Where Pura Vida Comes to Life ๐ด๐บ
Tucked between the sparkling Caribbean and Pacific coasts lies a country so full of life, love, and lush landscapes that you can’t help but slow down and breathe it all in. Costa Rica is more than a destination โ itโs a feeling. Itโs Pura Vida โ the pure life โ and we embraced it with open hearts, wide eyes, and plenty of adventure at the breathtaking Dreams Las Mareas Resort & Spa ๐โจ.
๐ธ Costa Rica โ Snapshot Moments
Pura Vida isnโt just a saying โ itโs a way of life ๐จ๐ทโจ
From monkeys on the balcony to volcanic mud baths, hereโs a peek at the unforgettable highlights โ and if you want all the juicy, joy-filled detailsโฆ read the blog! โ
1๏ธโฃ Monkeys on the balcony ๐
2๏ธโฃ Jungle zip lines + volcano views ๐
3๏ธโฃ Hot springs + volcanic mud therapy ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธ
4๏ธโฃ Horseback rides through the mountains ๐
5๏ธโฃ Handmade tortillas, pottery & fresh coffee โ
6๏ธโฃ Beachside dinners at sunset ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
7๏ธโฃ Dancing under the stars ๐๐ฝ
8๏ธโฃ Every bite, every view, every memory โ unforgettable โค๏ธ
๐ฌ Arrival with Warm Hearts & Late-Night Comfort
We landed in Costa Rica under a starry sky, tired but excited. The team at Dreams Las Mareas made us feel instantly at home. Though the kitchen had closed, the staff went above and beyond, arranging a custom late-night room service meal that matched our girlsโ favorites perfectly ๐๐. We knew from the moment we checked in โ we were in paradise. ๐ซ
๐ Monkeys on the Balcony & a Culinary Safari
We woke to birds chirping, ocean breezesโฆ and a curious little monkey ๐ peeking in from our balcony! The girls squealed with joy โ what a magical way to start the day!
๐ฝ๏ธ Our Taste Tour Around the Resort
Dreams Las Mareas isnโt just about beautiful beaches โ itโs also a foodieโs dream! Each restaurant was a new culinary adventure, and we tried nearly all of them. Here are our favorites:
- ๐ Barefoot Grill: Poolside bites done right! Juicy burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken โ fast, flavorful, and kid-approved.
- โ Coco Cafรฉ: The ultimate coffee stop. Think creamy cappuccinos, iced lattes, pastries with flaky layers, and fresh fruit smoothies โ perfect for lazy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups. This cozy cafรฉ became our morning ritual! Every day, we indulged in a variety of authentic Costa Rican coffees, each offering rich, bold flavors unique to the regionโs volcanic soil. Whether we grabbed a cup to sip on the terrace or paired it with a pastry or snack, it was the perfect way to start each day in paradise.
- ๐ฎ El Patio: Mexican magic! We devoured flavorful tacos, sizzling fajitas, and tangy ceviche, all under string lights and a festive vibe. The terrace gave it that al fresco magic ๐ฎ๐.
- ๐ฃ Himitsu: Our night in Asia! Hibachi tables with flying shrimp, sizzling teriyaki, and delicate sushi rolls โ both a meal and a show ๐๐ฅ.
- ๐ฅ LโEtoile: French fine dining with a view. Rich duck confit, creamy risotto, and melt-in-your-mouth crรจme brรปlรฉe, all while dining under the stars. Trรจs magnifique โจ (adults-only and totally worth it).
- ๐ Portofino: Pasta heaven. We savored hand-cut ravioli, rich Bolognese, and a silky panna cotta. Romantic and elegant โ and yes, adults-only.
- ๐ Pizzeria: Thin, wood-fired pizzas with fresh basil, gooey mozzarella, and deliciously charred crusts. Casual, fun, and full of flavor.
- ๐ฅ Seaside Grill: Steps from the sand, this spot served up grilled mahi-mahi, refreshing salads, and icy cocktails with ocean views ๐๐น.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ World Cafรฉ: A global buffet with something for everyone. The girls loved the pancake station in the morning, while we went for fresh tropical fruits, plantains, and Costa Rican gallo pinto ๐๐ฅญ.
- ๐ธ Rendezvous & ๐น Sugar Reef Bars: Cocktails with flair! Whether it was sipping piรฑa coladas under the palms or martinis in the lobby with live music, each drink was a mini-vacation of its own.
๐ Beachside Private Dinner: A Family Memory for the Ages
One night, my husband surprised us with a private beachside dinner ๐ฏ๏ธ๐ โ typically reserved for couples. He pulled some strings and arranged it for all four of us. A 7-course meal by the waves, a glowing sunset, soft music from live musicians by our table โ it was intimate, magical, and something our daughters will remember forever. ๐ฅน๐
๐ Adventure Day: Culture, Thrills & Total Relaxation
For our big adventure, we set out on the Culture & Adventure Mega Combo Tour โ a full day of Costa Rican soul, speed, and serenity.
๐ณ Zip-Lining Through the Jungle Canopy
We opted for the zip line experience, and wow โ what a rush! Soaring over treetops, wind in our faces, with views of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano peeking through the clouds โฐ๏ธ. Each of the 7 lines gave us a new angle on Costa Ricaโs wild heart. The hike to the first platform was a mini-adventure itself โ dense forest, echoing howler monkeys, and butterflies dancing in the light. ๐ฆ๐จ
๐ Horseback Riding Through Hidden Trails
Next came a peaceful ride on gentle horses through rolling hills. The views were endless, with wildflowers and tiny waterfalls popping into sight around every corner. Our guides were kind and patient, making it a perfect moment to slow down and just take it all in. ๐ผ๐ฟ
๐ป Tractor Ride Through the Mountains
After the ride, we climbed aboard a rustic tractor for a scenic journey through the forest, passing sparkling rivulets and misty paths. Every turn felt like stepping deeper into a Costa Rican fairytale. ๐ซ๏ธ๐
๐ณ Culture in Every Bite: Coffee, Pottery & Traditional Flavors
At La Fonda Ranch, we were welcomed with warmth and wisdom. We tried our hand at making tortillas and sampled them fresh off the clay oven, still warm and buttery. ๐ฝ๐ฅ
Nearby, we learned about Costa Ricaโs prized coffee beans โ grown in volcanic soil, hand-ground, and brewed with love. That first sip? Smooth, bold, and unforgettable โ๐.
Then, at the Guaitil Pottery Studio, we each made our own clay keepsake with the help of master artisans who shared their ancient traditions with grace and humor. ๐จ๐
๐ฅ Farm-Fresh Lunch with a View
Lunch was served buffet-style but crafted with ingredients straight from the ranchโs own farm. From fresh tilapia to creamy yucca, every bite was a celebration of the land ๐พ๐ฝ๏ธ. The girls loved the homemade fruit drinks โ like sipping sunshine in a glass! ๐๐
๐ฆ Pacaya Waterfall Hike & Hot Springs Heaven
One of the tripโs most awe-inspiring moments was the hike to Pacaya Waterfall. The trail wove through a forest straight out of a storybook โ mossy rocks, chirping birds, and beams of sunlight slicing through the trees ๐ฒ๐ค๏ธ.
And then โ the waterfall. A thundering cascade crashing into a crystal pool below, mist rising like magic. We cooled off with a splash and just stood there in awe. Nature in its rawest form. ๐ง๐ชจ
๐ Hot Springs & Volcanic Mud Baths
The final act? A spa like no other. Hidden deep in the forest, the natural hot springs were warm, serene, and oh-so-soothing. We slathered ourselves in volcanic mud โ thick, rich, and full of minerals โ then rinsed off in the thermal pools. The girls laughed at how silly we looked, and we all melted into pure relaxation. ๐ก๏ธ๐
๐ Final Thoughts: Costa Rica Stole Our Hearts
Costa Rica gave us adventure, peace, laughter, connection, and most of all โ unforgettable memories. From zip-lining through jungles to eating flaky croissants by the sea, every moment felt full. Full of joy, full of nature, full of Pura Vida.
Until next time, Costa Rica. Thank you for the magic. โจ๐บ๐จ๐ท