The Best Vacation You’ve Never Heard Of: Costa Rica’s All-in-One Beach Escape

Imagine a car-free, highly walkable coastal town modeled after the cliffside charm of Positano, Italy, with the colors of Colombia (think, Disney’s Encanto), but reimagined on 700 hectares of pristine Costa Rican tropical dry forest and calm ocean coves. I spent a night here, stayed in a breathtaking beachfront villa, toured the properties, visited a local farm, and fell in love. I am already planning a return trip with my family, and here is why Las Catalinas needs to be at the top of your travel list.

Playa Dante, Las Catalinas

The vibe: Bohemian soul meets sustainable luxury

Because the town is entirely pedestrian, there are no cars and you aren’t dependent on a golf cart to get around. You walk everywhere—to the beach, to the nine incredible restaurants, or to a tennis match. This car-free concept creates an incredibly safe, peaceful, and social environment. Unlike the mega-resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula, Las Catalinas is a living, breathing community. Over 300 families live here full-time, and, because the town is entirely pedestrian, it is the ultimate destination for:

• Solo travelers looking for a secure, social community.

• Families who want to let their kids run down to the beach safely, or have outdoor activities at their fingertips.

• Couples seeking a boho-luxe retreat.

• Safety-conscious travelers who might be wary of Mexico or the current travel advisories in Nicaragua.

Wandering the colorful walkways of town, parallel to the beach

The locals are so proud of their community and to welcome you to their town

Where to stay: Hotel, apartments, villas, or adults-only

Las Catalinas is divided into distinct neighborhoods, and, during my tour, I got a deep-dive look into how the accommodations work. Whether you want a boutique hotel room or a sprawling multi-family home, there is a perfect fit, and they all have options for access to the beach club, with kiddie, adult, lap, and jacuzzi pools.

1. The villas (Las Catalinas Doorways)

The villa collection ranges from one to seven bedrooms, with rates starting in the $600s. I had the absolute pleasure of staying at Mar y Sol, a stunning property located in the beachfront neighborhood of Paseo del Mar.

Waking up to the sound of the waves and stepping right onto the sand was unforgettable. One of the best parts? The "house mama." Every large villa rental includes a dedicated house manager and a house mama who comes in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to prepare fresh breakfast, handle towel service, and keep the place immaculate. It provides all the privacy of a private home with the effortless pampering of a five-star resort. Our villa had a plunge pool, but also access to the Beach Club, with a full kiddie pool, adults-only pool, lap pool, and hot tub.

Neighborhood guide: If you want ultimate privacy and garage access, I'll book you in Punta Penca. If you want to step onto the sand, we’ll look at Paseo del Mar. If you prefer being steps from the best restaurants and local energy, Plaza Mercado is the spot.

2. Santarena hotel (a preferred property)

If a villa is too large, the Santarena Hotel is my absolute go-to for couples or solo travelers. Averaging in the $300s/night, this adults-focused property is stylish, intimate (caps at about 50–60 guests), and features exclusively plush king beds. It feels like a chic boutique haven right in the heart of town, and booking through me grants you full access to the town’s premier Beach Club. My tip: Most rooms have a view looking into the trees, so if you want full ocean view, I’ll put you on the top floor (also where the rooftop pool and bar are located).

3. Casa Chameleon (adults-only)

Perched high on the hilltop overlooking the ocean is Casa Chameleon, an adults-only Relais & Châteaux property featuring 21 ultra-private villas. Named after the local rock formations famous for world-class snorkeling and diving, this property is pure romance.

While I was there, I watched the sunset from their multi-level terrace—the staff curates an incredible sunset experience with appetizers, drinks, and a stunning wine-pairing menu. It’s an absolute must for dinner, even if you aren't staying on property!

Villas can be either beachfront for the sound of the waves, or up in the hills for ocean views

Las Catalinas Beach Club

Local experiences & active living

You won't find mindless lounging here, though there are certainly moments for that at the Beach Club; Las Catalinas is built for the active soul. The calm cove waters are completely safe for swimming, making it incredibly family-friendly.

During my trip, I got to experience the local lifestyle firsthand:

• On the water: The beach has "little waves"—perfect for kids to play in without the danger of a heavy break. You can snorkel, SUP, or kayak straight from the beach or take a boat to the nearby Catalinas Islands for scuba diving. For the experienced ocean swimmers, try swimming out to the swim platform just beyond the wave breaks.

• On the trails: The property features an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails connected directly to the town.

• Wellness: From the Center of Joy spa to high-intensity XPT fitness programs run by Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece, the wellness scene is cosmopolitan and top-tier. I am definitely returning and taking the cardio dance class, and grabbing a smoothie from the in-house cafe.

• Cultural balance: They balance the "newness" of the town with authentic experiences like local farm visits, tortilla making, and chocolate tastings. I toured the local farm that supplies fresh produce to the town, and we made fresh tortillas and coffee. We had an incredible sushi lunch at Tamaki's and later did a sophisticated wine and chocolate tasting at Coralines.

Rent mountain bikes, SUPs, or kayaks at the beachside shops

Visit La Estancia for a tortilla- and coffee-making workshop or a farm tour

Epic day trips

From town, I can easily arrange a half-day family surfing lesson, a day trip to the Diamante Adventure Park (about and hour and 15 minutes away), or a boat safari through the wildlife-rich mangrove estuaries of Palo Verde National Park. There is a set of namesake “Catalinas” rock islands. The best beach in Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo, is only a 25-minute drive, on the way to the best surfing area, Tamarindo (also great if you need some more nightlife). The Flamingo Marina is a cute, colorful area where you’ll catch your sunset catamaran and fishing charters.

I can't wait to return with my family to Costa Rica!

Planning your trip

Ready to pack your bags? Here is what you need to know to budget and plan:

• The budget: For a family of four, expect a budget of around $6,000/week during the green season, and about 20–25% higher during the peak high season. However, apartments start at $250 per night, with the House Mama services available for an extra charge as needed.

• Getting around: It’s just 25 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo. You don't need a rental car while you're in town, so taking an Uber or a private shuttle from the airport is highly recommended. I will arrange this for you as a part of making your trip seamless.

• Groceries: The on-site market can be pricey, so for my villa clients, I love to arrange a pre-arrival grocery delivery service, or have your driver stop in nearby Potrero (15 minutes away) to stock up on essentials before arrival. We picked up some local coffee, candy, Cacique (for my favorite Costa Rican drink, Guaro Sours), and gigantic local avocados!

Let’s get you to paradise

Las Catalinas is truly a rare find: a destination that feels entirely exclusive and hidden away, yet deeply connected to nature and community. Because I have direct relationships with the on-site management team, I have access to real-time villa availability, and can seamlessly coordinate everything from your House Mama menus to private surf guides. Another reason I love working with my Costa Rican partners is that they can coordinate expedited entry at the airport and your drivers, and they have room blocks over the holidays, when availability appears sold out elsewhere.

Las Catalinas can book up during the Christmas "festive" season, but here is the secret: It hasn't hit the radar for Thanksgiving yet. If you are looking for an "undiscovered" holiday destination where your kids can roam free and you can enjoy a glass of wine on a Positano-style plaza in Central America, this is it.

Ready to plan your escape? If you have a week or longer, I like to pair this destination with the Rainforest Hot Springs, with a stay at the authentic Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa or the family-friendly Springs Resort and Spa. Reach out and let's get you to pura vida paradise!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.