Kids enjoying a beautiful sunset in Santa Teresa Beach.

Things to do in Santa Teresa with kids (or without)

Santa Teresa is a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a hippy soul and a whole lot of style. The dusty main road might not look like much at first glance, but it’s lined with hip cafés, boutiques, and surf shops. Plus, once you turn toward the beach, it’s a different world. Palm-lined … Read more

Kids at Goupillieres in Loire Valley.

10 gorgeous things to do in the Loire Valley with kids

The Loire Valley isn’t just a place for grown-up, fancy wine holidays – it’s also brilliant for kids. For us it was one of those holy grail family vacations that we and kids enjoyed in equal measure. From visiting family-friendly chateaux where the furniture is made of LEGO, to cycling along the river and sleeping … Read more

Kids walking in Mistico Park.

Things to do in La Fortuna with kids

La Fortuna was one of the most highly anticipated destinations on our Costa Rica road trip. Steve had been there 20 years previously when the volcano was still spewing lava. He has a fabulous memory of sitting in the hot springs, sipping cocktails and watching while the volcano lit up the sky.  The volcano is … Read more

Boys on Manuel Antonio Beach.

Things to do in Manuel Antonio (with kids or without)

Is visiting Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park worth it with kids? I read a lot of people complaining about how busy this Costa Rican national park is – so much so that I questioned if it was worth visiting at all. But amid the complaints, there were many more people marvelling at its beauty … Read more

Pool bar at Hideaway Rio Celeste.

Special Stay: Hideaway Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

Hideaway Rio Celeste was our first stay in Costa Rica, and one of the most luxurious of trip – it almost felt a bit ‘White Lotus’, albeit more down-to-earth. This special stay is ideal if you’d like a slice of luxury, but also want something that feels more authentic than the big brand resorts. Plus, … Read more

Special Stay: Monteverde Lodge, Costa Rica

Monteverde Lodge was one of those places that quietly crept onto my list of favourites. At first glance, it’s elegant and polished – part of the Boena collection of eco-luxury lodges – so I wondered if it might feel a bit too hotel-y for my taste. But once we arrived, I was completely won over. … Read more

Isla Chiquita swimming pool.

Special Stay: Isla Chiquita, Costa Rica

Isla Chiquita is exactly the type of stay we adore – luxurious yet down-to-earth, immersed in nature, and beautifully tailored for both kids and adults. Nestled on its own island just off the Nicoya Peninsula, this glamping resort was a case of love at first sight, making it one of our standout experiences in Costa … Read more

Special Stay: Domo Hotel Boutique, Nosara

Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer to Nosara’s hotel scene, beautifully transforming an older, landmark property into a stunning, Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. From the moment we stepped in, we were struck by its meticulous design and sophisticated charm. Though it could easily pass as an adults-only retreat, our kids were warmly welcomed, and the … Read more

La Fortuna.

Travel Itinerary: Costa Rica in 7, 14 or 21 days

Costa Rica has long been on our family travel bucket list. The promise of sloths, jungle adventures, volcanoes, and surfing beaches sounded like a dream – especially for our nature-loving boys. But what really drew me in was Costa Rica’s concept of pura vida (pure life), an ethos that encapsulates a philosophy of optimism, appreciation, … Read more

Relaxing at Blue Surf Sanctuary Santa Teresa

Special Stay: Blue Surf Sanctuary, Santa Teresa

Remember how much we loved our family surf retreat in France? Well, we found the perfect equivalent in Costa Rica. Our stay at Blue Surf Sanctuary has gone down in family history as one of the best and most relaxing trips we’ve ever been on. It’s thanks to its perfect blend of laid-back community vibes, an … Read more