Tucked along Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Coast, where tropical dry forest meets the Pacific, Las Catalinas feels less like a resort and more like a town that was always meant to be here. Founded by Charles Brewer in 2006, this car-free community was built on the principles of New Urbanism, a design philosophy that trades sprawl and traffic for walkable streets, shared plazas, and a genuine sense of place. There are no cars to dodge, and no highways to cross to reach the sand. Rather, cobblestone paths wind between whitewashed buildings, leading residents and visitors alike toward the beach, the trails, and each other.
“By eliminating cars and prioritizing pedestrian streets, plazas, beaches, and shared spaces, Las Catalinas has attracted a community of residents and travelers seeking a slower, more connected lifestyle centered around wellness, nature, and meaningful interaction,” Renae Johnson, Residential Sales Director, said. “Daily routines naturally become more social — morning walks turn into conversations with neighbors, outdoor activities replace screen time, and gathering spaces encourage a stronger sense of belonging. The town has become a destination for those looking to embrace a more intentional way of living, where health, community, and the outdoors are not amenities, but an integral part of everyday life.”
One thing that sets Las Catalinas apart is its architecture. The town was designed with a timeless quality that extends to how it functions day to day. Between the ocean-view restaurants, boutique shops, and wellness studios, nearly everything is within an easy walking distance of two standout hotels, Casa Chameleon and Santarena, both recognized for their design and hospitality. Whether staying for a weekend or settling into one of the homes and flats available through Las Catalinas Doorway, the town offers the same invitation: slow down, move on foot, and live a little closer to the people and landscape around you.
That same spirit of intentional living carries over into the town’s food scene, which stretches far beyond what you’d expect from a beach town this size. Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dining sits alongside authentic Costa Rican cuisine, Nikkei Japanese-Peruvian dishes, Spanish specialties, sushi, and ramen, giving visitors a reason to stay put for days without ever repeating a meal. Ponciana and Sentido Norte lead with cooking built on local ingredients, while Nature’s Table keeps things light and wellness-focused. For something simpler, the town’s cafe serves fresh Costa Rican coffee alongside artisan-baked goods, and Coquelicot has become a local favorite for its Belgian waffles and ice cream made with whatever is in season on nearby farms. It’s a culinary identity that mirrors the town itself, rooted in place but still open to the world.
“Whether dining oceanside on Playa Danta or gathering in the vibrant town center, Las Catalinas celebrates local ingredients, global flavors, and its laid-back coastal lifestyle,” Renae said.
Life in Las Catalinas extends well beyond the dining scene, too. A short two minutes from town, Finca La Estancia opens up a different kind of afternoon, with horseback riding, pickleball, and hands-on agricultural experiences that connect visitors to the land itself. For a slower pace, the Center of Joy anchors the community’s wellness scene.
For those who’d rather stay in motion, Pura Vida Ride supplies everything from bikes and paddleboards to kayaks, guided hikes, mountain biking, fishing excursions, and catamaran tours, turning the surrounding coastline and forest into a playground that’s as easy to explore by land as by sea.
In August, XTERRA Costa Rica returned to Las Catalinas for its third consecutive year, taking place August 21-23 and drawing athletes, families, and adventure seekers for a weekend of trail running, mountain biking, swimming, and triathlon events set against the backdrop of Guanacaste’s coastline and tropical dry forest. The event captures the essence of life in Las Catalinas, where participants and spectators alike can move freely between beaches, trails, plazas, and community spaces, all within a walkable setting.
It's fitting that a year defined by movement and community would also be one of milestones. This year also marks Las Catalinas’ 20th anniversary. What began in 2006 as a “town built from scratch” has since grown into a thriving, beautiful community built upon the joy of human connection.
For more information or to plan a trip, check out the Las Catalinas website or follow along on social media.