travel // Costa Rica + Anywhere (part 2)

Who’s ready to go to the beach?? Part 2 of my Costa Rica recap is alllll about the Pacific Coast and some gorgeous beaches. During the planning stages of the trip, Anywhere asked us if we wanted to explore the coastal areas of Costa Rica road trip style. The answer was a resounding YES. Sean and I absolutely love taking road trips, even if it’s just for a short climbing trip (remember our road trip with the Volt?), so this was beyond perfect for us.

ps — in case you missed it, here’s part 1.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

We left the misty, damp jungle for the coast in the morning and stopped along the way at Café Y Macadamia. This spot will always be in my heart because it is the scheme of the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten in my life. I consider myself a bit of a sandwich conneseuir, to be totally honest, and this one was so incredible. They make their own bread loaded with tons of macadamia nuts. The one I had featured fresh white fish and lots of veggies and greens. It came served with a size of plantain chips and a mango smoothie. Total perfection. The restaurant also boasts a fantastic view of the Laguna de Arenal which was an awesome backdrop for lunch.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

During this drive, we also learned about how important sustainability and energy conservation is to Costa Rica as a country. They rely heavily on wind power to provide electricity for the country. We drove by a few and they were a really astounding sight.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

We arrived in Tamarindo shortly before sunset and checked into Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. This destination was way more of a resort than anywhere else we’d stayed during our trip, so it was a bit of a change. Lots more people and things to do, a total change from the serenity of the jungle.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

Our room faced the beach, which offered some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve seen. We spent 2 days here lounging on the beach, sipping Imperial and catching up on our reading.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

Let’s talk about Costa Rican food, ok? For the most part, the food was incredibly simple and unfussy — lots of rice and beans, delicious roasted chicken, and the freshest fruit ever. Even the Costa Rican breakfast sausages were amazing! Most meals also came with a side of freshly brewed coffee.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

UM.. talk about life goals…

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

While planning the trip with Anywhere, I specifically requested a day out on the water. Sean is an avid sailor, so I wanted to make sure we were able to do some activities that really spoke to him. They arranged a catamaran tour for us, which was a bit of a surprise for Sean.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

It was totally awesome for soooo many reasons. Drinks… lunch… snorkeling… more drinks… And again, the most gorgeous sunset I’ve witnessed in a long, long time.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip. part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

Honestly, I couldn’t have planned this part of the trip more perfectly. Anywhere Costa Rica definitely hooked us up with this relaxing, romantic boat ride.

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

Stay tuned for part 3 next week!

part 2 of my COSTA RICA TRAVEL RECAP with @anywhereco! head to jojotastic.com for all of the details of this incredible trip.

Many thanks to Anywhere Costa Rica for sending us on this trip. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.

photography by Jojotastic.

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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Please note that I use affiliate links at times here, as well as on my social media accounts. This means that if you click on a link to a product and purchase that product, I may receive a commission based on your purchase. I only feature products that truly inspire me. Any products that have been gifted to Jojotastic for review are noted at the bottom of the post. Sponsored posts are noted as such. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.

Leave a Comment

4 Comments

  1. 1.22.16
    Michelle Billings said:

    I’m so glad you’re sharing this with us. I’m actually planning a trip to Costa Rica and am currently talking with Anwhere Costa Rica. They have been so easy to work with so far. Thanks for your review on this company. Can’t wait to see Part 3.

    • 1.22.16
      joanna said:

      i’m so glad you’re finding the recaps helpful AND that you’re working with Anywhere :) they are so great! i hope you have an awesome trip!

  2. 1.21.16
    hithaonthego said:

    I want to go to there.