Tamarindo Beach

Out of all of Costa Rica’s beach towns, Tamarindo remains unique. The number of cultures living together makes it a truly international destination. Other locations can boast of beautiful beaches, but Tamarindo can say that it has two beautiful beaches (Tamarindo and Langosta) in addition to a wealth of wonderful hotels, restaurants and shops. Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United States can all be found around town. Each culture adds to the diversity of the area.

Here, you can find a Costa Rican selling coconuts for drinking in front of a restaurant serving French Cuisine or a clothing store specializing in pieces from Brazil. Although Spanish is the official language, a typical day in Tamarindo would not be complete without hearing at least two or three other languages. For a town of its size, Tamarindo’s only rival with regards to number of excellent restaurants must be San Jose, the nation’s capital.

Tamarindo Estuary

Another unique feature of Tamarindo is its location on the bay. Few locations can have moorings and surfable waves within a kilometer of each other. Tamarindo is located on the southern end of Tamarindo Bay and is separated from Playa Grande by the river mouth (estero/estuary). On the northern side of the bay, Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas begins. On the southern side of Tamarindo Bay, Punta San Francisco juts out into the Pacific. Just south of the point, Playa Langosta begins and runs all the way into the Hacienda Pinilla property. Both Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are excellent beaches for watching brilliant sunsets of the Pacific. They are particularly gorgeous when the clouds of rainy season are drifting out to sea, and the sun reflects between the ocean the clouds.

Whereas Tamarindo is generally a beach better suited for swimming and beginner’s surfing, Langosta boasts bigger waves and a rockier coastline. It is also generally less crowded. More advanced surfers often come to Langosta for its larger waves and degree of challenge. One huge attraction is the warm water here. The water is also quite clear during dry season.

Playa Langosta

Langosta is a much more residential neighborhood with many homes in the 7-figure range, but you will find all kinds of services in the commercial heart of Tamarindo, located on the roads between the gymnasium to the east, the circle to the south, and the ferreteria (hardware store) to the north. In recent years the town has grown up a great deal, and now many banks, law offices, and construction firms can be found. Tamarindo has become the center of development in the area.

Another major draw for Tamarindo is the fact that it has something for everyone. When families come, they can spend a day at the beach together or try out activities such as surfing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, 4x4 tours, horseback riding, canopy tours/ziplines, kayaking, national park tours and more activities are becoming available all the time. Then at night, you can enjoy a sophisticated seafood dinner or go gambling at one of the two casinos or dancing at one of the many night spots around town. There are also such modern conveniences as video rentals and internet cafes for those who need access to media.

Punta San Francisco

All of this is only a short drive to Daniel Oduber International Airport, on the road to Liberia. Direct flights arrive daily from the United States and it also receives direct flights from Canada. Carriers include Delta, Continental and United Airlines. Tamarindo is also very convenient to the rest of the country as the local airport is just outside the town, and has multiple daily flights to San Jose and Liberia, from whence anywhere else in the country can be reached. Rental cars and tour operators are also easy to find in town.

For all of these reasons, more and more people are visiting or making Tamarindo their part-time or full-time home. The town only becomes more international everyday.

Reserva Conchal 

Reserva Conchal is located on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste Region. This exquisite beach resort offers incredible stretches of sand overlooking the Catalina Islands, a Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole championship golf course, a five-star hotel, condominiums and activities -- from a poolside siesta in the sun to surfing, hiking, sport fishing, and exploring nature trails. With so much to do, you'll want to make Reserva Conchal your home away from home! 
 
The Reserva Conchal Beach Resort has a twenty-five year master plan for community development that includes property ownership in single-family residences, lots, condos and townhouses. With sustainability and the preservation of the surrounding natural environment as a priority, the development plan for condos and residences will progress in phases ensuring the quality of a well-conceived ocean-view resort community. 
 
Reserva Conchal properties are located only 45 minutes from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia and 15 minutes from the Tamarindo airstrip. As a resident you can enjoy the many activities and services available within the beach resort at Reserva Conchal, or, if you choose to venture outside the resort, you are just minutes away from the tourist beach towns of Flamingo and Tamarindo, where visitors can experience local shops, restaurants, services and the relaxing, slower-paced lifestyle of Guanacaste.  
 
In Costa Rica the pace of life is a reflection of strong traditional family values that serve as the foundation for a society where respect for oneself and tolerance for others are common traits. Friendliness and a commitment to hospitality are two decisive factors for the growing number of returning visitors to Costa Rica year after year, and a reason for the booming Costa Rica real estate trade. 
 
Reserva Conchal offers a mixed community of ocean view condos, residences and the ranch properties that are a prominent cultural heritage of the Guanacaste region. Celebrations of this lifestyle commonly incorporate bullfights and parades of brightly decorated horses. The beach resort and the Pacific Ocean offer both activity and relaxation, whichever suits your lifestyle or motivation for the day — come, see and experience our Tamarindo lifestyle for yourself!

Flamingo

Flamingo Marina

One unique and very important feature of Flamingo is the marina. Although it is currently shut down while bidding for the concession to reopen it continues, the future marina is a driving force for development in the area. The waters off of this part of Costa Rica are some of the best in the world for sport fishing for species that include Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado and Tuna. Many tournaments are run out of Flamingo.

Flamingo Point

Flamingo also has many amenities that can be found in other parts of Costa Rica. Multiple resorts have tennis courts. Amberes casino and club is one of the few casinos in the country with a gorgeous view. Mar y Sol restaurant is truly one of a kind and cannot be missed. Also, all of this is less than an hour to the international airport in Liberia, so people from all over the world can come to Flamingo to enjoy the calm waters and gorgeous sunsets as well as take in a wealth of natural wonders and outdoor activities.

Playa Grande

Literally translated as “Large Beach,” Playa Grande is a quite large stretch of white sand. Since it is also the premier nesting ground of the endangered Leatherback Turtle, the stretch of land along the beach is also a national park called Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. Since biologists have concluded that artificial light interferes with the turtles’ nocturnal navigation and egg-laying, the government has generally restricted development so that it cannot be seen from the beach. The strip of foliage along the beach provides a natural buffer and gives the beach a pristine look. It is also generally much less crowded than Tamarindo Beach.

Playa Grande boasts a sandy bottom and waves big enough to surf, but not big enough to prevent a comfortable swim. There are multiple surf breaks starting at the river mouth and running towards Hotel Las Tortugas. The beach is also long enough that you can always that you never feel crowded. Multiple beach accesses slice through the foliage, but they can be a little bit difficult to place due to the lack of visible buildings in the area.

Playa Grande Estuary

Salinas is actually the name of the little town at Playa Grande, but this name is rarely used anymore. A small supermarket can be found here as well the Turtle Museum, small hotels and surf camps and restaurants of varying culinary styles. On the northern end of Playa Grande lies Playa Grande Estates, a newer development with American backing. Here residential lots can be found. On the southern end of Playa Grande, Palm Beach Estates in another development with its own amenities. It has a small supermarket, restaurants and a couple hotels. It also has a panga dock that allows quick boat rides up and down the estuary so that one can reach Tamarindo in five minutes for shopping or other necessities. Both developments are mostly residential in nature, however. Both also have multiple beach accesses.

Grande is a popular destination because it is convenient to everything including golf courses at Paradisus Playa Conchal and Hacienda Pinilla, but it remains relatively quiet at night. There is never any traffic to speak of and the atmosphere is a little more laid back than in other areas. Due its geographical location between Tamarindo and Flamingo, there is no doubt that Grande is due to experience some rapid changes as development has already taken off here. It also is only an hour away from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Marbella

Marbella

Avellanas

Avellanas

With multiple great surf breaks a long stretch of white sand, Playa Avellanas is a desirable vacation destination. Located on the southern end of Hacienda Pinilla, interest in the area has grown drastically over the last couple of years, in part due to the news of the coming J.W. Marriot Hotel, but also due to the investment in the area of a number of developers.

Although Avellanas is still a bit more rustic than other areas, many new homes are going up in the area. In addition, plans have been made to put bridges across the two quebradas on the way to Avellanas and also to resurface the road. Many locals already spend time in Avellanas enjoying the many surf breaks including “Little Hawaii” or passing a lazy day at Lola’s beach bar, home of the giant swimming pig.

Investors in Avellanas will find prices much more affordable than in other areas, with lots of opportunities for commercial development. Avellanas will only continue to grow when the government eventually paves the beach road.

Ocean Front Hole

Visitors to Hacienda Pinilla will surely be impressed by its size. It measures approximately 4500 acres and the property is one of the largest residential and beach resort communities in the country. The idea of the project is to create a luxury resort destination within a fully functioning ranch. Indeed, much of the property has been preserved for raising cattle and horses, and cowboys can be seen riding along the sides of the roads. One goal is to preserve some of the history of Guanacaste, which until now, has been dominated by cattle ranching culture.

One of the unique features of Hacienda Pinilla is its massive stretches of beach. Although all beaches are public in Costa Rica, the Hacienda beaches are relatively private due to the fact that the only access is to walk along the beach from one of the adjacent areas, and there are actually 3 miles of beachfront property at Hacienda Pinilla between Playa Langosta and Playa Avellanas. Visitors can find a private spot to spend a few hours at the beach. There is also excellent surf at both Playa Avellanas and Playa Langosta.

Condo de Palma

Within the Hacienda, there is a fully functioning, world-class golf course. In addition to the 18 scenic holes, there is a driving range, club house, and there are instructional resources. The holes were designed to blend into the land and take advantage of the surrounding foliage. Some of the holes also have a gorgeous ocean view and breezes off of the sea. The grounds are perfectly manicured even in dry season, and visitors rave about the design of the course.

Another attractive feature of Hacienda Pinilla is the miles of horse trails on the property. There is a fully functioning stable with real sabaneros (cowboys) guiding tours and occasionally putting together a rodeo for the guests. Lucky visitors will get to see them showing off the unique style of riding in Costa Rica, with dancing horses as well bull-riding and other demonstrations.

Condo de Golf

For those wishing to stay within the Hacienda, private homes and condos can be rented. There is also a boutique hotel called Posada del Sol with an adjoining restaurant. However, the real excitement in the area stems from the fact that Hacienda Pinilla recently announced that plans are in place to build a J.W. Marriott on the property. This will add a whole new dimension to the property.

Sales of homes, condos, and residential lots have been ample, but news of the Marriott has recently sent the project into overdrive with excellent appreciation, but an increase in value as well. Please contact us for a current list of properties available within Hacienda Pinilla.

Portrero

Portrero Bay

Portrero is an emerging area with many factors that should see it become a very popular destination in the near future. Located just north of Flamingo’s North Point, Portrero Beach boasts gentle waves and excellent views all the way the way with the lights of Flamingo sparkling at night time as well. Portrero Bay is also the home to one of Costa Rica’s few recognized marinas, and once the concession is granted to renovate it, this marina will be a huge draw for the area. The marina will be the home of a world-class yacht club, commercial center, and possibly condominiums as well.

The town of Portrero is located on the northeast corner of Portrero Bay and has the trappings of a typical Costa Rican town. There is a soccer field gracing the center of town and one the main nightspots is a beach bar. Towards the west, lots of development has begun on the hills overlooking the bay with many gorgeous new homes built within the last 3 years. Moving inland from the bay, there are still many hills with majestic ocean views that will one day be the sites of luxury homes with gorgeous sunset views of the Pacific.

Playa Portrero

Nestled among the homes along Portrero Bay, there are some smaller boutique hotels as well as a bakery and some typical food restaurants. More lavish dining can be found a short drive to the south in Flamingo. For families with children, the country day school is just a short drive away in Brasilito. The school offers k-12 education with an American curriculum and schedule. This school is a satellite of the main campus located in San Jose.

Portrero is an excellent value at this time because beachfront property can still be found at affordable prices. With access to the international airport only a little over an hour away, Portrero is an excellent vacation home location for North Americans.

Activities around Portrero include sport fishing, sailing, ATV tours, canopy tours, sailing cruises, shopping and many other possibilities. In general, the town has a more tranquil feel than neighboring Tamarindo or Flamingo, but is close enough to be a short drive to night time activities.