Planning Your Perfect School Break Getaway

Make the Most of School Holidays with a Family Escape by the Ocean

When school holidays roll around, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together as a family. Whether it’s the sparkle of Christmas break or the first moments of sunshine during spring break, these moments are short and precious. Finding a destination that lets everyone unwind, explore, and enjoy together makes all the difference.

At Las Catalinas, you’ll find a place designed for families: walkable, welcoming, surrounded by nature, and full of opportunities to learn, play, and rest. And with Las Catalinas Doorway, planning your stay becomes effortless. Our team helps you find the perfect home base, craft the right balance of adventure and relaxation, and make the most of every day in paradise.

Easy to Reach, Effortless to Settle In

Convenience starts from the moment you plan your trip. Costa Rica is served by direct flights from most major cities in North America, and the Liberia International Airport is just about 45 minutes away from town. Las Catalinas Doorway can arrange private transportation for your group, whether you’re arriving from Liberia or San José, so the journey from airport to ocean feels effortless.

As you plan your trip, you’ll discover a range of places to stay in Las Catalinas that fit every family’s needs. From spacious ocean-view villas with private pools to cozy flats and boutique hotels, there’s something for every style and size of group. The beauty of vacation rentals in Costa Rica is the freedom they offer: space to spread out, kitchens for family breakfasts, and comfortable living areas to come together at the end of the day. Staying at Santarena Hotel will give you all the comfort and amenities of a hotel, with stunning rooftop views, gorgeous design elements, and still, only steps to the sand of Playa Danta.

Hungry? There’s no shortage of options. In town, you’ll find a delicious mix of restaurants, from casual beachfront bites to elegant dining, all within walking distance. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. If you’d rather keep mealtimes easy, Las Catalinas Doorway can connect you with a Housemom, prepare a beach picnic basket, or coordinate a private chef, so you can relax while someone else handles the shopping and cooking.

Adventures and Activities for All Ages

One of the best things about staying in Las Catalinas is how much there is to do right outside your door. The town was designed for walking and exploring, with trails, beaches, and activities all within easy reach.

You’ll have access to two beautiful beaches; Playa Danta and Playa Dantita, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply building sandcastles as the sun sets. If anyone in the family wants to try surfing, you can book surf lessons for all ages with expert instructors Surrounding town, you’ll find over 40 kilometers of tropical dry forest trails for hiking and mountain biking. They’re scenic, safe, and ideal for kids and adults alike to experience the beauty of Guanacaste’s landscapes.

For a bit of friendly competition, there are tennis and pickleball courts, plus a soccer field where families often gather for impromptu games. And for a uniquely Costa Rican experience, visit the on-site farm, where you can meet baby animals, go horseback riding, and learn how town’s cyclical compost program helps create a more sustainable community. These kinds of hands-on experiences spark curiosity and connection, turning family fun into something educational, too.

A Safe Haven for Kids

Las Catalinas is famously car-free, the first beach community of its kind in Costa Rica, which is one of its greatest gifts for families. Kids can run, play, and roam safely without the worry of traffic. You’ll see little ones laughing in the plazas, playing tag in the shade, and joining in spontaneous games with other visiting families.

For parents, that means true relaxation, the rare kind that comes from knowing everyone’s safe and content. You can linger over lunch in the plaza while the kids play nearby, or sip a coffee at a café while older children explore the winding streets, discovering art, nature, and hidden corners of town on their own. It’s the kind of freedom that feels almost nostalgic, as if it’s a return to simpler days, where adventure was just around the corner.

Las Catalinas: The Gateway to Guanacaste

While Las Catalinas has everything you need for a fulfilling stay, it’s also perfectly located for day trips around the region to check off all the boxes for your Costa Rican trip. Families love setting out on short adventures, a surf lesson in nearby Playa Grande, a waterfall and sloth sighting day, a volcano tour, or an afternoon exploring Guanacaste’s neighboring beach towns.

With Las Catalinas Doorway’s concierge team, arranging these experiences is easy. Our local experts help you choose excursions that fit your family’s ages and interests, like full adrenaline experiences like zipline adventures to gentle nature walks and cultural moments. We believe it’s the best of both worlds, peaceful days in town, and the excitement of Costa Rica’s wild beauty within easy reach.

Rest and Recharge for Parents

A great family vacation includes space for everyone, and that includes you. Once the kids are off on their adventures, treat yourself to a moment of peace. Consider hiring a trusted childcare provider like Elif, and then slip away for some well-deserved rest.

The Center of Joy, located just steps from Santarena Hotel, offers yoga, massages, and spa treatments designed to help you reset and rejuvenate, with special wellness packages exclusively for those who book with Las Catalinas Doorway. Or, head to Celeste, a beachfront restaurant where the sound of the waves pairs beautifully with a glass of wine and a sunset view.

Because everything in town is so close and walkable, families can easily go at their own pace. Splitting up for an hour or two, then meeting back up for lunch or dinner in the plaza is simple. This flexibility makes it easy for grandparents or extended family members to join the fun, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

A Time to Be Together

Those escaping the cold for Christmas break or soaking up sunshine during spring break should consider that this is one of the best times to experience Guanacaste. The weather is spectacular, the ocean warm, and the rhythm of life in Las Catalinas feels perfectly balanced between adventure and relaxation.

Every moment here feels designed to bring families close. Enjoy morning swims, sunset walks, laughter over shared meals, and the quiet joy of knowing you’re fully present, together. Let Las Catalinas Doorway help you plan a stay that fits your family perfectly, one that’s healthy, joyful, and full of discovery.

Plan My Family Getaway