Pickleball in Paradise
When you think of Costa Rica, what comes to mind?
Close your eyes and let visions of pristine beaches, amazing wildlife, rain forests and a relaxed lifestyle dance in your head. Costa Rica has so much to offer the traveler who loves the outdoors. You can surf, snorkel, hike volcanos, zip line, and encounter monkeys, sloths, toucans and macaws. Delicious fruits, vegetables and seafood are abundant and there’s always a cocktail and beach chair with your name on it. It’s what the locals call “Pura Vida” or “Pure Life”.
Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this phrase as a national motto that symbolizes laid back living, peaceful coexistence, and a deep respect for nature. They also use it to say “Hi”, “Goodbye”, “Thanks” and “It’s okay you stepped on my foot” — it’s like “Aloha” on steroids. But there’s one thing that hasn’t been a big part of Pura Vida. And that all-important thing is…
Pickleball?
For many of us, taking paradise to the next level means a couple of hours a day playing pickleball with our friends. As a pickleball author, player and coach, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to combine my passions for travel and playing. I recently toured the country and found some isolated pickleball locales, but my favorite place turned out to be on the Pacific coast near Tamarindo. And its name is…
Image courtesy of Pura Vida House
“Pura Vida House”. Of course it is. ; )
Pura Vida House is a specialty pickleball destination for the group that wants to improve their game, sample the Costa Rica lifestyle and spend a week in a beautiful custom home in a private beach community. The host, Mani Barajas-Alexander and his fellow teaching pro, Sylvain Halais, provide quality instruction and an immersive experience. They provide airport transportation, home cooked breakfasts and dinners, and arrange shuttles and tours so that you get the most out of your adventure. They also host specialty weeks with top pros such as Kyle Yates, Randall Wood and Prem Carnot.
I met with Mani on my recent visit and he showed me the local beaches as well as the beautiful beach club that is accessible to his guests. As you can see, it’s a pretty nice place to cool down after a few games. Pura Vida House is located in the gated community of Hacienda Pinilla and offers great golf and tennis as well. The weather is warmer and drier than some of the more tropical, humid locales to the south, although you’ll experience some rain from May through October. The good news is that the showers usually pass quickly and the landscape greens up nicely.
Because your lodging consists of one or more large homes, these one-week camps are designed for parties of 12 or more. It’s fun to bring your own Pickleball Posse to Costa Rica and enjoy the experience as a group. That said, it’s not a trip designed for individuals or couples since everyone stays under one roof and must get along as a family for a week. (Mani tried accommodating different couples for awhile but you can imagine the potential headaches of throwing together folks who can’t agree on a political party, much less how late to party.) Smaller groups are accepted but the price per person goes up accordingly.
You can play as much or as little as you want. You might limit your court time to a couple of hours a day and spend more time exploring, adventuring or relaxing poolside. Or you can play and practice to your heart’s content and enjoy the local ambience between playing sessions. Either way, you’re guaranteed to receive great instruction and get a taste of the unique Costa Rica lifestyle.
Is Pura Vida House a desirable destination? Well, they are currently sold out for most of this year, so if you’re ready to pack your bags and go, check availability for the near future, or start planning ahead for next year. Visit their website at puravidahouse.com to get more details or book a “playcation”.
Costa Rica is a wonderful country with miles of uncrowded coastline, unspoiled natural beauty and friendly people. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not a crazy pickleball aficionado. But if you want to improve your game and experience what “Pure Vida” is all about, treat yourself and your friends to a getaway you won’t soon forget. Your Pickleball Paradise awaits you.
