Costa Rica's Top Ten

#10 Playa Samara & Nosara

Locally known as Costa Rica's hidden gem, it's yoga and wellness capital and it's all in one destination spot.  It takes a bit of a drive to get here, but there's a reason so many expats and travelers venture here.  From it's clear bays perfect for snorkeling and diving to it's world class surf breaks nearby, Playa Samara and Playa Nosara have it all in one place.  You may have seen a wave or two on your surf videos and it's rare to have a calm bay and epic waves nearby in one place.  Pus, if you're looking to do some yoga with some of the world's best yogis and studios in Costa Rica then here's your paradise away from it all and with it all.

#9 Uvita & Dominical

Just thirty minutes south of Manuel Antonio is a surf destination and a very safe, very peaceful place where the jungle meets the beach.  There are now many luxurious boutique hotels with epic views and still the local spots where surfers made home years ago.  If you're looking to connect with the ocean, surf some of Costa Rica's best waves and look back to shore from the water to see pristine jungle leading up to the sand that few of us ever get to experience in the modern world, then step back in time here and enjoy every bit of what everyone else will likely never see.  There's a bit of a party scene here.  It is a surf town.  The reason to visit here though is to have your own experience and it just can't be described with words.  If you need a reset button in life, a slow pace and to reconnect with what we're missing these days then here's your place.

#8 Santa Teresa & Montezuma

From many lines in the airport overhearing conversations from travelers and hearing over and over again that Santa Teresa was their favorite destination in Costa Rica, I had to visit.  While Santa Teresa and Mal Pais are our own not so much longer hidden secrets for a chill Costa Rica trip, what many are beginning to learn is after the boat ride from Herradura where the famous Los Suenos Marriott and marina is located, you land in Montezuma.  If you're looking to go where the people in the know go then Santa Teresa is your ATV riding on the beach, surf town with all the local Pura Vida vibe, very cool travelers, great Argentinian restaurants and do make sure you spend some time in Costa Rica's own Big Sur and Catalina Island mixed into one at the very cool Montezuma.  Called "Montefuma" by the locals.  I can't tell you why here, but you'll find out.

#7 Puerto Viejo & Manzanillo

Costa Rica has coastline for days and yes, Costa Rica has two coasts!  Welcome to the Caribbean mae (pronounced "my", that's Costa Rican for dude).  We live here, we visit here and many travelers are beginning to find out, just recently, why all the locals visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.  A magical place where many Costa Ricans choose to spend their vacation time.  A little local secret, when it's the green season for most of Costa Rica the Caribbean side has its dry season.  From the epic crystal clear waters great for snorkeling and diving to the challenging Salsa Brava wave, yes there are waves on the Caribbean side so you can surf here as well, it's a special place with a local vibe, a Pura Vida vibe and a Rasta vibe.  Welcome to the road less traveled that is becoming more and more popular every year.

#6 Drake Bay

It's not surprising that a location in Costa Rica would be deemed the most biodiverse place on the planet.  If you're looking to see all planet earth and mother nature have to offer in their great show and enjoy it all from a plush luxurious room, then Drake Bay is your place!  From the world famous Corcovado National Park to the legends of Sir Francis Drake, hence the name, burying his pirate treasure right here, to the whale and dolphin watching, the diving, the fishing and the views, oh the views, Drake Bay is a unique Costa Rica destination that only the fortunate few visit in their lives.

#5 Peninsula de Papagayo

If you want to vacation in Costa Rica like Tom Brady, Giselle Bundchen, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Mel Gibson, the Kardashians and the the list goes on and on, well then this is your spot.  In the Peninsula de Papagayo of Costa Rica you will find a premiere Four Seasons Resort and many other luxurious Costa Rica resorts!  The cool thing is, it's still Costa Rica.  You can venture out for your adventures and return to your private villa with all the comforts of home.  That is, if your home is a full service mansion.

#4 Tamarindo

Tamarindo was and still is a true surfer's paradise in Costa Rica.  Now, it's just so much more.  A centrally located surf town, party town and beach town in the famous Gaunacaste region of Costa Rica.  You can enjoy an epic vacation right here in Tamarindo and with just a quick ride, you can also visit many of Costa Rica's best beaches.  There are great all inclusive resorts in the area, luxurious resorts and good old fashioned hotels at a bargain for good old fashioned beach days and surf days all in one place.  It's famous for a reason you know.

#3 La Fortuna & Arenal

Costa Rica has many incredible beaches, party towns and epic waves.  Then there's the real Costa Rica and its true magic.  It's right here in the La Fortuna and Arenal region.  The Costa Ricans here are absolutely incredible and many are told to live, love and dance beyond 100 years.  It's true.  The hot water mineral springs, the mineral rich organic food, the smiles, the pace and the way people treat each other will reset your life.  Welcome to true Pura Vida and the real Costa Rica.

#2 Jaco & Playa Hermosa

Jaco has a lot to offer.  If you're looking to mix it up with fellow travelers, expats and Costa Rican locals, or locas, then here's your spot.  South Jaco beach offers great surf for all levels and all of Jaco offers great nightlife and a Costa Rican party scene that few towns can rival.  There of course are areas near Jaco where you can be away from it if the pace is too much and you find yourself calling in late for your tours in the morning.  Check out Jaco if you're looking for a lot of action on your trip or search for Playa Hermosa-Puntarenas, Punta Leona or Herradura for a sanctuary very nearby the bustling beach town and its wild party scene.  The choice is yours.

#1 Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a world famous destination with an incredible national park, amazing beaches, millionaire's row kind of views and abundant wildlife.  If you want to see a sloth from your balcony, interact with monkeys right outside your door, see nearly the whole checklist of Costa Rica wildlife and do it all right from your room, the pool or at its pristine beaches, then here's your Costa Rica.