Costa Rica - Sheldon James

Your Insider Guide to Luxury Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you wish…or both, all in the same day. Known for its protected and biodiverse jungle and quiet beaches lining a rugged coast, especially in the Pacific provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, activities on land and on the water abound.

Essential Travel Information

Helpful insights on seasons, local customs, and practical essentials—so you can travel with ease and confidence.

Weather and High Season Travel times

Costa Rica's weather is characterized by a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season typically runs from December to April, while the rainy season extends from May to November. Tamarindo, Costa Rica experiences a consistent tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 33°C (91°F). The area is known for its sunny days and plenty of sunshine, especially during the dry season (December to April). The rainy season (May to November) brings lush greenery and occasional afternoon showers. The general weather in the Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica, is warm and tropical year-round, with a dry season from roughly December to April and a rainy season from May to November. The Pacific coast, including the Gulf of Papagayo, experiences daytime highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the upper 70s. During the dry season, there can be strong "Papagayo winds" (or trade winds) blowing from the north.

Time Zone

Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

Language

Spanish and English

Currency

Costa Rican Colón and USD

Arrival & Transportation

From touchdown to onsite exploration, we offer seamless connections that let you focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Arrival & Airports

Airport: Costa Rica has two major international airports; Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) near Liberia. SJO is the largest and busiest airport, serving San José, the capital. LIR is located in Guanacaste, a region popular for its beaches and resorts.
Fast track Services: Arrival & Departure in Costa Rica is straightforward, with optional fast-track services available to speed you through immigration and customs for a smoother experience.
For further information on immigration, visas and passports you can visit this link https://www.visitcostarica.com/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

Getting Around the Islands

Airport transfers: Allow a private driver to welcome you into a luxurious vehicle, so you can get to your Villa in style! If needed, lunch or shopping stops can be arranged, to ensure a fabulous arrival experience.
Onsite transfers: Whether you need to commute to the marina for a private yacht experience, to a Restaurant for a delicious dinner or to a further location for an adventure tour we’ve got you covered! Let us organize a comfortable ride for you and your guests, so you just worry about your outfit choice.
Car Rentals: Our Concierge can help with arranging car rentals, which are easy to access and set up but remember, you will be driving on the left side of the road!

From the moment you touch down, every detail is designed with ease in mind. Discover arrival options, in-villa services, island activities, dining, and landmarks that bring this destination to life.

In-Villa staff and services

Experience Costa Rica

Explore each destination through our tailored recommendations for activities, dining, and must-see local attractions.

Our Handpicked Activities

Private boat / yacht
A Costa Rican boat trip is an immersive eco-adventure that explores the country’s dramatic coastlines, lush mangroves, and winding rivers. Whether it's a coastal catamaran, a wildlife-focused river safari, or a sunset sail, these tours offer intimate access to remote beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant tropical wildlife.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Snorkeling in Costa Rica offers a chance to explore two distinct coastlines. The Pacific side is known for rocky volcanic reefs and large marine life like rays, turtles, and whitetip sharks. The Caribbean side is famous for colorful coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish. Recommended locations are Catalina islands (Tamarindo) or Monkey Head Rock (Papagayo).
Surfing
World-renowned for its consistent, warm-water waves, laid-back "Pura Vida" culture, and stunning tropical backdrop. With nearly $1,300\text{ km}$ of coastline split between the Pacific and Caribbean, the country provides year-round breaks that cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.
ATV
All-Terrain Vehicle tours are popular guided off-road adventures that let you explore the country's rugged backcountry. These excursions take riders through deep jungles, across riverbeds, up steep mountain trails, and along secluded coastlines that are inaccessible to standard vehicles.
Golf
For golf lovers, Costa Rica offers numerous options. Tamarindo: Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club, Four Seasons Golf Court Papagayo: Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, Four Seasons Papagayo Golf Course, Papagayo Golf and Country Club
Guachipelin Adventure Park
a highly-rated, eco-adventure ranch in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Located near the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, it is renowned for its all-day, multi-activity "One Day Adventure Pass" that combines thrilling nature activities (zipline, horseback riding, river tubing, etc.) with volcanic relaxation. (2h from Tamarindo, 1h30min from Tamarindo)
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
A perfecto location for a volcano Hike and hot springs exploration. An active andesitic complex volcano and massive national park in the Guanacaste province of northwestern Costa Rica. Famous for its extreme geothermal activity, including bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and spectacular waterfalls.
La Leona Waterfall
A spectacular, hidden-gem waterfall in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, near the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Fed by the turquoise Río Blanco, it is famous for being enclosed deep inside a volcanic rock cave/canyon, requiring visitors to hike, wade, and swim to reach it. Perfect for hiking, cliff jumping and hot springs enjoyment (2h from Tamarindo, 1h 15min from Papagayo).
Las Baulas National Marine park
a vital marine and coastal sanctuary in Costa Rica, located on the Pacific coast near Tamarindo. Spanning about 445 hectares of land and 54,000 marine acres, it is world-renowned as the most important nesting site for the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (baula) in the American Pacific. Turtle nesting takes place from November to April yearly.
Family Friendly
Families will have the time of their live in Costa Rica, as this country offer a wide range of options for little ones. From private surf lessons, national park hikes and animal tours, to zip line and adventure tours, families are guaranteed to have a memorable time.

Our Handpicked Dining & Bars

Pangas Beach Club
A renowned, open-air beachfront restaurant, bar, and event venue located on the sands of north Tamarindo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Situated where the Las Baulas estuary meets the Pacific Ocean, it offers a laid-back, tropical atmosphere ideal for dining, watching sunsets, or hosting events. (Tamarindo)
Nemare
An upscale Latin steakhouse located at the Peninsula Papagayo golf clubhouse in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, within the Four Seasons resort. Derived from the local indigenous Chorotega word for "smoke," the restaurant specializes in local grass-fed and premium imported steaks, along with creative, smoke-infused craft cocktails. (Papagayo)
Dragonfly
A highly rated, open-air global fusion restaurant in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Established in 2005, it is famous for combining local Costa Rican ingredients with Asian, Mediterranean, and Southwestern American flavors. The establishment is well-loved for its romantic, candlelit ambiance and live music. (Tamarindo)
Bahia
A sophisticated all-day restaurant located within the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica on the Peninsula Papagayo. Designed with an open-air, five-star "treehouse" aesthetic, it features a wood-fired open kitchen and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. (Papagayo)
Tropic
A highly-rated, upscale-casual restaurant in the heart of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. It is famous for elevating traditional Costa Rican "Tico" and Caribbean cuisine with modern, tropical fusion flavours, and for serving its signature, locally sourced cocktails in creative, visually stunning presentations. (Tamarindo)
PoroPoro
Poro Poro Restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience with a stunning ambiance, nestled within the shady trees of Exclusive Resorts. Whether you choose to dine overlooking the infinity pool or at the Mixology Bar, you can expect friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide personalized recommendations from the menu. The red snapper and lava cake are highly recommended, and the views spectacular. (Papagayo)
Pico Bistro
A charming beachside restaurant offering a great atmosphere and stunning ocean views. The menu features a diverse selection of international dishes, including orange-poached eggs and fresh seafood. This cozy bistro cafe serves first-rate coffee at reasonable prices, along with delightful options like tapas, paninis, and bowls for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With ample outdoor seating right on the beach, it's an ideal spot to enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting. (Tamarindo)
Añejo
A vibrant, indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar located within the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.It is known for its shifting, day-to-night atmosphere and fresh, healthy cuisine. (Papagayo)
Ocho Beach Club
A popular, upscale beachfront destination in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. It combines a restaurant, bar, and lounge, offering a "barefoot luxury" experience with fresh local cuisine, craft cocktails, pool access, and prime ocean views. (Tamarindo)
Prieta Beach Club
An exclusive, private retreat located on Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It serves as a premium member-only sanctuary, offering luxury beachfront dining, infinity pools, wellness facilities, and water sports access for high-end resort guests and property owners. (Papagayo)

Our Handpicked Landmarks

Playa Tamarindo
The centerpiece of the town. This golden-sand beach is world-renowned for its surfing (perfect for beginners to seasoned pros) and incredible sunset views. (Tamarindo)
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Located about 1.5 to 2 hours from the Papagayo Gulf, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features an active volcano, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and stunning waterfalls like La Cangreja and Oropendola. (Papagayo)
Las Baulas National Park
Located right on the northern edge of town (Playa Grande), this protected landmark is famous globally as a primary nesting site for the giant leatherback turtle. (Tamarindo)
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Famous for its striking, vibrant blue waters, this waterfall sits in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and is a popular full-day excursion from the Papagayo area. (Papagayo)
Tamarindo Estuary
Separating Tamarindo from Playa Grande, this mangrove forest is a prominent ecological landmark. It is accessible via estuary boat rides and kayak tours, where you can easily spot crocodiles, howler monkeys, and vibrant birdlife.
Playa Hermosa & Playa Panama
Calmer, pristine stretches of coastline right inside the Gulf of Papagayo, offering excellent, gentle swimming conditions and water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding/ (Papagayo)
Playa Langosta
Just a 15-minute walk or very short drive south of central Tamarindo, this beach is a quieter, white-sand cove landmark famous for its fascinating volcanic rock tide pools and consistent surf. (Tamarindo)
Palo Verde National Park
Located on the Tempisque River, this landmark is a haven for birdwatchers and offers excellent wildlife safaris to see monkeys, crocodiles, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. (Papagayo)
The Tamarindo Main Strip
The bustling heart of town filled with surf shops, art boutiques, and dining. You can view local art and shop for souvenirs at spots like the Lydia Beech Art Boutique.
Playas del Coco
A lively, bustling beach town located just 30 to 45 minutes south of the Papagayo peninsula. It’s known as a gateway for world-class scuba diving and provides a vibrant local hub for nightlife, restaurants, and souvenir shopping. (Papagayo)

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12 Guests • 4 Bedrooms • 5 Bathrooms

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