This Costa Rica family travel story highlights our experience during an All-Inclusive holiday at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort.
From sunbathing with iguanas and enjoying fresh ceviche, to beachside roasted marshmallows under golden sunsets –life’s true joys do come from the simplest pleasures and, this spot at the heart of Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast made it happen for us.
Welcome & Pura Vida¹!
¹ Pura Vida [POO-rah VEE-dhah] is a popular Costa Rican expression that translates literally to ‘pure life.’ However, its meaning goes far beyond the words themselves. It embodies the laid-back, positive, and grateful lifestyle that Costa Ricans, Ticos embrace.
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- What’s on the Menu? All-Inclusive Dining options at JW Marriott Guanacaste.
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What is the best tee time at Hacienda Pinilla golf course?
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Table of Contents
- But first, rest
- Waking up to Swaying Sea Waves
- Nearest Golf Course: Hacienda Pinilla
- What is the Best Tee Time at Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course?
- Pura Vida Sunbathing Mates
- On the lookout for signs of Hope and Good Luck
- Poolside & Beach Fun
- Tico Coffee Shop & Pastry Delicacies
- Infinite Sunsets
- Dining at JW Marriott Guanacaste
- Tropical After Sun Reset & Skincare Rituals
- History & Local Heritage in Every Corner
- Soothing Wind Downs in Tico³ Style
- ‘Hasta luego⁴’ Guanacaste
- How to book a tee time at Hacienda Pinilla Course?
- Basic facts & figures about Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
But first, rest
Traveling as a family that loves active golf days and tropical mornings in the sun means figuring out the necessary sleep arrangements the night before –making sure all family members get the quality rest necessary to wake up fully replenished and recharged.
The JW Marriott Guanacaste made this seamless for us. After watching the sun dip at Mansita Beach and getting back to our room, housekeeping staff arrived at our doorstep with a full bed setup in tow—providing comfy, extra pillows—to ensure our little restless sleeper would be as comfortable as possible.
The room had one King Size bed, so the extra bed fit nicely between the wall and our bed, conveniently doubling as railing for extra safety. This is the first thing mentioned in this article, as our vacation would have definitely not been the same without this important detail.
INSIDER TIP:
Resort offerings can change according to season—always verify what is included in your stay to make the most of your experience.
Waking up to Swaying Sea Waves
Our first morning at the JW Marriott Guanacaste greeted us with the sound of waves and a salt-infused breeze you can only associate with a tropical haven like this.
If you’re staying at one of the resort’s oceanfront rooms you’ll notice you’re mere steps away from the beach —an open invitation to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Nearest Golf Course: Hacienda Pinilla
The closest golf course to the JW Marriott Guanacaste is the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course.
This par-72 course spans across the Hacienda Pinilla development –the same complex where the JW Marriott resort is located.
A short 4-minute drive will take you from the resort’s premises to the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club.
Hacienda Pinilla’s 15th hole might take your breath away completely. As you tee off with its stunning ocean backdrop, don’t be surprised if a deer and its fawn happen to wander across your path— one of those rare, unforgettable golf moments that will make whatever distance you’ve covered feel completely worth it.
What is the Best Tee Time at Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course?
The best tee time at Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course depends on your preference:
Early Morning (6:30AM – 8:30 AM) – The best choice for a faster-paced game (mid-week.) You’ll also have the best chance of spotting wildlife like deer, iguanas, and howler monkeys.
Afternoon & Twilight Golf (2:30PM – 4:00 PM) – A great option for those who enjoy golden-hour golf, with softer light and cooler conditions as the sun starts to set.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club offers discounted rates for Twilight Golf (Tee time after 1PM) and Super Twilight Golf (Tee time after 3PM) so be sure to check out their updated rates directly on their website. Afternoon rounds might be windier depending of the time of the year, but they will also offer some of the most stunning ocean views, especially near sunset.
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Pura Vida Sunbathing Mates
Guanacaste’s rich biodiversity stands out among the happiest discoveries for travelers visiting Costa Rica’s remotely secluded areas –such as Hacienda Pinilla, where JW Marriott Guanacaste is located. During our stay we saw countless varieties of birds, butterflies and tropical flowers.
But perhaps the most fascinating encounters were those with the relaxed iguanas, just casually lounging next to us by the poolside, as if joining our tropical sunbathing session –a true embodiment of the Pura Vida spirit.
On the lookout for signs of Hope and Good Luck
If you consider yourself a believer, and are staying at the JW Marriott Guanacaste or any surrounding areas in Guanacaste, make sure to be on the lookout for “Esperanzas²” Tettigoniidae family –also known as ‘bush crickets’ or Katydids.
Among Guanacaste’s many cultural traditions, the ‘Esperanza²’ stands out as a tiny but powerful symbol of good fortune. Catching a glimpse of this vivid green insect is said to bring good luck.
During our stay we saw a couple of them hanging at our doorstep as we entered or exited our room.
² Esperanza is the Spanish word for ‘hope.’
Poolside & Beach Fun
Fun at a tropical oceanfront resort might mean something slightly different for every family.
If your family is more into walking by the beach and spending hours building sand castles, the JW Marriott Guanacaste is perfect for that, just as it is for spending your whole day by the pool enjoying the ocean sounds, iguana visits and poolside splashes.
Tico Coffee Shop & Pastry Delicacies
The JW Marriott Guanacaste features its own gelato and coffee shop. Our All-Inclusive package treated us to Costa Rican coffee beverages, sweet and salty food items and soft beverages during our entire stay.
INSIDER TIP:
Confirm what’s included in your package at the JW Marriott Guanacaste, so you can plan accordingly.
The warm, friendly staff added an extra layer of sweetness to an already sweet afternoon stop every single time.
Costa Rican coffee bags and souvenirs are not included in All Inclusive packages, but they sure make great gifts to bring back home.
Infinite Sunsets
During Costa Rica’s dry season, Playa Mansita—the tranquil beach right in front of JW Marriott Guanacaste—becomes a prime spot for some picture-worthy and unforgettable sunsets.
We visited in October, during Costa Rica’s rainy or ‘green’ season and were still able to enjoy some beautiful sunsets.
INSIDER TIP:
Costa Rica’s weather patterns can be highly unpredictable, with the dry season usually spanning from December to March or April. However, it could casually deliver you a stunningly clear sunset during August or September. The key to enjoying Costa Rica? Embrace the moment, rain or shine.
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Dining at JW Marriott Guanacaste
The JW Marriott Guanacaste features 4 different restaurants, a pool bar, and a sports bar.
Sabanero Steakhouse –for premium cuts, Tamarine –Asian fusion dining, Sandbar –Artisan beer and signature burgers, Azul –locally inspired seafood, and Pimento– for authentic Italian comfort –All of which were included in our All-Inclusive stay.
A few standout dishes left a lasting impression during our stay at JW Marriott Guanacaste.
Among them, were the freshly-prepared ceviche we got to enjoy oceanfront at Azul, while dinner at Pimento gave us a comforting taste of Italy, with the prosciutto & pecorino antipasto, and a special caponata, thoughtfully prepared by the chef that evening.
Tropical After Sun Reset & Skincare Rituals
A sun-soaked day in Guanacaste’s tropical dry climate might mean your skin will need more than just SPF—it will need a deep hydration boost.
This area’s dry tropics may cause your skin to feel a bit more thirsty than usual after full days outdoors, so be sure to pack a rich, deeply hydrating face moisturizer—your skin will thank you after every golden hour!
INSIDER TIP:
Gently tapping a couple of drops of camellia oil before your normal moisturizer might work miracles for your skin while visiting dry tropical areas. Just as a soothing, hydrating lip mask for overnight recovery may feel as an absolute life saver.
History & Local Heritage in Every Corner
If you’re into learning about local history and culture while traveling, the JW Marriott Guanacaste will have something for you in almost every corner.
In many ways, walking its hallways feels like taking a journey through time with its red terrace floors and colonial-style candelabras—as if pulled straight from the pages of a Latin American period novel.
Its walls are covered with photographs of historical landmarks, native pottery pieces and traditional ‘Guanacasteco’ scenery.
Pictured on the right: Casona de Santa Rosa, a historic landmark located at Hacienda Santa Rosa.
It stands as a remembrance site in Costa Rican history, marking the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856. Remains a symbol of Costa Rica’s national pride and resilience.
Soothing Wind Downs in Tico³ Style
After a day filled with tropical explorations, poolside splashes, and endless excitement, settling little travelers down for the night can feel like a challenge.
Following the usual steps of your normal sleep routine at home can help your little explorers get in the mindset for rest —even during an exhilarating tropical vacation.
³ Tico Costa Ricans proudly call themselves ‘Ticos,’ a beloved slang term unique to the country.
My Blue Mariposa is one of our bedtime favorites, a beautifully-illustrated children’s book, perfect for learning Spanish at the same time you learn about Costa Rica’s most fascinating natural species.
This book was written by author Jodie Marie Fisher as her tribute to Costa Rica, a country she fell in love with at first sight during a college exchange experience.
The Bilingual Children’s Book: My Blue Mariposa features 57 varieties of plants, ten different species of butterflies, and 15 varieties of insects and animals —all carefully hand-drawn, and colored with a pencil technique by Costa Rican artist Ruth Angulo of Casa Garabato.
If your family wants to learn about Costa Rica’s natural wonders while practicing your Spanish reading and listening skills, this book is a must-have.
‘Hasta luego⁴’ Guanacaste
Our family holiday at the JW Marriott Guanacaste was definitely worth the distance. If you’re considering a place to spend 3 or 4 days of your Costa Rican vacation, enjoying high-quality family time, you should definitely consider their All Inclusive package, or similar offerings.
Make sure to check out their social media for updates on available packages throughout the year.
⁴ ‘Hasta luego’ means ‘see you later’ in Spanish. A very common, Costa Rican greeting among locals.
How to book a tee time at Hacienda Pinilla Course?
You can book your tee time at Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course by following any of these steps:
- Using their tee time reservation link here.
- Make sure to check their updated offers and discounted rates for Twilight Golf (after 1PM) and Super Twilight Golf (after 3PM.)
- Alternatively, you can book online through the official Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club website, or verified, third-party booking platforms that feature Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course.
Basic facts & figures about Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
Location: Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
18 holes
Par 72
Designed by: Mike Young
Nearest resort:
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Golf rental available: Yes.
Golf shop available: Yes.
INSIDER TIP:
Consider booking your stay in advance, especially during Costa Rica’s peak seasons (December to April.) Make sure to ask about any special rates or packages, such as twilight golf or seasonal offers during your stay.
‘Tico’ Brands and Small Businesses mentioned in this article:
- Café Britt
- Casa Garabato
- Armando del Vecchio
- Ruth Angulo
- Blue Mariposa Books
- Jodie Marie Fisher
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of options and benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. The information provided in this content should not be construed as any legal or financial advice. Before booking, please contact your licensed travel agent for additional assistance.
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