There's something about a beachfront vacation that feels so very different from a beach vacation, isn't there? Perhaps it's the luxury of walking out your door and right onto the beach. It could be the sunsets – an everyday blaze of light and color, seemingly all your own. It could be the sea breezes, the passing sailboats, the perfect views...
The truth is, it's probably all of this, and more. Because, we each derive a little something different from our beach vacations. But, undoubtedly, there's something special to all of us, about vacations of the oceanfront variety.
And that's why we've rounded up the first five of our favorite beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo: from cozy to palatial, from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy, these homes represent some of the most exclusive, most spectacular, and most one-of-a-kind real estate in Tamarindo and its surrounds:
2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (Sleeps 6) | Playa Langosta | Starting around $182/night
Located just south of downtown Tamarindo, on Playa Langosta's Millionaire Mile, Horizontes del Mar #106 is the most affordable of our beachfront vacation rentals: A ground-floor, oceanfront condo where nothing – and by nothing, we mean only sea breezes and lush foliage – separates you from the sea. Spacious, modern, and welcoming, this pied-à-terre offers everything you need (WiFi, private laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, and more) and much of what you dream. But, what we think you'll love most is not within, but without: a quiet veranda, the perfect place to sip your morning coffee or sunset cocktail. A private veranda, adjacent to an infinity-edge pooland bordering the sights and sounds of the sea. Welcome to paradise. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms (Sleeps 7) | Playa Flamingo | Starting around $286/night
Casa Colibri is a rare breed – a home that immerses you in nature, in a way that few homes, few places, few moments do. Here, surrounded by hillside jungle and lush foliage, bounded by birdsong, and eye-to-eye with howler monkeys, you are transported. Transported to lazy mornings and quiet evenings, to 5-star amenities and uninterrupted views. To a world apart and also, right here, in the heart of Flamingo and with access to Potrero Bay. Indeed, this is one of those rare beachfront vacation rentals in Costa Rica: a home both highly functional – two stories, three bedrooms, air-conditioned, and full of comforts – and also exquisitely private. And by private, we mean a private pool, private ocean-view deck, and private beach. Yes, private access to the beach. Need we say more? 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 8) | Tamarindo | Starting around $1,150/night
Breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly oceanfront, Casa Tranquila is named for a feeling: for tranquility – the overwhelming emotion, the undeniably peace you feel when you are here. And, indeed, this is one of the most unique beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo, located within Tamarindo Preserve, Costa Rica's only beachfront gated community. Of course, it's more than that: Casa Tranquila is a retreat to sapphire views and a free-form infinity pool, crashing waves and tropical design. To stone floors and vaulted ceilings, sleek lines and rustic finishes. To a full, free membership in the exclusive Tamarindo Preserve Beach Club. To a home where every detail is distinct, every view breathtaking, every breeze your own. To one of the most spectacular beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo, if not all of Costa Rica. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 16) | Playa Potrero | Starting around $500/night
Step off your private patio, dig your toes into the sun-warmed grass, and walk due west for twelve feet. Just twelve feet. That's all that separates you from your home and the lapping waves of the Pacific. Here, and all around you, the warmth of Costa Rican woods and life surround: wooden floors and teak ceilings, handcrafted furniture and local art. And, outside, the greatest work of all: Pacific Ocean views, crashing surf, and the ephemeral views of passing catamarans, dolphin fins, and waving palms. The home itself is just as dazzling, with curved lines and graceful arches, exquisite décor and an ocean-view pool. But, what really sets Corazón del Mar apart from other beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo are Janet and Tomás, your caretakers. They are here to pamper you, to attend to your every need. And, Monday through Saturday, they are here to whip up their famous meals and even better mixed drinks. ¡Salud! 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 10) | Hacienda Pinilla | Starting around $1,850/night
Welcome to the ultimate in oceanfront living and to vacation luxury. Welcome to the crème de la crème of beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo. For this is Hacienda Pinilla, a luxury community just outside Tamarindo, and this is Casa Serena, one of the community's crown jewels. Welcome to the ultimate in beachfront luxury: a crystal koi pond and custom infinity pool, double master suites and a sprinkling of private verandas. This is a labyrinth of interior and exterior living spaces, where no luxury, no comfort, no exquisite detail has been spared. From decadent terraces and outdoor dining areas, to open-air covered walkways and every amenity under the sun, you'll love life at Casa Serena. The only thing better? Stepping off the terrace and crossing the sand, to your own slice of the salty tropics and crashing surf.
Located just south of downtown Tamarindo, on Playa Langosta's Millionaire Mile, Horizontes del Mar #106 is the most affordable of our beachfront vacation rentals: A ground-floor, oceanfront condo where nothing – and by nothing, we mean only sea breezes and lush foliage – separates you from the sea. Spacious, modern, and welcoming, this pied-à-terre offers everything you need (WiFi, private laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, and more) and much of what you dream. But, what we think you'll love most is not within, but without: a quiet veranda, the perfect place to sip your morning coffee or sunset cocktail. A private veranda, adjacent to an infinity-edge pooland bordering the sights and sounds of the sea. Welcome to paradise. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms (Sleeps 7) | Playa Flamingo | Starting around $286/night
Casa Colibri is a rare breed – a home that immerses you in nature, in a way that few homes, few places, few moments do. Here, surrounded by hillside jungle and lush foliage, bounded by birdsong, and eye-to-eye with howler monkeys, you are transported. Transported to lazy mornings and quiet evenings, to 5-star amenities and uninterrupted views. To a world apart and also, right here, in the heart of Flamingo and with access to Potrero Bay. Indeed, this is one of those rare beachfront vacation rentals in Costa Rica: a home both highly functional – two stories, three bedrooms, air-conditioned, and full of comforts – and also exquisitely private. And by private, we mean a private pool, private ocean-view deck, and private beach. Yes, private access to the beach. Need we say more? 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 8) | Tamarindo | Starting around $1,150/night
Breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly oceanfront, Casa Tranquila is named for a feeling: for tranquility – the overwhelming emotion, the undeniably peace you feel when you are here. And, indeed, this is one of the most unique beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo, located within Tamarindo Preserve, Costa Rica's only beachfront gated community. Of course, it's more than that: Casa Tranquila is a retreat to sapphire views and a free-form infinity pool, crashing waves and tropical design. To stone floors and vaulted ceilings, sleek lines and rustic finishes. To a full, free membership in the exclusive Tamarindo Preserve Beach Club. To a home where every detail is distinct, every view breathtaking, every breeze your own. To one of the most spectacular beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo, if not all of Costa Rica. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 16) | Playa Potrero | Starting around $500/night
Step off your private patio, dig your toes into the sun-warmed grass, and walk due west for twelve feet. Just twelve feet. That's all that separates you from your home and the lapping waves of the Pacific. Here, and all around you, the warmth of Costa Rican woods and life surround: wooden floors and teak ceilings, handcrafted furniture and local art. And, outside, the greatest work of all: Pacific Ocean views, crashing surf, and the ephemeral views of passing catamarans, dolphin fins, and waving palms. The home itself is just as dazzling, with curved lines and graceful arches, exquisite décor and an ocean-view pool. But, what really sets Corazón del Mar apart from other beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo are Janet and Tomás, your caretakers. They are here to pamper you, to attend to your every need. And, Monday through Saturday, they are here to whip up their famous meals and even better mixed drinks. ¡Salud! 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms (Sleeps 10) | Hacienda Pinilla | Starting around $1,850/night
Welcome to the ultimate in oceanfront living and to vacation luxury. Welcome to the crème de la crème of beachfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo. For this is Hacienda Pinilla, a luxury community just outside Tamarindo, and this is Casa Serena, one of the community's crown jewels. Welcome to the ultimate in beachfront luxury: a crystal koi pond and custom infinity pool, double master suites and a sprinkling of private verandas. This is a labyrinth of interior and exterior living spaces, where no luxury, no comfort, no exquisite detail has been spared. From decadent terraces and outdoor dining areas, to open-air covered walkways and every amenity under the sun, you'll love life at Casa Serena. The only thing better? Stepping off the terrace and crossing the sand, to your own slice of the salty tropics and crashing surf.