When you think of Costa Rica, you think of warm weather throughout, with the tropical, rural vibe where you can feel the peace and the slow pace of life. Those are all true! Costa Rica is home to numerous breathtaking beaches, which is only one of the many reasons why digital nomads flock to the area.
While Costa Rica’s cost of living is considerably higher than other Latin American countries, it’s a peaceful adventure worth the money. Besides the dazzling beaches and tropical weather, you also get to visit lush rainforests and national parks, eat incredible food, explore diverse cultures, and go on adventures every day. From surfing, diving, hiking, and partying it up at night, there’s never a dull day in Costa Rica.
But before you head to Costa Rica, you might have a few questions, such as what visas to get and where to stay. We’ll show you our top recommendations of vacation rentals for remote work in Costa Rica and share some essential tidbits about staying there. Read on!
Contents
The Recommended Vacation Rentals for Remote Work in Costa Rica in 2024
Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and who wouldn’t be happy surrounded by stunning beaches and lots of nature? Again, it isn’t as cheap as other countries but worth staying in for one or two months, even longer if you can spend a little extra.
Fortunately, finding a place to stay in the area isn’t as tricky as newbies think it would be. There are various ways to find accommodation, such as Airbnb, Facebook groups, and hotel booking websites, where you can find hotels, villas, and hostels. That said, we help narrow down your options with this list of fantastic vacation rentals to stay for the long-term, all situated in the best areas with topnotch facilities for the digital nomad!
1. Villa Costa de Sol, Samara
Villa Costa de Sol is worth every penny for digital nomads who want to live the lap of luxury while in Costa Rica. It’s located on the foothills of Samara Hills, overlooking Chora Island and the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, it’s just a 5-minute walk away from Carillo and Samara Beach!
The villa has four bedrooms five bathrooms and can accommodate up to eight people. You will have your own private-gates estate with a full staff, secluded in tropical landscaping and panoramic ocean views. It won’t feel like a vacation rental but like a private boutique where you receive excellent service from your staff, along with gourmet breakfast from the poolside, housekeeping services, concierge, and airport shuttle.
You’ll be strategically near restaurants, bars, tourist information centers, banks, grocery stores, and the like! If you don’t feel like going out, lounge by the pool overlooking the ocean and lush greeneries. It’s the ultimate escape for those who want to go all out in their digital nomad journey.
Check out Villa Costa de Sol Official Website
2. Villas Kalimba, Samara Rocks
The Villas Kalimba is located about a mile from the Playa Samara. Since the villas aren’t from downtown, you must access the villas via vehicle. It isn’t a problematic commute, and you will have reception staff welcome you into your villa, offering hotel-like services, comfortable rooms, and beautiful amenities.
The villa offers a private pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor patio with a terrace and sunbathing deck. Furthermore, you have your own private garden, two spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s your own paradise without having to leave the area, whether you’re with family or friends.
Furthermore, the villa offers free WiFi to get your projects done before going out to explore the beauty of Costa Rica. The staff can arrange to schedule tours and activities for you to do in or out of the villas, whether you want to go scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, surfing, sports fishing, birdwatching, or visit different parks and heritage spots.
We recommend renting from Villas Kalimba if you want more privacy in your own house but still receive stellar services and many opportunities for adventure.
Check out Villas Kalimba Official Website
3. Villa Riviera, Santa Teresa
Villa Riviera is a breath of fresh air, where you’ll truly feel at home amid a tropical paradise. While you get a homey feel, you get close to luxury amenities and services, from a refreshing infinity pool, minimalist nature interiors, and bright, spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
The villa is suitable for eight people with three suites and three bathrooms, along with other fantastic features such as an outdoor bar, air-conditioned rooms, Internet access, a smart television, barbecue, and different activities. Adults and children can enjoy renting ATVs and other vehicles or book activities like horse riding, boating, surfing lessons, and scuba diving.
You will also be near various places, such as an international yoga center, beach, and a few eateries. Note that you can either travel by air or by road.
Check out Villa Riviera Official Website
4. Villas Solar, Santa Teresa
Villas Solar allows you to feel like you’re in a tropical retreat when in Costa Rica. The villas are in the heart of Santa Teresa, merely a few steps away from the best surf spots in the country! Furthermore, you’ll be within walking distance from various supermarkets and restaurants for your convenience.
Right by your villa, you can do various activities made for the adventure-seeker or those looking for serenity, may it be surfing, yoga, fishing, snorkeling, canopy tours, and the like. There are four villas to choose from, coming in different sizes, suiting solo travelers or digital nomads, and even a whole family or group of friends. All villas offer high-speed WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a private patio and concierge guide.
Check out Villas Solar Official Website
5. Art Villas, Playa Hermosa
Art Villas plays a creative vibe in their villa, drawing inspiration from nature and the lush jungle. You’ll love the modern and luxurious vibe of the jungle-inspired interiors, though. And that’s where art comes to play, where creativity comes to life as you are surrounded by greens, jungle wood, cool concrete walls, and other raw elements of nature.
Each area of the Art Villas screams unique creativity, with hand-painted walls, handmade Nicaraguan floor tiles, and even other ornamental designs. You’ve got a mix of industrial, modern minimalist, and nature in one luxurious villa that can fit big groups.
Check out Art Villas official website
6. BoHo Tamarindo
BoHo Tamarindo is another beautiful vacation rental about 50 steps from the beautiful beach and around 100 steps from Tamarindo restaurants and shops. It is a boutique hotel nestled in a quiet location between Playa Langosta and Tamarindo, near a beautiful national park in Las Baulas.
While you aren’t working, you can enjoy various activities, such as surfing, paddling, canoeing, or relaxing by the beach. If you’re a nature lover, there are nearby attractions to visit to bask yourself around the wonders of Mother Nature, such as the Rio Celeste Waterfall, Palo Verde National Park, Volcano Ricon de la Vieja, and more. But if you’re an adventurous person, you can opt to go fishing, surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Party animals will enjoy the nightlife around BoHo Tamarindo, as there are many different bars and places that suit different atmospheres. Don’t worry, as each room is as bright and comfortable as the location, so you can sleep well and work hard, getting ready for a day of exploration after.
Check out BoHo Tamarindo Official Website
7. Selina, Puerto Viejo
Selina in Puerto Viejo is a hostel with a ton of color and culture! It’s a tropical gem and cultural hub with the best of Puerto Rico. You get infectious reggae, outstanding Caribbean cuisine, and tropical surroundings to feel comfortable whether you’re working or on vacation mode.
This hostel is unique because they include teepees made of handmade materials from indigenous communities. The hostel ensures a more authentic and eco-friendly vacation rental with a ton of adventure awaiting. You can choose to go snorkeling, paddle boarding, waterfall jumping, or trekking in the Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Center. Other activities to join in the hostel include surf lessons, yoga lessons, or other social events.
And, of course, digital nomads will be happy to know that the rooms offer comfort and consistent WiFi and a coworking space.
Check out Selina Official Website
8. Villa Wanderlust, Jaco
Truly feel the dream and paradise in Villa Wanderlust, a vacation rental offering retreat experiences for those who want adventure or zen! The villa is designed with bohemian hipster interiors with many wooden elements, giving it a more natural and quirky ambiance that everyone will enjoy.
The spacious villa can fit in 12 guests, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pool, and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a comfortable living area and dining area as well. The villa also offers other fun amenities, such as board games, yoga mats, and even private chefs and guided tours. You will also be about a mile from Jaco Beach and other wonderful restaurants and tourist attractions.
Check out Villa Wanderlust Official Website
9. Residencia Pacifico Cobano, Montezuma
The Pacific Residence is a secluded beachfront luxury villa in Costa Rica, perfect for those who want the ultimate luxury treatment in the tropical paradise.
The vacation rental offers different unique services you can’t find anywhere, such as a private natural beach, chef, a pool with amazing views, along daily housekeeping. You will be a 10-minute walk from the waterfalls, have the best sunrise and sunset views from the area, and get to enjoy your own bonfire!
There are different rooms to choose from, all having free WiFi, television access, air conditioning, and comfortable beds. Traditionally designed, you’ll feel at home and enjoy the bright, nature-inspired elements.
Check out Pacific Residence Official Website
10. Nomadic Nosara
Last but not least, you can choose Nomadic Nosara, which has everything a digital nomad needs to get started with work and play. Digital nomads will love the simplicity of the Nomadic Hotel’s rooms, with the mix of industrial interiors and natural wooden elements, enhancing the coziness and experience. There are different rooms to choose from depending on your group, all of which have free WiFi and other necessities to make your long-term stay a comfortable one.
The hotel is made best for solo digital nomads, couples, or groups of friends looking for the ultimate adventure during their days off. Feel free to partake in the many different outdoor activities the hotel can set you up with, such as surfing, horseback riding, spearfishing, waterfall hiking, paddle boarding, sport fishing, and yoga!
You won’t have to leave the area as you have so many things to do and lots of healthy dishes to choose from in the hotel. But even if you do step out of the hotel, you’ll find yourself near organic groceries, a surf shop, cafes, banks, attractions, and other shops for your convenience.
Check out Nomadic Nosara Official Website:
Visa to Costa Rica as a Remote Worker
Digital nomads will have no problem staying and working in Costa Rica for the long term because their government has introduced the digital nomad visa! This visa will allow foreign nationalities and families to live and work in Costa Rica for at least one year, even reaping extra benefits.
Other benefits include local tax exemptions and being permitted to drive in Costa Rica with your country’s driver’s license. Digital nomads can also open their own local bank account using their visas!
If a digital nomad would like to stay for over a year, he can renew his visa for another year.
To apply for the digital nomad visa, you need to present proof of income that you earn over US$3,000 a month to apply. If you plan to travel with your spouse or family, you must present proof of combined income of at least US$5,000 a month. Furthermore, you’ll need to present evidence of remote work.
You also need to obtain medical insurance policies and one-time visa payment. The payment is still unknown, but you can follow the government’s pages to get updates.
This digital nomad visa is currently being hashed out, but for now, digital nomads who want to head to the country can now avail a tourist visa. However, they can only stay for up to 90 days. The tourist visa is ideal for those staying for a shorter duration, though the digital nomad visa is beneficial if you plan to stay longer and with your spouse or family.
Transportation and Internet Connection in Costa Rica
The most common way to travel around Costa Rica is by bus. The country has an excellent and inexpensive bus system in all areas. You can also ride private bus shuttles, though it’s pricier than public buses.
We don’t recommend driving on your own for new travelers in Costa Rica as some areas are tricky, with a lot of potholes and ambiguous intersections. Furthermore, car rental is expensive. If you want more privacy, you can opt for taxicabs.
As for the Internet, this is one aspect that Costa Rica may have issues with. While we’re not saying their Internet is a complete failure, their Internet speed isn’t as speedy or accessible in public areas compared to other countries. In fact, the country ranked 117th of 207 countries with the fastest Internet.
Costa Rica’s Internet speed isn’t that bad in all cities. The country’s average Internet speed is about 4.52 Mbps, though a few spots offer Internet speeds above 10Mbps. As for public WiFi facilities, you will have a hard time, as not many cafes and restaurants provide it for free.
Before heading to Costa Rica, make sure you communicate with the person in charge of your accommodation and ask about the Internet facilities. Some areas may have you provide your own Internet connection. If so, then there are popular Internet providers in Costa Rica to choose from, such as Claro, Cable Tica, Tigo, and Kolbi.
Kolbi is the country’s leading Internet provider, having a monthly fee of about $50 for 50Mbps. It may not be the fastest for some remote workers, but it’s still workable!
Wrapping It Up
No, Costa Rica isn’t only for retirees; it’s a trending destination among travelers and digital nomads alike! What’s great about the country is how they offer a digital nomad visa, so you and your family get to live and work in Costa Rica for over a year! While it’s a bit pricey and the Internet connection isn’t the best, the benefits outweigh any cons as you’ll feel like you’re on vacation even while at work.
Another plus is its many different accommodation options suitable for any digital nomad of whatever budget. From co-living accommodation to unique hotel rooms, luxury villas to artsy apartments, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep after your workday and explore what Costa Rica has to offer.
We hope our list of vacation rentals for remote work in Costa Rica gave you an idea of where to stay when in the country. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re planning to head to Costa Rica, make sure you book your dream accommodation before it’s too late!