We’ll let you in on a little secret: There’s no better time than summer to indulge in a luxury vacation in Costa Rica. While much of the world flocks to hot sun and crowded beaches and over-touristed destinations, Costa Rica’s summer months – also known as our green season (May through November) offers an escape filled with breathtaking lush landscapes, exclusive experiences, and the kind of relaxation you can only find in paradise.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, indulgence, or maybe a blend of both, Costa Rica delivers big on one of the best tropical vacations imaginable. And in a bid to get you ready to pack your bags, here are ten reasons why Costa Rica should be at the top of your summer travel list:
Summer in Costa Rica coincides with our “green season,” also known as the rainy season – in other words, when landscapes burst into vibrant shades of emerald, waterfalls flow at their fullest, and rain showers refresh rather than ruin your plans.
What’s more, if you’ve ever been victim to seasonal sensationalism, there’s definitely a bit of a misconception around the rainy season: instead of constant downpours, mornings are typically sunny, with short afternoon rains that set very often the stage for watercolor rainbows and spectacular sunsets. It’s the ideal time to experience the country’s natural beauty at its peak while avoiding the high-season crowds.
And in that vein, the green season also means a quieter, more intimate experience. Whether you’re hiking through dry forests, exploring volcanoes, or taking a sunset catamaran cruise, you’ll have more space to soak in Costa Rica’s wonders without the typical tourist rush.
This really needs its own point: Summer is considered the low(er) season in Costa Rica, meaning fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace of travel. Imagine walking down pristine beaches with only the sound of waves – not happy tourist shrieks – in the background, securing last-minute reservations at top-tier restaurants, and enjoying All The Things without the usual hustle, bustle, or waiting in line. If you crave exclusivity and peace, this is the time to visit.
This also means more room for personalized service. Whether you’re booking a private snorkeling tour or enjoying a beachfront dinner, staff and guides have more individualized time to provide a truly tailored experience, ensuring your luxury vacation in Costa Rica is seamless and unforgettable.
3. Epic Wildlife Encounters
Costa Rica is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and summer offers some of the best opportunities to witness its incredible biodiversity. It’s peak whale-watching season, as humpback whales migrate to and from Costa Rican waters, offering a breathtaking spectacle along the Pacific coast. Meanwhile, sea turtles return to nest on beaches like Ostional, and the rainforests teem with playful monkeys, vibrant toucans, and elusive big cats. If you’ve ever dreamed of up-close encounters with nature, this is the time to visit.
For birdwatchers, the summer is also a dream come true. Rain-fed lush landscapes attract bucket-list species, including roseate spoonbills, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. If you want to make the experience extra special, ask our concierge Cris about guided nature tours, which guarantee your best chance to witness Costa Rica’s rich wildlife.
Ask any local (like us!), and we’ll tell you – Costa Rica’s best sunsets happen in the summer. With mist creating a prismatic effect (sunset rainbow, anyone?) and post-rain clouds adding dramatic depth to the sky, almost every evening transforms into a painter’s masterpiece of fiery oranges, deep purples, and glowing pinks. The best part? You can take in the show from a beachfront lounge, private balcony, or even from your villa’s infinity-edge pool.
Tip: For an even more memorable experience, book a sunset cruise! It’s a spectacular experience, as you glide along the coastline with a cocktail in hand, the sky ignites with color, and the entire experience lends itself to unforgettable moments of pure bliss.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a complete beginner, summer brings some of the year’s best waves. Swells pick up along the Pacific coast, especially in hotspots like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Witch’s Rock. Not ready to ride solo? Our surf instructors are happy to guide you, making Costa Rica one of the best tropical vacations for thrill-seekers and water lovers alike.
Surf camps and private lessons cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone – from kids to seasoned surfers – gets a chance to experience the exhilaration of catching a wave.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting during summer? Incredible deals! With lower demand, travelers can score significant discounts not just on flights, but also on accommodations, tours, and excursions. Many of our luxury vacation rentals offer deep discounts – sometimes up to half off peak-season rates – making your dream luxury vacation in Costa Rica more affordable than ever. More luxury, less expense? That’s a win-win.
Many of our partnered tour operators and private guides also offer exclusive promotions, allowing you to enjoy bucket-list activities like sport fishing, helicopter tours, and spa treatments at for less than peak-season prices.
Costa Rica takes pride in its fresh, local cuisine. We could go so far as to say that summer is the perfect time to indulge in farm-to-table, bean-to-bar, seed-to-cup dining experiences, whether at a high-end beachfront restaurant or through a private chef at your villa. Enjoy just-caught seafood, tropical fruits at their peak, and world-renowned Costa Rican coffee – all with backdrops and plating as beautiful as the food itself.
From intimate candlelit dinners on the sand to five-star gourmet meals featuring locally sourced ingredients served at your villa, Costa Rica’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its landscapes.
From zip-lining through tropical forests to white-water rafting down jungle rivers, Costa Rica’s adventure options are second to none. Summer’s lush landscapes add that extra something special to every experience – hikes through national parks are more scenic, waterfalls are more powerful, and the air smells fresh. Whether you’re horseback riding, ATV-ing, or taking a private yacht tour, Costa Rica promises adventure at every turn.
For those who prefer a slower pace, guided wildlife walks, hot spring soaks, and stargazing from your quiet pool deck offer equally magical experiences.
Perhaps the greatest reason to visit Costa Rica in the summer is the feeling of true escape.
Here, now, you’re not just taking a vacation – you’re immersing yourself in the Costa Rica where luxury meets adventure, where nature meets indulgence, and where every moment feels like a dream. This is your chance to unplug, unwind, and experience paradise at its purest. Go on – give yourself permission!
10. Unparalleled Luxury Accommodations
From oceanfront villas with private infinity pools to jungle retreats with world-class amenities, Costa Rica’s high-end accommodations are what the dictionary means by “exceptional.”
Picture yourself waking up to panoramic ocean views, sipping coffee on a secluded terrace, or enjoying personalized concierge service that caters to your every need. Wherever you’re staying, chose a luxury vacation in Costa Rica for the promise of comfort and exclusivity in every detail. We can even arrange for private chefs, in-villa spa treatments, and curated excursions tailored to your preferences.
Here's where to stay for summer 2025:
Tamarindo | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 7 to 10 guests
Somewhere between sea and sky, of in-the-middle-of-it-all and off-the-beaten-path, Casa Xanadu sits overlooking Las Baulas National Marine Park and its important sea turtle nesting sites; the Tamarindo Estuary, a rare and ecologically important wildlife habitat; critical and rare tropical dry forest; and two scenic beaches (Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande), both known for their sand and surf.
And here, at the crossroads of wildlife and wonder, Casa Xanadu welcomes you to some of the best sunset lookouts in the area, paired with shaded terraces, a private infinity pool and sun-splashed balconies. Tucked into the embrace of this luxury home, where oversized windows frame the view and even the most discerning travelers find their happy place, this is the kind of home-away-from-home that makes you wish you were just home.
Because this view? It's why you came, why you're here, and why you'll want to stay forever. Welcome to Casa Xanadu. Welcome to paradise!
Playa Langosta | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 14 Guests
Answer the call to breathe and accept Soul House’s invitation to soothe your soul. Welcome to a truly incredible, almost spiritual experience at this Balinese-inspired villa, located in the peaceful, yet still convenient community of Playa Langosta.
Populated with Balinese-style artwork and accents – each, reinforced via thoughtful details throughout – this special retreat offers quiet and privacy for all, including in the second-floor private apartment (perfect for the trip organizer!). Outdoors, you’ll revel in the backyard enclave, where shaded seating, lush gardens, and a private pool make themselves available for everything from retreat activities to quiet afternoons of diversion and reflection.
Indoors, you’ll appreciate the home’s high design, clean lines, and ample light to soothe the soul, escape to serenity, and reclaim your spirit. Find your balance by the flames of the firepit and among statues, hammocks, and palms. Breathe deeply of the sea breeze. And rejoice in the knowledge that you’ve found your way to Soul House, a standout even among the most distinguished Playa Langosta rentals.
Tamarindo | 8 Bedrooms | 8 Baths | 12 to 19 Guests
If you're searching for that ephemeral quality of "something special," then welcome to El Chante. Seemingly designed for luxury retreats in Costa Rica, this sprawling, open-air, Balinese-inspired property is a warren of paths and wooden stairways, comprised of nine separate structures – of a promise that you can have it all, even when that "all" extends to retreat spaces and privacy.
Home to upscale amenities, spacious common areas, a spectacular ocean-view swimming pool, and breathtaking views, El Chante welcomes your retreat group to sustainable living, a resort setting, and plenty of privacy, courtesy of private bungalows and individual guest suites.
Surrounded by the glories of nature and some of Tamarindo's best views, this retreat-ready vacation home overlooks Tamarindo Beach, the estuary, and the sparkling Pacific. Swim beneath the shade of leafy trees and lounge in the sun. Dine outdoors or in. Host meetings and sessions on the pool deck. And then, retreat to the luxury of your own, private suites and ocean views.
If you’re dreaming of – and planning! – a luxury vacation in Costa Rica, there’s no better time than summer. Whether you’re drawn by the exclusivity, the savings, the wildlife, or the adventure, we promise an experience unlike any other. So why wait? Your tropical escape is calling!
We’re here to help you find your ideal villa rental to complement your vacation. Because at Stay in Tamarindo, we really are different. We really do care about you. And we really will go the extra mile to make your Costa Rican family vacation whatever you want it to be. We’re going to work hard for you. We’re going to follow up with you. And we’re going to do everything we can, to ensure that this is not just your Best Trip Ever, but also Everything You Want It to Be.
We hope to transform the way you vacation. We want to deliver the best everything you’ve ever experienced – including the best value. And we want you to go home completely fulfilled, whether you came to relax for a week straight or packed your days full of every adrenaline-soaked, high-adventure activity you could fit in.
So go ahead, give us a try. Embrace the experience. Live your best life. And now, book your best-ever vacation. It all starts with getting in touch with our concierge, Cris!