Playa Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

I’ve just returned from a 10 day journey focused on the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Nestled between tropical dry forest and too many unspoiled beaches to count, there are a number of small towns and hotels I wanted to explore and better understand for my clients. I partnered with my “go to” supplier for Central America, Rico Tours, to create a customized itinerary for my family.

Samara restaurant on the beach
Making a stop at Samara on route to Tamarindo

After staying at the renowned Virtuoso property Hotel Punta Islita, our next destination was the luxury boutique hotel Cala Luna, located in the surf town of Tamarindo.  Along the way, Rico Tours suggested a stop for lunch at the town of Samara, another charming surf town.  We enjoyed a fantastic meal right on the beach and enjoyed watching the surfers and horseback riders.

Samara beach
Playa Samara
Lobby at Cala Luna
Lobby at Cala Luna

Located right outside of Tamarindo, Cala Luna’s location is ideal in my opinion. Guests are treated to a tranquil setting on a gorgeous, natural beach, yet most of the town’s shops and restaurants are just a short walk away.

Cala Luna lounge/restaurant area
Lounge area at Cala Luna – great for lunch or dinner, or just lounging!
Table for two at Cala Luna's beach
Private dining on Cala Luna’s beach

I booked a Two Bedroom Luxury Villa with a private pool for my family and was very pleased with the layout. The contemporary décor is chic, but warm and casual at the same time, and we quickly made ourselves at home. Our pool was large and well maintained, and we enjoyed many lazy afternoons there.

Master bedroom in 2 Bedroom villa at Cala Luna
Master bedroom, 2 Bedroom Luxury Villa at Cala Luna
Second bedroom, 2 bedroom villa at Cala Luna
Children’s bedroom, 2 Bedroom Luxury Villa at Cala Luna
Living room area in 2 bedroom villa at Cala Luna
Living room area, Two bedroom Luxury Villa, Cala Luna
Luxury villa private pool at Cala Luna
Private pool, luxury villa at Cala Luna

Guests can choose to either lounge by the lagoon style pool or venture out to the magnificent beach. Sunset was a treat in particular, as the hotel has recently set up a driftwood bar with a friendly Brazilian bartender who serves complimentary sundowners as guests watch the sun sink below the horizon. A magical, daily moment for sure…

Cala Luna beach bar
Service with a smile, on the beach at Cala Luna
Cala Luna beach at sunset
On the beach at Cala Luna with my family

The dining experience at Cala Luna was exceptional. My family enjoyed the freshest of food and found ourselves hard-pressed to leave the hotel because the food was so good! That being said, there are many great dining options in Tamaraindo, and I’ve now compiled a list of recommendations to share with clients.

Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo
Private boat excursion, Tamarindo
Private boat excursion, Tamarindo

While in Tamarindo, I definitely recommend chartering a boat for a half day snorkeling and fishing excursion. I booked a 27 foot boat with a crew of two to take us out for an afternoon adventure. The coastline is incredibly beautiful, and as we moved from one snorkeling spot to another, my children marveled at the devil rays jumping out of the ocean right in front of us.

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