When Airbnb invited Stay in Tamarindo to the Host Summit in Mexico City this October, our team looked forward to a meaningful industry event and the chance to connect with other leaders shaping the future of vacation rentals. We were also proud to be recognized as Airbnb’s Host of the Year 2025 for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
This award is a true honor, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of the philosophy that has guided us for more than a decade: Stay in Tamarindo was built on the belief that great travel isn’t defined by amenities alone; it’s defined by connection, presence, local knowledge, and an approach to hospitality that’s deeply human.
Today, we’re sharing the story behind the award and giving a deeper look into what happens behind the scenes here at Stay in Tamarindo. Whether you’re a traveler searching for Tamarindo luxury rentals or a homeowner exploring rental property management near me, this milestone reveals the level of care, professionalism, and authenticity you can expect from Stay in Tamarindo.
What Airbnb Sees in Us
Airbnb invited our team to Mexico City and asked us to share our approach with companies from all over the region. Much of the conversation centered on something simple: what does it look like to deliver hospitality that’s both operationally strong and deeply personal?
For Airbnb, a few of our approaches stood out:
A High-Touch, Local-First Hospitality Model
Unlike many vacation rental companies, we never set out to become the largest; our goal was to become the most trusted. Our guest managers oversee small portfolios, so every traveler receives personal attention. We design stays around individual preferences rather than templates. And we ensure that every part of the guest journey, from pre-arrival planning to checkout, feels effortless.
Airbnb recognized the strength of this approach – quality over scale – and how consistently it translates into exceptional guest experiences.
A Team Culture That Runs on Pride and Purpose
When people walk into our office, they often comment on how welcoming it feels. The space is intentionally designed with natural light, shared spaces, and a layout that supports collaboration. Our team represents Costa Rica and countries from around the world, and together we speak more than seven languages.
Our team’s diversity and curiosity shape everything we do. Many of us have lived here for years; others grew up locally and know Tamarindo inside and out. We swim, surf, volunteer, raise families, explore the region, and share our discoveries with our guests. Airbnb noticed that this genuine love for Costa Rica is reflected in our reviews, our guest feedback, and the consistently warm experience we offer.
Guest Experiences That Extend Far Beyond a Booking
Travelers today want more than a place to sleep; they want trips built around authenticity, ease, and the chance to discover a destination in a meaningful way. At Stay in Tamarindo, we have built a system where:
- Your home’s guest manager is also the person who welcomes guests upon arrival
- Experiences are curated by locals
- Recommendations are based on honesty, not commissions
- Planning is personalized, flexible, and grounded in your group’s interests
This philosophy is why our guests return year after year.
A Balanced Approach That Protects Both Owners and Guests
The Airbnb Host of the Year Award also recognized the way we manage properties. We’re not just a hospitality company; we’re also a property management company built for homeowners who want transparency, consistent care, a strong return on investment, and a true partner in their property’s short-term rental success.
This combination is admittedly unusual in the industry, and it’s one of the reasons Airbnb has recognized Stay in Tamarindo as a standout host.
What the Award Means for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner searching for reliable rental property management near me, our Airbnb Host of the Year Award reflects several core strengths you can expect from our team:
1. A Stronger Return on Investment Through Smart Management
We built our systems around owner success. This includes:
- Full P&L analysis
- Expense tracking
- A dedicated revenue manager
- Strategic pricing based on real-time market conditions
- A full marketing team focused on visibility and direct bookings
Our level of attention is unparalleled, and it leads to more predictable income and better occupancy rates.
2. Higher Quality Guests Through a Trusted Brand
Travelers choose Stay in Tamarindo because they trust our process, our reviews, and our reputation. They’re looking for authenticity, comfort, and ease, and they value the knowledge and support we offer. These travelers tend to be respectful, engaged, and committed to caring for the homes they stay in.
In turn, this protects your property and strengthens your long-term rental performance.
3. A Concierge System That Enhances Guest Satisfaction
We provide guests with a single point of contact who coordinates everything:
- Transportation
- In-villa services
- Tours
- Dining recommendations
- Special requests
This structure means guests feel supported at every step, and homeowners benefit from consistently high guest ratings.
4. Exclusive Management That Reflects High Standards
We manage properties exclusively because we believe it’s the only way to protect both quality and consistency. We inspect homes carefully, maintain direct communication with owners, and ensure every property remains in excellent condition year-round.
For owners, this means peace of mind. For guests, it means every home meets the Stay in Tamarindo standard.
What the Award Means for Our Travelers
Guests often tell us that our homes are beautiful, but it’s the complete experience that turns their vacation into a memory. This award recognizes the kind of hospitality that travelers can expect when they choose any of our Tamarindo luxury rentals.
1. Travel That’s Personal, Not Packaged
We take the time to understand what you want from your trip. Whether you’re traveling for adventure, rest, celebration, or a little of everything, we help create days that reflect your style. Your guest manager customizes your itinerary, makes thoughtful adjustments when needed, and ensures things run smoothly.
2. Local Knowledge That Adds Depth to Your Trip
Our team has lived the experiences we recommend. We know which beaches are best for children, where to find bioluminescence, who offers the most responsible wildlife tours, and which restaurants are worth your time. Our guidance isn’t based on commissions; it’s based on what will make your trip feel special.
3. A Level of Care That Feels Effortless
Travel can be complicated. Our job is to simplify it. From airport pickups to private chef dinners to last-minute adjustments, we handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your time in Costa Rica.
Real luxury isn’t about extravagance; it’s about presence. It’s knowing that you’re cared for and that someone is looking out for you throughout your stay.
A Team That Brings It All to Life
Behind every well-managed home and every memorable guest experience is a team that genuinely loves what they do. Our team’s warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail shape every part of the Stay in Tamarindo experience.
They’re the reason Airbnb recognized our company on a regional stage. They’re also the reason guests return and homeowners stay with us for years.
Featured New Villas: A Look at How We Elevate Every Home We Host
As we celebrate the Airbnb Host of the Year Award, we also want to highlight something equally important: Stay in Tamarindo’s success is built on the trust of our homeowners, and one of the ways we honor that trust is through the care, visibility, and storytelling we bring to every property in our portfolio.
When a homeowner chooses to work with us, their villa becomes more than a listing. It becomes part of a curated collection supported by a hospitality team, dedicated marketing staff, and a guest experience model designed to inspire bookings and deliver exceptional stays.
To give you a taste of what that looks like, we’re proud to introduce three of the newest additions to our villa portfolio. Each reflects the level of attention, presentation, and service Stay in Tamarindo brings to every home we host.
Casa Plata
Hacienda Pinilla | 7 Beds | 7 Baths | Up to 20 Guests
Casa Plata is a brand-new retreat designed for groups that seek comfort, privacy, and relaxed outdoor living. The home is bright and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a large pool, a heated jacuzzi, and several shaded terraces that make it easy for everyone to spend time together. Three master suites open onto private balconies or terraces, and every bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom, giving couples and families space to unwind.
Inside, the rooms are generous and thoughtfully designed for extended stays, including a bunk room for kids and a suite with a bathtub for families. Outside, cozy lighting and multiple lounge areas create an atmosphere that feels warm long after sunset. Guests especially love the covered terrace with a poolside TV, which turns casual afternoons into easygoing hangouts.
Casa Plata includes our Elite Service Standard six days a week, so guests enjoy breakfast preparation, snacks, cocktails, daily cleaning, and laundry with the groceries they bring. Combined with full access to Hacienda Pinilla’s Beach Club, golf course, trails, and resort amenities, Casa Plata offers an effortless, memorable way to experience Guanacaste.
Hacienda Pinilla | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 12 to 18 Guests
Designed for laid-back luxury, Villa Rosato is both polished and peaceful. The private pool sits at the heart of the villa and is framed by tropical greenery, creating a calm space for long days in the sun. Inside, each of the five bedrooms has its own distinct ambiance and subtle scent, and the three master suites make room selection easy for larger groups.
One feature guests always talk about is the kitchen window that opens directly to the pool. It allows your housemom to pass smoothies, snacks, or cocktails straight to the water, which feels like a small moment of magic during each stay. With glass doors that open wide and bright natural light throughout, the transition between indoor and outdoor living feels natural.
Villa Rosato includes our Elite Service Standard six days a week, along with access to Hacienda Pinilla’s Beach Club, spa, golf course, tennis courts, and miles of scenic trails. It’s the kind of home that encourages you to slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and spend unhurried time together.
Hacienda Pinilla | 7 Beds | 7 Baths | Up to 16 Guests
Villa Tramontana was designed for groups that want space, versatility, and a peaceful atmosphere. With seven suites, two living rooms, and two kitchens, this home gives every part of your group room to settle in. Outside, the large pool features a waterfall that adds soft movement, and evenings often end around the fire pit or with a movie projected under the stars.
Every bedroom includes a king bed and a private ensuite bathroom, so no one has to compromise on comfort. The layout makes it easy for early risers, night owls, and children to follow their own rhythms without disturbing the rest of the group. It’s an ideal fit for multigenerational families or friends traveling together.
With Elite Service included six days a week and direct access to Hacienda Pinilla’s top amenities, Villa Tramontana blends privacy, comfort, and convenience for travelers who want a smooth, personalized stay.
Looking Ahead
Winning the Airbnb Host of the Year Award is an important milestone, but it’s not an endpoint. We’re not ready to spill all the beans just yet, but suffice it to say, our plans for 2026 include expanding our travel planning tools, enhancing our concierge services, connecting more deeply with local guides and small businesses, and continuing to refine the way we package and present trips.
We’re building a model that mirrors what modern travelers want: a seamless, authentic, thoughtfully planned vacation supported by people who truly know the destination. But our promise remains the same: We’ll welcome you like a friend, manage your home as if it were our own, and share Costa Rica with the kind of pride that comes from belonging to this place.
Partner With Us
Whether you’re exploring Tamarindo luxury rentals or searching for rental property management near me, we’d love to talk. Our team is here to help you plan a stay that feels effortless and personal, or to discuss how we can protect and elevate your property.
Bienvenid@ a Stay in Tamarindo. We can’t wait to welcome you.