Playa Negra, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is easily one of my favorite countries.

It's a place I continuously find myself traveling to year after year. Each trip I take, I leave a little bit of my heart there. The country is filled with warm people, beautiful nature, interesting creatures, incredible surf and breathtaking beaches. But it wasn't until last year when I decided I wanted to see a different part of Costa Rica...one I haven't been to before. I had done the Tamarindo's, the Santa Teresa's and the Nosara's.

I wanted a place that people weren't talking about.

Which was what led me to my latest trip to the hidden beaches of Playa Negra, one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. Located in the Guanacaste Province, Playa Negra is a quick one hour drive south of the Liberia airport. And with flights out of LAX and NYC starting as low as $300 round trip, was all more of a reason to snag this luxe Airbnb and take in some Costa Rican sun.

The best part about Playa Negra is the fact that it isn't on many people's radars, which means all the lush surf without the crowds. And for me, this was exactly what I was looking for. Here, you are free to explore, relax and unwind without the hustle and bustle of other congested beach towns. And what many people don't know is that Playa Negra is considered to have one of the best reef breaks in all of the country. Beginners and intermediate surfers also have the easy option to head over to Playa Avellanas while more advanced surfers can head over to Avellanas Rivermouth - all within a ten minute driving distance.

But don't think there isn't much to do besides surfing here as you'll find plenty of other Costa Rican activities to keep you busy. Think canopy tours, tide pools, yoga classes, mountain biking, fishing trips and horseback rides down the long stretch of the beach with a plethora of healthy dining options situated in town.

So, if you are looking for a place where you can unplug JUST enough from the world while still having all your first world luxuries, do not fret- as you'll easily find it here.

Written By Summer Rumph