Properties in Costa Rica Blog

With an extension of 1.5 km of clear water and thin sand, Marbella beach is described as a paradise for surfers, fishers, and lovers of the sea. Considering the sudden urban growth of Guanacaste, the town of Marbella is the ideal place for those seeking for a remote and quiet place, but yet with natural beauty. Although its popularity is increasing, it offers one of the least crowded beaches in the area.

Marbella beach is located 30 minutes by car from the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, one of the key nesting sites for sea turtles in the Pacific Coast. The nesting season runs from July to December, time when national and international tourists visit and appreciate this incredible natural phenomenon. Hundreds of thousands of marine turtles return each year to this beach to lay an average of 80 eggs, being the main attraction for tourists and a natural spectacle with great impact on the ecosystem.

It is quite common to find tourists of different nationalities looking for a bit of solitude in Marbella beach. The bright green color from the lush vegetation contrasted with the intense turquoise color of the sea creates a beautiful scenery. Sunbathe laying on the sun while watching a family of spider monkeys jumping from tree to tree. Sloths are very common in this area as well, so keep your eyes open for these sleepy animals in the top of the trees. You will also be able to observe different types of birds, including toucans and magpies.

For those looking for adventure, luxury, and the ones that are on a budget, there are all types of lodging in Marbella beach. There are camping areas, options of hostels and B&B. You will find different categories of Hotels with different price ranges according to the amenities as well as beachfront houses and villas for rent. There are many lots available to build your dream home. The mountains of Marbella are the highest point around, that’s why it also offers the best views!

The extense and beautiful beach is also well known among surfers. Since winds blow against the sea there are more leisured waves, the main feature of the best surf spots in the world. Its conditions mean that only the most qualified and experienced surfers can tame the waves that can become quite big for some months.

You can access the beach by bus car boat or walking, there is a ramp and path to facilitate the access of wheelchairs. If among your plans you are visiting an exotic place in Costa Rica, without a doubt Playa Marbella responds perfectly to that description. The perfect climate and relaxed atmosphere will make you fall in love at first sight.

During the last months of 2018, the new W COSTA RICA hotel was inaugurated in Guanacaste. Strategically located inside famous Reserva Conchal, a 2,300-acre nature reserve that features real estate development, a West In Hotel, professional golf course, and a wildlife refugee. W COSTA RICA came to redefine the experience of a luxury resort for travelers who yearn to experience the characteristic adventure of the country. It seeks to translate through design, details and in a modern way the history and culture of both the country and the region.

While entering the property you’ll notice that the pathway is marked by the typical trees of the region called “Indios Desnudos” which leads you to a bright red semi-circular arrival area. This was inspired by the cultural activities that are held in the country where bulls run around a circular area called “plaza de toros”. Since the beginning, you will find all the allusions that are made to the culture and you will feel attracted to this new fun and sophisticated hotel.

The hotel counts with a wet deck decorated with colorful oxcarts, including a hot tub, a beautiful pool, and a wet bar. The beach club, known as “Zona Azul Beach Club” is located right below. There is an integrated zip line that goes from the Wet deck right down to the beach club, placing you in a 10-minute walk away from the beach. On Zona Azul you will find an infinity pool with enough space for sunbathing within luxury details. Enjoy a meal in any of the 5 restaurants located in the Blue Zone offering different international tastes like Italian, Japanese, Greek, Californian and Costa Rican. At night this area turns into a sophisticated bar with cocktails and access to the beach.

The innovative design of this outstanding hotel is astonishing, adding up to the natural ecosystem where it’s located, Conchal Beach. In Reserva Conchal, you will find beautifully built neighborhoods with exclusive amenities and unique styles. The three private neighborhoods mix within the lush forests and blend with the impressive ocean views. Some of them are already built but there are still lot sites to build your dream home. Sustainability is one of the main goals of the complex since they focus on economic social and environmental development. For example, the beach club, hotel and golf course located in the development are carbon positive, compensating %25 above the total carbon emissions.

With the grand opening of the new W hotel, Reserva Conchal is full of opportunities for tourists and locals, offering you an exclusive lifestyle full of nature and luxury.

Tamarindo is one of the most visited towns in Guanacaste. It is very popular for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing spots, boutique stores, nightclubs, yoga studios, schools, and all the different possibilities for lodging! Tamarindo has a lot of variety of foods with more than 100 restaurants. The City is truly a mix of different cultures and thus this cultural diversity is reflected in the food as well. Local dishes are less expensive and worth a try, Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) is the traditional breakfast, Casado is the main dish for lunch, Ceviche and Coconut water are served fresh along the beach and town.

Here you will find some places that are well known for its unique services.

Please note

Pangas Beach Club

A beachfront restaurant located right next to the Tamarindo estuary. It is secluded from the center of town so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful meal right next to the ocean. If you are looking for a romantic dinner the place is elegantly decorated and illuminated by the moon. It is also perfect for large groups with a variety of dishes including fresh seafood, meats, pasta, salads, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. The place is always a good choice for watching the sunset with a cocktail and an appetizer. This restaurant/beach club is merged with Las Mareas Villas which are private luxury villas with full access to Pangas, located right across the street. In their Facebook page, you’ll find a weekly calendar with the schedule and announcements of the activities they host. Pangas Beach Club is also an amazing venue for private events like weddings.

Wok and Roll

Conveniently located in the center of town, Wok and Roll is one of town’s favorite Asian restaurant. With a unique fusion of Korean, Thai, Vietnam, Japanese and Mongolian food this is a top choice for most locals. You will find remarkable dishes and flavors in this popular restaurant. They have an oyster bar with fresh and tender oysters and a sushi bar. It’s a family restaurant with choices for everyone, Wok and Roll even offers a children’s menu. The place is nicely decorated, with a modern Asian twist that makes this place one of the most visited one in the main strip. The sushi rolls here are one of the most acclaimed in Tamarindo!

La Bodega

An organic store and cafeteria, ideal for breakfast or a quick healthy lunch. It is a small boutique with few tables that serve fresh ingredients and homemade food, mainly recommended for small groups. You will find baked goods like brownies, banana bread, cookies, carrot chia muffins, bread, and more ready to go or to sit and enjoy while drinking a local coffee. Do not miss the seared tuna-mango-avocado tacos on homemade tortillas, the most acclaimed dish of this restaurant! In the store, you can buy organic and artisans goods like energy bars, coconut oil, honey, and kombucha which are all prepared in La Bodega. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available in their menu. In this beautiful cafeteria, you’ll be able to eat healthy but delicious!

Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant

One of the most popular restaurants in Tamarindo. This BBQ and Grill is located right across Tamarindo beach, in a corner of the main strip. A beautiful place to enjoy an Argentinean wine and a fine dinner with family and friends. They serve imported meat cuts but and also have vegetarian options, seafood, pasta, and pizza. We highly recommend making a reservation before going since they tend to have high demand. Our recommendation: Meat empanadas!

Dominical is one of the most visited beaches by local and foreign tourists both during summer and the green season. This beach is located in the province of Puntarenas and is also known as Costa Ballena, which includes Uvita beach as well. There are uncountable rivers that run through the jungle and up to the mountains, creating natural pools of waters and waterfalls. This area is rich in biodiversity and ideal to visit if you would like to balance between the salty ocean and the fresh water from rivers.

Surfing! If you are an expert you will enjoy it to the fullest. It is a well-known surfing spot for professionals worldwide. If you are not an expert or would like to learn, you can book some lessons and start surfing the crystal clear waves on this beach.

Visit the Río Baru / Baru River! This River runs directly into Dominical Beach. It is a place with plenty of activities like stand up paddle board, swimming, kayaking, hiking while appreciating the flora and fauna… You can enjoy a good picnic or bbq right at the side of the river, bathe in the clear waters or simply admire the scenic beauty. Here you’ll be able to watch monkeys, sloths, different kinds of birds and butterflies, and maybe some otters.

Nauyaca Waterfall is another main attraction of this area. The entire set of waterfalls measures a total of 80mts wide. There are several falls starting at 20mts tall and the main one measures almost 45 meters high with a free fall in a much smaller pool. The temptation to get into the crystal clear water is a lot and inevitable to refuse!

Whale watching is definitely one of my favorites, each year the Pacific humpback whales from the southern hemisphere travel from Antarctica to Costa Rica and arrive around the end of July, August, September. It is definitely a must see, please make sure you picked the best time to see whales in Costa Rica!

Many actors, soccer players, NFL superstars and others came to enjoy different areas of our country. Zac Efron was one of the most sought-after celebrities that came this past year. He stayed in the country for 2 weeks during late October and early November. Efron was seen on several occasions with friends and his brother Dylan in the southern Pacific coast, in a luxury private property in Osa. The Efron brothers and his friends also practiced extreme sports in waterfalls and visited Alta Gracia Auberge Resort in Perez Zeledon and went horseback riding there. This is the second time that the High School Musical star visits Costa Rica, last time he enjoyed the Papagayo Peninsula with friends surfing and sailing.

The Australian actress Margot Robbie, best known for her performances in Suicide Squad, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Legend of Tarzan, came to the country during July 2018. She spent some time at the beach with Tom Ackerley her husband and British film director, surfing, sunbathing and relaxing before starring in the new Quentin Tarantino film “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood” with a cast that includes Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The French soccer player Raphael Verane also came to Costa Rica during 2018 after winning the world cup with his team. The Real Madrid player came with his family and enjoyed the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast. His Spanish teammate Dani Carvajal was also seen in the country. He went fine dining in San Jose, exploring Tortuguero in the Caribbean, and waterfalls in San Carlos.

It is no surprise to see Tom Brady and former supermodel Gisele Bündchen in Costa Rica since they own a house in Santa Teresa and constantly shares pictures of their trip in social media. They are in love with our country and claim to want to retire here. They usually spend their vacation at the beach in their private ocean view home, but this time they also decided to explore San Carlos while horseback riding. Giselle and Tom are current visitors of the country and they even spent Valentine’s in Santa Teresa, a surfing and yoga paradise.

Most of these superstars choose to be very inconspicuous about the place they stay and tend to share pictures of their trip after leaving the country. Costa Rica is the perfect place to mix adventure and adrenaline with a rustic or luxurious relaxing vacation. Mountain or beach, Costa Rica has to offer real experiences and there is no doubt that celebrities love Costa Rica not only for its flora and fauna but for the adventure traveling as well.