In 2026, traveling with the whole family — grandparents, parents, and kids together — has gone mainstream. Nearly half of all travelers are now planning multigenerational trips, and they're leaving hotel room blocks behind for one big private villa. Here's why a whole Costa Rica estate beats a resort for a multigenerational family vacation — and what makes Bella Vista built for it.
The multigenerational travel boom
The numbers are striking: 47% of travelers are opting for multigenerational trips in 2026 — up 17% from 2024 — and multi-gen travel now accounts for more than a quarter of all overnight leisure travel. It's driven by families wanting real quality time, remote-work flexibility that allows longer stays, and the simple fact that more generations are alive and traveling together than ever. The booking that's rebuilding the private-villa market? Three generations, ten to sixteen guests, under one roof, booked six to eight months ahead.
Why a whole estate beats a resort
A block of hotel rooms scatters your family down hallways and across floors. A whole private estate does the opposite — everyone's together, but with room to spread out. You share one pool, one big table, and one set of sunsets, while each branch of the family still gets its own space to retreat to. And for a group, renting a single property is usually more cost-effective per person than booking a stack of high-end resort rooms.
Built for every generation at Bella Vista
Bella Vista is exactly the "separated suites on one estate" setup the trend is describing — four private homes on a single gated property that sleep up to 28 across ten bedrooms. That means:
- Grandparents: the main house has ground-floor bedrooms and a zero-step entry, so getting in and out is easy — no stairs required.
- Parents: a private infinity pool, a volcano-style jacuzzi, and quiet corners to actually relax while the kids roam safely on a gated property.
- Kids & teens: four pickleball courts, the pool, and open grounds with iguanas and monkeys to spot.
- Everyone: on-site caretakers who can cook fresh local meals (optional — so no one spends the reunion in the kitchen), plus airport pickup and a van/SUV to rent on-site.
It's central, too — about 1 hour 15 minutes from the San José (SJO) airport, 30 minutes from the beach, and 30 minutes from a waterfall — so day trips are easy and no one's stuck with a three-hour drive.
Book early — the good dates go fast
Because multi-gen groups now lock in six to eight months ahead, the best weeks — holidays, spring break, and milestone celebrations — fill up first. If you're eyeing a reunion, a big birthday, or a holiday together, it's worth reserving the estate early. (See how a whole-property stay compares in our Costa Rica group-villa comparison, and plan the trip with our Costa Rica family vacation guide.)
Frequently asked questions
What's the best place for a multigenerational family vacation in Costa Rica?
A whole-property estate that keeps everyone together while giving each generation its own space. Bella Vista's four private homes sleep up to 28, with ground-floor bedrooms for grandparents and pool, jacuzzi, and pickleball for all ages.
Is renting a villa cheaper than a resort for a large family?
Usually, yes. Splitting one private property across a group is typically more cost-effective per person than booking a block of high-end resort rooms — and everyone stays together.
How far ahead should we book a multigenerational trip?
Multi-gen groups now book six to eight months ahead, and the best dates (holidays, spring break, milestone celebrations) go first — so reserve early.
Planning a family reunion or a milestone trip? Tell us your group size and dates, or explore Bella Vista Private Resort.