The best trip of my life, all planned in a week…
April 2019 was completely hectic, in the best way possible. Skyler and I were getting married, finishing our move back to Savannah and planning a last minute honey moon all in one. Yes, I understand you are wondering why I said “Last Minute” honey moon. Most people plan this from the time that they say yes to the ring itself! Well let me tell you, the months leading up to our wedding day I had never planned that we would go on a honey moon, but rather a long vacation later in the year. We were planning our move back to Savannah right around our wedding and I knew between that and the wedding itself it did not make sense financially to spend a fortune on a trip.
My wonderful husband, on the other hand, decided to change our minds last minute.
The week before our wedding, I was tasked with planning a honey moon. I still had it in my head that I did not want to spend a fortune, but I wanted to make it special. I decided that I was choosing between a short resort trip of 2-4 days where we could relax, be pampered and poolside OR we could “rough it” and see something amazing for a full week, bouncing through Airbnb’s down the coastline of Costa Rica. Clearly I took the second option.
As soon as we flew into San Jose, we rented a tiny SUV and hit the road. I didn’t know exactly where we were planning to go or when, I just knew the address of the first Airbnb which was in a tiny beach town called Jaco. I’ll be honest, I was really worried about cell phone service throughout a country that we had never been in with ZERO large cities in our path, but I bought the plan through Verizon and all was well. We could have gone without cell service though, because even with there not being much city life EVERYWHERE had WiFi! I’m talking, shacks on the side of the road, without walls had WiFi!
Click for First Airbnb in Jaco, Costa Rica
Jaco was a super tiny beach town with not a lot going on in the beginning of May. If we ever went back, this may be the only place we skipped.
After Jaco we drove down to a major Boho beach town called Dominical. This is where you go to relax and enjoy life. I’m convinced that I’ve never seen more relaxed and straight chill people than in this town! We stayed at a awesome Eco-Retreat made out of up-cycled shipping containers. It was seriously an experience! The retreat had a huge Yoga studio, though we did not use it, and a gorgeous pool.
Click for Second Airbnb in Dominical, Costa Rica
While in Dominical, we took a horseback riding tour to see the Nauyaca Waterfalls. This is a MUST do in Costa Rica, it was one of the best parts of the trip. If you aren’t comfortable with riding, you can always take their truck up to the falls as well. They feed you a snack and lunch and you get a solid few hours at the falls.
Against my better judgement, and with my invincible feeling of being in the most beautiful place I’d ever seen, I decided that we needed to climb the waterfall. You’d think I mean along the side but nope, our tour guide took us up the FRONT of the waterfall!!! It was scary but one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
Can you see us?
Click for Tour Guide we took for Nauyaca Waterfalls
Our last Airbnb was the absolute best experience! We were greeted with welcome drinks and the cutest Dogo. Our room was cozy and spacious and private, with full recommendations on the area. Last but certainly not least, there was an infinity pool that would blow your mind! It overlooked nothing but jungle and the gorgeous ocean. Breathtaking, and so hard to leave.
Finishing up our trip, we visited Manuel Antonio National Park where we were able to get up close and personal with Monkeys, Sloths & the stunning sites of natural Costa Rica! Further into all of my trip details and recommendations, more than anything I will tell you to just explore! Ride up the side of a random mountain, stop by the shacks without walls, speak to the super sweet and accommodating locals because there is no telling what you may see. Best of luck, and Pura Vida!
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