experience. It is authentic and different, with a little bit of special thrown in.
You know what luxury entails. You know what you hope from your travels. But you may not know what to expect from and in Costa Rica. This will help.
Because in a word, Costa Rican luxury is understated. It’s expansive pool terraces and stepping onto the golf course, it’s private pool terraces and some of the most incredible ocean views in the country. It’s modern architecture and best-in-class amenities. It’s unparalleled attention to detail and a healthy obsession with the guest experience. It’s top-of-the-line everything paired with access to the best of Costa Rica, for the best overall experience.
Here are a few tips to help you define your version of luxury in Costa Rica.
Tip #1: Pack Light
Chances are good that you’ll pack a checked bag or two. We get it – there are things you need! But remember, you’re packing for Costa Rica, not Europe in winter. You simply don’t wear as much or need as much as you do at many destinations… and that’s a good thing.
First, know that unless you’ve made very specific reservations or arranged a special something, you won’t need formalwear for your stay. Even the most upscale stay. Costa Rica’s beach towns (and most of the Central Valley) simply aren’t a formalwear kind of place. That said, pack some beach-formal wear (think: breezy dresses and lightweight khakis) for dining out at Tamarindo’s best restaurants.
Beyond that, bring the standard necessities: bathing suits, plenty of sunblock and repellent, cosmetics and toiletries, and lightweight clothes to get you through your stay. And remember, when you book a home with Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, you’ll most likely have a washer and dryer. Don’t worry about bringing multiple outfit changes per day (unless that’ll make you happy!).
Tip #2: Don’t Overschedule Your Vacation
The worse mistake most people make on their Costa Rica luxury vacation is biting off more than can be reasonably chewed. And when it comes to Costa Rica, you want to aim for chewing less, not more.
That because, while Costa Rica is a small country, it can take a while to get from Point A to Point B. Whatever you do, don’t Google Maps it and call it a day; depending on traffic, road conditions, and meandering cows, a drive can take be anywhere from on estimate to 3-4x what map algorithm tells you.
Beyond the simple logistics, Costa Rica’s adventures pack serious fun and activity into their hours. Depending on the tour, you may be wiped after a morning or afternoon of scheduled activity. If you plan too much for your day, you’ll won’t enjoy each experience to its fullest. Do yourself a favor and plan less, enjoy more.
Tip #3: Indulge in Your Bucket List(s)
One of our best tips for enjoying your Costa Rica luxury vacation to the fullest is to plan a few bucket-list and bigger-ticket items. This is your getaway and your enjoyment is worth it.
Before you begin planning, ask each member of your travel group about their greatest wishes for Costa Rica. Try to schedule at least one bucket-list item for each person in your travel party, so that everyone experiences at least one wish, fulfilled.
Next, speak to our concierge, Cris, about a few special somethings. Whether it’s a private catamaran sunset sail or an in-home massage, an evening with a private chef or a one-on-one sloth experience, indulging in a few special somethings will undoubtedly create forever memories that you and your will treasure forever.
Tip #4: Focus on Location
Hacienda Pinilla is home to 4,500 acres of luxury, a pristine golf course, walking and biking trails, and an oceanfront Beach Club
You’ve heard it a million times: location, location, location!
But, here’s the thing: Location is very personal. One traveler’s idea of paradise is another’s too-crowded or too-secluded. So, this one is perhaps the most personal tip of all: Think carefully. Ask yourself (and your travel companions) about what matters most: Is it where you go (ex. a specific refuge or attraction) or more about what you see and do?
If you’re more about amenities and access, then location is also important. There are few golf courses, luxury communities, and the like, so if that’s important, prioritize it! The key is to figure out what matters most to you and from there, map out where you’ll go to fulfill your wishlist. (Need a little help identifying what makes a perfect location, for you? Get in touch and we’ll help you figure it out!)
Tip #5: Chose the Perfect Costa Rica Luxury Vacation Home
In Costa Rica, luxury hotels can easily cost $750-$1,000+ per room, per night. For a single room.
A luxury vacation home, even of the most upscale variety, is an incredible deal by comparison: Typically in the range of $300-$750 per room, per night, these homes pack all the space and accouterments of a Costa Rica bungalow resort, paired with the privacy, expansiveness, and views of your own private space. And we haven’t even discussed amenities yet…
Tip #6: Don’t Miss Out on Amenities
Luxury homes in Costa Rica promise the full vacation experience, from spectacular sunsets to infinity pools overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean
Speaking of, consider the amenities most important to you. Because not all Costa Rica luxury vacation homes offer the same types of amenities: While some consider ultimate privacy to be the greatest luxury, others prefer to add luxury resort amenities, including luxury beach clubs, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, horse stables, and so much more.
Beyond that, choose a home that offers both the little touches and the big extras that go the extra mile, like a complementary concierge and kitchen stocking, personal chef services and welcome baskets.
… And Don’t Forget to Bring Your Sense of Adventure!
If there’s one absolute, can’t-miss, must-have item to bring to Costa Rica, it’s your sense of adventure. We know, we know – it’s a bit of a corny, wordplay kind of answer. But it’s also true.
Costa Rica is an adventurous, no-holds-barred kind of place and is, therefore, best enjoyed when you go all in. Let loose. Dedicate your days to fun. Let yourself live. And promise that you’ll embrace the experience.
If you check your expectations at the airport, allow yourself to be in the moment, and open the door to surprises, then we think you’ll create some of the best, most unforgettable Costa Rica luxury vacation memories of your life.
Villa Nova
Santa Teresa | 7 Beds | 7 Baths | 18 Guests
Located in the surf paradise of Santa Teresa, Villa Nova is a slice of paradise and with not just one, but two incredible, turquoise, salt-water pools. Before we get there, let’s start here: One of Santa Teresa’s top luxury homes in Costa Rica, this rental home offers six private suites, two state-of-the-art kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, two open living rooms, and all the breezy, tropical living you’ve dreamed.
And then, there are Villa Nova’s unparalleled outdoor spaces. Centered around the home’s dual salt-water pools, the backyard unfolds over a large, outdoor rancho area (with BBQ), shaded palapas, sun loungers, lush gardens, and plenty of spaces to retreat, relax, and seek out your own little slice of sun. This space has been carefully curated to create a tranquil and relaxing environment. And it shows!
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Villa II Sabi
Playa Hermosa (South Guanacaste) | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 8 Guests
Located in Guanacaste’s southern Playa Hermosa, between Manzanillo and Santa Teresa, Villa II Sabi can be rented in combination with its neighbor, Villa I Wabi, for a group of up to 16 guests.
This incredible home, whether rented together or alone, offers private beach access and the pool-outdoor living space of your dreams. Here, an expansive pool deck joins shaded outdoor living spaces, a large yoga shala, sun-drenched sun loungers, and a sparkling swimming pool. And, everywhere, lush tropical gardens and dense jungle to house exotic wildlife in your own backyard.
While you could come for the pool alone, Villa I Wabi is designed to impress indoors, too. With four bedrooms suites, designer furniture, daily housekeeping and laundry service, and top-of-the-line finishes, this is an incredible retreat to one of Costa Rica’s more remote corners of the Pacific Coast.
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Planning a Costa Rica Luxury Vacation? We’d Love to Help!
When you reserve a luxury villa with us, you’re booking more than just a spectacular home; your reservation also includes full travel concierge services.
So, what does that mean? Well, when you make your reservation, our skilled in-house concierge will get in touch. She is an expert in all things Costa Rica and her job is to get to know you that well, too. Share your desires and preferences, peruse our recommendations, and start building your must-do, can’t-miss lists.
Our concierge will tailor your vacation to your specific needs and interests. From the little details – airport pickup and a private chef – to all your activities and transportation, our concierge services are absolutely and always free for our guests. You dream, we take care of the details.
Please get in touch for more information about our Costa Rica luxury vacation villas and our concierge services.
