We’re Benjamin Gray (42) and Natalie Ward (40), and we booked Jaco Beach because we realized we hadn’t taken a proper trip together in years. Somewhere between work, kids, and everything else, we stopped prioritizing “us time.” Jaco changed that. We stayed in a comfortable Central Jaco Airbnb Vacation Rental that put us within walking distance of the beach, shops, and nightlife.

Four experiences stand out above everything else: a gorgeous Horseback riding by Sunset along the coastline, a refreshing Waterfall Tour in Bijagual, a perfectly paced dinner at Green Room Restaurant, and a stylish late-night visit to Mynt Lounge Jaco. The horseback ride gave us those quiet “just us” moments, the waterfalls reminded us how small we are in the best way possible, and Mynt gave us an excuse to dress up and feel like we were dating again.

Days in Jaco were a mix of laid-back and adventurous. We walked Jaco Beach in the mornings, watching the waves and the surfers with mountains rising behind town. A taxi ride took us to Playa Hermosa for stronger surf and a quieter atmosphere, and another day trip led us up to Herradura and the Los Sueños marina, where the rainforest practically spills into the water. A bus ride down toward Esterillos and Bejuco showed us wider, less crowded beaches that felt like little secrets.

The people we met along the way made it all feel easy and safe. Our waterfall guide shared stories about growing up near Tarcoles and pointed out wildlife with obvious pride. A woman at a local soda insisted we try her favorite version of gallo pinto and then checked that we liked it. Everywhere, we felt welcomed, not just processed like tourists.

At night, Jaco turned into the kind of place where you can choose your flavor of fun: live bands, casinos, beach clubs, quiet cocktail spots, or high-energy clubs. We tried a bit of everything—some dancing, some gambling, some long conversations over drinks at Mynt. Even when we stayed out late, walking back to our apartment felt comfortable and safe, with other couples and groups all around us.

By the end of the trip, we both felt lighter and more connected than we had in a long time. Jaco, with its mix of beach life, rainforest, friendly locals, and easy access to places like Herradura, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio, gave us exactly what we needed: time together in a place that feels both exciting and safe. We’ve already promised ourselves we’re coming back—this time without waiting years in between.