Las Catalinas is an innovative, 1,200-acre seaside town in Costa Rica’s northwestern province of Guanacaste. Thoughtfully designed to be mostly car-free, it sits along a sheltered cove and is embraced by tropical rainforest, offering a tranquil coastal lifestyle that blends nature, design and community living.
Santarena Hotel © Courtesy of Las Catalinas
Conceived by an Atlanta-based developer, Las Catalinas was created as a cohesive, human-scaled community made up of distinct neighborhoods. Its Old-World charm—cobblestone streets, bubbling fountains and intimate plazas—reflects influences from Mediterranean hill towns and New Urbanism principles. The goal was not to build a theme park but to create a durable, livable place that serves both visitors and permanent residents while prioritizing sustainability and authentic public spaces.
Construction began in 2009 and the town has steadily expanded while respecting a master plan that emphasizes conservation. Today there are nearly 100 homes along with several boutique hotels, shops, restaurants and offices. Plazas, parks and residential neighborhoods continue to evolve, and much of the 1,200-acre property remains intentionally undeveloped to protect native forest, wildlife corridors and watershed areas.
Las Catalinas Beach Club © Courtesy of Las Catalinas
Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of life in Las Catalinas. The area features roughly 25 miles of trails for hiking, running and mountain biking, many of which lead to dramatic viewpoints over the Pacific. The town sits between two excellent beaches ideal for body surfing, boogie boarding, standup paddleboarding and sea kayaking. The clear waters also invite snorkeling—where rays, reef fish and turtles are commonly seen—and scuba diving opportunities lie just offshore, with instruction and PADI certification available for those new to the sport.
Within the town, residents and visitors can enjoy swimming pools, a fitness center, boutiques, food markets and several beachside restaurants. Family-friendly amenities include a Montessori preschool and childcare services for visiting families, reinforcing the community’s year-round, multigenerational character.
© Courtesy of Las Catalinas
Accommodation options range from private rental homes to boutique hotels. A portfolio of vacation homes is available for short-term rental, with nightly rates that vary widely depending on size and season. Hotels in the town include intimate properties that emphasize design and personalized service. For those seeking permanent residence, homes and condominiums are offered for sale across a broad price spectrum, and a small but growing full-time population—around 150 residents and their children—lives in the community year-round.
Las Catalinas is accessible from both of Costa Rica’s main international gateways. Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport is the closest, about a 45-minute drive, while San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport provides another route for travelers connecting from the capital. Regular airline service to both airports makes the town reachable for domestic and international visitors.