Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica yields countless options – SO many options, in fact, that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Planning a family trip anywhere, let alone a foreign country, incites many questions and concerns for novice vacationers and seasoned travelers alike. If you want to minimize stress and maximize your vacation time, the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa is a sure bet.
Family Vacations Simplified
After hours of flying, layovers, keeping track of passports, and fighting over window seats you’ve FINALLY landed in Costa Rica. Are you up for a 4 hour drive? Probably not. You just want to check in to your room and perhaps relax poolside, with a nice family dinner later in the evening. This is a common feeling among family travelers, which is why so many of them opt for the JW Marriott, about 1 hour south of the international airport in Liberia. And while you may recognize the hotel’s brand, the Hacienda-style experience will feel completely new.
Pool Days
So now you’re checked-in, and while you may be ready for a nap, the kids are, somehow, still bursting with energy! Pool time. The JW Marriott has one of the largest pools in Central America, with a winding design that allows for guests to spread out and create their own space. Lounge chairs and towels are complimentary, and children enjoy waters that never get deeper than 4 feet. Enjoy a cool drink at any one of the pool bars, or snack on something more substantial at the Azul Pool Bar & Grill.
JW Beachfront Activities
The last section of the pool faces out to the beach, which sees some of the most stunning Pacific sunsets in the country – perfect for a family photo! At low tide, the water retreats to reveal an endless formation of tide pools, brimming with tiny aquatic life. Adults could spend hours observing and exploring these intricate natural swimming holes, and for children the experience is even more magical. For swimming, surfing, kayaking and other water sports, a short walk (or complimentary drive) to Avellanas Beach will prove most rewarding.
JW Kid’s Club
Keeping your children entertained can feel like endless plight when all you want to do is relax. The JW Marriott’s kid’s club offers different activities every day, ranging from cooking s’mores on the beach to Spanish lessons, story-time, dance lessons, arts and crafts, and more. Similar activities are available for adults, too, so be sure to check the weekly calendar and plan to make your experience as memorable as possible.
Family Dining
Meals alone can be one of the biggest challenges of family travel. Younger children are often reluctant to unfamiliar cuisine, especially local dishes like ceviche or tiraditos. When the little ones are away from home, a few comfort foods go a long way! In the morning they’ll have access to favorites like pancakes, eggs, cereal, and pastries, along with Costa Rican staples like gallo pinto. For adults, a seared sea bass filet might sound like the perfect lunch, but your daughter may be happier with the Marriott Burger. The Asian-inspired Tamarine restaurant offers delicious fusion cuisine and the Sabanero steakhouse takes advantage of the region’s prominent cattle industry with locally-sourced meats. If none of those suit you, the 24-hour room service menu is extensive and varied.
For family vacation ideas, visit our Costa Rica Family Vacations page.
Related Articles:
