Playa Grande · Guanacaste · Costa Rica

CasaLa Familia

Seven suites. Two pools. A three-minute walk to the sand.

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Reservations for Casa La Familia are made and processed by our property manager, Stay In Tamarindo.

Casa La Familia — the main pool and villa, Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Playa Grande, Guanacaste
Our Story

A home we fell in love with, now we share it.

We found Casa La Familia the way you find the best things in life — by accident, on a trip that kept extending itself. Playa Grande does that. A three-minute walk to a pristine beach with world-class surf, the beauty of Las Baulas National Park, and howler monkeys as your morning alarm clock.

The house itself stopped us in our tracks. Seven suites designed with the whole family in mind, with plenty of space to gather and play or hide away and relax in your own, personal jungle oasis. Family mornings at the beach followed by afternoons with fresh fruit and cocktails prepared for you poolside, or quiet evenings relaxing in the private plunge pool before rooftop yoga to the sound of breaking waves.

The house offers something for the whole family, while the town offers the serenity of the national park, the hospitality of great local shops and restaurants, and the convenience of having the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo right across the estuary.

We started sharing Casa La Familia with other families because a house like this should be lived in, and because the best places are better when they're full of people who love them. Our concierge makes sure every stay feels like your own. Breakfast is made. The bikes are ready. The waves are breaking. The rest is up to you.

“The kind of place where you forget what day it is by the second morning, and stop checking your phone by the third.”
— From our familia to yours. Pura vida.
The Home

Quietly considered, generously scaled.

Casa La Familia chef's kitchen and great room, Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Chef's kitchen & great room
7
Bedroom Suites
5.5
Bathrooms
22
Max Guests
5,457
Square Feet

Spaces

01Central pool — sun loungers, covered patio, outdoor dining table
02Open great room — Talavera tile, vaulted ceilings, family dining table
03Outdoor kitchen — built-in BBQ, portable pizza oven, wet bar
04Chef's kitchen — double ovens, cookware, island seating
05Wine fridge, espresso maker, coffee maker
06Upper Master Suite — king bed, pool views, private terrace
07Lower Master Suite — king bed, pool views, luxurious bathroom with soaking tub
08Four additional suites — 2 queens, 2 bunk beds
09Detached Casita — queen bed, kitchenette, private plunge pool
10Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the treetops and a wet bar
11Lush garden with tropical fruit trees, seating, and hammocks

Included

12House mom — daily breakfast, snacks & cocktails until 2 p.m. (Mon–Sat)*
13Dedicated concierge — transportation, activities, tours, restaurants
14Daily housekeeping & laundry
15Split-system AC throughout all rooms
16High-speed WiFi
17Private garage and driveway for up to six vehicles
18Beach bikes, beach chairs, surfboards, and boogie boards
19Alarm system and perimeter security for peace of mind
20Cribs, pack-and-plays, highchairs, car seats, strollers, baby monitors upon request
21Private chef available upon request
22Home massage therapy upon request
23Airport transfer, car rental, golf cart, grocery delivery upon request
*Customized with your preferred groceries. If you'd rather not shop, our team can stock the kitchen before your arrival for a small additional fee. Please coordinate with your dedicated concierge at Stay In Tamarindo.
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Reservations for Casa La Familia are made and processed by our property manager, Stay In Tamarindo.

Aerial view of Guanacaste Pacific coastline — Playa Grande, Costa Rica
The Place

Playa Grande & Tamarindo.

Playa Grande sits inside Las Baulas National Marine Park — one of the most protected stretches of Pacific coastline in Costa Rica. No development on the beach, no jet-skis, no noise after dark. A long arc of pale sand, a world-class surf break, and one of the most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches on the Pacific… and it's a three-minute walk from your door.

Across the estuary, a five-minute water taxi away, sits the town of Tamarindo — bustling with surf shops, great restaurants, espresso, yoga, and a Saturday farmer's market. Close enough when you want it, invisible when you don't.

The Wave — Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Wave

Walk out the door, board under your arm, and you're standing on the sand in under three minutes — no car, no drive, no parking. Touted as one of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica, Playa Grande offers 5 kilometers of beach break, most notably its main peak: an A-frame that works from waist-high to overhead, best on a mid-tide push with a light offshore. Forgiving for learners on smaller days, serious on bigger swells. Lessons and rentals arranged by request.

The Turtles — Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Turtles

October through February, Playa Grande becomes a nesting ground for leatherback turtles — the largest sea turtles on Earth that can grow to over 9ft in length! Ranger-guided night walks put you within respectful distance of one of nature's great spectacles. Make sure to wake up early to catch the hatchlings making their way to the sea!

The Jungle — Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Jungle

Howler monkeys will wake you at dawn. White-faced capuchins raid the fruit trees. Coatis trot through the garden like they own it. Iguanas own the fences. White-throated magpie-jays — electric blue, completely fearless — run the yard. In Guanacaste, the wildlife isn't a highlight. It's just Tuesday.

Tamarindo — Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Tamarindo

Less than a five-minute ferry ride across the estuary: ceviche, espresso, yoga, surf shops, quality waves, the Thursday night market, a Saturday farmer's market, and bustling night life. Close enough for a great dinner — far enough that you forget it's there when you don't need it.

Experiences

What you came for.

Curated by our local team. All can be arranged in advance or once you're here — your concierge handles every detail.

Getting Here

Easier than you'd expect.

Two international airports serve Guanacaste. Liberia is closer, faster, and the way we recommend. San José works for connections or extended itineraries.

Recommended
LIR
Liberia · Daniel Oduber Intl.
~1 hourDrive to villa
65 kmDistance
DirectFrom most US hubs

Direct flights from LAX, DFW, MIA, ATL, IAH, JFK, and more. A one-hour drive south through the Guanacaste countryside on paved highway. Our concierge can arrange your airport transfer — your driver meets you at arrivals with cold water and the AC already running.

Best for: morning departure, beach by sunset.

Get directions from LIR
SJO
San José · Juan Santamaría Intl.
4.5 hrsDrive to villa
275 kmDistance
50 minBy Regional flight (TNO)

Useful if you're combining the coast with the Central Valley, Arenal, or Monteverde. We can arrange Sansa or Aerobell regional connections to Tamarindo airstrip (TNO), a ten-minute drive from the villa. Worth the connection on longer itineraries.

Best for: coffee-region tours, multi-stop itineraries.

Get directions from SJO
Property location
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Common Questions

Good things to know.

Where exactly is Casa La Familia located?+

Casa La Familia is a luxury vacation rental villa in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — inside Las Baulas National Marine Park, a protected wildlife corridor on the Pacific coast. The beach is a three-minute walk from the property. The town of Tamarindo is five minutes by boat or about thirty minutes by car around the estuary. The nearest international airport is Liberia (LIR), approximately one hour away by car. San José (SJO) is 4.5 hours or a short regional flight to Tamarindo airstrip (TNO), ten minutes from the villa.

How many guests can Casa La Familia accommodate?+

Casa La Familia accommodates up to 22 guests across seven bedroom suites — six suites in the main house and one private suite in the separate guest house. The main house has king beds, queen beds, and bunk configurations to suit families of all ages. The guest house suite has its own queen bed, kitchenette, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower. For smaller groups, the guest house can serve as private quarters for grandparents, nannies, or a couple wanting extra privacy.

What's included in the rental rate?+

The nightly rate includes: the full seven-suite home (main house plus guest house), both pools, all outdoor living and terrace areas, WiFi, AC, daily housekeeping, your dedicated concierge, and the elite service package from our house mom (Monday–Saturday) — daily breakfast preparation, snacks, and cocktails six days a week (you purchase groceries, or there is an extra fee to have our concierge fully stock the home to your liking). Beach bikes, surfboards, and boogie boards are also included at no extra charge. Optional add-ons include private chef dinners, airport transfers, grocery provisioning, golf cart rental, babysitting, massage services, and guided excursions.

What is the best time of year to visit Playa Grande, Costa Rica?+

Playa Grande has two distinct seasons. Dry season (December through April) brings consistently sunny weather, warm temperatures, and the strongest demand — book early for peak weeks like Christmas and New Year's. Green season (May through November) brings afternoon rain, lower rates, lush jungle scenery, and fewer crowds. The shoulder months of May, June, and November offer exceptional value with mostly sunny mornings. Leatherback turtle nesting season runs October through February — if seeing turtles nest is a priority, plan accordingly. Surf is consistent year-round, with larger swells typically arriving in the green season and offshore winds more common in the dry season.

Is Casa La Familia suitable for families with young children and infants?+

Casa La Familia is designed specifically for families. The property has cribs, pack-and-plays, high chairs, and baby monitors available on request at no extra charge. The bunk suite is designed with kids in mind. The beach at Playa Grande is long and uncrowded, calm enough for boogie boarding in the shore break, with the surf break set well offshore. Our concierge can help arrange babysitting services so parents can enjoy a night out in Tamarindo. A note on water safety: The pools and the casita plunge pool are open and unfenced, with no gates, barriers, or alarms, and there is no lifeguard. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times, including in and around the beach. If you're travelling with young children, please plan accordingly.

What surf is like at Playa Grande, and can beginners learn there?+

Playa Grande is one of the best surf destinations in Guanacaste and one of the most consistent breaks on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The main break is a sand-bottom A-frame that works best on a mid-tide push with light offshore winds. On smaller days it's ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. On bigger swells it draws experienced surfers from across the region. Lessons and guided surf sessions with local instructors can be arranged through our concierge. Beginner surfboards and boogie boards are included with your stay, with nearby surf rentals for advanced surfers just a short walk away, or arranged in advance by our concierge.

Can I see leatherback turtles nesting at Playa Grande?+

Playa Grande is one of the world's most important leatherback sea turtle nesting sites, part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Nesting season runs roughly October through February. Ranger-guided night walks take small groups to the beach when turtles come ashore — typically after dark. The experience is controlled and respectful, keeping a safe distance from nesting females. Booking in advance is recommended during peak nesting months. Our concierge can arrange your turtle watch as part of your stay.

Is Playa Grande safe? What should we know before we go?+

Playa Grande is one of the most peaceful beach communities in Costa Rica — quiet, residential, and situated inside a national park, which limits development and keeps the area genuinely tranquil. The property has a perimeter wall, security lighting, and a smart-lock entrance. Our concierge and the house team are reachable around the clock. Standard travel common sense applies in Tamarindo: don't leave valuables unattended on the beach, and use taxis or rideshare at night. The overall environment is relaxed and very family-friendly.

How do I get from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Casa La Familia?+

Liberia International Airport (LIR) is the closest international gateway to Playa Grande, approximately one hour south by car. Our concierge can arrange a private airport transfer — your driver will meet you at arrivals with a name sign. Rental cars are available at LIR if you prefer to drive yourself; the route is paved highway through the Guanacaste countryside. Car rental is not required for the stay itself — the house, beach, and Tamarindo ferry are all walkable or bikeable from the property.

Is Playa Grande or Tamarindo better for families?+

They're less than five-minutes apart by boat and do different jobs. Playa Grande is the quiet side — a protected national-park beach with no beachfront development, a long uncrowded shoreline, and dark, starry nights. Tamarindo is the town — restaurants, surf shops, nightlife, and markets. Staying at Casa La Familia in Playa Grande gives you the peaceful home base with Tamarindo an easy boat ride away; most families tell us it's the best of both.

Do I need a car at Casa La Familia?+

No. The beach and restaurants are all walkable or bikeable from the property. We recommend biking or renting a golf cart to reach the water ferry to Tamarindo. Beach cruisers are included with the house, and our concierge can arrange airport transfers, a golf cart, or a rental car if you'd like wheels for day trips — many families take a car for just a day or two.

Is there golf nearby?+

Yes! Reserva Conchal is less than 25 minutes from the house by car. Reserva Conchal Golf Club is a premier, championship resort course located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Carved into the coastal jungle along the Pacific Ocean, it is widely considered one of the top golf destinations in Central America. The course is designed by Robert Trent Jones II and managed by Troon International. Additionally, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club is a 40-minute drive away. Hacienda Pinilla is a premier 4,500-acre luxury beach and golf resort community located along the Pacific coast in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Developed by Pat Pattillo, the historic ranch property blends upscale resort amenities with authentic Costa Rican heritage and environmental conservation. Our concierge can assist with tee times and transportation. More information on the courses can be found here:

Reserva ConchalHacienda Pinilla
Does Casa La Familia have a private chef?+

Two kinds of cooking happen at the house. Your house mom prepares breakfast daily, plus snacks and cocktails six days a week until 2 p.m. (Mon–Sat) — that's included with every stay*. For lunches and dinners, a private chef can be booked separately through our house concierge — fresh local catch, family-style, dietary needs handled. Book a chef for one special night or the whole stay.

*Customized with your preferred groceries. If you'd rather not shop, our team can stock the kitchen before your arrival for a small additional fee. Please coordinate with your dedicated concierge at Stay In Tamarindo.

More questions?

To learn more about Casa La Familia, or for questions concerning long stays, events or corporate bookings, please contact us using the form below.

On the Coast

The five-day forecast.

Live conditions for Playa Grande, Guanacaste.

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Full forecast on AccuWeather

The surf forecast.

Five-day swell outlook for the Playa Grande break — wave height, period, and direction.

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Surf forecast provided by Open-Meteo.

Guest Stories

Loved by the families who've stayed.

A selection of reviews shared with our property manager, Stay In Tamarindo.

★★★★★
“Casa la familia was a beautiful experience for our family.We would definitely recommend this beautiful place.Our house Mom was a great cook! Thank You”
David
5 August 2026
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Reservations for Casa La Familia are made and processed by our property manager, Stay In Tamarindo.