{"product_id":"why-costa-rica-keeps-calling-us-back","title":"Why Costa Rica Keeps Calling Us Back","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMy husband and I travel to Costa Rica several times a year, and if you ask us our favorite place on earth, the answer is easy: Costa Rica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThere is just something special about this country. The pace is slower, the people are incredibly friendly, the food is fresh, and everywhere you turn there is another beautiful beach, yoga studio, waterfall, or local market waiting to be explored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEvery time we visit, we leave feeling healthier, happier, and more connected. It has become our favorite place to relax, recharge, and enjoy life together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Warm Water and Endless Beaches\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne of the first things we fell in love with is the water. Unlike many destinations where the ocean can be chilly, the water in Costa Rica is warm year-round. Whether we’re swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply walking along the shoreline, it feels like paradise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe beaches are beautiful, but they all have their own personality. Some are lively and social, while others feel completely untouched and peaceful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eManuel Antonio: Wildlife and Natural Beauty\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eManuel Antonio is one of our favorite places to visit. The national park is breathtaking, with lush rainforest trails that lead directly to stunning beaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEvery visit feels like a wildlife adventure. We’ve seen monkeys, sloths, iguanas, colorful birds, and countless other animals right along the trails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe beaches inside the park are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, with crystal-clear water and soft sand surrounded by tropical jungle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJaco: Fun, Food, and Convenience\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJaco is often one of our first stops when we arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt has a fun atmosphere with great restaurants, coffee shops, beach bars, and plenty of activities. Whether you want to take a surf lesson, enjoy a sunset dinner, or simply walk along the beach, there is always something happening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJaco is also incredibly convenient and makes a great home base for exploring nearby areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Famous Whale’s Tail\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne of the most unique places in Costa Rica is the Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena National Park.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAt low tide, a natural sandbar emerges that looks exactly like a whale’s tail when viewed from above. Standing there surrounded by the ocean is an unforgettable experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe area is known for whale watching, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the busier tourist destinations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt’s one of those places that reminds you just how incredible nature can be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSanta Teresa: Our Wellness Paradise\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIf there is one place that perfectly captures the Costa Rica lifestyle, it’s Santa Teresa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eYoga studios seem to be everywhere. Healthy cafés line the streets. Fresh smoothies, tropical fruit bowls, and locally sourced meals are available around every corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe energy here is unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. People come to slow down, focus on wellness, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace a simpler way of living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe sunsets are absolutely incredible, and the beaches stretch for miles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhenever we’re in Santa Teresa, our days usually include yoga, beach walks, fresh food, and lots of time outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Food Is Amazing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne of the biggest surprises for many travelers is just how good the food is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFresh fish, tropical fruits, smoothies, avocados, rice and beans, fresh vegetables, and locally grown coffee are staples throughout the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe always find ourselves eating healthier without even trying because fresh ingredients are so readily available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSurprisingly Affordable\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCompared to many destinations in the United States, Costa Rica can be surprisingly affordable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFrom fresh local food and produce to wellness activities and accommodations, we often find that our money goes much further than it does back home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOf course, luxury resorts exist, but it’s easy to enjoy an incredible experience without spending a fortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Keep Going Back\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCosta Rica isn’t just a vacation destination for us anymore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt’s a place where we reconnect with each other, spend time outdoors, eat incredible food, and remember what life feels like when we slow down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBetween the warm ocean, beautiful beaches, yoga culture, friendly people, fresh food, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why we return several times every year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNo matter how many places we visit around the world, Costa Rica continues to be the place we look forward to returning to the most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTravel Resources We Personally Use\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOver the years, we’ve found a few travel websites and services that consistently help us plan our Costa Rica trips. While we always compare prices before booking, these are some of the platforms we use most often:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Delta Airlines - flights, car rentals and vacation packages.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDelta Air Lines\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – One of our preferred airlines for flights to Costa Rica, with reliable routes and frequent flight options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Alaska Airlines - flights\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlaska Airlines\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – Another favorite for comfortable travel and great service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.hotels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Hotels.com official website for hotels.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHotels.com\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – Helpful for finding hotel deals and earning rewards on stays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AirBnB - vacation home rentals.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAirbnb\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – Perfect for unique vacation rentals, especially when we want a more local experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"VRBO - Vacation Home Rentals.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVRBO\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – Great for larger vacation homes, private villas, and beachfront properties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.travelzoo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Travelzoo - vacation packages with affordable pricing and deals weekly.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTravelzoo\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e – One of our favorite resources for discovering travel deals, vacation packages, and special offers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eNo matter where we stay, our favorite part of Costa Rica is always the same: the beautiful beaches, fresh food, friendly people, incredible wildlife, and the relaxed “Pura Vida” lifestyle that keeps bringing us back year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePura Vida.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eat Well Style Well","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52677441880245,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1016\/9244\/0757\/files\/Man_and_woman_sitting_on_beach_in_Costa_Rica._Eat_Well_Style_Well.png?v=1780996434","url":"https:\/\/eatwellstylewell.com\/products\/why-costa-rica-keeps-calling-us-back","provider":"Eat Well Style Well","version":"1.0","type":"link"}