Along the sun-drenched shores of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, lies Las Catalinas, a newly constructed beach town where nature and community intertwine. Conceived as a sanctuary for the soul, it's a place where the rhythm of life is set not by schedules but by the ebb and flow of the tides.

Completely car-free, the town’s pedestrian streets feel like a breath of fresh air, perfect for families, where little ones can run freely and explore without a care. 

In 2011, the first homes, restaurants and shops were completed and the journey to Las Catalinas began. Just over a decade later, the full vision came to life with the town being completed in its entirety.

“We believe that people need a new vision of the good life. The “more and more stuff, more and more isolated” approach isn’t working. Ecologically, it’s a disaster. Socially, it’s leaving us fragmented. Personally, it’s leaving us disconnected.”

Las Catalinas was born from a vision of “the good life,” a delicate balance of well-being, sustainability, and human connection. Here, streets wind through a charming labyrinth of terracotta-roofed homes, sun-dappled plazas, and breezy cafés. The planning is based on the hillside towns of the Mediterranean, think Ronda in Spain and the coastal towns of the Italian Riviera.

Las Catalinas offers everything a vibrant community could wish for, from restaurants serving up mouthwatering dishes to charming shops, lush parks, and endless opportunities for adventure.

This is not just a place to visit, it’s a place to be. To wake with the sunrise and paddle out into the glassy sea. To linger over fresh ceviche with a cocktail in hand as the sun reflects on the waves below.

One side of Las Catalinas unfurls into over a thousand acres of tropical forest, where emerald hills and valleys beckon explorers. The hills offer winding trails perfect for sunrise hikes and trail runs. Some of Costa Rica’s best mountain biking routes can also be found here, weaving through the wilderness and offering panoramic ocean views at every turn. Thrill-seekers can also take up ziplining - a great way to take in the endless expanse of green and blue.

The other side of Las Catalinas offers some of Costa Rica’s best beaches. Head down to the coast for watersports aplenty; think paddle-boarding, kayaking, and snorkelling, as well as horseback riding. If you’re a beginner or have little ones, Playa Danta’s protected bay is the perfect spot with its glassy, smooth water. 

And of course, you can simply surrender to the moment, string up a hammock, sink your toes into the sand, and let the slow magic of Las Catalinas wash over you.

If you’re in need of a breezy outfit, a new swimsuit, or the perfect beachside accessory, Las Catalinas has you covered. The boutique inside the Beach Club is a treasure trove of resort wear, jewellery, and sun hats, stocked with all your Love Brand favourites. Meanwhile, down by the shore, Pura Vida Ride is the go-to for watersports gear, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your next dip.

When it comes to accommodation, there’s a range of choices from cosy flats and rental villas to hotels. The Santara Hotel, complete with 45 rooms and a rooftop pool, pays homage to the old mansions of the great coastal cities of Havana and Cartagena. For a more secluded spot, Casa Chameleon is a resort perched high on the hilltop offering 21 villas each with a personal pool and spectacular ocean view. 

All images courtesy of Las Catalinas.