While each of our guides aims to offer simple advice in a format that's easy to navigate and share, we recognize that not all travel enthusiasts can translate that information into an actionable plan. We also understand that not everyone has the bandwidth to take on the details of planning a trip. If you would like to purchase a turnkey itinerary that outlines a 10 day beach vacation on Costa Rica’s Golden Coast, click here.

Juliann Luce works in fashion and marketing and loves to travel without an agenda. She lives in Orono, Minnesota with her new husband, three step-kids and dog. She loves to explore new places solo, along side her husband and with her kids, as each trip yields a different experience. Favorite destinations include her previous hometown of New York City and anywhere she’s never been. Juliann’s time in Costa Rica was spent on a yoga retreat and with a small group of women in the southern part of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Penninsula. Having recommended many happy stays to others, she is now sharing her secrets with us.

Where is it you love in Costa Rica?

The Central Pacific and Southern Nicoya Peninsula

Costa Rica has a Caribbean and a Pacific Coast. As all the main surf spots are located on the Pacific coast, in a what’s also known as the Guanacaste Province.

When is it best to go?

I've been to Costa Rica twice in January and I enjoyed incredible experiences both times. Early January was slightly cooler and less humid than the end of January, which was insanely hot and humid. Across the board the weather can vary, but the middle of winter is a wonderful time to visit the area. March and April are not only expensive but crowed, so that’s a time I’d suggest you avoid.

How do you get there?

I flew into Liberia (LIR), which is an easy direct flight from Minneapolis and usually not too expensive. The flight is fine, but the roads to get to your destination, while improving, can be treacherous. The distance you have to go is not that far actually, but it can take 2-4 hours due to the traffic of animals crossing the road, driving through rivers, etc. As with other remote areas in Costa Rica a true off-road adventure in a rickety vehicle is all part of the experience.

Alternatively you can fly (Sansa or Nature Air) into Tamarindo, Tambor or Nosara during high season from San Jose (depending on where you are staring your trip), but keep in mind the planes are tiny. Once you arrive in Tambor you’ll need to rent a car or hire transportation through your lodging.

Another option if you are adventuring through Costa Rica prior to your arrival on the peninsula, is to drive to Puntarenas from either San Jose or La Fortuna. In Puntarenas you simply catch the car ferry to Paquera. The drive from Paquera to Santa Teresa and Malpais is paved, albeit harried and really dark if you’re traveling at night.

Rtip: Download the Waze app. for navigating your way through Costa Rica by car.

Where do you like to stay?

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Nosara / reservations

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the best ever! I cannot recommend it enough. When I stayed here I was traveling with a group of yogis on a yoga retreat, but you could also go with a group of girlfriends. The food, the staff, the rooms, the pool, the fitness facilities... it's all incredible. Definitely get a massage - Tatiana is world class. The resort is in great proximity to Guiones Beach you can either walk or take the little taxi golf cart. The juice bar next to the pool is a must - everything is great there. When you first arrive at the Bodhi Tree you are given a fresh coconut with a straw - a heavenly start to a wonderfully relaxing vacation.

Villa Blanca, Playa Hermosa / reservations

This is an amazing place to go with a close group of friends or family. It was the perfect option for us, right on Playa Hermosa with a private pool. It offered the privacy of a house with the amenities of a luxury hotel. You have access to an exclusive concierge who can arrange transportation, activities, staff, or groceries. Due to it’s proximity to the Pranamar Yoga Resort you can take full advantage of massages, yoga, dining, sunset cocktails, etc - right next door. They also share staff and security, so you can feel right at home there as well.

Rtip: Keep in mind that the Pranamar offers villas for families as well as a two-story house rental that sleeps seven. The Pranamar yoga resort was built, and is currently managed, by the people that created the famous (and pricer) Hotel Flor Blanca 10 miles south. If you’d prefer a boutique hotel over a private rental then I’d steer you to Nantipa equally great for families, groups and couples, with incredible service and impeccable cleanliness. The location is the perfect mix of seclusion and access to town, while also having the luxury of being directly on the beach. If that’s booked, contributors also recommend, Casa Chameleon Hotel in Malpais (although that’s adults only)

To round out this post we asked Contributor Anika from Kids Well Traveled, to recommend a couple of traditional hotel options for families in Nosara:

Guilded Iguana, Guiones / reservations

A hotel dream come true, the Guilded Iguana is an oasis to relax and unwind. You’ll find excellent service, design details and food options, along with a laid back surf atmosphere. The hotel has no kids club, but is very kid friendly (kids pool, kids toys and kids menu at the restaurant). In Nosara there are no ocean front hotels because the beach is a nature reserve, but from the hotel it is just a short 5 min walk to the beach. It might be hard to limit your stay but if you are keeping conscious of budget, even two nights is an experience worth the splurge.

The Sunset Shack, Guiones / reservations

The Sunset Shack is just a few hundred meters away from the Gilded Iguana. Half the prize, but not less any pretty It’s an eco-boutique hotel, basic but stylish. You will find exactly the things you need to feel at ease. The hotel has a sustainable concept so you’ll find a salt water pool, refillable beauty items, and the restaurant sources it’s food exclusively from locals. The choices for dining isn’t extensive but it’s delicious. Located in the middle of the jungle, your wake up service will be the howler monkeys sitting in the trees above the hotel.

Rtip: If it’s a family rental you’re after, you won’t have trouble finding something stunning and reasonable on Airbnb, like restaurant La Luna’s remote apartment, this extravagant jungle house that sleeps nine, or these private villas in Nosara.

What should we do?

In my experience with yoga retreats, once you get to your destination you rarely leave. There are a few adventures you may want to do offsite, but those can be coordinated through the resort upon arrival. For excursions, speaking Spanish helps, but certainly not necessary. That said, if you want to get to know the locals it goes a long way if you attempt their language.

In Nosara,

You might not want to leave the resort except to hit up Guiones beach. It is a natural reserve beach so there are no beach bars, hotels or sunbeds. The vibe is extremely chill and the whole village gathers at sunset to have a beer. It’s at Guiones you’ll find consistent year-round waves and a beautiful shallow bottom sandy beach. In fact in 2017, Nosara was named one of the world’s top twenty surf towns by National Geographic magazine. Conditions are great for all levels of surfing, with a warm off-shore breeze and swells that vary from waist high to double overhead. Lessons can be arranged by your resort or rental property, or directly through Selva Surf School or Agua Tibia Surf School. Oh, and if you need to unload your kids while you surf, check out the highly recommended, Nosara Day Camp.

“It’s a great spot to relax in the sand but surfing here is the best - a phenomenal place to learn with great instructors.”

In Santa Teresa,

Because there are more dining options in the area, it’s much easier to take advantage of the adventures that are, in reality, offered in both places. These activities include fishing, horseback riding on the beach, ziplining, quad tours to waterfalls, SUP, snorkling, fishing and visiting a wildlife refuge. Again, its very easy to arrange these things upon arrival from a menu of activities or if you have an in with the locals. All you have to do before your trip is read the resort activity page and get excited about whatever may interest you. It’s worth mentioning that even if you are not staying at Florblanca you can still visit Spa Bambu for a full menu of treatments, including full use of their private jacuzzi.

Where should we eat while we’re there?

When you are in Nosara, it’s about a mile walk from Bohdi Tree to the tiny little town of Guiones where your dining options are fairly limited. If you are looking to pick up groceries on your own, Organico is the place to do that. If you want a good low key spot for tacos, check out Al Chile, set inside a lush garden at the Sunset Shack Hotel, the menu is basic but also authentic and tasty. And finally, Go Juice smoothie and juice bar is the most relaxed place to grab a smoothie or a fruit bowl on the “go.”

Overall I suggest you take advantage of Bodhi Tree’s great food during your stay. And if you are interested in a few off property meals, it’s best to head to another resort. For instance the breakfast is delicious at The Gilded Lizard, and the juice bar at the Harmony Hotel is divine. They have an open air restaurant and sushi lounge as well. At the very least, stop in for the guacamole and a Pina Colada when you are visiting for a surf lesson. They source fresh ingredients and produce locally, and they harvest as much as they can from their nearby farm. One exception to my resort dining rule is La Luna in Playa Rosada. You won’t regret snagging a reservation at sunset at least one night during your trip.

Contrary to the limited dining options in Nosara, the area surrounding Santa Theresa has much more to offer. For brunch I’d send you to Cafe Social — adorable, delicious, and right next to some wonderful little shops. The Bakery is known for breakfast options too, like avocado toast, bagels & lox and cinnamon rolls and their fresh juices are heavenly, but many don’t realize they have an extended menu until 10pm. Next to The Bakery you’ll find Product C and their raw bar and tacos will knock your socks off. Alternatively, you can enjoy fish tacos beach side at Nectar Restaurant which is part of the Florblanca Resort. If you are in a house rental without a chef, or you’re tired of cooking, you can find several good dinner-only options, including Chile Viola for homemade pasta and seafood. If you venture a little further south, you’ll find even more fabulous places to eat, like the world's best sushi restaurant, Koji's! That’s also where you can also dine at resort restaurants, Brasas Del Mar at Casa Chameleon and Manzú beachfront at Nantipa. Lots of dining options to choose from, I promise you won’t go hungry.

“Koji's truly is the best sushi I have ever had, and you need a reservation in advance of your visit because it fills up fast.”

Where can we grab something delicious to drink?

It's always fun to hit up the local liquor store and make your own beverages but the best "beachy cocktails" are at the Harmony Hotel in Nosara. The Beach Dog Cafe is another great choice if you just want to grab a margarita after a long day on the beach.

What should we shop for, or bring back with us?

Jewelry! There are so many options and you’ll find great stuff no matter where you are! Be sure to stop into A07CommonGoods in Santa Teresa. You will covet everything in the whole store.

What should we take on the trip?

This area of Costa Rica is very casual and you will never get dressed up - I definitely over-packed my first time. You end up living in swimsuits and cover-ups. No heels, no make up, no hair products. What a nice break! What you should keep in mind is that there is barely any shade at many of the beaches, so you should bring your own umbrella tent for a longer stay, this one is packable. It is also very important for you to know that both areas are fairly remote, so everything (except for gas station and supermarket), will be cash payment only. Very rarely will they take credit cards off property.