Planning a family vacation that balances adventure, relaxation, and a touch of luxury can feel a bit like a puzzle – but not with Luxury Villas Hacienda Pinilla. We’ve pulled together a Costa Rica family itinerarydesigned to flow – not too busy, but not spartan, either – to give you the best of both worlds: the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast paired with the gated comforts of Hacienda Pinilla.
From sun-drenched beaches and wildlife encounters to curated wellness experiences and championship golf, our customizable Costa Rica family vacation itinerary is your blueprint for a five-day escape that will create lifelong memories.
Because, whether your family prefers early-morning surf lessons, lazy afternoons by the infinity pool, or exploring winding backcountry trails, Hacienda Pinilla offers an unparalleled base for your adventures. And with private villas, 24-hour security, and luxurious amenities, parents can relax while kids explore and enjoy safely, making this Costa Rica family itinerary ideal for all ages.
Day 1: Arrival + Beach Club = Bliss
The journey really begins at Guanacaste International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, where our private airport transfer greets you, then whisks you through rolling hills toward Hacienda Pinilla’s 4,500-acre gated oceanside. No driving, no stress – just easy enjoyment upon arrival.
On the drive in, don’t be surprised if your kids press their noses to the windows, scanning for passing wildlife – iguanas basking on rocks, howler monkeys swinging through treetops, or colorful toucans flashing between branches.
Upon arrival, check into your Hacienda Pinilla villa and let your tropical surroundings immediately sink in – stay with us, and it’ll like be floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air terraces, and Pacific Ocean views stretching to the horizon.
If you’ve arrived early enough, there’s still time to experience the resort’s centerpiece: the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club at Playa Avellanas. Here, the infinity-edge pool seems to melt into the ocean, giving the illusion of swimming directly into the Pacific. Sip on freshly made tropical cocktails or mocktails, while the kids float on inflatable rafts beneath swaying palms.
You can also order lunch or dinner at the Beach Club’s oceanfront restaurant, offering the gourmet plates and fresh seafood you’ll love. By afternoon, your entire family might try surfing along Playa Avellanas. Though this is a world-renowned surf break, beginner sections mean that even your youngest or most nervous riders can get their feet wet, while the more confident surfers among you tackle the bigger waves.
Because we know – your first day sets the tone for the entire trip, so we’re easing you and your family into Hacienda Pinilla’s seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation.
Day 2: Tee Off, Serve Up Fun, and Savor Sunset Moments
Morning invites the golfers in your family to tackle 7,200 yards of world-class, ocean-view fairways. Hacienda Pinilla’s golf course – an eco-friendly Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary – winds through our native flora, offering the chance to spot small wildcats, agoutis, and exotic birds. Whether you’re teeing up or not, both golfers and non-golfers can share moments on the course, strolling the greens, stopping to admire a particularly scenic ocean vista or snapping photos at holes that seem to perch above the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Hacienda Pinilla’s tennis courts are also available for family fun. The kids can check in for group lessons while you play a friendly doubles match under the shade of towering royal palms. The resort’s onsite tennis pro can also offer private or semi-private lessons for beginners, or help everyone level up their game.
Lunch is served with ocean views at the Beach Club – think tropical salads, fresh seafood, and handcrafted sandwiches – while the afternoon offers flexibility, depending on your energy levels. When you’re satiated, return to the villa for pool time, enjoy a second round of tennis, or take a casual stroll along the pristine Playa Avellanas, watching the surfers and seabirds.
Sunset brings another special moment: a quiet terrace dinner with the sound of waves rolling ashore as the sky turns gold. Bonus when your private chef prepares the meal!
Day 3: Trails, Wildlife, and Sunset Horseback Adventures
Your third day immerses your family in our natural beauty. Hacienda Pinilla’s 45 kilometers of trails are ideal for hiking, biking, or easy strolls. Each path offers unique scenery: forested slopes with the scent of tropical flowers, hidden waterfalls, or pastures dotted with native wildlife. Peel your eyes for armadillosrooting along the ground, colorful birds perched in the trees, or playful monkeys swinging overhead.
After a morning of exploration, the Beach Club offers a perfect mid-day respite. Build in some downtime to swim in the infinity-edge pool or take a surf lesson, allowing even the youngest travelers can enjoy their first stand-up on a soft beginner wave.
Later, mount horses for a guided sunset horseback ride along rolling hills and secluded beaches. Skilled guides ensure safety for all ages and abilities, while riders experience Costa Rica as locals have for generations: a slow, immersive connection with the land, ocean, and wildlife. Along the way, panoramic views reveal hidden coves, grazing cattle, and distant waves, creating memories that are both adventurous and serene.
Dinner can be an intimate family affair at one of Playa Avellanas’ restaurants. Savor Costa Rican ossobuco, fresh ceviche, or wood-fired pizza as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Day 4: Exploring Guanacaste Beyond the Gates
While Hacienda Pinilla is a self-contained paradise, day four encourages venturing out into Guanacaste’s broader landscapes. A guided eco-tour can introduce your family to local flora and fauna: spotting howler monkeys, colorful parrots, and iguanas, all while learning about conservation efforts in the region.
For those seeking water-based adventures, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers gentle waterfalls, natural hot springs, and short, family-friendly hikes. If hiking and adventure aren’t your speed, Tamarindo’s lively town center beckons with boutique shops, artisan markets, and beachside dining.
Returning to Hacienda Pinilla, wind down with a swim in your villa’s private infinity pool, or indulge in a spa-style wellness experience. Yoga on the terrace or a guided meditation provides moments of calm, balancing out the day’s adventure.
Day 5: Wellness, Reflection, and Farewell
Your final day emphasizes wellness and slow luxury. Begin with sunrise yoga on the beach, feeling the sand beneath your feet and the ocean breeze on your face. If any member of your family is a spa enthusiast, in-villa private massages or treatments at the Beach Club offer a final indulgence before your departure.
A leisurely brunch rounds out your Costa Rica family itinerary, with tropical fruits, Costa Rican coffee, pastries, and freshly prepared eggs. Kids can enjoy smoothies while adults savor fresh ceviche or poke bowls. Before leaving, take a last walk along Playa Avellanas to capture memories and breathe in the Pacific’s salty air.
The best part? You’ll all leave Hacienda Pinilla feeling rejuvenated, with a sense of calm, connection, and adventure – memories that last a lifetime and exactly what makes this Costa Rica family vacation itinerary so special.
Where to Stay
No Costa Rica family itinerary is complete without the perfect place to stay – a villa that blends social spaces and recreation, privacy and views. Here are a few of our favorite, perfect-for-families Hacienda Pinilla villas:
Villa Nalu
5 Beds | 3 Baths | 11 Guests
Step into Villa Nalu, where the lush greenery of Guanacaste meets a serene Bali-inspired escape. From the moment you arrive, the villa feels like a secret hideaway – a private sanctuary crafted for relaxation,connection, and the kind of magical evenings you’ll remember long after you leave.
The heart of Villa Nalu is its sparkling private pool, perfectly framed by cozy lounge areas and ambient lighting. Here, the villa’s outdoor living spaces reveal their true charm: a spacious terrace invites morning coffees, leisurely lunches, and sunset soirees, while the included 6-seat golf cart ensures you’re just moments from the JW Marriott, Hacienda Market, and the exclusive Beach Club. Whether it’s a quiet day at the pool, a round of golf, tennis, or a beachside adventure, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
For families, couples, or friends seeking an effortless stay, Villa Nalu offers daily housekeeping, breakfast preparation, and the guidance of your dedicated concierge. Optional Elite Service upgrades elevate your experience further, from authentic Costa Rican breakfasts to private airport transfers and curated local culinary experiences. Because Villa Nalu isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a private slice of paradise, where every moment feels carefully designed for ease, luxury, and the joy of living fully in the tropics.
Casa Serena
5 Beds | 5 Baths | 10 Guests
Casa Serena is a beachfront mansion welcoming you into a world of elegance and indulgence from the moment you arrive. A grand entrance over a bridge and koi pond sets the tone for the opulence within, where every detail has been carefully considered to create a stay that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Step into the soaring great room, and you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a jaw-dropping spiral staircase that seems to wind straight into the sky. It’s here, in this grand setting, that your vacation dreams take flight.
But it’s the little luxuries that really make Casa Serena stand out. With four independent bedroom suites, everyone in your group gets to enjoy the same level of comfort and privacy. And outside, the custom infinity pool is the perfect spot for soaking up the tropical sun, while the private sauna and spa room ensure that relaxation is always at your fingertips.
It’s not just about the stunning features, though. This home is ideally located, just steps from the sand, offering direct access to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you want to take a long morning walk along the shore or spend your afternoons lounging poolside, Casa Serena delivers on every level. It’s where vacation fantasies become reality, and where your every need is met before you even have to ask.
Villa Encantada
8 bedrooms | 10 baths | 32 guests
Experience your own private resort-like area, perfect for events and sunset gatherings, at Villa Encantada. Step inside and you might find yourself double-checking to be sure it’s real, because this home and venue feels like a dreamy slice of paradise! A treasure of a home, the “Enchanted” Villa welcomes you to the promise of an unforgettable escape.
But the real jewel? The private pool. Akin to a secluded haven, amplified with an aquatic volleyball net for that added touch of celebration and fun. Hours will drift by as you luxuriate in its crystal-clear embrace, each moment a testament to sheer bliss.
Yet, there’s more magic in store. The home’s outdoor living spaces are nothing short of a dream. Imagine a private resort right at your doorstep, ideal for grand celebrations or just for reveling in sheer opulence. Envision sunset soirees and memorable events that would leave friends back home in awe. Soft whispers of nearby waves serve as a perpetual reminder of your proximity to the beach. You’ll wish you could pause time just to relish every moment a just a bit longer.
Want Help Planning Your Perfect Costa Rica Family Itinerary?
From first surf lessons to sunset horseback rides, our five-day Costa Rica family vacation itinerary at Hacienda Pinilla balances curated luxury with immersive exploration. We’ve designed it so that your family – all members, all ages – can enjoy the perfect balance of wellness, adventure, and downtime, all within the safety and serenity of our gated community.
Whether your focus is surf, golf, wellness, or simply lounging in the sun, Hacienda Pinilla is the canvas for your family’s dream vacation. With exclusive Beach Club access, miles of hiking trails, eco-conscious golf, and family-friendly adventures, every day becomes an opportunity for memories that last a lifetime. And did you know that when you book adventure, adrenaline, and family memories with Luxury Villas Hacienda Pinilla, you also gain access to our full concierge services?
When you reserve, we’ll get in touch to help you plan all the details of your stay. Our job is to get to know you, so we can help you plan the trip of your dreams. Whether you just need help arranging transportation or would like a full itinerary – everything from your airport shuttle to a full trip’s worth of activities, private chef services, and golf cart rental – we’re happy to help.
Even better, our concierge services are always free. So, why wait? Get in touch and let’s get started!