Carolyn’s Pura Vida Week in Costa Rica

Carolyn from Team Scouted just returned from her honeymoon in Costa Rica! Here’s a peek at her itinerary—plus a few tips to inspire your own trip.

We kicked off our honeymoon with two nights at Hotel Presidente, a chic and centrally located stay in San José—great for exploring the capital, easing into Costa Rica’s laid-back vibe or an overnight stay if you have an early/late flight out of SJO. Then we boarded a quick Sansa Airlines flight to Cobano and checked into Nantipa, a barefoot-luxury resort nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones.

Our days at Nantipa were the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation: surfing lessons in the morning, ziplining through the jungle in the early afternoon, and sunset dinners by the beach to wrap it all up.

From there, we headed inland, stopping at Doka Estate for a scenic coffee tour en route to Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano, Tabacón’s lush rainforest setting and natural hot springs made for the dreamiest final stop. We stayed on property for our last two nights, indulging in the hot springs, a spa treatment, and a private chef’s dinner at their Ephemeral Table. If you have more time and want to schedule activities, I recommend doing them in the morning—the skies are often clearest then, offering the best views of the volcano. Save the hot springs for the afternoon, when you’re ready to fully unwind.

Costa Rica is such an amazing, easy destination—just 5.5 hours non-stop from Denver. It’s perfect for couples, families, and even solo travelers.

Reach out if you’d like our top picks for where to stay and what to do in this pura vida paradise.