A Family From Georgia Discovers And Falls In Love With The“Pura Vida” Lifestyle In Costa Rica

(MENAFN- Costa Rica News) The post A Family from Georgia Discovers and Falls in Love with the“Pura Vida” Lifestyle in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Some journeys begin long before you board a plane. For Holly Joyner, writer and founder of The Story Spark (thestoryspark ), family travel is a way to create memories that last a lifetime. Inspired by the annual vacations her father managed to provide during a difficult childhood, Joyner made that tradition a priority for her three daughters. This year, her 13-year-old daughter chose Costa Rica as their destination.

During their trip, they visited Herradura Bay, Tortuga Island, and Jacó.

Holly grew up in Cumming, Georgia, a city located about an hour from Atlanta. Although her family didn't have much when she was a child, her father worked hard to save up the money needed to take them on vacation once a year.

Those trips became some of her most cherished memories, especially because her childhood, as she recounts, was difficult. For that reason, as a mother, Joyner decided to keep that tradition alive with her own daughters and make big family trips a priority every year.

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In 2025, the destination chosen by one of her daughters was Costa Rica.

“It was a first for our whole group,” Holly said. Joining the adventure were her husband, Andrew, who is a special education teacher; her mother, also a special education teacher; and her three daughters: Lilah, 17; Esmae, 13; and Sailor, 8.

A First Look at Costa Rica

The family stayed in Herradura Bay. From there, they set out on various activities to explore some of the area's most iconic landscapes and attractions.

The itinerary included a day of snorkeling around Tortuga Island, a horseback ride along Jacó Beach, and a zip-line adventure in the jungle near the hotel.

To Holly, the resort was beautiful. She described the family trip as a great opportunity to discover a new part of the world.

The experience combined relaxation, adventure, and exposure to different natural environments, from the ocean to the jungle.

Before arriving in the country, the family had one very specific concern: finding food that everyone could enjoy, especially since some of them are picky eaters.

The outcome, however, was positive. For much of the trip, they enjoyed fruit, fried plantains, and plenty of smoothies. Costa Rican cuisine thus became another highlight of the visit.

Beaches, Jungle, and Hospitality

One of the things that impressed Holly Joyner the most was the diversity of Costa Rica's landscape.“We were lucky enough to visit beaches with different characteristics, such as the light-colored sand of Isla Tortuga and the darker sand of Playa Jacó. We found the landscape breathtaking and exciting,” she said.

From her perspective, every moment was marked by the discovery of a distinct landscape full of contrasts.

But if there was one thing that left a particularly lasting impression on the visitor, it was the way she was treated by the people.

Joyner told us that Costa Ricans were kind, humble, and welcoming. Plus, since she speaks a little Spanish, she was able to communicate with people during her trip and felt that everyone was patient with her and encouraged her to keep trying.

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For Holly, that warmth was one of Costa Rica's greatest treasures. Beyond the beaches, forests, and adventure activities, hospitality was the element that ultimately defined her experience.

The Meaning of“Pura Vida”

When asked what she considers to be Costa Rica's most unique attraction, Holly doesn't mention a specific place. Her answer points to a way of understanding life.

For her, what's most special is the“pura vida” lifestyle, which she describes as inclusive, warm, and kind.

The expression, widely associated with Costa Rican identity, was evident to the family at different moments during their trip: in the care they received, in people's willingness to help, and in how easily they were able to enjoy the country.

Even an everyday experience turned into a special memory. The family was able to refill their water bottles right from the faucet in the hotel bathroom.

“We were amazed! The water tasted so good. I still miss it!” Joyner said with a laugh.

A Traveler Who Wants to Return

Her visit to Costa Rica didn't leave her feeling like she'd seen it all. On the contrary, Holly says she'd love to return to explore other coastlines and spend time in the capital.

Her first experience showed her that the country is an accessible destination for those with little experience traveling outside the United States. She also highlighted how easy it was to get around and find transportation, tours, and restaurants suitable for children and families.

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For Joyner, Costa Rica offers authentic Costa Rican cuisine, but also options for those with more discerning palates. That variety made the trip enjoyable for everyone in the group.

However, her top recommendation isn't limited to the tourist infrastructure or the natural beauty.“What you'll love most won't be the beautiful beaches, the lush rainforests, or even the crystal-clear, delicious water. It will be the people,” she said.

In her message to you, our dear readers, Holly invites you to discover a country whose hospitality, warmth, and kindness are, in her opinion, the true hallmark of the“pura vida” lifestyle.

For this writer from Cumming, Georgia, Costa Rica was the destination chosen by one of her daughters, but it ended up becoming an experience shared by the whole family. A trip filled with beaches, jungle, cuisine, and adventure that also reaffirmed a personal conviction: memories made together are one of the greatest legacies a family can pass on.

You can follow Holly Joyner on social media: Instagram @Hollyfromlinkedin @Hollyjoyner_; on LinkedIn, where she has more than 60,000 followers, she goes by Holly Joyner, and on Facebook as well (her first and last name).

You can follow UNFPA Costa Rica on social media: Instagram @unfpa_costarica and on Facebook, UNFPA in Costa Rica.

The post A Family from Georgia Discovers and Falls in Love with the“Pura Vida” Lifestyle in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

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