A purpose-built town along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Las Catalinas is where New Urbanism meets La Pura Vida. This car-free, master-planned beach town in Guanacaste features Mediterranean-inspired architecture, cobblestone streets connecting charming plazas, and direct access to Playa Danta and the surrounding dry forest hills. Unlike busier beach towns, Las Catalinas offers a quieter, more intentional coastal experience.
Luxury Las Catalinas villas and vacation rentals are the primary way to experience this unique destination. These thoughtfully designed homes feature terracotta roofs, private courtyards, rooftop terraces with plunge pools, and sweeping ocean or town views. Each villa emphasizes indoor-outdoor living with natural light and cooling ocean breezes.
The walkable town center hosts community events, yoga sessions, art exhibitions, and chef-driven dining. This ethos of intentional living extends throughout the Las Catalinas villas, where handcrafted details meet contemporary comfort.
Rental Escapes makes booking luxury Las Catalinas villas seamless. Your Villa Specialist matches you with the perfect home based on your group size, style preferences, and travel dates. Then your Concierge arranges everything from airport transfers and private chefs to pre-stocking groceries, booking excursions, arranging bikes and golf carts, and coordinating any additional services to enhance your stay.
Blending Spanish, Colonial, Mediterranean, and tropical design styles, Las Catalinas villa rentals elevate your stay with their design-forward philosophies. Each emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, natural light, and ocean breezes while honoring the natural surroundings.
Playa Danta / Beachside: These luxury Las Catalinas villas sit just steps from Las Catalinas beach, with easy access to waterfront restaurants and the town square. Perfect for guests who want to roll out of bed and onto the sand.
Upper Town / Hillside: Set at higher elevation, these Las Catalinas vacation rentals offer panoramic ocean views and constant breezes. The hillside location provides added privacy and dramatic sunset vistas.
Paseo del Mar / Beach Club Area: Located near the Las Catalinas Beach Club, these villas are particularly popular with families who appreciate the convenient access to beach amenities and calm swimming areas.
Corner & Larger Villas: The most spacious Las Catalinas villas occupy corner lots throughout town, featuring extra terraces, multiple pools, and generous layouts ideal for families and larger groups needing room to spread out.
Playa Danta is Las Catalinas' signature beach—a calm bay perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling around the rocky reefs. The gentle waters make it ideal for children and water sports beginners. A scenic trail leads to Playa Dantita, a quieter cove offering even more seclusion. Villas near Playa Danta include:
Casa Brewer: The home of town founder Charles Brewer, this Las Catalinas villa near Playa Danta features elegant interior design, a stunning poolside terrace with an accompanying grotto, and a lovely courtyard for outdoor dining. Its beachside location and thoughtful amenities make it one of the most sought-after luxury Las Catalinas villas.
Casa Colina: Steps from Playa Danta, Casa Colina provides panoramic views and spectacular sunsets from its west-facing infinity pool. This beach villa includes a "Housemom" to prepare breakfast, light snacks, and coordinate housekeeping throughout your stay.
Stucasa: Richly appointed with natural materials, this Las Catalinas villa Costa Rica enjoys a privileged location near Playa Danta. The two-pool terrace offers plenty of space for relaxation, while the private garden provides additional moments of tranquility.
These Las Catalinas beach villas book quickly during peak season, so early reservation is recommended.
Most luxury Las Catalinas villas include private pools or plunge pools, often positioned to capture ocean views or nestled in private courtyards. These pools provide the perfect cool-down after hiking the forest trails or enjoying beach activities, with many oriented toward sunset views for evening swims. Top Las Catalinas villas with pools include:
Casa Pelicano: This beachfront Las Catalinas villa with pool features warm, inviting colors and unique art throughout. Lush landscaping surrounds the pool area, while ocean views enhance the tropical atmosphere. The pool's positioning makes it ideal for afternoon swims with coastal breezes.
Casa de Tom: Steps from Playa Danta, this property includes a guest home and main house connected by a fountained courtyard. The infinity pool and surrounding garden create the perfect gathering space for groups, with the pool terrace offering ocean views.
Casa Estrella: With its west-facing orientation, Casa Estrella's pool becomes the ideal sunset viewing spot. Handmade wood finishes and warm colors create an inviting atmosphere inside, while the pool terrace accommodates up to 11 guests comfortably.
Rooftop plunge pools and shaded courtyard pools are signature features of Las Catalinas villas, designed specifically for the local climate and lifestyle.
Las Catalinas is exceptionally family-friendly thanks to its car-free streets, walkable layout, plazas for children to play, calm beach conditions, and easy access from major US hubs via Liberia Airport. Family-focused Las Catalinas villas typically feature multiple bedroom configurations including kids' bunk rooms and connecting bedrooms, rooftop or courtyard pools for safe swimming, and open kitchens and living areas perfect for shared family meals. They include:
Casa Mar y Sol: Originally two separate villas, this family-friendly Las Catalinas villa provides diverse bedroom configurations including a bunk bed room perfect for kids. The previous layout creates natural privacy between wings, making it ideal for multi-generational groups who want both togetherness and personal space.
Casa Plumeria: Located beside the beach club, this well-appointed Las Catalinas villa for families offers convenient access for smaller groups. The upper floor terrace features a pool, ocean views, and outdoor dining area where families can gather for meals with the beach just steps away.
Casa Los Monos: This smaller oceanfront villa facing Playa Danta includes a jack-and-jill bunk room and a studio, perfect for families with children. The expansive rooftop terrace provides the best ocean views in the house, creating a wonderful gathering space for multigenerational groups.
When planning your stay, you'll find plenty of things to do in Las Catalinas Costa Rica, from beach activities to nature exploration to wellness experiences.
Playa Danta & Dantita: Spend your days swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling around the rocky reef at the bay's northern end. The calm waters make these activities accessible to all skill levels. Take the scenic hiking trail to Playa Dantita, a more secluded cove with fewer visitors and excellent snorkeling.
Trails & Nature: Explore over 40 kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails winding through 1,000 hectares of conserved dry forest. Well-marked paths lead to ocean viewpoints and wildlife encounters—watch for howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and diverse bird species. The trails range from easy beachside walks to challenging hillside climbs.
Boat Days & Catalina Islands: Charter private or shared catamarans and yachts from nearby Flamingo Marina (15 minutes away). Day trips include snorkeling at the Catalina Islands, exploring hidden coves along the coast, sportfishing, and sunset cruises with cocktails and appetizers.
Wellness & Town Life: Join morning yoga sessions, book in-villa spa services or visit nearby wellness centers, enjoy live music performances in the town plazas, attend art events and exhibitions, and dine at chef-driven restaurants featuring fresh local ingredients.
After a full day of activities, return to your luxury Las Catalinas villa for pool time, sunset cocktails on your terrace, and chef-prepared dinners in the comfort of your private home.
When considering the best time to visit Las Catalinas, it's helpful to understand the town's tropical climate and its distinct seasons.
Las Catalinas enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. The climate divides into a defined dry season and green (rainier) season.
Dry Season (December–April): This is the sunniest period with minimal rainfall, making it the most popular time to visit. Peak rates apply, but you're virtually guaranteed perfect beach and hiking weather. Book luxury Las Catalinas villas well in advance for this season, especially around holidays.
Green Season (May–August): Mornings are generally sunny with light afternoon showers that cool things down. The landscape becomes lush and vibrant, and there are fewer crowds than peak season. This period offers excellent value and is ideal for families planning longer stays who can enjoy the mix of sun and occasional refreshing rain.
Rainiest Period (September–early November): The heaviest showers and occasional storms occur during these months, making it the quietest time of year. However, the greenery is at its most dramatic, and you'll find the best villa values. Many activities remain available, and the rain typically falls in predictable afternoon patterns.
Getting There: Most guests fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR), which offers direct flights from numerous US cities. The drive from Liberia to Las Catalinas takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on well-maintained paved roads. The scenic route passes through typical Guanacaste countryside. San José's international airport (SJO) is another option, though it requires a longer 4-5 hour drive or a short domestic connection to Liberia.
On the Map: If you're looking at a Las Catalinas Costa Rica map, you'll find the town positioned on the Guanacaste coast, north of popular Tamarindo and near the beach communities of Potrero and Playa Flamingo. The town occupies a unique coastal setting where dry tropical forest meets the Pacific Ocean.
Getting Around Town: Las Catalinas' car-free core means everything is accessible via cobblestone streets and scenic footpaths. The entire town is walkable, with shaded plazas providing rest spots along the way. Mountain bikes and beach cruisers are popular for getting around, especially for reaching hillside villas. Golf carts are also available and particularly handy for navigating the steeper areas. If you arrive with a rental car, you'll park it in the central garage just outside the town center. For excursions to surrounding areas like Potrero, Playa Flamingo, or other nearby beaches, private drivers and taxis are readily available.
Your Rental Escapes Concierge arranges airport transfers, golf cart rentals, bike reservations, and private drivers, ensuring seamless transportation throughout your stay.
Restaurants: Despite its small size, Las Catalinas offers excellent dining options. Ponciana stands out for fine dining with ocean views, while Limonada serves American-Latin fare and healthy bowls in a beachfront setting. Pascual draws crowds with its upscale fusion cuisine, and Tamaki offers creative Japanese-Peruvian fusion. For even more variety, the nearby towns of Potrero and Playa Flamingo (both just a short drive away) feature additional restaurants ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale dining. Tamarindo, about 30 minutes south, offers the widest restaurant selection in the region.
Private Chef Experiences: Many luxury Las Catalinas villas can include private chef service arranged through your Rental Escapes Concierge. Your chef creates custom menus featuring local ingredients, traditional Costa Rican dishes, and accommodations for special dietary needs and children's preferences. Your Concierge can also arrange villa pre-stocking, ensuring your refrigerator and pantry are filled with your favorite groceries and beverages before arrival.
Imagine mornings with fresh breakfast on your villa terrace overlooking the ocean, and evenings with sunset dinners at "home" prepared by your private chef—it's the ultimate luxury Las Catalinas villa experience.
Las Catalinas offers a more curated and walkable experience than other Guanacaste beach towns. Tamarindo has the biggest dining and nightlife scene, while Playa Flamingo is home to the new marina and long sandy beaches. Potrero offers a laid-back local vibe and great access to boat tours. Las Catalinas stands apart for its car-free core, New Urbanist layout, and calm swimming beach. It’s ideal for guests who want a quieter, more intentional stay with everything within a short walk of their villa.
Yes, Las Catalinas is widely considered one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. The car-free design naturally limits traffic risks, while the close-knit community creates a watchful, neighborly atmosphere. Security personnel maintain a visible presence throughout town. Luxury Las Catalinas villas are professionally managed with high property standards, and many include on-site staff presence for added security and peace of mind. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can advise on safe transportation options and recommend vetted tour operators for excursions outside Las Catalinas.
A car-free, master-planned beach town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast featuring Mediterranean-inspired architecture, luxury villas, 40+ km of hiking trails, and Playa Danta beach. It's designed for walkability and outdoor living.
Fly into Liberia Airport (LIR)—it's a 75-minute drive to Las Catalinas on paved roads. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can arrange airport transfers or rental cars.
Travelers to Costa Rica must present a valid passport. If you are traveling from outside the US, EU, UK, or EU, then you may need an additional tourist visa.
Swim and snorkel at Playa Danta, hike 40+ km of forest trails, charter boats to the Catalina Islands, join yoga classes, and dine at chef-driven restaurants. Everything is walkable from your villa.
Yes, it's one of Costa Rica's safest areas. The car-free design, close-knit community, and security presence create a safe environment. Villas are professionally managed with high standards.
December–April for guaranteed sunshine (peak rates), May–August for fewer crowds and good weather, or September–November for the best villa deals and lush landscapes despite more rain.
Walk everywhere—it's car-free. Rent bikes for easier cruising or golf carts for hillside villas. For trips outside town, use taxis or private drivers (your Concierge can arrange).
Excellent—Ponciana (fine dining), Limonada (beachfront), Pascual (fusion), and Tamaki (Japanese-Peruvian). For more variety, visit nearby Potrero and Flamingo. Your Concierge can also arrange private chefs and villa pre-stocking.
Yes—most have private pools or plunge pools with ocean views. Many villas offer bunk rooms, connecting bedrooms, and open layouts perfect for families. The car-free streets and calm beach make it very family-friendly.
Yes. Playa Danta has calm, swimmable waters ideal for families, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The protected bay makes it one of the safest swimming beaches in Guanacaste.
No, the town is walkable and car-free. Bikes and golf carts are available for getting around. You only need a rental car if you plan to explore outside Las Catalinas, like visiting Tamarindo or other beaches.
Las Catalinas is a quieter, car-free luxury town focused on wellness and design. Tamarindo is a larger, livelier surf town with more nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Las Catalinas offers a more upscale, intentional experience.
Spring marks the tail end of the dry season, with sunny days around 93°F (34°C) and minimal rainfall. Summer brings the green season with temperatures around 90°F (32°C) and short afternoon showers, though mornings are typically sunny. Fall is the rainiest period, especially September and October, with temperatures around 86°F (30°C) and lush landscapes. Winter is the dry season with clear skies, temperatures around 89°F (32°C), and minimal rainfall—the most popular time to visit.
Las Catalinas offers a unique car-free, design-forward beach town experience with hiking trails, pristine beaches, and vibrant community life right outside your luxury villa door. It's where architectural beauty meets natural wonder, and where your perfect Costa Rica escape awaits.
Rental Escapes curates the finest portfolio of Las Catalinas villas—from beachside homes steps from Playa Danta to hillside retreats with panoramic ocean views, from intimate villas with plunge pools to spacious family compounds with multiple pools and terraces. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group celebration, we have the perfect Las Catalinas luxury villa for your needs.
Our Villa Specialists work closely with you to understand your vision and match you with the ideal property based on your group size, preferred location, desired amenities, and travel dates. Then our dedicated Concierge team takes over, designing a bespoke Costa Rica escape tailored specifically to your group. From arranging seamless airport transfers and provisioning your villa with your favorite foods and beverages, to booking private chefs for sunset dinners on your terrace and organizing boat charters to the Catalina Islands—we handle every detail so you can simply enjoy.
Contact our Villa Specialists today to reserve your Las Catalinas luxury villa and let our Concierge team design an unforgettable Costa Rica escape that exceeds your every expectation.
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
