Lori Richardson's Costa Rica Birthday Trip Changed Everything
I've been a beach girl my whole life, so when my 50th birthday rolled around, I knew I wanted mountains, volcanoes, wildlife, and sand between my toes. Costa Rica had been calling to me for years, and this milestone felt like the perfect excuse to finally answer.
What I didn't fully prepare for was the heat. I mean, I knew August in Costa Rica would be warm, but you cannot prepare for that kind of heat. It's one thing to read about tropical humidity and another to feel it wrap around you the moment you step outside. It becomes part of the experience, something you just learn to embrace between dips in the pool and cold drinks at the bar.
A Resort That Surprised Me
We stayed at the Riu Guanacaste, and I have to be honest with you. Up until this trip, I wouldn't have sold a Riu resort to my clients. I had preconceived notions about the brand, assumptions that turned out to be completely wrong. The renovations they completed about a year ago transformed this property. The service was excellent, the rooms were fresh and comfortable, and I found myself genuinely thrilled with our choice. Sometimes you have to experience something firsthand to understand its true value, and this was one of those moments that shifted my perspective entirely.
I was also a little worried about the black sand beaches. As someone who's obsessed with a classic white sand shoreline, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. But there's something almost magical about that dark volcanic sand against the Pacific. It heats up differently under your feet, holds a different kind of warmth. And then there were the monkeys. Let me tell you, when people say there are monkeys on the beach in Costa Rica, it's real. They're just there, going about their business while you're trying to read your book. It's one of those up close and personal wildlife experiences you can't manufacture.
Views That Stay With You
The views from this part of Costa Rica are the thing I keep thinking about. Mountains rolling into the distance, volcanic peaks breaking through the clouds, and then suddenly you're at the coast watching waves crash against that dramatic dark sand. The wildlife is everywhere, not just the monkeys, but birds, iguanas, creatures you'd only see in nature documentaries back home. It's a place that feels alive in a way that's hard to describe until you've been there yourself.
For those who want more than resort relaxation, Costa Rica delivers. You can easily plan off-site adventures to waterfalls, zip through the rainforest canopy, soak in hot springs near the volcanoes, or hike through landscapes that feel prehistoric. The country caters to everyone, whether you want to spend your days poolside or fill every hour with adventures.
Who This Trip Is Perfect For
Here's what I now know: Costa Rica is incredibly safe and welcoming. Flying into Liberia airport was a breeze, customs was efficient, and transportation to the resort was spot on. It's the kind of destination where logistics just work, which means you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than stressing about getting from point A to point B.
This trip is perfect for anyone, really. Families, couples celebrating milestones like I was, adventure seekers, or travelers who simply want to relax with incredible views. If you're sensitive to heat, I'd suggest avoiding August, but don't let that stop you from going. Just pack accordingly and embrace it.
What I love most is that I can now share this resort with confidence. I've walked those grounds, swam in that pool, watched those monkeys steal someone's banana at breakfast. That firsthand experience? It changes everything about how I'll recommend Costa Rica to my clients. I'm hopeful I can send many travelers here, knowing they'll come home with stories just as memorable as mine.
