I’m Eric Price, 39, and I decided that if I was going to make resolutions, I might as well start the year somewhere inspiring. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, did not disappoint. I booked a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach a short walk from the sand and built my first week of the year around sun, surf, and late nights.

My four standout experiences were Surfing on Jaco Beach, a full day at Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park, a juicy dinner at Ridiculous Burgers Restaurant, and a smooth, lounge-style night at Mynt Lounge Jaco. Surf sessions reset my brain, ziplining gave me those sweeping rainforest views, and Mynt delivered exactly the kind of relaxed but lively New Year’s vibe I was hoping for.

During the days, I split my time between walking the beach, wandering Jaco Walk, and taking off on little side trips. I visited Playa Hermosa to watch surfers, headed to Herradura and the Los Sueños marina to soak up the view of boats and hills, and rode a bus past Esterillos and toward Parrita just to see more of Puntarenas Province. Getting around with taxis, Ubers, and buses was straightforward and always felt safe.

The people made everything even better. A guy working at a surf shop patiently helped me pick out a rash guard and then circled his favorite restaurants on my map. A bartender told me about his hometown near Tarcoles and recommended a crocodile safari tour for next time. Locals seemed genuinely happy to share their home with travelers.

At night, Jaco’s lights and music kept pulling me back out. I tried a little bit of everything—dance clubs, casinos, beach bars—and then finished one perfect night at Mynt with hookah, cocktails, and conversation with travelers from three different countries. Walking back to my apartment afterward felt totally safe; there were other people around, and the town’s energy stayed upbeat and friendly.

Starting the year with salty hair, rainforest views, and the sound of waves instead of traffic did something good to my mindset. Jaco Beach set the tone for a year where I want more adventures, more warm nights, and a lot more “pura vida” in my daily life.