Pura Vida in Costa Rica {Las Catalinas Beach Day & Cooking Class}

With no plans until dinner, today was the kind of day that reminds you why pura vida isn’t just a saying here – it’s truly a way of life.

Pura Vida in Costa Rica
Nayara Tented Camp Resort Review – Spoiler Alert: It’s Spectacular!
Day 1: La Fortuna Arrival
Day 2: Zip Line, Unwind, Night Walk
Day 3: Resort Day at Nayara Tented Camp
Day 4: Chocolate, Waterfalls & Cocktails
Day 5: Rainforest Farewell, Rafting & Beach Arrival
Day 6: Las Catalinas Beach Day & Cooking Class
Day 7: Las Catalinas Boat Day
Day 8: Las Catalinas Beach Day
Day 9: Traveling Home

Book Costa Rica with Me

While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks – from bucket-list escapes to milestone celebrations, multi-generational adventures, and even business travel done beautifully. I’m proud to be not only a Premier Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, but also part of GSC World Travel, where I design unforgettable experiences around the globe.

Our own Costa Rican adventure begins with four nights in the Arenal area of La Fortuna. We’re calling the spectacular Nayara Tented Camp home – named the Number One Resort in Central America for four years running. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and adventure that brings the whole family back to nature, in the most indulgent way. After a day of rainforest hikes or ziplining adventures, retreat to your private tent and sink into your own mineral hot springs pool. Stretch out with a good book in the hammock, or simply relax on the balcony overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. And, yes, there’s air conditioning! It’s five-star comfort in the heart of the rainforest.

Nayara’s sister properties, Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, offer even more ways to experience the Arenal Volcano National Park in style. Nayara Gardens features intimate single-bedroom villas with private gardens, outdoor showers, and stunning volcano views. At the adults-only Nayara Springs, each villa boasts its own hot spring plunge pool for the ultimate indulgence. The properties, connected by a charming footbridge, share four unique restaurants and two dreamy open-air spas.

For booking with me:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
  • $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Let’s find your perfect Costa Rica… where adventure, nature, and luxury come together in ways you’ll remember forever.

Morning in Las Cats

Free of plans for most of the day, we happily slept in and started slow. Once everyone was up and moving, we took the short, charming walk to Pots & Bowls. We enjoyed delicious cappuccinos (I truly do not want to leave Costa Rican coffee behind!) and a scrumptious breakfast al fresco. Honey and I took a stroll along the beach with more coffee to go before heading back to our house to gear up for a full day on the sand.

Beach Day

Next stop: the beach! We popped into Pura Vida Surf Shop to rent a few chairs and pick up a skip ball, and in no time we were all set up on the sand. The beach here is small, beautifully private, and so so peaceful. Growing up at Tybee, I thought I knew slow, but it has nothing on the pace of Las Catalinas.

While the guys spent hours tossing the ball, swimming, and just playing in the warm Pacific water, I tucked my chair under the shade of a giant tree and happily devoured my book to the soundtrack of the surf. It was pure, simple paradise and exactly what I was wanting after the rainforest adventures of the first half of the week.

Private Cocktail Hour & Cooking Class

We ended the day back at our beautiful villa with cocktail hour and a private Costa Rican cooking class. Our two chefs were so friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable, teaching us about each ingredient and tradition behind the dishes we prepared.

We diced, squeezed, whisked, and stirred while enjoying delicious canapés, mojitos, and margaritas. On the menu: fresh sea bass ceviche, red snapper wrapped in banana leaves, a traditional Costa Rican vegetable picadillo, and warm lava cakes for dessert.

We dined al fresco in our courtyard beside the sparkling pool in what felt like the perfect night. Everything was absolutely scrumptious, and we all agreed: five stars all around.

Let’s Travel and My Services

As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I’m proud to be recognized for delivering the highest level of service, expertise, and personalized care in the industry. I leverage my personal connections and firsthand knowledge to design bespoke vacations for the most discerning travelers. Travel is an investment, and I’m here to ensure you receive the very best value for your time and money. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply seeking a well-deserved escape, it’s an honor to be part of the memories you’re making.

Click on About to learn more, and Let’s Plan to get started!

Pura Vida in Costa Rica {Rainforest Farewell, Rafting & Las Catalinas Arrival}

Today we left the lush jungles of Arenal behind and welcomed the salty breeze of Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. Book Costa Rica with Me While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks – from bucket-list escapes to milestone celebrations, multi-generational adventures,… Read More

Pura Vida in Costa Rica {Chocolate, Waterfalls & Cocktails}

By Day 4, we’d settled beautifully into rainforest life. Slow mornings, a little adventure and some delicious meals seem to be our perfect blend of pura vida. Book Costa Rica with Me While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks – from… Read More

Pura Vida in Costa Rica {Rainforest Resort Day at Nayara Tented Camp}

By our third day in Costa Rica, we’d settled into the perfect rhythm of rainforest life. In short, it was all about soaking up the pura vida spirit. Book Costa Rica with Me While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks –… Read More

Pura Vida in Costa Rica {Zip Line, Unwind, Night Walk}

Our second day in Costa Rica was the perfect blend of adventure and pure relaxation – exactly what we came for. Book Costa Rica with Me While Disney destinations will always have my heart, many of my clients have travel dreams that reach far beyond the parks – from bucket-list escapes to milestone celebrations, multi-generational… Read More

Pura Vida in Costa Rica {La Fortuna Arrival}

Costa Rica has been on our radar for years! I actually booked a similar trip back in 2020…and, well, we all know how that story ended. Ever since, it’s lingered on our list, just waiting for the right moment to come to life. After a couple of summers adventuring through Europe, the boys and Honey… Read More