Few destinations can really claim to have it all, but Tamarindo, Costa Rica might just be one of those rare and extraordinary exceptions. This Pacific coastal town is a true traveller’s gem and one we think should be on everyone’s vacation bucket list!

From its palm-lined, golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters to the consistently warm and sunny climate and a distinctly laid-back, bohemian charm, Tamarindo is a postcard-perfect destination. Within moments of arrival, visitors will discover their very own slice of “Pura Vida” – the pure or simple good life that Costa Rica is famous for.

“Whether you want to surf, shop, soak up local culture or just lounge by the ocean or pool, Tamarindo really does offer it all,” says Marianne, one of our LVP Concierges. “Each day in this beach town can be as active or low key as you want, making it one of our most ideal destinations for couples, families or groups of friends. The people are warm and kind and I can’t wait to go back there some day!”

Nestled in a bay on Costa Rica’s mountainous northwest coast, and just an hour’s drive or a short-haul flight from the international airport in Liberia, Tamarindo is well known to surf enthusiasts. Yet this picturesque and welcoming town still flies under the wider tourist radar. This means first-time visitors can still experience Tamarindo’s authentic appeal, with an abundance of local food, music, art and culture offered alongside a thriving and modern tourist industry. 

Adventurists and relaxation enthusiasts alike will be delighted by the area’s lush ecosystem and diverse offerings: Tamarindo’s forests, mountains, beaches and marshes mean you can book a surf lesson, horse-back ride or a scuba diving trip, spend a day hiking, golfing, fishing or paddle-boarding, or take a guided tour to a sea turtle nesting site. You can also relax or stroll on the 2.5-km beachfront or explore the town’s selection of fine art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Daily sightings of howler monkeys, tropical birds and a variety of lizards are common, and you can pull up a nightly stool at one of the many beachside bars for a first-class view of Playa Tamarindo’s spectacular ocean sunsets. The town is also within easy reach of other famous Costa Rican experiences, including the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, several national parks and the Diamante Eco-Adventure Park. Best of all, Tamarindo itself is easily explored by foot or rented bicycle – no need to even rent a car! 

And if you need any more convincing to book your next vacation in Tamarindo, it’s worth noting that the town is located within one of the world’s five renowned “Blue Zones”— areas where people are known to live in exceptionally good health and often until the age of 100. This is Pura Vida at its absolute best.

Look forward to a great night’s sleep, a chef-ready kitchen, smart appliances and spa-quality personal care products – along with as many activities and extras as you’d like waiting for you upon arrival. Our concierge team can help you with everything from airport transfers and dining reservations to stocking your fridge or bar and booking your guided tours. It’s all part of the LVP guest experience: just pack your bags and leave the luxe to us!

Location: Guanacaste province in northwest Costa Rica, on the Nicoya Peninsula of Central America.

Climate: Consistent, year-round temperatures, mostly hot and dry, between 25°C and 35°C (80°F and 95°F) every day. Days without sunshine are rare.

Best Time to Visit: Anytime! December to April is peak tourism season.

How to Get There: Daily flights to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. Short-haul flights from Liberia to Tamarindo’s local airport are also available.

Where to Stay: Luxus Vacation Property in Tamarindo Park.

Currency: Costa Rican Colón. American dollars and credit cards are also widely accepted. 

Dining: International and traditional cuisines. Fresh seafood, casado, gourmet coffee and locally sourced ingredients are among local and visitor favourites. 

Transport: Walk, bike, taxi, rental cars and public transportation.

Safety: Tamarindo is considered family friendly and a safe, welcoming town for tourists. Guanacaste province is reported as one of the safest regions of Costa Rica.

Top Attractions: Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo Night Market, Monkey Park, Marino las Baulas National Park and La Senda Retreat Centre (to name a few).

Claims to Fame: Tamarindo is the setting of the cult-classic surf movie, Endless Summer 2. 

Best Suited for: Everybody! Couples, families, and groups of friends of all ages, and all activity levels. There is truly something for everyone in Tamarindo!