Prices from £750 per person
10–19 August 2026 · Junquillal, Costa Rica

What if your family holiday changed everything?

Spend nine nights in Costa Rica alongside a small group of adventurous families. Explore beaches, waterfalls, wildlife and four very different approaches to education. Come home with incredible memories, new friendships and a much clearer idea of what could work for your family.

Contact us How it works
9
Nights in Costa Rica
8
Families max
4
Education settings
10+
Excursions & activities
£750
From, per person
Why this trip exists

Most big life changes start as a holiday

One minute you're booking flights to Costa Rica.

The next you're watching your children disappear into a game with kids they've only just met, chatting with families who live very differently to you, and quietly wondering whether life could look different for your family too.

That's how it started for us.

This trip is about giving families the chance to explore. Over nine unforgettable nights, you'll experience a taste of life in Costa Rica alongside a small group of like-minded families. Think planned excursions like wildlife encounters, beach days, waterfalls, local culture, occasional shared meals and the kind of adventures your children will still be talking about months later.

Along the way, we'll visit four very different education settings where your children can play, learn and connect with local children while you gain a behind-the-scenes look at different approaches to education and family life in Costa Rica.

For the children, they're simply fun and memorable days spent making new friends. For the adults, they're an opportunity to ask questions, explore possibilities and discover what resonates.

This trip provides the chance to enjoy an incredible family holiday, meet wonderful people and discover what feels right for your family.

Some families leave reassured they're already on the perfect path. Others leave inspired to make changes. Both are equally valuable.

Come for the holiday.
Let curiosity do the rest.

A family pausing on a rainforest canopy suspension bridge at sunrise
A big group of children holding their hand-made nature crafts and a hen at a local school
A barefoot child climbing high up a tropical fruit tree to reach the fruit at the top

Amazing days for the kids

Beach adventures, swimming pools, wildlife, new friendships and four unique days spent learning and playing alongside local children.

Explore different ways of learning

Step inside four very different educational communities and see what learning looks like beyond the classroom.

Discover what fits your family

Not what works for us. Not what works for somebody online. What feels right for your children, your values and your future.

Why Costa Rica

A country that lives the way you've been hoping to

Costa Ricans have a phrase for it: pura vida, the pure life. And they mean it. This is one of the happiest countries on earth, home to a rare Blue Zone where people live longer, slower and more connected lives. For a family weighing up a different path, it's the most encouraging place imaginable to test the water.

Two children grinning and holding up their mud-covered hands after planting saplings in the garden

One of the world's happiest places

Consistently near the top of global happiness rankings, and one of just a handful of recognised Blue Zones, where people live remarkably long, healthy lives.

A howler monkey resting high in the canopy against a bright blue sky

Wildlife on your doorstep

Toucans, howler monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, armadillos and turtles, roughly 5% of the planet's biodiversity in one small country, much of it visible from the garden.

Two girls playing together in the sand at golden hour on a quiet Pacific beach

Life happens outdoors

Children spend less time asking for screens when there's a beach to explore, waves to jump through, crabs to chase and friends to find. Shoes become optional.

The open-air thatched yoga shala glowing warmly beneath a starlit sky

A wellness-first culture

Yoga, fresh fruit, ocean swims and an unhurried pace are simply how life is lived here, not a retreat package, just the everyday rhythm. And we love it.

A hidden jungle waterfall tumbling into a clear natural pool deep in the rainforest

There is always something to discover

A hidden waterfall. A turtle nesting beach. A surf lesson. A boat trip through the mangroves. Every day brings another opportunity for adventure. The challenge isn't finding things to do, it's choosing which adventure comes next.

A friendly maker chatting with visitors at his stall at the local town market

A gentle place to learn Spanish

Costa Ricans tend to speak clearly and slowly, which makes the local Spanish unusually forgiving for beginners. Children pick it up faster than you'd expect, a word here, a phrase there, until they're ordering their own smoothies and chatting with new friends without a second thought.

A group of children, one in a pink dress, dancing with ribbon wands together under the trees

The kind of community many families are searching for

Something happens when people choose a life built around experiences rather than routines. Locals, expats, travelling families and worldschoolers all seem to mix naturally here. Children make friends quickly. Parents find their people.

A young girl beaming beside a table piled high with fresh watermelons, melons and mangoes

Food that makes healthy feel easy

Fresh fruit from roadside stalls. Smoothies after the beach. Fish straight from the coast. Farmers' markets, local restaurants and enough international options to keep everyone happy. Whether you're craving a traditional casado or sushi by the ocean, eating well here feels surprisingly easy.

Why Guanacaste & Junquillal

A corner of Costa Rica that's easy to fall in love with

We didn't choose this part of Costa Rica by accident.

Like many families, we spent months researching different countries, towns and communities before deciding where to base ourselves. We kept coming back to Guanacaste, and especially the small beachside community of Junquillal.

It has a rare combination of things that are surprisingly hard to find in one place.

Life here revolves around nature. Monkeys move through the trees, turtles nest on nearby beaches and spectacular sunsets are simply part of everyday life.

The community is equally special. Local families, expats, travelling families and worldschoolers mix naturally, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a village than a tourist destination. Many families use different education settings, socialise together and move easily between communities without the cliques that can sometimes develop elsewhere.

It's also one of the few places we've found where several very different educational approaches exist within easy reach of one another, making it the perfect place to explore what's possible.

A father and daughter walking the driftwood-strewn sand of a quiet Pacific beach A tiny sea turtle hatchling cradled in a coconut shell on the sand, moments before its release

We love it here because:

  • Nature is everywhere, from monkeys and iguanas to nesting turtles and tropical birds.
  • Children spend their days outdoors exploring, playing and making friends.
  • The local and international communities are genuinely connected.
  • Several very different education settings are located nearby.
  • Families tend to know and support one another across communities.
  • There are endless opportunities for adventure, from surfing and turtle releases to nature walks and boat trips.
  • Fresh, affordable food is easy to find, whether you're eating local Costa Rican dishes or enjoying international options.
  • Accommodation ranges from simple local rentals to beautiful family villas.
  • The beaches are peaceful, uncrowded and each has its own character.

Most importantly, it feels like the kind of place where children can enjoy being children and parents have the space to imagine different possibilities for family life.

Where you'll stay

A boutique jungle hotel, all to ourselves

Home for the nine nights is a tropical boutique hotel near the beach in Junquillal, the kind of place the hosts have personally lived in for a long period of time and still come back to again and again. Multiple pools, nature trails, a yoga shala and a family-friendly community, all wrapped in jungle. Howler monkeys wake you up; porcupines and armadillos pass through; the children pick their own fruit from the trees.

  • Cave, infinity, lap & plunge pools
  • Open-air yoga shala
  • 2.5km of nature trails
  • Air-conditioned gym
  • Outdoor social kitchen & BBQ
  • Pick your own tropical fruit
A child diving through the crystal-clear water of the hotel's natural rock-cut cave pool The thatched yoga shala and stone-carved pool set among the palms, with the Pacific visible on the horizon An aerial view of the boutique hotel tucked entirely within the jungle canopy
Your rooms

Choose the home that fits your family

Six styles of private villa and studio, from a converted 1999 school bus to a two-bedroom home with an outdoor bath. The price beside each one covers the whole programme, per person, accommodation, activities, transfers and meals included.

Interior of Casa Mila, a converted Bluebird school bus with bedroom Converted school bus
Casa Mila

A unique home inside a fully converted 1999 Bluebird bus, the motor and steering wheel still in place for full motorhome charm. Kitchenette, full bathroom and a large covered patio by the pool.

Sleeps 4 Double bed + cot + 2 sofa beds
From £750pp
Living space inside Casa Maia, a converted school bus jungle home Converted school bus
Casa Maia

A spacious, artistic 1999 Bluebird bus reimagined as an air-conditioned jungle home. King bed, sleeper sofa, full bathroom and a full-size kitchen with a four-burner cooktop. Covered patio near the pool.

Sleeps 3 1 King + sleeper sofa
From £833pp
Spacious studio interior of the Pantera Suite Studio villa
Pantera Suite

A spacious studio villa with a king bed that splits into two, a sleeper sofa, full kitchen and full-size bathroom. A large private patio sits right beside the pool.

Sleeps 3 1 King (splits to 2) + sofa bed
From £866pp
Bedroom of the Sirena Suite, a one-bedroom jungle villa 1-bedroom villa
Sirena Suite

The largest one-bedroom villa, a king bed that splits into two, a sleeper sofa, full kitchen, separate living area and en-suite bathroom. Room to spread out as a family.

Sleeps 3 1 King (splits to 2) + sofa bed
From £999pp
Cosy bedroom inside one of the three jungle studio cabinas Studio cabina · 3 available
The Cabinas

Three cosy, fully equipped studio cabinas, Lapa Roja, Mono Congo and Tortuga Marina. King bed that splits into twins, en-suite, kitchenette and a dining nook for two, opening onto a courtyard patio.

Sleeps 2 1 King (splits to 2 twins)
From £1,125pp
Bright living room of Casa Coral, a two-bedroom villa Entire 2-bed home
Casa Coral

The grandest option: two master suites, a full kitchen and two dining spaces. Outdoor terraces with mountain and partial ocean views, a private patio with an outdoor bathtub, and a rooftop mirador for epic sunsets.

Sleeps 4 1 King + 1 Queen
From £1,350pp

Every room includes

Air conditioning Self check-in digital locks Independent entrance Private patio En-suite bathroom Kitchen or kitchenette Smart TV with Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max Large safe Hot water Quality mattresses & bedding Toiletries 200 Mbps fibre Wi-Fi
A day in the life

We've planned the highlights. The rest is yours.

We've planned a gentle shape to each day, but nothing is forced. We'll begin with a welcome meal when you arrive, lunches are provided on excursions and school visits throughout the trip, and we'll attend a mix of education visits, adventures and family activities across the week. Almost everything is optional.

Some mornings you might be up early for a group beach walk or wildlife spotting. Others you might linger over breakfast while the kids head straight for the pool. Join everything or join nothing, this is still your holiday, and it's such a relaxing, magnificent hotel you might just want to enjoy some downtime.

Mornings

Start the day your way

Early riser or holiday lie-in, both are welcome here. For those who want to get moving, there will be opportunities for:

  • Morning runs
  • Beach walks
  • Nature trails
  • Swimming
  • Gym sessions
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Playground meet-ups

Or simply enjoy a quiet coffee before the day begins.

A freshly made flat white with latte art resting on a sunlit wooden table
Through the day

The heart of the experience

This is where the adventure happens. Across the week we'll visit different education settings, spend time with local families, explore Costa Rican culture and head out on a variety of excursions, making new friends and plenty of chances for the children to play together. Activities may include:

  • Education setting visits
  • Arts & crafts
  • Spanish sessions
  • Costa Rican culture
  • Nature walks
  • Beach adventures
  • Time with local families
  • Shared lunches
Evenings

The bits children remember

As the day winds down you're welcome to join back together or explore the local area. Some evenings will be lively, others wonderfully relaxed. Think sticky marshmallows, tired children, sunset conversations and the kind of moments that often become favourite memories. Depending on the evening, you might find:

  • Fire pits & s'mores
  • Night swims
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Music & dancing
  • Beach walks after dark
  • Family games & socials
  • Talks & Q&A on making this life real

With everything optional, there's no judgement to attend as much or as little as you like. Just know we'll always have something fun planned for you to drop into throughout the day.

Included excursions

Costa Rica, the way they'll never forget

Bigger adventures are planned and booked in advance, so the days run smoothly and the costs stay predictable. A sample of what's included:

Animal sanctuary
Zip lining
Waterfalls
Wild swimming
Gentle hikes
Turtle release
Coffee & cocoa tour
The education settings

Four very different ways to learn, and warm introductions to all of them

This is the part no website or Facebook group can answer for you. As part of the programme you receive exclusive access and personal introductions to a cluster of education settings, each with a different philosophy, size and feel. For the children these are simply fun activity days, meeting new friends, playing outside and having a great time learning beyond a traditional classroom. But for families interested in pursuing a worldschooling lifestyle, this is the reason you joined the programme. Families often dip into more than one, comparing them side by side until they understand which best suits their child, so wherever you are in the world, you'll know what style of setting fits their needs. Here's how the ones we've secured exclusive access to differ.

Children and parents gathered at outdoor picnic-table desks for a lesson under the trees at a local education setting

Harmony Education

Home-style · alternative

A small, nurturing, home-style environment with an alternative approach to learning, the kind of place where the day bends around children's curiosity.

  • Smaller, home-style learning environment
  • Project-based learning and animal interactions
  • Warm, nurturing atmosphere
  • Join for a day, a week, a month, or forever

Guanacaste Children's Community Centre

Town-based · structured

A larger, town-based setting with more structure and a swimming pool, an easy, sociable way for children to slot into local life when in the area.

  • Larger town-based setting, more structured
  • Swimming pool access
  • Monthly enrolments for travelling families
  • Project-based learning, including STEM, carpentry and cooking
  • Starting younger than most in the area, from 18 months to age 14

Sol Academy

Community · drop-in

A laid-back, friendly community where children can join in for the activity clubs without enrolling into the school, and one of the easiest ways for parents to meet local families and make new adult friends too.

  • Join in from family fun days to chess club and Spanish class
  • Easy way to meet and play with local children
  • Relaxed, friendly community feel
  • A natural way to make new adult friends

Guanacaste Water Centre

Not a school · environmental

Not a school at all, but a beautiful education centre built around the natural world, hands-on environmental learning, ocean and ecosystem education, the kind of day that stays with a child.

  • A beautiful environmental education centre
  • Hands-on, in-the-field learning
  • Ocean and ecosystem education
  • Activities built around understanding nature

Because these different styles of settings are echoed across the world, you'll get an understanding of the real differences between each, not the brochure versions. This will help you know what works best for your child going forward.

Why Us

Experienced professionals, not a family winging it

This isn't a passion project run on good intentions. It's built and led by an education professional with a decade of experience and an ATOL- and ABTA-trained travel background, so every booking, transfer and safeguarding check is done officially, the way it should be.

A decade in education, including Harrow

Carly brings over ten years' experience delivering education programmes, including seven years developing the short courses programme at the world-renowned Harrow School, and supported the setup of two online schools. Highly experienced, with alternative education at her core, the credibility that comes with that opens doors others can't.

ATOL & ABTA-trained travel

The programme is organised by an ATOL- and ABTA-trained travel specialist, so transfers and the whole itinerary are handled to professional industry standards, booked officially, never improvised.

Safeguarding you can trust

The programme director holds an enhanced DBS check, first aid training and Keeping Children Safe in Education training. Every education and excursion partner is pre-checked.

Worldschoolers Ourselves

We're not selling something we've researched online. We've been through the same consideration process you're going through now, we've been on every excursion, stayed extensively at the accommodation and personally vetted each education setting to build this programme to be the resource we wished existed.

"The biggest barrier to worldschooling isn't money or logistics, it's not knowing which school, which country, which philosophy. We built this trip to answer exactly that."

Carly, So Good Education
Who looks after you on the ground
  • A trusted local hotel team keeping the stay safe and welcoming
  • Education & excursion partners with their own safeguarding teams
  • Licensed, insured local drivers for every transfer and activity
  • Organisers who are worldschooling parents, living in Costa Rica
Who it's for

Best suited to children aged 3–14, who gain the most from the activities and friendships. Under-2s come free of charge and still love the relaxed, family-friendly setting.

What it costs

One price covers the whole experience

Everything is planned and booked in advance, so you get a high-quality Costa Rica family holiday. We've used the benefits of group booking discounts, making something that would otherwise cost much more, more affordable. Your per-person price depends only on which room you choose, and it starts at £750.

  • 9 nights at the boutique jungle hotel, in your chosen room
  • Airport transfers, plus transport for all scheduled activities
  • Welcome meal, lunches on excursion days and a farewell BBQ
  • Included excursions could feature experiences such as an animal sanctuary visit, zip lining, waterfalls, wild swimming, hiking trails and a chocolate and cocoa cultural experience
  • Visits, fun days and introductions to the local education settings
  • Daily activities and evening events

Please note that flights and your travel insurance are not included. Optional wellness activities such as massages and yoga class passes can also be booked but are not included in the price.

10–19 August 2026
Per person, programme included
from £750
Under-2s free · ages 3–14 ideal · up to 8 families

Six room styles from £750–£1,350 per person, see the rooms →

Contact us

A once-in-a-lifetime fortnight for your family. Flights booked separately, UK–Costa Rica is typically £600–900 per adult.

10–19 August 2026 · Up to 8 families

Come and live it with us

We'd love to hear what's drawing your family to Costa Rica.

Email us

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Already in the app? Send us a direct message and we'll pick it up there.

A once-in-a-lifetime family experience, places are limited to eight families, so do say hello early.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

About the programme

What is the Costa Rica programme?
This is a 10 day / 9 night family travel experience in Costa Rica designed for families interested in travel, alternative education and worldschooling. The programme includes accommodation, selected meals, transport, excursions, visits to local education settings and opportunities to connect with other travelling families.
Who is behind the programme?
The programme is led by Carly Gallagher who has worked in education programmes for over ten years. Carly led the business development of the world renowned Harrow School Short Courses programme for over 7 years and has supported the setup of two online schools (Harrow School Online with Pearson and Highgrove Education). She has supported thousands of children from across the world on professionally organised, accredited short term holiday and activity programmes. The organisers are also worldschooling parents themselves, originally from the UK who currently live and travel in Costa Rica.
Who supports the programme locally?
The programme is intentionally small and supported by a trusted local network in Costa Rica. At the accommodation, families are supported by the local hotel team who help maintain a safe, welcoming and well-run environment throughout the stay. Education settings and excursion partners operate with their own professional staffing teams and safeguarding procedures, all of which have been reviewed as part of the programme's due diligence process. Transport is provided by licensed and insured local drivers.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for families looking for more than a traditional holiday. Many families are curious about worldschooling, overseas living or alternative education, while others simply want meaningful travel experiences and social opportunities for their children.
What ages is the programme suitable for?
Children aged 3 to 14 are likely to gain the most from the programme activities and social experiences. Children under 2 can attend free of charge and will still enjoy the relaxed family-friendly environment. Children under 5 cannot take part in zip lining activities.
How many families attend?
The programme is intentionally small and welcomes up to 8 families to help create a calm, friendly and supportive environment.

Accommodation & food

Is accommodation included?
Yes. Accommodation is included at a boutique wellness hotel where the hosts have personally spent extended time living. Several accommodation options are available at different price points.
What meals are included?
The programme includes a welcome meal, a simple breakfast on the first morning, occasional lunches and a farewell meal.
Can we cook our own food?
Yes. Each room includes its own kitchenette, and there is also a large shared kitchen and BBQ area available for families to use.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Yes. Dietary requirements and allergies are collected during the application process and shared with relevant programme partners where needed.

Activities & excursions

What daily activities are included?
Daily activities may include arts and crafts, beach visits, nature trails, Spanish lessons, evening wildlife walks, campfire evenings, discos, local community games and talks with professionals and local families about education, travel and overseas living. Parents can also join optional morning wellness activities such as walks, runs, hikes, swims or gym sessions.
What excursions are included in the programme?
Included excursions feature experiences such as an animal sanctuary visit, zip lining, waterfalls, wild swimming, hiking trails and a chocolate and cocoa cultural experience.
How physically demanding are the activities?
The programme includes a mixture of activity levels. All excursions are family-focused and designed with children in mind. Families are free to opt out of any activity they do not feel comfortable participating in, however this will not change the price.

Education & support

What education settings will we visit?
Families will visit a range of local worldschooling and alternative education settings to experience different approaches to learning in Costa Rica.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
All education and excursion partners have been pre-checked as part of the programme's due diligence process. The programme director also holds an enhanced DBS check, first aid training and Keeping Children Safe in Education training.
How do you support children with SEND?
The programme is family-led rather than specialist-led, and parents remain responsible for their children throughout. The team will work closely with families in advance to understand individual needs and access additional professional guidance where appropriate.

Travel & logistics

Is airport transport included?
Yes. Transport to and from the airport, along with transport for scheduled programme activities and education visits, is included.
Can we stay longer in Costa Rica before or after the programme?
Yes. Many families choose to extend their stay in Costa Rica before or after the programme. We are happy to share practical guidance and accommodation recommendations based on our own experiences.
Do we need travel insurance?
Yes. All families are expected to arrange their own travel and medical insurance before travelling.
What should we pack?
Costa Rica is hot, humid and likely to experience afternoon rain showers in August. We recommend lightweight clothing that dries quickly, comfortable outdoor shoes, swimwear and clothes suitable for muddy outdoor activities and nature experiences. The accommodation offers self-service laundry, so we suggest less is more when packing.