I’m Alexander Hill, 38, and I booked Jaco Beach after realizing I was spending more time in my office chair than anywhere else. I wanted a place where my biggest responsibility would be choosing between waves, waterfalls, or nightlife. Jaco delivered that in spades. I stayed in a Modern Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment just a short walk from both the water and the busiest part of town.

Four experiences pulled me fully out of “work mode”: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a powerful Waterfall Tour in Bijagual, a fun night at Jaco Blu Beach Club, and a hearty meal at El Novillo Alegre Jaco Restaurant. Surfing had me grinning like a kid, the waterfalls reminded me what true green looks like, Jaco Blu gave me a party atmosphere with a front-row view of the ocean, and El Novillo made sure I went home with steak memories as strong as any adventure.

Mornings quickly became my favorite part of the day. I’d walk along Jaco Beach as the sun warmed the sand, then grab a board for a surf session or book a tour. Taxis and Ubers took me to Playa Hermosa to watch more experienced surfers and to Herradura and the Los Sueños marina to wander around in a different, quieter setting. One day I rode a bus down toward Esterillos and Parrita just to see more coastline and breathe in more ocean air. Every ride felt safe, and drivers were quick to share tips and stories.

The people I met helped me feel like I’d stepped into a slower, kinder world. Surf instructors laughed with me when I wiped out and clapped when I finally held a wave. Waterfall guides talked proudly about the forests around Jaco and how much they love showing them off to visitors. Bartenders, servers, and shop owners seemed genuinely happy to talk, recommend their favorite spots, and make sure I knew how to get anywhere I wanted to go.

At night, the town shifted into a rhythm that felt like a reward for all the activity. I moved between beach bars, casinos, and clubs like Jaco Blu, always surrounded by people who just wanted to have a good time. Music spilled out into the streets, and it felt like every block had its own soundtrack. Walking back to my apartment late felt safe and relaxed; the streets were still active and full of travelers and locals heading home or to one last stop.

By the time I returned to my office chair, I wasn’t just rested—I was recharged. Jaco showed me how easy it can be to trade a screen for a surfboard, a deadline for a waterfall, and a long commute for a short walk to the ocean. This won’t be a one-time escape; it’s going to be my go-to place when I need to remember what life feels like outside of work.