Los Sueños

Los Sueños is 90 minutes (55 miles) west of San José's Juan Santamaría Airport via Route 27, a modern toll highway. The drive costs $10-12 in tolls and takes you through the mountains, down past Atenas, and out to the Pacific coast. The highway is smooth, well-maintained, and dramatically more convenient than the old mountain road. Private transfers run $110-150 for up to 4 passengers; shared shuttles cost $35-45 per person but make multiple stops.

December through April is peak season: dry weather, calm seas for fishing and boating, and perfect conditions for golf and beach days. This is also prime sailfish season with the highest strike rates. May through November brings afternoon rains (usually 1-2 hours in late afternoon), greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower rates on rentals. Peak marlin fishing happens June-October during rainy season. The resort operates year-round with full services regardless of season.

Los Sueños is a gated resort community with 24/7 security, controlled access points, paved roads, and infrastructure that rivals gated communities in Florida or California. It's one of the safest areas on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The resort has a large expat and international community, English is widely spoken, and medical facilities in nearby Jacó are modern. Kids can bike around the resort, walk to the marina, and explore freely. Standard precautions apply outside the resort gates (don't leave valuables in cars, lock doors at night), but inside Los Sueños you can relax.

Most Los Sueños rentals include full kitchens, private pools or hot tubs, air conditioning, WiFi, cable TV, washer/dryer, and daily or mid-stay housekeeping depending on length of stay. Ocean-view terraces are standard in villas and upper-floor condos. Resort access includes the beach club with pool and restaurant, hiking trails through rainforest, and fitness facilities. Golf cart rentals ($50-75/day) are popular for navigating the 1,100-acre resort. Nest Stays properties also include concierge service, pre-arrival grocery stocking, and 24/7 local support.

It depends on where your rental is located within the resort. Marina Village condos are a 5-minute walk to restaurants, shops, and the weekly farmers market. Hillside villas and golf course properties are spread across 1,100 acres; you'll want a car or golf cart to reach Marina Village (10-15 minute drive). Most guests rent a car for flexibility exploring Jacó, Carara National Park, and beaches beyond the resort. Golf carts work for staying within Los Sueños but can't legally leave resort property.

La Iguana Golf Course green fees run $185-210 for 18 holes depending on season, with twilight rates (after 2pm) dropping to $135-150. Cart rental is included, but caddie fees ($30-40 plus tip) are extra and highly recommended; they save you strokes and lost balls. Club rentals are $60. Resort guests and property owners get discounted rates and priority tee times, which book 3-5 days out during peak season.

Los Sueños is a private resort community: gated security, upscale villas and condos, marina, golf course, and beach club. It's quieter, more family-oriented, and designed for guests who want resort amenities without resort hotel crowds. Jacó (10 minutes north) is a working beach town with 50+ restaurants, surf breaks, nightlife, and walkable street energy. Los Sueños guests often drive to Jacó for dinner variety and nightlife, then return to the resort's peace and security. Families with young kids and golfers tend toward Los Sueños; surfers and social travelers lean Jacó.

There's a small convenience store in Marina Village with basics, ice, beer, and overpriced resort essentials. For real grocery shopping, drive 10 minutes north to Jacó where you'll find three full supermarkets: AutoMercado (upscale, imported products, best produce), Mas x Menos (mid-range, good for basics), and a smaller Mega Super. Most Nest Stays guests use our pre-arrival grocery stocking service; send us a list, we shop and stock your fridge before you arrive, and you skip the airport-to-grocery-store stop on arrival day.