Playa Grande Archives

Jun 21, 2025

Group Vacations & Family Gatherings at the RipJack Villas

Tucked away in the serene paradise of Playa Grande, Costa Rica, RipJack Inn offers more than just a tropical getaway—it’s a place where connections deepen, minds reset, and memories are made. Our four private villas provide an ideal setting for group vacations, family reunions, private celebrations, and corporate retreats looking to escape the ordinary.

Each of our four villas includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering comfort and privacy for large groups or families. With modern amenities, tasteful decor, and natural surroundings, our villas provide the perfect balance of coziness and tranquility. Whether you’re planning a week-long yoga retreat or a weekend family gathering, your group will feel right at home. Each villa can sleep up to six people. The villas are completely enclosed and private and have a shared pool for everyone to enjoy.

What really sets the Villas apart is that they are operated by Boutique Surf Hotel RipJack Inn. This means that you have all the privacy of a vacation rental with all the services of a hotel.

Just a short walk from the villas is Playa Grande’s stunning beach—perfect for surfing, sunset strolls, or simply soaking up the pura vida lifestyle. And when it’s time for adventure, we can connect your group with local tours, surf lessons, nature hikes, or boat trips through nearby estuaries.

Let us help you plan your next group vacation, whether you’re leading a retreat, gathering your family, or planning a corporate escape, our team is here to help you create a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Ready to plan your next group vacation? Contact us today to learn more about booking all four villas at RipJack Inn.a

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Jan 23, 2021

Five Reasons Why the RipJack Inn is an Incredible Wedding Venue

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding in Costa Rica? While there are certainly a lot of different places and venues to choose from, the RipJack Inn might just be your perfect wedding venue. This charming beachfront boutique hotel has become a popular wedding destination over the past few years, and we think we have a strong case as to why! We LOVE love! And, would love to help you plan and put on the wedding you’ve long been dreaming about with the one you love the most.

Here are five reasons why the RipJack Inn is an incredible wedding venue, and why you should consider getting married here.

Location

The RipJack Inn is located directly across from the beach in the beautiful town of Playa Grande. The only time the beach is actually busy is when the tide is mid to high, and when there is swell in the water, which is ideal for surfing. But even the surf crowd is contained to just a few areas along the very expansive stretch of sand and sea. Unlike Tamarindo, which is busy all the time and everywhere, a beach wedding in Playa Grande can be very private.

Ambiance

The RipJack Inn can be rented entirely out for your wedding. Between the restaurant and bar, and the downstairs pool and patio area, we can help you orchestrate the best celebration of your life! If you want an intimate setting for your cocktail hour, dinner, and party, the RipJack is really a special place to host it all. The ambiance here is warm and welcoming and inspiring of a grand celebration.

Convenience

After your ceremony in the sand and by the sea, you and your wedding guests can easily walk back to the RipJack Inn, which saves a lot of hassle and money on transportation. The RipJack Inn also has twenty-one rooms to accommodate your guests. If you have an exceptionally large group, there are plenty of vacation rentals within walking distance of the RipJack Inn, as well.

Support

We’ve hosted a lot of weddings at the RipJack Inn! With such extensive experience, you can rest assured that everything will come together as planned, and your special day will far supersede your expectations. When there is a wedding at the RipJack Inn, the entire RipJack Inn staff comes together to make sure all angles are covered so that you can just enjoy every second of your magical day and night.

Talent As far as wedding planners, florists, DJ’s, and photographers, there is a lot of talent in and around Playa Grande. While you are welcomed to do your own research, we can certainly share with you our top recommendations and put you in contact with the additional people you will likely need to make the wedding of your dreams a reality.

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Oct 6, 2019

Thank You for a Great Season at the RipJack Inn, Playa Grande

October is a month of rest, rejuvenation, and reflection in Playa Grande. It is historically our rainiest month and the time of the year when many local businesses are closed. As Costa Rica has continued to grow as a tourist destination, October is now considered one of the only true “low season” months. However, despite what is commonly believed, it is not uncommon to have some really beautiful days of sunshine and surf in October.

Since this is the only month of the year that the RipJack Inn is closed for a week (October 16-22), we find it to be the perfect time of the year to offer our most enormous gratitude for another fantastic season. We feel blessed that for eleven months of the year, we get to do what we love surrounded by the most incredible guests and staff. We feel honored that the RipJack Inn has been chosen for multiple weddings this year, as well as returning and new yoga retreats.

Our hearts are bursting with gratitude for the phenomenal reviews we received, the positive comments made on our bi-monthly blogs, and the support we’ve continually been given from our local community. This season we’ve had so many inspiring musicians share their talent, influencers and photographers help us expand our international reach, and a great deal of birthday and impromptu parties. As we recharge in anticipation of the new season, we just want you to know that we are eternally grateful for all of you!

We look forward to all of our returning and new friends!

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Sep 6, 2019

Six Reasons the RipJack Inn is a Perfect Place to Host Your Next Yoga Retreat

Costa Rica is a country with an extraordinary spirit. The energy that exudes from the forests, the mountains, the volcanoes, the beaches, the ocean, the rivers, the fauna, and the people is vibrant, enlivening, grounding, and contagious. It is no wonder Costa Rica has long been a highly sought-after destination for yoga retreats. For this reason and many more, the RipJack Inn in Playa Grande is an amazing venue to host your next yoga retreat.

As a yoga instructor looking to bring a group down to Costa Rica, there are key characteristics that you are likely looking for in a retreat venue. The RipJack Inn has quite a lot to offer you!

Location

The RipJack Inn is harmoniously positioned just a hop, skip, and jump away from the beach. One of the main beach access paths is directly across the narrow street in front of the RipJack Inn restaurant. This is about as close as you can get to the beach without renting one of the few private beachfront houses in Playa Grande. The RipJack Inn is also walking distance to several restaurants, a surf shop, and a small store.

Accommodation Options

There are multiple accommodation options available for different budgets and group sizes. Rooms range from cozy single rooms to spacious suites. There are twenty-one rooms and all of them can accommodate more than one person.

Two Pools

What’s better than one pool? Two! Both pools receive direct sunlight so you can rest assured that a dip post-yoga or beach walk will be just the right inviting temperature. Also, because there are two pools, there is always plenty of space in each.

Two Yoga Studios

The main yoga shala is a detached, thatched-roof, wood-floor, glass-enclosed, and air-conditioned space. This beautiful shala is a wonderful place to practice. It is conveniently located in the middle of the hotel, so getting to class only takes a few steps from any of the rooms. The second yoga space is located on the top floor of the poolside suites building. This vast space is ideal for large groups. Both shalas have plenty of mats and props available and can be exclusively booked for your group.

On-Site Restaurant and Bar

The Upstairs restaurant is tucked into the treetops. This open-air restaurant and bar can hold a sizable yoga retreat group as well as other hotel guests and locals without feeling crowded. Our menu is deliciously diverse and has items to accommodate any dietary restriction. There are also plenty of super healthy options, and most of our plates are crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Experienced Hosts

Our staff has helped orchestrate dozens of yoga retreats and are highly experienced hosts. We can help you completely customize your yoga retreat and work with you ahead of time to plan your class times, tours, surf lessons, additional activities, meals, massages, and transportation for your group. If your dream is to host a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, we can easily help you make that a reality!

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Aug 26, 2019

8 Useful Apps to Download for Your Trip to Costa Rica

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? There’s an app for that! Well, actually, there are a lot of apps that are useful to have downloaded before your trip to Costa Rica. If your cell phone provider doesn’t offer a reasonable international plan, you can easily buy a SIM card and purchase data to use on your unlocked cell phone when you arrive in Costa Rica. While we strongly recommend embracing a bit of a digital detox while you are here, having access to the internet when you are out of Wi-Fi range can be very helpful in numerous scenarios.

Navigation App

Driving around Costa Rica can definitely be a bit of an adjustment if you have never driven here. There are no addresses in the traditional sense of numbers and street names; directions are instead given using landmarks and meters. To make getting from one place to another a bit more easy-breezy, you should use a navigation app. Both Google Maps and Waze work great in Costa Rica.

Translation App

While many Costa Ricans, especially those working in the tourism industry speak English, there might be instances when communicating in Spanish is the only viable option. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can utilize a translation app to help you bridge the language gap. Google Translate is an easy-to-use and relatively effective translation tool when you are stuck in a bind.

Surf Report App

The consistent and diverse surf scene is what draws thousands of visitors a year to the duel coastlines of Costa Rica. Knowing the tide, swell, and wind report is helpful if you are planning on scoring some surf on your trip. Magic Seaweed is the best surf report app to use while you are here. There are 65 surf breaks in Costa Rica on Magic Seaweed.

Communication App

WhatsApp is a widely-used communication app in Costa Rica. This is a great app to use if you need to communicate while you are here with tour operators, private drivers, Airbnb hosts, and new friends.

Currency Exchange App

The exchange rate is constantly changing. At one point, the exchange rate stayed around 500 colones to USD 1, which made it very easy to work out conversions in your head. Lately, that hasn’t been the case though. EX Currency app makes converting dollars to colones and vice versa a no-brainer.

Weather App

If you search for the weather report in Costa Rica, you will likely come across a forecast with a high chance of rain and thunderstorms, regardless of the time of the year. Don’t worry, though, it doesn’t rain, thunder, and lightning all day and every day here, even during the rainy reason. While finding a reliable weather forecast is tricky and might not even really exists, the app Windy is as close as you are likely going to get.

Birding App

Did you know that there are over 900 species of birds in Costa Rica? That’s more than in all of North America! The Costa Rica Birds app is a fantastic digital birding field guide. The free version of this app has 360 of the most commonly encountered bird species in Costa Rica. You will find range maps, recorded vocalizations, photos, and descriptions. You can also keep track of the birds you’ve seen and include personal notes using this handy app.

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Aug 17, 2019

Myth vs Reality: What Rainy Season in Playa Grande is Really Like

The majority of visitors who come to Playa Grande and the surrounding areas tend to come between December and April. These months are well-known for their cloudless sunny days and dry winds. It rarely rains during this time of the year and nearly every day is a picture-perfect beach day. While these are the most sought-after months to come to Costa Rica, you should not overlook the rainy season.

Downsides of the high season:

1. More people

2. More expensive (flights and accommodations)

3. Hotter day time temperatures

4. Colder water

5. Very windy (especially in January and February)

Myth 1: It rains all the time

The first rain usually happens around the end of April and the green season typically spans until the end of October. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rainy season is totally rainy! It is not uncommon for days or weeks to go by where there is little to no rainfall between May and November. Sometimes big storms roll through though, which are actually quite spectacular to watch and also provide an excellent excuse to take a nap or read a book.

But, for the most part, during this time of the year, it doesn’t rain all day and every day; especially in Guanacaste, which is the driest province in Costa Rica.

The months of May, June, July, and August are actually my favorite months to be in Costa Rica!

Myth 2: Driving requires a 4×4 vehicle

The roads in and around Playa Grande are good, even during the rainy season. Other remote areas of Costa Rica might require a 4×4 car and can be quite treacherous to navigate during a very rainy bout; but, you don’t have to worry about that in this zone!

Myth 3: Everything is closed

Pretty much everything is open during the rainy season. Some businesses, especially in smaller towns, might close for September and October, but from May to August, you can expect everything that is open during the high season to be ready for your business during the green season. Restaurants, tours, attractions, hotels, and beaches are often less busy during these months compared to the peak season months.

Myth 4: Activities are limited

Unless you are the Wicked Witch of the West, you aren’t going to melt in the rain! The only time activities and tours are delayed or canceled is when there is lightning, which surprisingly doesn’t happen as often as you might think.

Activities like surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, zip-lining, horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, and yoga all continue to take place rain or shine. As long as you bring a lightweight rain jacket, a dry bag, shoes with good traction, and a winning attitude, a little rain won’t put a damper on your fun!

Myth 5: It’s not as pretty

In my personal opinion, the green season is the most beautiful season in Costa Rica. It is during this time of the year that you will witness every imaginable shade of green. Life really abounds during the rainy season. Plus, the rainy season is also the rainbow season, and the sunsets are utterly breathtaking.

Don’t let the misconception that the rainy season in Costa Rica is nothing but rain because that is far from reality.

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Aug 6, 2019

Embrace a Moving Meditation While in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

As we shared in our last post, “Don’t Hesitate, Meditate,” there are incredible inherent benefits that accompany a meditation practice. To review, this includes a reduction in stress and anxiety, improved quality and depth of sleep, a strengthened immune system, a clearer and more focused mind, a boost in creativity and productivity, an enhanced state of self-awareness, and an overall increased sense of peace and calmness.

However, for some and maybe many, sitting in stillness and with a free mind can be a great challenge. Meditation doesn’t come easy to everyone, and that is perfectly fine. We are all a work in progress! For most, developing a meditation practice takes time and dedication; but, don’t all the best things in life?

It is important to remember, though that we are all unique individuals and what works for one person might not work for another. Maybe you are more of a mover than a sitter? I know I am! There are all different types of meditations, and a moving meditation might be what you have long been seeking.

Playa Grande is an amazing place to start or continue your moving meditation journey! Between the miles of nearly empty beach, the warm sea, the salty ocean air, the verdant beach trees, and coastal creatures, the setting couldn’t be any more perfect for quieting that active mind of yours. You might find your moving meditation to take place while you are walking, running, swimming, surfing, or practicing yoga. The idea is the same regardless of what movement you choose to do.

A moving meditation is dependent on focusing on the movement and not on your thoughts. The same way you focus on your breath when you are meditating in stillness, focusing on your deliberate movements will help you still your mind.

Sunrise is a particularly beautiful time to head down to the beach for a moving meditation while you are in Playa Grande. The sun rises very early here, the beach is usually quite empty, and the temperature is rather pleasant. It is also lovely to start your day in such a positive way. You can even start your morning and meditation by setting an intention or creating a mantra.

Your meditation, whether still or moving, is entirely yours and yours to create in the way that best suits you. Play with the process and enjoy the journey.

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Jul 24, 2019

Don’t Hestitate, Meditate! 17 Reasons to Start Today

The practice of meditation is one that has been used for thousands of years by mankind. In fact, there have been archaeological findings that suggest the hunter-gathers and early shamans were the first to practice a form of meditation. Thousands of years ago, it was the Buddha who inspired others who sit in mindful awareness. There are so many different forms of meditation though that it is hard to pinpoint where and who exactly discovered this highly beneficial practice.

But, that’s really beside the point! Meditation has gained significant popularity in modern times among a diverse population of practitioners. As more studies are being conducted and more scientific evidence is proving how powerful meditation is, more people are beginning to incorporate meditation into their daily lives.

The beauty of meditation is that you can meditation for as long or as little as you would like, you can do it anywhere, and you can even do it while on the move. Your meditation practice can be as unique as you are. Developing your own practice might seem a bit daunting if you have never meditated before, but fortunately there is a wealth of classes, apps, videos, podcasts, and recordings to help you find your mindful mind.

The options for where and how you meditate are truly endless. You might be most comfortable sitting, laying down, walking, or flowing through a yoga practice. You might prefer to meditate in a group setting or alone, inside or outside, by guidance, or just by letting yourself be your own guide. The benefits are nonetheless substantial!

Meditation has been scientifically proven to:

Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression

Enhance Self-Awareness

Promote better sleep at night and more energy during the day

Boost memory, concentration, and creativity

Improve tolerance, compassion, and kindness

Support a healthy heart and immune system

Bring a sense of peace, calmness, and balance into your daily life

Here are a few apps to help you get started:

There is no time like the present to start a mindful meditation practice. And, Playa Grande is a perfect place to begin.

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Jul 24, 2019

Experience One of the Greatest Natural Phenomenon During the Green Season in Costa Rica

While the coastal region of Playa Grande is part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is supposed to be a prime leatherback sea turtle beach, it is very rare that you will actually see any turtles here. Unfortunately, due to offshore longline and net fishing and other negative human impacts, the sea turtles of Playa Grande are nearly non-existent. Measures are being taken to protect the sea turtles if and when they do come ashore to nest, but it is nearly impossible to eliminate the threat they face far offshore and out of the national park’s jurisdiction.

Leatherback sea turtles, the largest of all of the species of sea turtles, are also the most endangered. Costa Rica is home to several other species though, including the most common Olive Ridley sea turtle. During the rainy season months, this sizable species of sea turtle returns to one of two beaches in Guanacaste in massive numbers. The mass arrival of sea turtles is called an arribada.

The most accessible location to witness this incredible phenomenon is on Playa Ostional just to the south before Nosara. Between July and November, once and sometimes twice a month, thousands of mama Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore between dus and dawn to lay their eggs. The arribadas are coordinated around the new moon when the nights are the darkest and the tides are the smallest.

Ostional is a protected wildlife refuge and it is illegal to be on the beach there during an arribada without a certified guide. However, it is easy to find one once you arrive there or you can make a reservation prior to driving down. You can also have the RipJack Inn concierge set up a tour and transportation for you if you don’t want to drive yourself there, which can be a bit daunting if you aren’t used to driving at night in Costa Rica.

I recommend arriving right before the first break of day, which is usually around 5AM. Night tours are more popular but having the daylight on your side makes the experience even more magical. Seeing thousands of sea turtles crawling up the beach, digging their nests, laying their eggs, and heading back out to sea is an experience unmatched by any other. The turtles that come ashore in Ostional to lay their eggs where once born there themselves.

You can stay up-to-date with the arribadas through the Association of Local Guides in Ostional by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GUIASAGLO/

If the timing works out and you are here near a new moon between July and November, don’t miss out on an arribada!

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May 14, 2019

Lightweight Gear Guide for a Green Season Trip to Costa Rica

Green Season in Costa Rica begins in May. With the arrival of this rejuvenating season comes afternoon showers, brilliant rainbows, psychedelic sunsets, and a complete revival of the native plant and animal life. A little rain and humidity won’t put a damper on the amazing activities you can enjoy while you are visiting Costa Rica as long as you come prepared with the proper tropical winter (May through November is considered winter in Costa Rica) gear.

What’s great about the recommended products below is that they are all very lightweight and compact, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down your luggage. If you are going to invest in travel and adventure gear, you are better off paying a little more for a product that is durable and long-lasting, opposed to contributing to the global waste problem of “fast fashion” and cheap throw-away stuff. Don’t worry though; this gear guide contains affordable and resilient gear that will last you for many trips to come to the tropics.

playa-grande-beachfront-hotel-surf-yoga-summer-costa-rica — Thirst quenching rain

Rain jacket

A rain jacket is the perfect multi-purpose piece of clothing that you will be happy to have in Costa Rica, regardless of the season. You will want to bring one that is lightweight though, as it is warm in Costa Rica year round. A rain jacket that can be compressed and folded up is key if you want to pack lightly and keep your day pack small, as well. A good rain jacket will not only keep you dry during those tropical downpours, but it can also protect your skin from the sun and insects, as well as keeping you comfortable when it is windy.

Patagonia Storm Racer or Torrentshell

Columbia Watertight Jacket

Adventure shoes

what-to-pack-costa-rica-rainy-season-playa-grande — It’s all about traction!

If you own the right pair of adventure shoes, you can eliminate the need to bring multiple pairs of shoes for different purposes on your trip to Costa Rica. You want to make sure you bring a shoe that is made with quick-drying material, is cushioned and comfortable, and has good traction.

TropicFeel

Vivobarefoot Ultra

Quick-dry towel

Regular beach towels are bulky and if it’s particularly humid and rainy they might take more than a whole day to dry. Every traveler should own a microfiber towel. These amazing compact towels are super absorbent and fast drying. They can be used as a beach towel, shower towel, sarong, or even a sun and windbreaker.

ECOdept MicroFiber Travel Towel

SYOURSELF MicroFiber Beach Bath Towel

Water-Resistant day pack

beachfront-hotel-playa-grande-costa-rica-yoga-surf-family — Green season magic

When you set out on one of your many adventures while exploring Costa Rica, you will likely want to have a few things handy for your outing. Perhaps you want to bring a camera, phone, dry change of clothes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and water. A dry-proof, water-resistant, or waterproof day pack is key to keeping all your stuff dry and easily accessible. These two-day packs, in particular, fold down into an easy to pack little pouch.

Outlander Ultralight Water-Resistant Packable Backpack

ELCM Foldable and Packable Waterproof Backpack

Waterproof phone case

While it’s highly recommended that you take a little digital detox while you are in Costa Rica, having your phone with you to take photographs is a good idea. You will want to make sure that you have a protective case for your phone to avoid any damage to your device.

Lifeproof Waterproof Case

JOTO Universal Waterproof Case

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