When one of the foremost travel magazines decides to shine a spotlight on a particular destination, the world tends to listen up. And this year, it’s Guanacaste’s turn to step up and be noticed.
Named one of the top luxury destinations for 2026 by Forbes, this laid-back region on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has officially joined the ranks of places where discerning travelers go to reconnect with nature, with community, and, even more importantly, with themselves.
Forbes’ list of amazing global destinations includes only six places. Just six! The others were Nikko in Japan, Versailles in France, Marrakech in Morocco, Antarctica, and Montenegro, all places known for history, elegance, culture, or raw natural beauty. To see Guanacaste included says a lot about where the region is heading and confirms what travelers already feel the moment they land in Costa Rica.
What is telling is that Forbes did not choose its destinations based on over-the-top extravagance. According to the travel advisor quoted in the article, the selection looked for destinations where culture and natural sights shape the experience more than flashy luxury.
That is exactly the kind of travel Costa Rica does best.
GUANACASTE: THE NEW FACE OF LUXURY TRAVEL
What Forbes highlights is something we see every day. Modern luxury travelers are moving away from showy, over-the-top experiences and choosing luxury destinations that feel personal, relaxed, and meaningful. Comfort still matters, of course, but so does the sense of connection that comes from being in a place that feels authentic and not set up to “impress” tourists.
Guanacaste fits that shift beautifully. Head to Tamarindo and you get world-class beaches, warm weather all year, calm waters for families, and surf breaks for those who want a little adrenaline. You also get volcanoes, dry forest trails, wildlife spotting, and a coastline that feels endless. And the best part is how easy it is to get here, with international flights landing right in Liberia. Travel Curator agreed, calling it “a place to go for the monkeys, stay for the ocean views.”
What people love most, though, is the pace of life down here. Guanacaste feels inviting without ever feeling overcrowded. Even popular towns like Tamarindo manage to keep their easygoing charm. You can walk from a busy café to a super quiet stretch of sand in a matter of minutes, never losing that sense of space that makes a holiday feel like a holiday. And when you stay in private Costa Rica villas on the beach, like The Point Luxury Villa you get a corner of this paradise all to yourself.
TAMARINDO: THE HOME OF BAREFOOT LUXURY
There’s a very good reason Forbes made a specific mention of Tamarindo, the hub of Costa Rica’s barefoot luxury. It wasn’t too long ago that this sleepy surf town was known to just a handful of foreigners. Nowadays, it has grown into a cosmopolitan hub, the kind where high-end travelers rub shoulders with backpacking surfers at the beach to watch the extraordinary sunset every day. The surf culture is strong, but so is the food scene, wellness options and the easy access to some of the country’s best natural experiences.
The beauty of Tamarindo is that you can choose your own version of luxury, be it a gourmet seafood dinner in the privacy of your oceanfront private villa, or a fish taco at the local night market. You can take a private yoga class in the morning, learn to surf in the afternoon, or head off on a private guided tour to spot sea turtles nesting on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY? PRIVATE VILLAS MEAN HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LUXURY
One theme running through both the Forbes and Travel Curator articles is the growing preference for private stays. Villas offer something hotels struggle with in busy destinations. Privacy, quiet, and the ability to shape your days exactly as you want.
The Point Luxury Villa sits at the very tip of Tamarindo. Two beaches meet just below the garden, and the views stretch across the Pacific in both directions. People tend to pause when they first arrive, because it really is a rare location even by Costa Rican standards.
Inside, the villa offers the ease most guests hope for when they choose private accommodation. A private Chef who prepares meals based on your preferences. Daily housekeeping that keeps the space feeling fresh. A VIP Concierge team who arranges everything from surf lessons and catamaran cruises to yoga, spa treatments, and private drivers.
“The Point’s ocean views are mesmerizing and its design blends privacy with natural beauty.” – Forbes Magazine
WHAT MAKES THE POINT STAND OUT
The villa accommodates up to seventeen guests, which makes it ideal for extended families, wedding groups, honeymooning couples who travel together, or friends celebrating something special. It feels social and private at the same time.
Guests often say the same thing at check out: they expected a beautiful property but what they did not expect was the feeling of being genuinely looked after. That human touch is what defines luxury now, and it is something The Point has been doing long before Forbes published their list.
WHY GUANACASTE DESERVES ITS POT ON FORBES’ 2026 LIST
It is not often that destinations with this much natural charm also feel this easy to navigate. Guanacaste manages to blend accessibility, comfort, adventure, and culture in a way that appeals to travelers who want high-end experiences without unnecessary formality.
You can chase adventure one day, completely unwind the next, and eat some of the freshest seafood you will ever taste. You can surf, snorkel, sail, ride horses, hike volcanoes, or simply spend the day in your villa without ever feeling like you are missing out.
That balance is what earned Guanacaste a place alongside the likes of Nikko and Versailles. And it is why so many travelers are planning ahead for 2026 and beyond.
If you want to understand why Guanacaste belongs on the global list of luxury destinations, the best way is to stay somewhere that reflects the region’s spirit. For many travelers, that place is The Point.
Our team would love to help you plan your stay. Contact our Concierge today to check availability and begin crafting your own luxury Costa Rican experience.
