PURA VIDA IN COSTA RICA

A travel guide through the eco-friendly destination of Costa Rica with stunning natural scenery, palm tree lined beaches, and a dose of pura vida. Model & actress Alice Llenas shares her insider guide on where to eat, stay, and explore.

EAT

El Patio café - all day dining.

Il Rustico in Playa Avellana - delicious Italian I recommend pasta bolognese and mousse au chocolat.

Manzu Restaurant - Beachfront dining in an unpretentious setting. A must-try for Latin, seafood, and contemporary Costa Rican cuisine.

SLEEP

EL SILENCIO LODGE

"As one of the best eco-lodge experiences in Costa Rica, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an inspired natural immersion retreat that celebrates Costa Rica's charming cloud forest highlands. Located on a 500-acre private reserve flanked by the Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks, this unique destination draws visitors who want to live an intense, nature-immersion experience. Misty tropical cloud forest, roaring waterfalls and colorful culture await".

OXYGEN JUNGLE VILLAS

"Understated elegance inspired by nature. A lush region of colorful rainforests, cascading waterfalls, palm-fringed beaches, and diverse wildlife, it doesn't take long to see why Uvita, Costa Rica is a beloved hidden gem in the southern Pacific. The secluded, adults-only Costa Rican luxury resort is perched high in a private nature reserve—mere minutes from all the highlights of the charming town of Uvita".

KURA BOUTIQUE HOTEL 

"A boutique, adults-only hotel high in the Uvita rainforest. Kura is an exclusive destination in its own right. 8 Luxury Suites, tropical minimalist design, and panoramic views set the stage for ultra-personalized luxury, relaxation, and privacy".

SANTARENA HOTEL 

"A tropically elegant oasis inspired by a palette of people and places, the Santarena Hotel is a bohemian pearl perched between two of Costa Rica's loveliest Pacific beaches. Cosmopolitan minds and curious spirits naturally gather here, gracefully connecting and epitomizing “pura vida” – a life where people and their wellness are top priorities and where nature is cared for and enjoyed by all".

EXPLORE

Santa Teresa

One of Costa Rica's most beautiful and popular beach destinations known for it's relaxed boho vibe. Base yourself here for a few days and discover waterfalls, surf breaks, hikes and wildlife among the natural surroundings.

Playa Mal Pais

A beautiful small beach next to Santa Teresa. It doesn't get so crowded so it's a really nice place to enjoy an amazing quiet sunset. It is well known for scuba diving and snorkelling but you always have to be careful as the currents can be quite strong. The beach is surrounded by tropical vegetation and has some accommodations along the coastline, it's a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere.

Playa Hermosa Jaco

A little gem with beautiful scenery. It's a perfect stop if you arrive at San Jose Airport and don't want to stay a night at the city as it's only 2h away from the capital. The black sand and the amazing scenery make it a really special place. It's normally quiet and you can find amazing lodgings just next to the beach with an amazing sea view. There are also some natural parks close to it where you can see a big variety of animals.

Playa Avellana

Located close to Tamarindo, is a small paradise where you can find golden sand and crystal blue waters which make it a dream spot. There are a few restaurants where you can enjoy good food and some hotels but not much more, it's really quiet and the perfect place to relax.