Costa Rica |ˌkōstə ˈrikə| a republic in Central America on the Isthmus of Panama, with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; population 4,253,900 (est. 2009); capital, San José; language, Spanish.
Pura Vida!
Costa Rica is becoming an annual trip tradition in the Harrison household—and this year we got to go for my birthday. It feels like I celebrated this birthday all month long and I’m so grateful for everyone who made it so special for me!
We flew from Dallas into Liberia like we always have—but instead of driving the 2.5 hour trek on the bumpy road to Nosara, we were able to hop on a quick 30 minute domestic flight with Sansa Airlines. I was so happy to have discovered this option this year! It will make our travel to and from so much faster and much more enjoyable.
This year, we stayed at a new hotel called Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge and loved it. It was located a little farther from downtown Nosara, but we enjoyed riding four-wheelers to get to our favorite restaurants and shopping just 15 minutes away. The location of this hotel was perfect, with a beautiful ocean view and an infinity pool we used almost every day we were there.
We spent a lot of time exploring the city on four-wheelers (even when it rained!) and would walk down to the beach every day to surf. Surfing in Costa Rica is why we come. Costa Rica has some of the best surfing on the planet. The beaches are sandy and unpopulated with consistent swells and breaks. It makes learning easy for new friends we bring with us!
We always love getting as much fresh seafood as possible when we visit Costa Rica or any other coastal city–and I did find a new favorite lunch spot this year called La Gilded Iguana. They have a great selection on their menu of Mediterranean dishes with Costa Rican fusion for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. We will definitely be back next year!
We also revisited the Mala Noche Waterfall, one of Nosara’s hidden gems and a favorite getaway for us. To get there, you have to take about a 45-minute hike through creeks and tropical forests—but you’ll end at a stunning waterfall with swimming holes surrounded by incredible natural beauty. We had fun taking pictures here and jumping into the water from the high rocks!
Our trips to Nosara are always magical—filled with friends, family, surfing, hiking, and lots of great food. This town is small and quaint, perfect for a getaway of rest and relaxation (and for four-wheeler sunset rides along the beach!). Another wonderful trip in the books—can’t wait till next year!
See you soon, Costa Rica!
XO-
Sabrina
