Family

How to Plan a Family Reunion in Costa Rica

5 min read

Planning a family reunion in Costa Rica? Renting one whole private resort — instead of scattering everyone across a hotel — is the secret to a reunion where the family is actually together. Here's how to pull it off.

One property, everyone together

The magic of a reunion is the shared moments: coffee on the deck, kids in the pool, big group dinners, game nights. That only happens when everyone's under one roof. A whole-property villa like Bella Vista sleeps up to 28 across four private houses — grandparents, parents, kids, and cousins all in one gated estate.

Something for every generation

  • Kids and teens: pool, pickleball, space to run
  • Adults: volcano-view jacuzzi, mountain-and-ocean views, evenings together
  • Everyone: waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife tours a short drive away

Meals without the restaurant shuffle

Feeding a big family at restaurants gets expensive and complicated fast. With a private resort you can cook together in a full kitchen or bring in a private chef — many families say the group dinners were their favorite part.

Easy on the planner

One person usually organizes the whole reunion. Our on-site manager helps coordinate airport pickups, meals, and activities so it isn't all on you. Most families fly into San José (SJO), about 1h20 away — here's what to expect at the airport.

The cost usually surprises people

Split across a big family, a whole-property rental is often cheaper per person than a block of hotel rooms — and you get privacy and togetherness no hotel can match. See why in our private resort vs. hotel comparison.

Plan your reunion

New to the country? Our complete Costa Rica family vacation guide covers when to go, getting there, and what to do. When you're ready, explore the large-group villa page, see the whole property, or check your dates. Booking direct saves you the Airbnb/VRBO fees, too.

Make it your base camp

Stay at Bella Vista Private Resort

Weddings, pickleball and yoga retreats, family reunions, or a private getaway — a whole private resort just minutes from Costa Rica's best. Book direct and deal with the owners, not a platform.