Gallop down the beach with the wind in your hair and your beloved by your side; horseback riding is one of our favorite romantic activities in Tamarindo!
We may be publishing this on Valentine’s Day but at Stay in Tamarindo, we believe that romance is meant to be celebrated 365 days a year. And so, we’ve pulled together 9 of our favorite romantic activities in Tamarindo. Great for any day of the year.
From galloping down a white-sand beach to kissing your honey and praying not to die (yep, our love gets adventurous!), we know all the best destinations and activities in Tamarindo – all the places you can make lasting memories with the one you love most.
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-02-14 05:30:282019-02-13 16:51:149 Romantic Experiences for Two in Tamarindo
In the green season, a Costa Rican destination wedding is all about contingencies and backup plans. Like beautiful, romantic tents and fairy lights, in case it rains.
A Costa Rican destination wedding – there’s something inherently romantic in the thought of it, isn’t there?
You have a wedding vision in mind. Chances are, it includes the melodies of crashing waves and harmonizing bird song. There’s soft sand and cerulean backdrops to your photos. And, most likely, your dream day includes the warm Costa Rican sun.
Aaaand, end scene.
Because, for reasons beyond your control, you cannot schedule your wedding during the high season – during those golden months that all the wedding advice seems to tell you are the “best months.” December, January, February, March… well, they don’t work for your schedule.
And now, you’re frantically googling Costa Rican destination weddings in the rainy season. How much does it really rain? Are we talking a few sprinkles or more like apocalyptic, monsoon-level downpours? Are any venues equipped for the rain? Does everything shut down? Mayday, mayday!
How realistic is your dream of a wedding during Costa Rica’s “rainy” season?
As it turns out, pretty realistic! So, take heart. We’ll help you navigate the path from here to destination wedding during rainy season. No ponchos required.
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-02-12 05:30:462019-02-12 08:35:36Destination: Green Season? Planning Your Costa Rican Destination Wedding for the Rainy Season
For $4-$10+, you can get dig into the national dish: a Costa Rican casado
Open up a menu in almost any Costa Rican restaurant, and you’ll be greeted with the casado.
Casado? Your Spanish-to-English dictionary says that means “married.” Who says what now?
Welcome to Costa Rica’s national dish and most popular lunchtime special, the famed casado: white rice, black or red beans, cooked veggies (aka picadillo), and/or salad, plus your choice of protein (chicken, beef, fish, or eggs), usually with a side of cooked plantains.
When only an ocean-view pool will do, we call that a “must” in your search of Tamarindo vacation rentals. Pictured: The lovely Casa Ventana, a luxury vacation home set on a hillside in Tamarindo’s premier gated community.
Tamarindo vacation rentals are not created equal.
That’s not to say that some are better than others, but rather that some homes are suited to some guests and other homes are suited to other guests. Okay, and some are not suited to anyone. (We don’t list any of these, thankfully!)
This post is about all those lovely, sometime spectacular Tamarindo vacation rentals that might be suited to you: How can you pick from Luxury Home A and Luxury Home B, or Ocean-View Condo A and Ocean-View Condo B? How can you assess the possibilities and then identify the perfect vacation home for you?
Let’s start with what this: We’re going to leave out the super-obvious bits, like being sure to read every listing, in full, paying meticulous attention to the amenities list, and studying each photo in detail. Because we know you’ll naturally do those things.
What we will cover are some of the most important, yet not always considered details. They may look obvious – see Tip 1: Price Point – but we promise, there’s more to each than meets the eye. Here we go:
Welcome to Casa Ilios, a vacation home in Tamarindo truly worthy of the label, spectacular
Who says you can’t have it all?
It’s a warm afternoon. The sun is shining – and by shining, we mean it’s bright and shimmering over the pool and ocean – and the Pacific has whipped up a salty sea breeze. The curtains are billowing, beckoning you poolside. Sunset is scheduled for T minus 45 minutes.
Almost as importantly, you have a glass of ice-cold fruity something in your hand (side note: In Costa Rica, we think wine officially counts as a fruit. As does lemon in your beer!) and fresh-from-the-boat seafood is grilling. The elegant thatched rancho and its expansive outdoor table are set for dinner. Life is good.
This is perfection. This is the zenith of “having it all.” This is Casa Ilios.
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-01-25 05:30:582019-01-24 14:47:43Property of the Month: Casa Ilios
Guaitil, the cradle of Chorotega culture and pottery, is lined with samples of the craft | Photo courtesy of Lydia Chow
Guaitil – pronounced, more or less, wy-teel – is the Costa Rica you’ve probably never heard of. And yet, you should have. Everyone should have. Because Guaitil is one of those special kinds of places that you cannot experience anywhere else.
This is your invitation to step back into a thousand years of tradition, to experience the Costa Rica of another millennia – before the conquistadors, before modernization, before Costa Rica even was Costa Rica. Guaitil is living, breathing history.
Guaitil is a Chorotega indigenous village, named for the dye-giving Guaitil tree and situated in Guanacaste and less than an hour from Tamarindo. It is a complete escape from the norm and exploration of tradition – a dusty, rugged town known best for its pottery. And, in our opinion, just as deservingly for its food. But we’ll get there in a moment.
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-01-22 05:30:362019-01-22 10:11:35Off the Beaten Path: A Visit to Guaitil, the Pottery Capital of Costa Rica
To love, to luck, to your marriage! Here are four of our favorite Costa Rican wedding traditions to incorporate and adapt to your Tamarindo wedding ceremony and reception.
In this wonderfully modern era, every country has its traditions – some, that persevere and others, that time has long forgotten. These traditions are never more pronounced as when they comes to life’s big moments.
And here, in Costa Rica, there are many wedding traditions to which we cleave, for the joy they bring, the moments they represent, and the rich cultural tapestry to which they belong.
So, with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite Costa Rican wedding traditions. Which might you incorporate into your Tamarindo wedding ceremony and/or reception?
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-01-15 05:30:272019-01-15 10:51:404 Costa Rican Wedding Traditions to Incorporate into Your Tamarindo Wedding
Looking for the most romantic dinners in Tamarindo? We say, look no further than you own private chef, who will prepare the meal of your culinary dreams. Enjoy it, just the two of you, in your private villa or vacation home. Perfect lighting. Perfect views. Perfect music. Perfect company.
From twinkling fairy lights to crashing surf, lantern-lit tables to bamboo palapas for two, the most romantic dinners in Tamarindo serve up more than just a delicious memory.
Because romance is not just the meal; it’s an experience. An experience of dim lighting and stolen moments, great views and memorable moments. It’s about setting the mood – about connecting with your loved one, and only your loved one – whether it’s for a simple date or a special occasion.
The most romantic dinners in Tamarindo are some of the most romantic in all of Costa Rica. Our restaurants are world-class, focusing on hyper-local ingredients and sustainable practices, while working to deliver on an intimate and, yes, romantic ambiance.
One of our favorite Costa Rican New Year’s traditions? In Tamarindo on New Year’s Eve, fire dancers set the beachscape ablaze with fiery beauty!
Well, we made it – it’s 2019! Can you believe we’re nearly two decades into the millennium? (Is it me, or does Y2K seem like yesterday? No, just me? Okay.)
If you’re in Tamarindo, you’ve now seen how Costa Rica (and the beach) ring in the New Year: An entire town’s worth of events, most steeped in sand with a sprinkling of good drink, oceanfront fireworks, midnight countdowns, and plenty of live music, DJ stylings, and all the fun you could handle. Hope all that celebration doesn’t hurt too much today!
Now that we’ve safely rung in the New Year, you may be looking forward to starting 2019 with a few hope-filled traditions. So, this 2019, why not create a few new ones – well, new to you. Because these Costa Rican New Year’s traditions have been around for decades!
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2019-01-01 05:30:522018-12-31 16:22:32New Year’s Day Around the World: 6 Costa Rican New Year's Traditions
Tamarindo is an excellent choice for your Costa Rica family vacation
You’re enjoying a wonderful holiday season – by the way, happy holidays from the Stay in Tamarindo family! – and you’re loving your time together with your loved ones, whether you’re gathered with just your nearest and dearest or gathered with extended family and friends. And now, you’re thinking (and even talking) about that Costa Rican family vacation you have all always wanted to take.
Congratulations! Costa Rica is an excellent choice for your family vacation, and Tamarindo is the best choice of all. (Yes, we admit we’re a little biased.) But, consider this: spectacular beaches and even more beautiful sunsets, dense mangroves and sick surf, thrilling adventures and tranquil slices of beach – the perfect recipe to create one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations.
You’ve already heard a lot about Costa Rica. You’ve definitely dreamed of your someday visit. And now, you’re really starting to plan. Go ahead – you can do a little dance! A family vacation in Costa Rica is something to get excited about.
With visions of mangoes dancing in your head, your initial excitement and anticipation passed, inevitably your thoughts will begin to wander to some of the more practical matters: When should you plan your visit?What will the weather be like? Where should you visit and where will you stay? And then, importantly, how much should you budget?
https://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.png00Erin Raubhttps://www.stayintamarindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stay_in_tamarindo_logo.pngErin Raub2018-12-27 05:30:382018-12-31 14:59:45Costa Rica Family Vacation: Your [Almost] Complete Guide to Tamarindo with Kids
9 Romantic Experiences for Two in Tamarindo
/0 Comments/in Tamarindo Honeymoons, Tamarindo Travel Guide /by Erin RaubGallop down the beach with the wind in your hair and your beloved by your side; horseback riding is one of our favorite romantic activities in Tamarindo!
We may be publishing this on Valentine’s Day but at Stay in Tamarindo, we believe that romance is meant to be celebrated 365 days a year. And so, we’ve pulled together 9 of our favorite romantic activities in Tamarindo. Great for any day of the year.
From galloping down a white-sand beach to kissing your honey and praying not to die (yep, our love gets adventurous!), we know all the best destinations and activities in Tamarindo – all the places you can make lasting memories with the one you love most.
Read more
Destination: Green Season? Planning Your Costa Rican Destination Wedding for the Rainy Season
/0 Comments/in Vacation Rentals in Tamarindo /by Erin RaubIn the green season, a Costa Rican destination wedding is all about contingencies and backup plans. Like beautiful, romantic tents and fairy lights, in case it rains.
A Costa Rican destination wedding – there’s something inherently romantic in the thought of it, isn’t there?
You have a wedding vision in mind. Chances are, it includes the melodies of crashing waves and harmonizing bird song. There’s soft sand and cerulean backdrops to your photos. And, most likely, your dream day includes the warm Costa Rican sun.
Aaaand, end scene.
Because, for reasons beyond your control, you cannot schedule your wedding during the high season – during those golden months that all the wedding advice seems to tell you are the “best months.” December, January, February, March… well, they don’t work for your schedule.
And now, you’re frantically googling Costa Rican destination weddings in the rainy season. How much does it really rain? Are we talking a few sprinkles or more like apocalyptic, monsoon-level downpours? Are any venues equipped for the rain? Does everything shut down? Mayday, mayday!
How realistic is your dream of a wedding during Costa Rica’s “rainy” season?
As it turns out, pretty realistic! So, take heart. We’ll help you navigate the path from here to destination wedding during rainy season. No ponchos required.
Read more
The Costa Rican Casado – What’s That?
/0 Comments/in Food, Tamarindo Nightlife /by Erin RaubFor $4-$10+, you can get dig into the national dish: a Costa Rican casado
Open up a menu in almost any Costa Rican restaurant, and you’ll be greeted with the casado.
Casado? Your Spanish-to-English dictionary says that means “married.” Who says what now?
Welcome to Costa Rica’s national dish and most popular lunchtime special, the famed casado: white rice, black or red beans, cooked veggies (aka picadillo), and/or salad, plus your choice of protein (chicken, beef, fish, or eggs), usually with a side of cooked plantains.
Read more
Destination Joy: 9 Tips to Identify Perfect (for you) Tamarindo Vacation Rentals
/0 Comments/in Costa Rica, Tamarindo Travel Guide, Vacation Rentals in Tamarindo /by Erin RaubWhen only an ocean-view pool will do, we call that a “must” in your search of Tamarindo vacation rentals. Pictured: The lovely Casa Ventana, a luxury vacation home set on a hillside in Tamarindo’s premier gated community.
Tamarindo vacation rentals are not created equal.
That’s not to say that some are better than others, but rather that some homes are suited to some guests and other homes are suited to other guests. Okay, and some are not suited to anyone. (We don’t list any of these, thankfully!)
This post is about all those lovely, sometime spectacular Tamarindo vacation rentals that might be suited to you: How can you pick from Luxury Home A and Luxury Home B, or Ocean-View Condo A and Ocean-View Condo B? How can you assess the possibilities and then identify the perfect vacation home for you?
Let’s start with what this: We’re going to leave out the super-obvious bits, like being sure to read every listing, in full, paying meticulous attention to the amenities list, and studying each photo in detail. Because we know you’ll naturally do those things.
What we will cover are some of the most important, yet not always considered details. They may look obvious – see Tip 1: Price Point – but we promise, there’s more to each than meets the eye. Here we go:
Read more
Property of the Month: Casa Ilios
/0 Comments/in Vacation Rentals in Tamarindo /by Erin RaubWelcome to Casa Ilios, a vacation home in Tamarindo truly worthy of the label, spectacular
Who says you can’t have it all?
It’s a warm afternoon. The sun is shining – and by shining, we mean it’s bright and shimmering over the pool and ocean – and the Pacific has whipped up a salty sea breeze. The curtains are billowing, beckoning you poolside. Sunset is scheduled for T minus 45 minutes.
Almost as importantly, you have a glass of ice-cold fruity something in your hand (side note: In Costa Rica, we think wine officially counts as a fruit. As does lemon in your beer!) and fresh-from-the-boat seafood is grilling. The elegant thatched rancho and its expansive outdoor table are set for dinner. Life is good.
This is perfection. This is the zenith of “having it all.” This is Casa Ilios.
Read more
Off the Beaten Path: A Visit to Guaitil, the Pottery Capital of Costa Rica
/0 Comments/in Tamarindo Daytrips, Tamarindo Travel Guide /by Erin RaubGuaitil, the cradle of Chorotega culture and pottery, is lined with samples of the craft | Photo courtesy of Lydia Chow
Guaitil – pronounced, more or less, wy-teel – is the Costa Rica you’ve probably never heard of. And yet, you should have. Everyone should have. Because Guaitil is one of those special kinds of places that you cannot experience anywhere else.
This is your invitation to step back into a thousand years of tradition, to experience the Costa Rica of another millennia – before the conquistadors, before modernization, before Costa Rica even was Costa Rica. Guaitil is living, breathing history.
Guaitil is a Chorotega indigenous village, named for the dye-giving Guaitil tree and situated in Guanacaste and less than an hour from Tamarindo. It is a complete escape from the norm and exploration of tradition – a dusty, rugged town known best for its pottery. And, in our opinion, just as deservingly for its food. But we’ll get there in a moment.
Read more
4 Costa Rican Wedding Traditions to Incorporate into Your Tamarindo Wedding
/0 Comments/in Tamarindo Wedding Guide /by Erin RaubTo love, to luck, to your marriage! Here are four of our favorite Costa Rican wedding traditions to incorporate and adapt to your Tamarindo wedding ceremony and reception.
In this wonderfully modern era, every country has its traditions – some, that persevere and others, that time has long forgotten. These traditions are never more pronounced as when they comes to life’s big moments.
And here, in Costa Rica, there are many wedding traditions to which we cleave, for the joy they bring, the moments they represent, and the rich cultural tapestry to which they belong.
So, with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite Costa Rican wedding traditions. Which might you incorporate into your Tamarindo wedding ceremony and/or reception?
Read more
Romantic Dinners in Tamarindo – 7 of our Favorite Spots
/0 Comments/in Tamarindo Lifestyle, Tamarindo Nightlife, Tamarindo Travel Guide, Tamarindo Wedding Guide /by Erin RaubLooking for the most romantic dinners in Tamarindo? We say, look no further than you own private chef, who will prepare the meal of your culinary dreams. Enjoy it, just the two of you, in your private villa or vacation home. Perfect lighting. Perfect views. Perfect music. Perfect company.
From twinkling fairy lights to crashing surf, lantern-lit tables to bamboo palapas for two, the most romantic dinners in Tamarindo serve up more than just a delicious memory.
Because romance is not just the meal; it’s an experience. An experience of dim lighting and stolen moments, great views and memorable moments. It’s about setting the mood – about connecting with your loved one, and only your loved one – whether it’s for a simple date or a special occasion.
The most romantic dinners in Tamarindo are some of the most romantic in all of Costa Rica. Our restaurants are world-class, focusing on hyper-local ingredients and sustainable practices, while working to deliver on an intimate and, yes, romantic ambiance.
Here are seven of our favorites:
Read more
New Year’s Day Around the World: 6 Costa Rican New Year’s Traditions
/0 Comments/in Tamarindo Lifestyle, Tamarindo Travel Guide /by Erin RaubOne of our favorite Costa Rican New Year’s traditions? In Tamarindo on New Year’s Eve, fire dancers set the beachscape ablaze with fiery beauty!
Well, we made it – it’s 2019! Can you believe we’re nearly two decades into the millennium? (Is it me, or does Y2K seem like yesterday? No, just me? Okay.)
If you’re in Tamarindo, you’ve now seen how Costa Rica (and the beach) ring in the New Year: An entire town’s worth of events, most steeped in sand with a sprinkling of good drink, oceanfront fireworks, midnight countdowns, and plenty of live music, DJ stylings, and all the fun you could handle. Hope all that celebration doesn’t hurt too much today!
Now that we’ve safely rung in the New Year, you may be looking forward to starting 2019 with a few hope-filled traditions. So, this 2019, why not create a few new ones – well, new to you. Because these Costa Rican New Year’s traditions have been around for decades!
Read more
Costa Rica Family Vacation: Your [Almost] Complete Guide to Tamarindo with Kids
/0 Comments/in Costa Rica, Family Travel, Tamarindo Travel Guide /by Erin RaubTamarindo is an excellent choice for your Costa Rica family vacation
You’re enjoying a wonderful holiday season – by the way, happy holidays from the Stay in Tamarindo family! – and you’re loving your time together with your loved ones, whether you’re gathered with just your nearest and dearest or gathered with extended family and friends. And now, you’re thinking (and even talking) about that Costa Rican family vacation you have all always wanted to take.
Congratulations! Costa Rica is an excellent choice for your family vacation, and Tamarindo is the best choice of all. (Yes, we admit we’re a little biased.) But, consider this: spectacular beaches and even more beautiful sunsets, dense mangroves and sick surf, thrilling adventures and tranquil slices of beach – the perfect recipe to create one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations.
You’ve already heard a lot about Costa Rica. You’ve definitely dreamed of your someday visit. And now, you’re really starting to plan. Go ahead – you can do a little dance! A family vacation in Costa Rica is something to get excited about.
With visions of mangoes dancing in your head, your initial excitement and anticipation passed, inevitably your thoughts will begin to wander to some of the more practical matters: When should you plan your visit?What will the weather be like? Where should you visit and where will you stay? And then, importantly, how much should you budget?
Read more