Puntarenas covers Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast and is home to some of its most popular surf spots, including the ever-popular Jaco and the increasingly trendy Santa Teresa, as well as the deservedly celebrated Manuel Antonio National Park. Puntarenas vacation rentals match the diversity of this storied province and let you experience the best of this surf-and-eco-friendly destination in a totally unique way.
The first step to choosing a Puntarenas vacation rental, then, is to decide where exactly you want to stay. Manuel Antonio is a national park that features some truly breathtaking landscapes, as well as some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Jaco is a popular choice thanks to its laid-back charm, great surfing, and vibrant nightlife. Santa Teresa’s also a surf town but located on the southern tip of Puntarenas and more pristine, with miles of great beaches.
No matter where you choose to stay in Puntarenas, the next step is choosing the villa that’s right for you. Thankfully, Rental Escapes is here to help. Just let your reservation agent know the size of your party and your travel dates, and they’ll be happy to present you with the best Puntarenas vacation rentals for your criteria.
Once you choose your villa, your concierge can help make your trip even more magical. This includes basics like airport transfers, car rentals, and private drivers, as well as extras for your villa like pre-stocking with all your favourite foods and drinks and arranging for private chef service. There are also a ton of great excursions around Puntarenas that your concierge can book, including boat charters, nature expeditions, surf lessons, and more.
Puntarenas is all about Pura Vida – pure life – and this holistic approach to healthy, present living is reflected in its villa rentals. Independently owned, Puntarenas vacation rentals allow guests to experience the nature and culture of Costa Rica in a unique way, while also offering additional privacy and amenities compared to hotels.
The jewel of Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio is a national park renowned for its unique atmosphere and fun activities, jaw-dropping beaches that feature some of the calmest water in the province, and incredible wildlife, including lots of monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Development here is limited, making Manuel Antonino luxury villas the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind destination. Some great options here include:
Seaside 2: Sitting just at the border of the park itself is Seaside 2, a wonderfully modernist villa with a daring design both inside and out. Relax and rejuvenate by the pool, lounge, or at one of the two bars. Enjoy a meal alfresco. Gasp at the double-height interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sunken areas while admiring the life-affirming views and being pampered by the staff. This is what dream vacations are made of.
Seaside 1: If you need even more space, Seaside 1 can also be rented, both together with Seaside 2 or alone. Like its sister villa, Seaside 1 is perched on a cliff over 2.5 acres of private, lush rainforest, offering some of the very best views in Puntarenas. You also have access to the full suite of staff, including a chef, estate manager, waiters, housekeepers, and more.
Villa Paraiso: Just off the road from the park and set within five acres of nature preserve is Villa Paraiso, a tropical-inspired home with gorgeous views and imaginative details spread out over 8,500 acres. It features a 70-foot infinity pool, a magazine-worthy interior design, and a beautiful alfresco dining and seating area by the pool where you’re sure to make some unforgettable memories.
One of the first surf towns in Costa Rica to really catch on with tourists, Jaco has a long and storied history with travellers. This is reflected in Jaco villa rentals, which run the gamut from modern mansions to simple beach houses. Some great options here include:
Casa Rio Grande: Sitting right on Jaco Beach, Casa Rio Grande is a 7-bedroom beachfront villa that’s a great value when you consider that it sleeps up to 24 guests. It’s also furnished with local materials and crafts, making for an authentic experience.
Casa Rio Mar: On the southern end of Jaco Beach you’ll find Casa Rio Mar, a newer construction with 5 bedrooms spread out over a 3,700-square-foot house. Also featuring local wood, art, and furnishings, this villa includes a large pool, outdoor shower, and a tropical garden, all facing the beach.
Vista Las Palmas 15: Covering the entire 15th floor of the Vista Las Palmas, this 5,600-square-foot sky villa provides some of the absolute best views of Jaco Beach that you’ll find anywhere. Mix in some great amenities, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a chef’s kitchen, and you have one of the best vacation rentals in Jaco.
Though it’s definitely been getting more popular as of late, the appeal of Santa Teresa lies in its laid-back charm and effortless cool. Santa Teresa luxury villas exemplify these same qualities, offering guests their own private corner of Puntarenas’ southern tip. Some great options here include:
Casa Lanui: Recently constructed over 9,340 square feet of prime beachfront real estate, Casa Lanui is a totally unique villa that melds different design elements and architectural philosophies to create something altogether unique in Costa Rica. It all sits in front of a gorgeous beach surrounded by lots of shaded, open areas to relax and lounge in. A true 5-star villa experience.
Casa Taman: Right beside Casa Lanui you’ll find Casa Taman, a similarly chic villa that blends a multitude of inspirations to create something one-of-a-kind. It can be rented alone or in conjunction with Casa Lanui for a pairing of 5- and 7-bedroom villas that are perfect for groups and families travelling together.
Casa Oceano: Also on the southern tip of Puntarenas you’ll find Casa Oceano, in (somewhat) nearby Tango Mar. This beachfront estate is a true testament to rest and rejuvenation, with its interior and exterior creating an experience that is totally at one with nature. Coupled with a 5-star staff, you have one of the most unique and refreshing villa experiences anywhere.
If you’re coming from the US, UK, EU, or Canada, then all you need to enter Costa Rica for less than 90 days is a valid passport. A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.
Puntarenas is served by Tambor Airport, however it mostly services domestic flights. Most visitors from outside the country will either be landing in San Jose Airport or Liberia Airport. From there, you can catch a connecting flight or an airport transfer to Puntarenas.
Your Rental Escapes concierge can assist you with airport transfers, rental cars, or private drivers.
Determining the best time to travel to Puntarenas really depends on if you’re looking to surf or not.
If you’re not planning to surf, then it’s best to travel during dry season, from December-April.
If you are looking to surf, then it really depends on your skill level. Beginner surfers should also travel during December-April, as the waves will be calm enough to practice on – and the weather will also be gorgeous in general.
More intermediate and advanced surfers, though, will want to travel during the rainy season from May-October.
And if you’re looking for a great deal on a Puntarenas vacation rental, then we recommend traveling during shoulder season, from March-June, when the weather will still be great.
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park: Whether you’re hiking the trails, spotting wildlife, or just enjoying some of the calmest waters on the best beaches in Puntarenas, a stop in Manuel Antonio National Park is a must.
Go Surfing in Jaco: With so many surf shops and surfing instructors, Jaco is a great place to ride some waves – even if you’ve never surfed before.
Do Yoga on Playa Hermosa: Pura Vida means unwinding and living life in the present. Doing yoga on the calm, beautiful shores of Playa Hermosa by Santa Teresa is a great way to do just that.
Food in Puntarenas is a mix of Indigenous, Latin, European, and North American cuisines, with a big focus on fresh seafood.
Because the area is so popular with eco-tourists, you’ll also have no problem finding plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and in general there’s a big focus on clean eating.
And of course, the area is also home to some of Costa Rica’s best coffee.
Whatever your preferences, your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange private chef service and villa pre-stocking for you, so you can be sure that all your favourite foods will be ready and waiting for you in your villa.
The weather in Puntarenas varies from location to location and between seasons. In general, though, expect a
The weather tends to hover around the mid-80s F (29°C-30°C), with a rainy season from May-November, peaking in September and October.
Throughout the province, average daily highs range from 95°F (35°C) during the warmest month – April - to average lows of 77°F (25°C) in the coldest month – October.
In terms of precipitation, there’s a very low chance of rain from December-May and a 24% chance of encountering a wet day from May-December.
If you want to enjoy the best of this tropical paradise, Rental Escapes can elevate your Puntarenas vacation rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest Puntarenas vacation rentals, including luxury properties in Manuel Antonio, Santa Teresa, and Jaco.
Your Rental Escapes reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and your concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Puntarenas vacation rental experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
