Nestled in the heart of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Pura Vida House offers more than just a getaway; it provides an unforgettable experience tailored for pickleball enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of sport, relaxation, and adventure.
During my 7-night stay at Pura Vida House, every day was a new adventure. Mornings commenced with a sumptuous chef-prepared breakfast showcasing the best of local flavors, from fresh fruits and delicious eggs cooked a different way each day, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. The highlight of each morning was undoubtedly the 3-hour pickleball session, where seasoned instructors guided us through both technique and strategy, interspersed with thrilling games that tested our newfound skills.
After an invigorating morning on the courts, we retreated to the luxurious confines of Pura Vida House to freshen up for a leisurely afternoon by the pool. Some days, we ventured out to Hacienda Pinilla or the JW Marriott Resort which access was also included in our stay, for a delectable lunch, adding a touch of indulgence to our already idyllic days.
The retreat wasn't just about pickleball; it was a holistic exploration of Costa Rica's breathtaking landscape. Ziplining through lush canopies offered a rush of adrenaline, while a private shuttle to Rio Celeste unveiled nature's masterpiece: the mesmerizing blue waterfall. Our hike through the rainforest revealed an abundance of wildlife, from pit vipers to colorful tree frogs, enriching our understanding of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.
Evenings were reserved for friendly matches with locals on the pickleball courts, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition under the starlit skies. And what better way to culminate each day's adventures than with a gourmet feast prepared by the talented in-house chef? From seafood paella to Caribbean jerk chicken, every dish was a culinary delight, tantalizing our taste buds and adding another layer of luxury to our retreat.
The attention to detail and personalized service at Pura Vida House exceeded all expectations. The seamless fusion of sport, relaxation, and exploration created an experience that transcended the ordinary. As I reflect on my time at Pura Vida House, I find myself yearning to return to its tranquil embrace, eager to relive the magic of this unparalleled pickleball retreat. Until next time, Pura Vida House, thank you for an...
Read moreCannot say enough about our amazing trip to Costa Rica and our stay at Pura Vida house. From the days before our trip and the detailed communication from our hosts Mani and Sindy, everything went smoothly and even beyond our expectations. We were picked up on time from the airport, and a short 1 hour ride to our housing where we were greeted by our hosts and given a tour of the 5 star facilities on golf carts Every morning we were treated to a healthy delicious breakfast & dinner consisting of fresh local fruits and Costa Rican dishes. The day was filled with surfing just before sunrise by some adventurous guests and then some crazy 5.0 pickleball from the G.O.A.T Kyle Yates. We were honored to have super nice Heisman Trophy winner Danny Weurfel and his wife Jessica with us as part of our group of sixteen. So much fun! After pickleball, we cooled off in the amazing spotless private Hacienda pool, ate some fresh grilled tuna at the private beach club (of which we were allowed unlimited visits to) and sometimes just chilled with a cocktail at the beach club in the beautiful infinity pool which overlooked the Guanacaste beach. Early and late afternoon activites included ATV's, zip lining and horseback riding into the sunset on the beach. Not too often you can get your feet wet on top of a horse with a blazing orange, red and yellow sky forming in the background. Definatley a WOW moment. We spent our afternoon down time using the complimentary bicycles on property, shopping in the near by surf town of Tamarindo and just resting in our private a/c room (which included our private outdoor shower). Evenings included eating like a king and starring out at the incredible view of stars (like I have never seen before)! To top it off, the sunset catamaran cruise with fresh civiche and unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages was nothing but 1st class. Can't say enough about the polite hard working people of Costa Rica and our hosts Mani and Sindy. The time and attention to detail we received was a 10 out of 10. and hard to put into words. You have to go and experience it for yourself. Can't recommend this EXPERIENCE...
Read moreI recently celebrated a milestone birthday with three girlfriends at the Pura Vida House. I wanted a tennis retreat among nature with good food and that is exactly what I experienced. The Pura Vida House itself is so comfortable and inviting. Highlights are the outdoor showers and the outdoor eating and lounge area. The tennis was topnotch with Coach Silvain. He was excellent at adapting drills for our group's skill level and my friends and I came away with some very helpful tips to improve our game. The Beach House was a wonderful place to enjoy the pool, beach and a cocktail. We also did the yoga class twice in the morning and both times the class was very restorative and a great way to start the day. But probably the biggest highlight of the trip were our hosts Mani and Sindy and the fabulous Chef Mita. They were so attentive and the meals prepared by Mita were out of this world. So healthy and fresh. My favorite (although I loved every single meal) was the tuna poke bowl and the typical Costa Rican meal of steak with rice and beans and plátanos fritos. I also absolutely loved the daily freshly squeezed juices and all of the fresh tropical fruits in the morning. It was such a treat and I felt so pampered by the home cooked meals. So much better than going out to eat in my opinion! The Pura Vida House experience was a perfect mix of activity, rest and recovery in a beautiful nature setting. Can't wait to...
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