We’re Tyler Barnes (38) and Jessica Ross (36). We realized we’d spent most of the past year juggling work, family, and responsibilities and barely any time just enjoying each other’s company. We picked Jaco Beach for a reset and couldn’t have chosen better. We stayed in a comfortable Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco that was close to the water and a relaxing stroll from the main street.

Four experiences made the trip feel like a true reset: a romantic Horseback riding by Sunset, a refreshing Catarata Bijagual waterfall adventure, a great meal at Peppers Grill and Seafood, and a fun, music-filled evening at Jaco Blu Beach Club. Each one felt like its own little highlight reel—riding horses as the sky turned gold, standing in front of waterfalls surrounded by rainforest, and dancing barefoot in the sand.

During the days, we wandered the beach, explored Jaco Walk, and used Jaco as a launch point for exploring the Central Pacific coast. We visited Playa Hermosa for bigger waves and quieter stretches of sand, Herradura and the Los Sueños area for marina views and jungle hills, and took a bus ride farther down toward Esterillos and Bejuco for even more peaceful beaches. Taxis, Ubers, and buses were easy to organize and always felt safe.

The people we met added an extra layer of warmth. A tour guide on the waterfall trip told us how much she loves living in this part of Costa Rica, pointing out birds and plants with obvious pride. A server at a local soda explained different dishes and then surprised us with a small dessert “on the house” because we looked so happy to be there.

At night, Jaco’s nightlife gave us options: quieter dinners with live music, lively beach clubs, casinos with bright lights and rolling dice, and bars full of travelers comparing notes about their days. We never felt pressured to party harder than we wanted, but when we did go out late, walking back to our apartment felt totally comfortable and safe.

By the time we flew home, we both agreed that Jaco gave us exactly what we needed: time together, ocean air, rainforest views, and a town full of friendly faces. It turned “we need a break” into “we have a new favorite place.”