Travel Tips
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, we’ve compiled essential tips to help you make the most of your trip. From packing suggestions and local customs to must-see attractions and hidden gems, our expert advice ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. Discover the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that make Costa Rica a top travel destination. Let us help you create unforgettable memories at our beautiful retreat in Samara!
Eating and Drinking in Sámara
We have some great restaurants in Sámara. We also have a natural foods store and a farmers market on Saturday mornings. You can also pre-order your organic veggies and herbs through the web if you want to be assured of getting specific things.
Water
The water is safe to drink throughout Costa Rica.
Fish
We can help you connect to a few fishermen who come by on their bikes to sell fish and shrimp. There is a fishmonger that sells fish each Thursday in the center of town and a fish market that you can walk to down the beach about 20 minutes away.
Tipping
10% tips are appreciated at restaurants and bars.
Sámara Packing List
Clothes and Shoes
- flip flops
- another pair of sandals that you can walk in
- 2 swim suits
- light and airy t-shirts / tank-tops
- light weight shorts or skirts
- easy sun dresses for the ladies
Other Necessities
- sunglasses
- hat
- insulated water bottle (cold water all day long is a luxury you will deeply appreciate)
- swimming goggles for kids
- a waterproof bag / drybag to keep your book and such dry when you’re on adventures
- a beach bag to take your book and such to the beach.
- a small LED flashlight for walking around town after dark or doing a night tour in Monteverde / Arenal
- a sarong to use as an airplane blanket and then as your beach towel when you get here.
- bug spray (we use OFF sensitive or family)
- sunscreen
- camera (a waterproof camera is awesome!)
- binoculars
- phone with GPS if you'll drive
- long sleeve rash guard or other Sun protection shirt to wear at the beach
- backpack
- copy of passport in wallet
- water resistant case for phone
Other Fun Things
if your trip is longer or you’ll be traveling around Costa Rica quite a bit, you'll need:
- running shoes or low hikers that you could wear if you go to Monteverde.or hike in Arenal
- we only wear long sleeves & pants on the plane and in Monteverde / Arenal (have your flip flops, shorts and tank top ready in your carry-on or top of your checked bag to change at the airport.)
- snorkel & mask or googles for your kids if you have ones that fit you well
- travel hammock to take to the beach
- peanut butter - It is hard to find pb down here, even Jiff is expensive and comes in a small container.
- A light rain jacket for cool nights and rain in Monteverde / Arenal
- This great map of Costa Rica from Amazon
- These guides to butterflies, birds, frogs etc.
Things You Can Get Here:
- aloe - straight from the plant
- coffee (but not decaf)
- sarongs: Every tourist shop sells them
- great fresh fruit & veggies
- ceviche and seafood
Other Helpful Tips:
Travel light - Pack less clothing and have the lavandería in town wash, dry, fold and deliver your clean clothes to your Villa.
Protect Your Possessions at the Beach By:
- Bringing only a few things, avoid bringing electronics or money.
- Bringing a water shirt with a zipper pocket for your credit card and a bit of cash so you can keep it on you while you play in the water.
- Renting a locker at the beach from Tico Surf so that you can play without worry.
Apps and Tech Hacks to Make Your Vacation Easier
- Whatsapp – a great app for phone and text communication with people in CR & at home.
- Waze – a great app for navigation that allows you to use your phone’s GPS without data. It can really ease navigation if you plan to drive.
- Passport & Driver’s License Copy - Keep a scan of all traveler’s passports saved to Dropbox or other cloud based storage system that you can access from your phone.
FAQs
Q: Any safety concerns with young children at Villas Espavel?
A: Casa Espavel was constructed in 2016 children in mind. It was built with the feeling of sleeping at the treetops, of removing barriers between inside and out and because of the stunning riverside jungle location. To that end there's no barrier between the kitchen and the pool or the river bank deck a few steps off the porch. There a child gates installed at the stairs, and other units throughout the property also have child gates in place.
Q: What are the best villas for children?
A: Villa Jardin is all one level and has two separate bedrooms which make it pretty great for young kids. It is right in front of the pool but we have a baby gate we can put up for you if you let us know you'll need it.
A: Villa Rio, Mar and Selva are great for older kids - they all have open railings so may not be appropriate for toddling kids who are into pushing their limits! Villa Rio has has two sleeping areas, 1 with two beds upstairs and one with a door and a queen bed downstairs. You can sleep lots of kids upstairs and still have privacy and quiet for parents below.
Villa Mar has 3 beds upstairs and a bath and pull out couch below.
Villa Selva is a true 1 bedroom with a small sleeper sofa in the living room. It works well for a couple and a baby or with a child old enough to navigate stairs and open railings.
