Playa Hermosa, nestled along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast in Guanacaste, is a stunning beach town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and a laid-back lifestyle. This neighborhood guide explores what it’s like to live in Playa Hermosa, from the community and infrastructure to the climate, weather, best beaches, restaurants, things to see and do, and places to live.
Playa Hermosa: A Great Place to Live in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa, located in the Guanacaste province, is a peaceful and welcoming beach town known for its dark sands, calm waters, and breathtaking sunsets. It offers a laid-back tropical lifestyle with easy access to modern amenities like shopping, dining, and healthcare. Safety is a top priority here, with a strong sense of community and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes both locals and expats feel at home. Whether you’re looking to retire, work remotely, or simply enjoy paradise, Playa Hermosa is a beautiful and secure place to put down roots. Read on to learn why Playa Hermosa makes such a great place to live!
Getting Around
Nearby Amenities
One of Playa Hermosa’s significant advantages is its proximity to Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, approximately 23 kilometers away. This closeness makes international travel particularly convenient. For healthcare needs, Playa Hermosa has a small emergency medical clinic and a pharmacy for minor issues. However, more comprehensive medical services are available in nearby Liberia, including San Rafael Archangel private hospital, Dr. Enrique Baltodano Briceño Public Hospital, and Hospital Metropolitano.
Education & Schooling
Playa Hermosa may be known for its laid-back beach lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise when it comes to education. For families with kids, there are several solid schooling options nearby, including international schools that cater to English-speaking students and offer curricula such as IB or U.S.-based programs. Places like Lakeside International and La Paz Community School (a bit of a drive, but popular with expat families) are well-regarded for their inclusive approach and focus on both academics and community.
For adults, Playa Hermosa is also a great place to keep learning. There are Spanish language schools in the area that offer everything from casual conversational classes to intensive programs if you’re aiming for fluency. Plus, with plenty of workshops, yoga teacher trainings, and even online university programs embraced by the local expat crowd, continuing education can be as formal or as relaxed as you want it to be. Whether you’re a parent looking for a well-rounded education for your child or someone just wanting to pick up a new skill, Playa Hermosa has options that fit the pura vida pace.
In essence, Playa Hermosa offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and essential infrastructure, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for both visitors and residents.
Playa Hermosa is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the safest places to live in Costa Rica. The cost of living is relatively low compared to most parts of the USA, Canada, and Europe. The crime rate is also relatively low compared to larger cities, and residents enjoy a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. Many homes and businesses have security measures in place, but overall, Playa Hermosa is a peaceful and secure place to settle down.
Playa Hermosa’s small-town vibe fosters a strong sense of community, with both locals and expats looking out for one another. The community is a harmonious blend of locals, affectionately known as “Ticos,” and expatriates, primarily from North America and Europe. The town’s tranquil environment and picturesque setting have made it particularly appealing to retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Check out our guide to speaking the language of Costa Rica to learn more about common slang, sayings and expressions.
The weather in Playa Hermosa is warm and inviting year-round, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the <strong
- December to April: TThe dry season brings sunny days, warm temperatures averaging between 85-95°F (29-35°C), and almost no rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach days.
- May to November: The green season starts with occasional showers, bringing lush greenery to the landscape while still allowing plenty of sunshine.
- September to November: These months tend to see the most rain, with heavier afternoon showers and occasional storms, but the mornings remain beautiful and the region becomes a tropical paradise.
As a serene beach town, Playa Hermosa offers a variety of attractions for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The beach itself is a picturesque stretch of dark salt and pepper sand lined with palm and fig trees, providing a tranquil setting for sunbathing and leisurely strolls. The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, making it a family-friendly destination.
For those interested in exploring the surrounding natural beauty, several other national parks are within easy reach. Just a short drive away, you can visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park for hiking, hot springs, volcanic formations and waterfalls. About a 1.5-hour drive away, you’ll find Palo Verde National Park, which is renowned for its diverse bird species and wildlife, with boat tours through mangroves teeming with birds, crocodiles, and monkeys. About an hour away, you’ll find Santa Rosa National Park, which offers hiking trails through tropical dry forests and access to secluded beaches.
Adventure enthusiasts can visit the nearby Diamante Eco Adventure Park, known for its dual-action zip-line course – the longest in Costa Rica. The park also features a wildlife sanctuary, providing an opportunity to observe native animals up close. Other popular activities within the region include ATV tours and horseback riding.
Water sports are a highlight in Playa Hermosa. Local operators offer scuba diving and snorkeling excursions to the Bat and Catalina Islands, where divers may encounter marine life such as manta rays and even hammerhead sharks. Sport fishing and sailing tours are also popular, with trips departing directly from the beach.
In the evenings, the beach comes alive with vibrant sunsets and live music at local beach bars, providing a perfect end to a day of exploration and relaxation.
Playa Hermosa boasts an array of delicious dining options, ranging from local Costa Rican sodas (small, family-run restaurants) to upscale beachfront eateries.
Some must-visit dining spots include:
- Aqua Sport: A lively beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music.
- Ginger: A unique restaurant offering Asian-fusion tapas and a stylish ambiance perfect for a night out.
- Roberto’s Bar & Restaurant A favorite among locals and expats alike, serving delicious international and Costa Rican dishes with an ocean view.
While Playa Hermosa is more laid-back compared to some of its neighboring towns, those seeking a more vibrant nightlife can find entertainment in nearby Playas del Coco, just a 10-minute drive away. There, you’ll find lively beach bars, dance clubs, and casinos offering a more energetic nightlife scene.
While Playa Hermosa itself may not host large-scale festivals, its proximity to cultural events held in the Guanacaste region provides visitors with ample opportunities to engage with Costa Rica’s vibrant traditions and community celebrations.
One notable event is the Celebration of San Blas, held from January 30 to February 4 in Nicoya, about an hour’s drive from Playa Hermosa. This festival features cultural music and dance in the central plaza, offering an immersive experience of local traditions.
In July, the region commemorates Guanacaste Day on the 25th, marking the annexation of the Nicoya district to Costa Rica in 1824. Festivities include parades, traditional music performances, dances, and local activities, reflecting the area’s pride and heritage.
September 15th is Independence Day, celebrating Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1821. The day is filled with patriotic events, including parades and cultural performances, allowing visitors to experience the nation’s unity and traditions.
With its idyllic beaches, welcoming community, and a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, Playa Hermosa is a fantastic place to call home. If you’re considering relocating here, check out our guide to moving to Costa Rica.
Condominiums & Villas
Bella Vista
Bella Vista offers a luxurious and peaceful living environment, allowing buyers to enjoy coastal life at its best. Located in a highly desirable area, these condominiums feature impressive ocean views, allowing residents to appreciate nature’s beauty every day.
The community consists of two exclusive buildings with 12 units, providing a private and intimate setting. The top four penthouse units are standout features, with large rooftops perfect for watching the stunning sunsets over the Pacific. These terraces are ideal for entertaining or relaxing at the end of the day.
Each building in Bella Vista is designed with comfort and convenience in mind and comes equipped with a swimming pool and plenty of parking. This thoughtful design ensures a comfortable living experience for all residents. Inside the units, residents are welcomed by the ocean views visible from the kitchen, living room, and master bedrooms. The expansive windows bring in natural light, enhancing the living spaces with warmth and offering views of the sea.
Bella Vista also focuses on the safety and security of its residents, with features like security personnel, elevators, building insurance, and storage units, giving residents peace of mind.
Located in the vibrant area of Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Bella Vista is perfect for those who love beaches, sports fishing, and nature. This is a unique opportunity to live in a place with stunning views, great amenities, and a prime location, making Bella Vista an ideal choice for luxury living.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
El Cubil
El Oasis
Hermosa del Mar
A luxury condo complex in Playa Hermosa, Hermosa del Mar features two towers with 40 units, some with ocean views. The complex offers resort-like amenities, including a semi-Olympic pool, another smaller pool, a high-tech gym, a yoga room, a BBQ area, a gazebo, a community room, and a garden. It also offers 24/7 security, covered parking, storage, concierge services, and elevators.
Units are spacious, with two or three bedrooms, open designs, ceramic tile floors, and large balconies facing the ocean, pool, or trees. They come with internet and cable readiness, quality furniture and appliances, air conditioning, and ceiling fans. Safety is ensured through fire prevention, surveillance cameras, and a generator.
The complex is close to dining, shopping, golf, and beaches, and is just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, making it suitable for vacation homes or retirement. Hermosa del Mar blends modern living with comprehensive amenities for a luxurious lifestyle in Playa Hermosa.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Las Brisas
Discover the charm of Las Brisas in Playa Hermosa. This unique residential community promises a remarkable coastal living experience. Nestled just 100 meters from the pristine beach, Las Brisas features an exclusive collection of seven elegant villas and 14 modern condos designed for comfort and luxury.
This tranquil enclave is an oasis of relaxation surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens brimming with fruit trees and vibrant tropical flowers. Residents and guests can enjoy the serene environment and take a dip in any of the four saltwater pools. Select homes boast stunning ocean views that captivate and inspire.
Las Brisas is not only perfect for personal use but also serves as an excellent investment opportunity for those interested in rental properties. The community offers superb amenities, including convenient beach access. Additionally, residents can indulge in the facilities of the nearby Condovac La Costa Hotel & Resort. This includes two restaurants offering delightful international cuisine in a poolside setting with ocean vistas, a 24-hour fitness center, and an array of activities like beach volleyball, basketball, and snorkeling. The resort also features a spa, four outdoor pools, a children’s pool with free cabanas and sun loungers, an outdoor tennis court, and a complimentary beach club, ensuring entertainment and relaxation.
Ensuring safety and comfort, Las Brisas is equipped with 24/7 security, a fully gated perimeter with an electric fence, ample parking, and backup water tanks. Located in the sought-after area of Playa Hermosa, Las Brisas offers a coveted lifestyle with easy access to the beach and a host of amenities, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking a luxurious and secure coastal retreat in Costa Rica.
Mariner’s Point
Ocean Breeze
Just a short 7-minute walk from the stunning Playa Hermosa beach, Ocean Breeze offers a serene and picturesque living experience in Costa Rica. This beautiful complex boasts 20 spacious units, providing a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
One of Ocean Breeze’s standout features is its three large saltwater pools, which offer a refreshing oasis for residents to relax and unwind. The complex’s grounds are meticulously maintained, and lush, mature landscaping adds to the tropical ambiance.
Ocean Breeze residents can choose between two- or three-bedroom floor plans, with options available on both the first and second floors. Each unit features tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood cabinetry, seamlessly combining style and functionality. Additionally, every unit offers a private terrace overlooking the expansive swimming pools, providing a tranquil spot to enjoy the tropical surroundings.
Whether you’re looking to make Costa Rica your full-time home or seeking a great rental opportunity, Ocean Breeze caters to your needs. The complex is fully gated, ensuring privacy and security for residents. With 24/7 security, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure. Secure parking is also available for added convenience.
Ocean Breeze is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. Enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer, with the beach just a short walk away and all the amenities you need for a comfortable and convenient living experience. Experience the beauty of Playa Hermosa from the comfort of your own home at Ocean Breeze.
Sol y Mar
Welcome to Sol y Mar, the ultimate and only beachfront condo in Playa Hermosa. Situated directly on the beach, Sol y Mar comprises four buildings with only 12 exclusive units. Nine of these residences offer stunning views of the ocean, allowing you to not only wake up to the sound of the waves but stare out at them as well. Each unit boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,000 square feet of living space. Sol y Mar provides 24/7 security, a beautiful oceanfront pool, convenient parking, elevators, and meticulously maintained grounds. Please note that Sol y Mar is a concession property. Check out our real estate guide to learn more about concession properties and how property ownership works in Costa Rica.
Residential Single-Family Home Developments
Living in a single-family home in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, offers the benefits of privacy, space, and the opportunity to create a personalized retreat in this tranquil beachside community. These homes often come with larger yards, private pools, and room for gardens, making them ideal for families or those who value outdoor living. Here’s a look at some of the best single-family home developments Playa Hermosa has to offer.
Alta Vista
Alta Vista is an upscale hillside community in Playa Hermosa with only nine residential lots. The large building lots, each over an acre in size, provide ample space and privacy. Only a select few homes currently occupy the landscape, ensuring a serene and spacious living environment.
A picturesque interlocking paver stone road winds its way through Alta Vista, leading to the entrance of each private lot. This thoughtful detail not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the community but also serves as a practical and durable solution for accessing the properties.
Privacy and security are paramount at Alta Vista, with the development being fully gated to ensure a sense of exclusivity and peace of mind for residents. Managed by a homeowners’ association (HOA) with a low monthly fee, the community is dedicated to maintaining its pristine surroundings and providing shared amenities for the enjoyment of its residents.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Gaviota del Sol
Graceland
Hermosa Heights
Hermosa Heights is a private community in the Costa Rican mountains above Playa Hermosa Bay. It features 35 octagonal villas and over 53 single-family homesites, many with ocean views. The 45-acre site includes a movie theater, mini-golf, a pool, water slides, and a jacuzzi. The properties are also available as vacation rentals and receive high marks on TripAdvisor and Airbnb for their beauty and luxury.
Security is a priority, with 24/7 patrols and all necessary utilities. The homeowner’s association maintains the area, ensuring a carefree living environment. Nearby Playa Hermosa offers beaches, nightlife, and shopping. Playas del Coco, a short drive away, offers more dining and service options. Hermosa Heights combines the peace of nature with convenient access to local attractions, offering both homes and vacation properties in a prime Costa Rican setting.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Hermosa Montana
Monte Bello
Monte Bello is one of the most renowned single-family developments in the area! This very well-thought-out gated community is over 50 acres and contains 42 single-family lots. Each lot is approximately ⅔ of an acre and has sweeping ocean views. This prestigious community doesn’t have many lots left but there are many stunning custom homes. Fully gated, 24/7 security, underground utilities, paver stone streets, lovely landscape, and an HOA are all part of the package!
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Monte Paraiso
The neighborhood of Monte Paraiso consists of 38 ocean-view single-family homesites. It was actually the first ocean-view residential lot development in Playa Hermosa! The majority of the homesites have already been built and now contain beautiful custom homes that look out across the ocean. This is a gated community with 24/7 security, paved roads, utilities on site, and an HOA.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Mar Vista
Mar Vista offers 5,000M² (1 ¼ Acre) lots with incredible views of the ocean or the lush mountain range. The large lots in this development give you plenty of privacy. Only about 25 homesites are located in this beautiful and spacious gated community. Mar Vista is a gated community with paved roads, a waterfall, utilities on site, and an HOA.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
Palo Alto
Palo Alto has 55 exquisite single-family residential lots! The homes and homesites are tastefully staggered up a terraced hillside to enjoy ocean and jungle views. The development is bordered by a protected forest area and has large parks at the base. In the wonderful gated community, you can enjoy lighted tennis and basketball courts, 24/7 security, ready utilities, lots of green space, an HOA and more.
Interested in this community? Check out our current listings below!
The Gardens
Villa Sol
Villa Sol is a beach and hotel resort on the northern edge of Playa Hermosa as well as a single-family villa community. These villas come in a variety of styles, some have 2 bedrooms, others have 3 bedrooms, some have pools, and others have ocean views. The great part of having a villa in a resort community is they make fantastic rental properties and have many of the resort’s amenities. Such as direct beach access, restaurants on site, a huge community pool, and internal shuttle service, along with the usual perks like 24/7 security, paved roads, onsite utilities, and an HOA (price varies per villa).
Need Help Finding Your New Home in Playa Hermosa?
If you’re interested in one of the communities described above but don’t see any current listings that fit your needs, please feel free to send us a message, and we’ll be happy to assist you in the search for your new dream home in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica!
