Have you ever thought about staying at an all-inclusive property without having to stay at a cookie-cutter hotel resort? Escape to a slice of paradise unlike any other – an all-inclusive villa experience nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s majestic mountain range. Breathtaking views and unbridled luxury await. Costa Rican Rentals offers intimate villas for your group to stay in while incorporating the all-inclusive package. Trust me, this is an experience that will redefine your idea of bliss.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a captivating journey through my stay at the villa, sharing every exquisite detail and unforgettable moment.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission at no additional cost.
Your All-Inclusive Villa: What to Expect
We stayed at the Villa Vista Preciosa, or “heavenly view”, which is an 8-bedroom villa in Playa Ocotal. The Costa Rican Rental company has different 4-8 bedroom villas available to rent throughout Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa (closer to Liberia airport) and in Playa Domincalito (closer to San Jose Airport).
I traveled with my family of 20 people (12 adults and 8 children) and we had ample space and bedrooms for everyone. My family of 4 stayed in a room with 2 Queen beds and a private balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean. We arguably had the best room in the villa, but shhh! Don’t tell my family that.
Depending on what you choose through the villa services, you can expect a house manager, a bartender, daily cleaning staff, professional chefs, and a night auditor. The staff was professional and personable to our group. They all made you feel welcome and were respectable and polite. We appreciated having a security guard on site at night. Although you’re already in a gated community, the extra blanket of security gives you peace of mind, especially traveling with little ones.
The selling feature of the villa is the privacy, outdoor facilities, and the view, the view, the view. Overlooking the lush mountainside onto the bay below, with boats moored in the ocean will never get old!
The Food: What to Expect
The villa company did not skimp out on the all-inclusive concept. Breakfast was served every morning at 8 am, with fresh Costa Rican fruit (hello pineapple!), toast, and breakfast potatoes. The house staff will take your egg order and present you with your classic breakfast plates. If you are up before 8 am, the overnight team leaves out a small sample of fruit and has the coffee ready for you to flip the switch.
Lunch is served promptly at noon where you can expect a diverse menu with an emphasis on fresh ingredients sourced locally. Fish tacos and chicken tostadas were a personal favorite for me! Every lunch will also feature traditional Costa Rican dishes like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans).
If you are around the villa in the afternoon, the staff puts out a mid-afternoon snack which was often the freshest guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and Pica de Gallo – Delicious!
Lastly, dinner was served at 6 pm. The chefs prepare a 3-course meal which changes every night. You could expect anything from sea bass, mahi mahi, chicken dishes, curried soup, fresh salads, and of course, mouth-watering desserts!
The personal bartender is on-site and within earshot from 7 am-7 pm to serve you up anything and everything you could desire on vacation. The bar is available for personal use after hours. Poor you, you’ll have to make your own drinks! Our bartender Gerald, AKA “G” was amazing and made the best margaritas.
The food was delicious. We were in a group of 20 people with a wide range of pallets. I can assure you that you will not turn down any plate that is put in front of you. Even my 2 and 3-year-old children were eating foods I couldn’t even imagine them eating if I served them at home! You will not be disappointed in the food options and will go home with a full belly. You may even be inspired to remake the same tostadas recipe after vacation – you know I did!
Excursions: What to Do
Although you may not be inclined to leave your little piece of paradise at your villa, there is so much to see and do in Costa Rica for all ages. The villa company has a go-to tour guide they encourage guests to use – “Allan’s Tours”.
I will disclose that most excursions that are available within Costa Rica are on the pricier side but they are worth it. Alan’s staff and well trained, well versed in the activity, and provide superb, roundtrip transportation.
Here is a sample of the excursions they offer:
- Arenal Volcano National Park: This tour will take you through the most incredible sights of Arenal Lake.
- Palo Verde National Park: Scientists from all over the world come to study this rich ecosystem that combines rivers, marshland, mangroves, and dry forests.
- The Congo Trail Canopy Tour: From the top of the ancestral trees you will mix yourself with the incredible life of the tropical forest, including 840 meters of cable between the forest from tree to tree.
Aside from these excursion ideas, our entire family went on a half-day catamaran tour and it was FABULOUS! It was suited well for the age range of kids in our group (1-12-year-olds) and a hit for the adults.
Marlin Del Rey offers catamaran tours in Guanacaste and Tamarindo. You can either go for a morning half-day sail or an afternoon half-day sail. Included in the price is a BBQ lunch offered onboard, an open bar, and snorkel gear for exploring the Costa Rican aquatic life.
This was the perfect outing for all of our family to enjoy. We even spotted some tuna and humpback whales during our excursion!
Costa Rica: FAQ
To be honest, I initially had reservations about traveling so far from home with my two small children. I researched the area A LOT. Below are some questions that came to mind when I planned this trip.
Q: Is Costa Rica a safe destination for a family vacation?
A: Yes. Costa Rica is a common destination for families to travel to. As always, be aware of your surroundings and it is best to travel in larger groups.
Q: What are the beaches like in Costa Rica?
A: We flew into Liberia and stayed in the Guanacaste area. Families should be cautious at the beach, watch for strong currents, and supervise children while swimming. The Tamarindo area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and is an ideal destination for beach lovers, surfers, and travelers seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures. We explored beaches that also had a mixture of that had dark-colored sand, which is a result of volcanic activity.
Q: What are the major airports to fly into?
A: You will either be typically flying into Liberia (LIR) or San Jose (SJD). San Jose is the largest airport as it is the capital of Costa Rica. You will be immediately surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, whereas Liberia is a smaller international airport that is close to vacation towns.
Q: Do you need to rent a vehicle in Costa Rica?
A: Depending on where you are headed, driving in Costa Rica is not for the faint of heart. If you are headed off the beaten path, be prepared for 1 lane roads, switchbacks on mountain ranges, and steep inclines. I will still never forget driving to the top of the mountain to get to our villa.
There are reputable car rental companies available for reasonable prices. If you are staying within the tourist area, several transfer companies are available to book as well. If you plan to take a taxi, ensure that you are getting into a marked cab with a proper meter system. There are often scammers around ready to prey on tourists.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your interests. The dry season (December to April) is ideal for beach activities, while the rainy season (May to November) offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Pack accordingly, depending on the time of year.