Three days in Santa Teresa, with room for everyone

Group holidays become easier when the schedule has a few reliable meeting points. Instead of trying to keep everyone together from breakfast to bedtime, choose one main meal or outing each day and let the hours around it stay flexible.

This three-day outline is a suggestion from the Villa Raya travel journal. It draws on the hosts’ local favorites and the villa’s published arrangements, rather than describing a past guest’s stay. Shift it to suit your arrival time, weather and the people traveling with you.

Check-in is after 3:00 p.m., so avoid making the first afternoon depend on an early arrival. Confirm directions and the drive up the mountain with the hosts, unpack, and give everyone time to find their room.

Choose a simple first dinner. The hosts’ pizza favorites include Amici, Muzza and Pronto Piccola Italia. Check current opening times and takeaway arrangements before sending someone into town. Alternatively, plan groceries and use the villa’s kitchen; confirm what you will need before arriving.

The useful goal for the first night is small: everyone fed, tomorrow’s meeting time agreed, and no need to fit in one more stop.

Make one of our breakfast spots the day’s first shared plan. Then let the group split according to energy and interests. Anyone interested in surfing should arrange a lesson or local guidance suited to their experience and the day’s conditions; others may prefer a beach visit or time by the villa pool.

Regroup for an early evening meal. Our sunset dining article compares a casual Rocamar stop with Shambala and Fermata Kitchen. Reserve a suitable table and transport if you want everyone together at a particular time.

If the group wants a change of scenery, use our Montezuma day-trip outline. Check the route, trail and restaurant opening before committing. Anyone who prefers to stay local can choose another café, explore the restaurant guide or leave the day open.

If this is also your departure day, replace the excursion with a quiet morning and confirmed checkout arrangements. The villa’s checkout time should be agreed with the hosts; an itinerary should follow your reservation, not the other way around.

Villa Raya offers a four-bedroom option for up to eight guests and a five-bedroom option for up to ten. The full villa includes the separate Surf Shack. Compare the sleeping arrangements, tell the hosts who is traveling, and confirm the room setup before reserving.

Once your dates and group size are clear, send a direct inquiry or view the appropriate Airbnb listing. A little preparation makes it easier to leave the rest of the holiday unplanned.

Make a shortlist together before assigning every hour. A guided horseback ride suits a day when everyone wants a change from the beach; a charter from Mal País works best when the whole boat party is comfortable with the time on the water. Neither needs to become an obligation for every guest. Share a breakfast or dinner and let the middle of the day differ.

Use the guide’s search and saved places to collect restaurant and activity ideas on your device. For one bigger outing, compare Cabo Blanco, Montezuma and the Gulf of Nicoya. On another evening, stock up locally or ask about arranging a chef at the villa. Leave the arrival day gentle: our transport guide helps you plan the journey before deciding on the first reservation.