Posted by Last year, our crew swapped the everyday routine for something a little more wild and a lot more green. Spring Break in Costa Rica with the five of us, me, Devon, and our three kids—turned out to be exactly the mix of adventure, rest, and family connection we didn’t know we were craving. We made our home base at the JW Marriott Guanacaste, a resort that somehow made luxury feel laid-back, and gave us the perfect launchpad for every kind of day.
Mornings Made for Exploring
We kicked off each morning with a sense of wide-eyed energy. Our rainforest hike became a favorite part of the trip, with the kids darting ahead on the trails like jungle explorers while Devon and I tried to keep up and not pretend we weren’t winded. Towering trees framed our path and filled the air with the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds calling out overhead.
We spotted lazy sloths tucked into tree limbs, toucans hopping from branch to branch like cartoon characters, and more than one monkey swinging overhead, clearly showing off. Some of the trails were steep, but the views at the top made the climb feel like part of the reward. It was the kind of quiet thrill that made everyone slow down and take it in.
Afternoons Built for Recharging
After burning off some energy in the jungle, we leaned fully into the art of relaxation. Poolside became our ritual, complete with fruity drinks (smoothies for the kids, something with a kick for us) and warm breezes that made the hours float by.
The resort’s spa wasn’t just for grown-ups either. We managed to sneak in massages and hydrotherapy while the kids joined a beach activity program that somehow wore them out without any screen time. Win-win. The whole place carried that Costa Rican rhythm, where even standing still feels like a moment you’re supposed to be in.
Evenings That Felt Like a Deep Breath
Dinner time always felt like a reward. The five of us gathered around plates of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and tropical fruits that somehow tasted better because we earned them. We watched sunsets that didn’t seem real, every night was a new version of the sky melting into the ocean.
The kids loved picking their “fancy drinks” from the menu and competing over who could spot the first star. We laughed a lot. Some evenings we shared what our favorite part of the day was, and it became clear that no one wanted to pick just one.
The Kind of Trip That Sticks With You
What we found in Costa Rica was more than just beautiful views and resort perks. It was the feeling that life can move a little slower and a lot more intentionally. The hikes, the rest, the poolside moments and the shared meals all reminded us that travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about what you carry home with you.
Costa Rica gave us memories that still come up around the dinner table. It gave us a little more patience with each other and a lot more appreciation for discovery. It gave us bug bites, sand in our shoes, and stories that we’ve already retold a dozen times.
We’re already dreaming about where we’ll go next. But this one is going to be hard to top.
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