I was barely back in my imperfect paradise of Costa Rica, that special place I called home for a year, one day before being whisked away by seven of my girlfriends for a weekend in a dream five-bedroom beach house in a tiny town called Pan de Azucar. The Sugar Beach Hotel hideaway is near the more famous beaches Flamingo and Conchal. We had a blast! Nothing but walks on the beach, laying in the sun, fruity drinks, and good food… After months of hard work, this was my kind of vacation! When time flies while doing absolutely nothing, you know you’re around some very good friends. All you need is a few days at a Costa Rica resort to actually spend the time with them and recharge.
Can you tell it was dry season? We prayed for rain — when we weren’t walking the gorgeous beach or eating tons of food in our dream beach house on the hill. Sugar Beach delivered amazing meals (my favorite: seared tuna salad) and provided all-night security guards. Our five-bedroom house was fully equipped with Wi-Fi (although for once, we were barely on it!) and claims it can comfortably sleep 12. I believe it!
With views like this, we got comfortable pretty fast.
The water glistened in the daytime…
… and glowed at sunset.
Everyone brought groceries, so there were plenty of snacks. One of my favorites: mango salsa. I miss having mango trees in my yard!
We were almost always the only ones on the beach.
This is my favorite kind of pool: Not only is it a stunning infinity design, but it drops off into thick jungle, creating a blanket of peace and quiet. It is difficult to explain how heavy the jungle can feel. Although there were plenty of other guests at this charming resort, we rarely overlapped for long at the pool. When we did, everyone was nice and friendly.
I spent a lot of time walking around the grounds by myself. In addition to the enormous iguanas I saw, I also loved looking up at the flowering trees.
Eight girls, one beach house. Honestly, I could never imagine getting a group this big together anywhere outside of Costa Rica. Heck, even four people, half this size, at home feels like a crowd! There’s just something about the tropics that makes everyone chill out. Everything about that culture and mindset makes me happy.
We always have fun! Here, Melissa, Cheryl and Tatiana show how it’s done.
Costa Rica, I miss you!
To rent this beach house or any of the resort’s smaller bungalows, visit Sugar Beach.
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The perfect girls getaway.
Looks like so much fun, next time I want to go!
I’m glad you got to unwind! I love trips like this, where there is nothing on the agenda other than time spent with good friends…
What a fantastic time!!! I love vacations with my girls – and this place looks absolutely wonderful for some serious girl time. 🙂
Costa Rica has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. I miss it so much!
I could very well stay in a house like that too…specially in CR!
It sounds heavenly, and that sunset is amazing!
Gorgeous! Sounds like a very relaxing getaway!
I want to go too! Looks like a fantastic idea.
It all looks amazing – as always – and like fun 😉 A lot of fun!
I’ve always wanted to explore Central America, particularly Nicaragua. You are making me want to go to Costa Rica instead. Not sure yet, however.
Eight friends in one house is something I missed sharing with my besties. There are so much joy in all your faces. I can see why you miss them.
I get all excited about being able to just have lunch with a girlfriend…this must have been SO fun! That pool looks amazing–such beautiful nature all around.
Everything looks amazing! It must be simply heaven to be there 😉
I wish I could go back right now!