Las Catalinas, a Pedestrian-Friendly Locale Along the Guanacaste Coast in Costa Rica, Is Walking the Talk on New Urbanism
Tomas Kauer - News Writer - Moderator 
There’s a lot to be said about truly immersing oneself in a destination. On foot, that is. That’s precisely the point of Las Catalinas, a car-free idyllic seaside community poised on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. And, within minutes of arriving, my shoulders drop, travel anxiety fades, and I’m quickly seeing this carefree, Blue Zone-inspired sensibility in motion. As I check in to my room at the Santarena Hotel, I’m greeted with ear-to-ear smiles and hearty handshakes accompanied by “pura vida” a phrase that embodies the spirit of “pure life.” The pace is slow, thoughtful, and intentional with the real-life soundtrack of the surrounding ocean playing on repeat in the background. There’s no trace of frenetic big city living here—no hustling to high-pressure meetings, circling for parking spots, shouting a morning coffee order to a barista at a crowded café, or scrambling for coins at parking meters. And that’s all part of the charm.
Conceived in 2006 by Atlanta-based entrepreneur Charles Brewer, Las Catalinas is a 1,200-acre multi-phase residential and commercial enclave rooted on the principles of New Urbanism, with an emphasis on pedestrian-friendly living and connectivity along the likes of San Miguel de Allende and Positano. Framed by the Pacific Ocean and two beaches, Playa Danta and Playa Dandita, Las Catalinas—located about an hour drive from Liberia Airport—is ideal for bodysurfing, snorkeling and paddleboarding, and features a vast collection of vacation homes and full-ownership residences. The town’s main hub, Beach Town—completed as part of the first phase of development—features a private beach club, approximately 150 single-family homes and condos, two hotels, eleven restaurants, a slew of specialty boutiques and art galleries, two tennis courts, a spa and wellness center, numerous scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and even a preschool and kids club, Elif Academy.
At the Core: Life’s A Beach
The dreamy coastal sanctuary—engulfed with ocean views from nearly every vantage point and nearly 25 miles of multi-use designated trails for hiking, running, and single-track mountain biking—is appointed with Mediterranean-inspired buildings awash in soft pinks, blues, and yellows with terracotta-tiled rooftops; cobblestone passageways lined with cacti and lush trees; and enchanting plazas with stone tiered fountains. “New urbanism is the core philosophy in which Las Catalinas was developed,” says Daniel Marin, Design and Construction Department Head at Las Catalinas. “It prioritizes design that enhances people’s well-being, placing the quality of the built environment and the human experience above purely market-driven considerations. Walkability is a core concept, as it promotes social interaction, health, a sense of community, and a lasting quality of life.”
Now in its second phase of development, plans are underway for El Prado, situated on a hillside just above Beach Town, and consisting of two residential offerings, Montana Flats with one-, two-, and three-bedroom single-level apartments, and Lantana Residences one- to four-bedroom dwellings featuring fully tailored interiors.
“The extraordinary natural setting is one of Las Catalinas’ greatest assets, and a great complement to the health-oriented approach of New Urbanism,” adds Marin. “The surrounding hills, beaches, forests, and ocean are not what make it an example of New Urbanism, but they significantly enhance the quality of life that the urban model seeks to provide. They encourage outdoor living, walking, recreation, and a close relationship with nature, reinforcing the human-centered lifestyle that New Urbanism promotes.”
With everything right here and an easy-breezy vibe, there’s no pressure to plan your days—unless you choose to. One thing is for sure, you won’t end the day without learning a new name or making a new friend. From Coraline, a gourmet chocolatier offering daily wine and chocolate tastings to the awe-inspiring Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas hotel perched on a clifftop with panoramic vistas, here’s your guide to some of the area highlights.
Discover and Explore
As the name implies, the Center of Joy is a refuge for mind-body-spirit connection. Choose from weekly classes ranging from spinning and restorative flow yoga to sound healing and biohacking or opt for a restorative full body massage. The on-site café, Nature’s Table, features wholesome choices like the Costa Rica Pura Vida breakfast—featuring rice, beans, eggs cooked your way, tomato ranch sauce, plantains, and tortillas—or the Loma Linda salad, which includes mixed greens, tuna, quinoa, chickpeas, mango, carrot, beetroot, and cherry tomatoes. For outdoor activities ranging from horseback riding to pickleball, venture to Finca La Estancia, the nearby farm, or opt for kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving. The art of doing nothing is also encouraged with peaceful spots such as The Beach Club with three pools, two full-service bars, and an all-day poolside eatery led by acclaimed chef Armando Hernández featuring wood-fired veggie pizzas, chicken chipotle wraps, and cracked pepper short ribs. In addition to handling property management and a portfolio of more than 60 private homes from studio flats to multi-bedroom residences with ocean views and private plunge pools, Las Catalinas Doorway is on-hand to help tailor the best guest experience based on individual and group needs. They can also coordinate nearly anything from private group dinners to morning tennis clinics with resident pros Steff and Alex Taulère.
Peruse
Appointed with coastal-inspired chandeliers and fine art photography by local resident Alyssa Fortin, Las Catalinas Collection is stocked with a well-edited selection of mini embroidered caftans by Mer St. Barth, raffia totes, and handmade prints by local illustrator Priscilla Aguirre of Hola Lola. For a selection of swimwear, t-shirts, baseball hats, and outdoor apparel, mosey to Pura Vida Ride. This all-in-one outfitter includes a full-service bike shop, a cozy café, and can assist with booking guided hikes, catamaran trips, and fishing adventures. At newly opened Pinta Café, choose from a wide array of ceramic vessels and figurines to paint, personalize, and take home, or take a short walk to Estudio Rambar, founded by artist and architect Ale Rambar. Inside the gallery, marvel at acrylic-on-canvas works, textiles, cast bronze sculptures, pottery, and mixed media by more than 100 artists including Emmanuel Rodriguez Chavez, Amira Jalet, and Dustin Fage Hay.
Dine
Brew House by Papagayo Brewing Co. serves up a relaxed menu featuring fresh fish tacos, ceviche, craft beers, and refreshing made-to-order mocktails like sparkling water with muddled with fresh pineapple, while Tamaki showcases a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine by Chef Brian Tan. Before hitting the beach or the trails, head to Pots & Bowls for avocado toast, a variety of cold-pressed juices, and coconut pancakes topped with strawberries and bananas. Staying put in the room? Pick up pantry items, wine, and snacks at gourmet market, Copper & Stone. For an afternoon treat, stop by Coquelicot for cinnamon and honey waffles paired with ice cream and homemade whipped cream, or order a classic scoop of ice cream in a crispy waffle cone.
Dream
Situated steps from Playa Danta, the easy-breezy 45-room Santarena Hotel channels chic European vibes with a white stucco façade and deep turquoise-trimmed windows and doors. Spacious guestrooms (some with balconies facing the ocean) are lined with wood floors, crisp white linens, and bathrooms appointed with white subway tile, steel-and-glass doors, and Biosfera amenities. A daily breakfast buffet (think fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, yuca cake and sweet plantains) is served in an elegant open-air courtyard with a hand-painted botanical mural by Maria Jose Rodriquez, while the cozy, but glamorous Ponciana Lobby Bar comes to life at sunset for cocktails and mingling. The on-site restaurant, Ponciana, specializes in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from couscous salads and shrimp raviolo to grilled beef tenderloin. After dark, make your way to the open-air rooftop deck—lined with a 377-square-foot infinity pool—for stargazing or an evening dip.
Poised on a hilltop at the entrance of Las Catalinas, Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas encompasses 21 villas appointed with wood-beamed ceilings, canopied beds, and private terraces with infinity-edge saltwater plunge pools. The Relais & Chateaux property, with sweeping views of the ocean, also boasts a wine grotto for wine tastings and two distinctive restaurants, La Pampa Grill and Sentido Norte—both helmed by Chef Jose Lopez.
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