Essence of Dreams
A Luxury Costa Rican Villa
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a land of unmatched beauty and endless adventure
Cradled between the lands of Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica rises like a dream—untamed, radiant, and alive.
Though it claims only 0.1% of the world’s landmass—smaller than West Virginia—within its borders unfolds a vast and endless world: a mosaic of emerald rainforests, fiery volcanoes, golden beaches, and sapphire seas. This is a land where nature writes poetry in color, movement, and sound.
It holds 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, yet feels like the beating heart of it all. Scarlet macaws flash through the treetops. Howler monkeys echo through the jungle’s cathedral canopy. Orchids bloom from ancient limbs, and waterfalls pour like silver ribbons through the green.
Over a quarter of Costa Rica is preserved in national parks and protected reserves—a testament to a nation that reveres its wild soul. From the Pacific’s crashing surf to the Caribbean’s gentle lull, every coastline tells a different story. One invites stillness beneath the sun; the other calls you to chase waves, ride jet skis, or simply run free.
But the pulse of Costa Rica beats loudest in its adventures. Soar on zip-lines through the clouds. Trek through volcanic slopes and steamy jungle trails. Ride horseback across windswept ridgelines as the horizon unfurls in every direction. This is not a land you merely visit. This is a land that stirs you. That dares you. That welcomes you home to something deeper.
Whether you come to explore, to play, or to pause…Costa Rica offers not just a destination, but a revelation.
So pack your bags. Open your heart. And come to the place where wonder is not just found—it’s felt.
Playa Hermosa
Translated from Spanish as “Beautiful Beach”, Playa Hermosa is ideal to immerse oneself in a sun-drenched paradise with its placid beach that overlooks the Gulf of Papagayo and lush tropical surroundings.
Tucked away along the sun-kissed coastline of Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa lives up to its name—a place of “beautiful beach” serenity, where the rhythms of nature lull you into peace, and the horizon stretches like a painted dream. Not to be confused with its namesake in the Puntarenas region, this version of Playa Hermosa is a coastal gem—quiet, tranquil, and gracefully accessible.
Renowned for its pristine condition, this beach has earned the prestigious “Blue Flag” award, a testament to its commitment to environmental integrity, safety, and sustainability. Its soft, grey sands stretch over two kilometers—long, open, and rarely crowded. Here, couples and families find their sanctuary, escaping the noise of more commercial beaches to instead embrace the unfiltered pulse of paradise.
But Playa Hermosa is more than sand and sea. It is a coastal sanctuary cradled by emerald hills, where a small town nestles gently against the lush forest backdrop. With its cozy ambiance and small-town charm, the area feels like a well-kept secret—a world away from the clamor of city life. And yet, convenience is never far. A short ten-minute drive leads you to the vibrant beachfront of Playa del Coco, bustling with shops, eateries, nightlife, and local flair. Or journey twenty minutes north to the city of Liberia, the gateway to both international travel and cultural immersion.
For those seeking adventure beyond the shore, Playa Hermosa offers access to a world of possibilities. Tour operators dot the region, ready to whisk you away on kayaking adventures, catamaran sails, jet ski excursions, and tranquil sunset cruises. Dive beneath the turquoise surface on snorkeling or scuba safaris and come face-to-face with the vibrant marine life that calls this coast home. Or cast a line into the depths and bring back a fresh catch to be transformed into gourmet cuisine by your villa chef.
Back on land, saddle up for a horseback tour along the beach trails or venture inland on day trips to Costa Rica’s mystical interiors, where waterfalls roar and volcanoes slumber beneath canopies of cloud. Whether you crave peace or exhilaration, Playa Hermosa offers both—wrapped in sunshine, kissed by ocean breeze.
And for those staying with us at Essence of Dreams, this breathtaking oasis is your front yard—a paradise you wake to, a memory you’ll carry forever.
Costa Rica Facts & Tibits
Costa Rica Flag
Regions
Costa Rica is divided into seven regions: Alajuela, Cartgo, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
* Essence of Dreams is in the Guanacaste region, which is located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica and facing the Pacific Ocean
Climate / Weather
Being so close to the Earth’s equator, Costa Rica’s climate is considered tropical year-round with variances of microclimates conditions depending on elevation, topography, and geographical regions across the country. Costa Rica’s overall weather conditions are comprised of two seasons: the “dry” season and the “rainy season”
The “dry season” runs opposite from Europe and North America, running from December to April. Much like “snowbirds” retreating south for the winter, many travelers come to Costa Rica during this time to escape winter’s blustery conditions of the northern hemisphere for a warmer climate and a few extra hours of daylight; given the tourist name “high” season. During this season, the climate, while still tropical in nature, is mostly dry, consisting of little to no rainfall, which causes most of nature’s foliage (trees, plants, and landscape) to appear dry or “dead”. The trade-off is that the weather is “mostly” pleasant and less humid than in its counterpart season and is a perfect time for surfing as storm swells from the Pacific Ocean create very strong and reliable waves to surf on.
The “rainy” season, often called the “green season” by tourists, runs from the other half of the year in Costa Rica, lasting from May to November. While the “rainy season” speaks for itself, it’s a lot less wet and rainy than many people would think. Travelers will still get plenty of sun, with much more humid conditions, but will receive frequent rainfall (mostly like during the morning or afternoon hours). With the rain constantly falling, the country’s foliage will grow and flourish, transforming much of the landscape to impressively lush and green (hence “green season”). While this all-in general terms, there are some “pocket” areas in Costa Rica that will receive a significant amount of rainfall during this time (a result of the country having “microclimate” conditions). While the “high season” happens during the dry season, the rainy season is considered the “low” season by tourists.
Language
Spanish is the official language for Costa Rica. However, due to the increase of international of tourism, there are a large number of its citizens that are moderately bilingual. English, of course, is the most common second language used in Costa Rica with popular tourist attractions areas featuring signs in English and employees who speak it fluently. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that everyone speaks English there. It’s a good idea to travel with someone who knows Spanish or simply brush up on your Spanish (whether from a learning language books or recalling your high school Spanish classes). With life simpler and slower paced, you’ll find most Costa Rica citizens are very accommodating and patient with your Spanish, regardless how rudimentary it is.
Currency
Costa Rica’s national currency is the colón (pronounced Ka-lon-a) or known as the Costa Rican colón and abbreviated as CRC. With the growth in tourism, the U.S dollar and major credit cards are generally accepted in most towns and cities, more so in large hotels and established businesses (restaurants, stores, shops, etc). However, more secluded areas in the country or small family business / restaurants only use the colón. Costa Rican banks offer a good exchange rate if needed to convert dollars to colónies in your stay in Costa Rica.
Time Zone
Costa Rica does not observe the U.S. Daylight Saving Time, but is considered 6 hours behind the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6). To put things perspective for Americans, Costa Rica’s time zone is equivalent to the U.S. Central Standard Time.
Electricity
No need to buy converters when traveling to Costa Rica. North American appliances are compatible with Costa Rica's electrical system, which functions at 110 volts.
Medical
Any foreigner who is temporally in Costa Rica has the right to receive medical attention at hospitals and clinics in case of an emergency, sudden illness, or chronic disease. Costa Rica has a modern public health care system under the administration of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and also offers some of the health care in Latin America. Additionally, travelers have access to several private hospitals that offer high-quality medical care with state-of-the-art facilities at a tiny fraction of its U.S. equivalent cost. As a caution, the United States for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, Etc.), as well as hepatitis A and B, and typhoid.
Airport / Flights
Traveling to Costa Rica by air is the most common way to get into the country. While Costa Rica offers four international airports, there is one that we recommend that is nearby Essence of Dreams (only 30 minutes away)
Liberia International Airport (LIR) also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (located in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica)
The following Airlines fly into Liberia International Airport connect via United States.
