For some of us, it’s not enough to visit a place. We want to immerse ourselves in the culture, the people, and the town of stay. For this sort of traveler, a hotel can feel like Anywhere, USA, boring and nondescript. No thank you.

If that resonates with you then you’re the sort of person who prefers to stay in a vacation rental, but not just any kind of vacation rental.

When you stay in Venice, Italy, you want to hear the bells of Saint Marks, hear the lapping of the canals slapping against the wall outside your villa.

It’s the same in Costa Rica. You want to hear the howler monkeys, the Pacific ocean, and the birds sing in harmony like they were in the living room.

You want local furniture, local art, and all things Costa Rica. BUT, you don’t want it so homegrown that the floors are dirt. That might be pushing the definition of immersion too much.

The Ideal middle ground is Los Balcones del Pacifico or “Balcones” as the locals call it. For the month of June, unit number eight is wide open. It’s a smooth blend of Costa Rican charm blended with North American comforts.

What’s better, this place lands you in the same ideal distance from all the action. Here, you may even fool yourself into believing — at least for a little while — that you live in Tamarindo.

Costa Rican style charm

When you first step into your temporary home, what you’ll notice is the explosion of color and wood furnishings.

Travelers know Central America for its use of color in textiles and food. Tamarindo is no exception. From the fire-engine exterior of Balcones to the lime green room in unit eight, the place is an ideal blend of hardwoods and bright colors.

The artwork on the walls reflects the atmosphere of Tamarindo, never letting you forget where you are in the world. Dark-stained wood mirror the trees of the canopy outside your unit, tree trunks speckled in between the super-green backdrop of Balcones’ blue pool.

Flop on the couch or bed. You’ll quickly see where the influences of developed nations have had their most critical influences. This place may be local in many ways, but it’s as comfortable as what you’d expect from a bed and breakfast back home.

Ideal distance from Tamarindo

Key to staying in Tamarindo is finding a place that gets you the ideal distance to your presence. Some people like to be smack dab in the middle of the action. Others prefer a good hike into town.

Balcones is the Goldilocks ideal to the two extremes. It’s close enough to reach the center of town after walking about a block but situated in such a way with a view that will make you wonder if you’re staying in the sticks.

The forest adjacent to the property acts as a perfect buffer to the nightlife in Tamarindo. That way, when the day is done —whenever that is for you — you can close the drapes, crank up the air conditioning, and say goodnight to the moon (or rising sun if that’s your speed.)

If you’ve never been to Tamarindo, understand that the center of town is spitting distance from everything, the beach, shopping, food, and tour outfits.

In this regard, Balcones is, as they say, ideal.

Act like you live in Tamarindo

Whether your trip to Tamarindo is to dream of a life where you call the tropics home or one where you forget the world at home, Balcones works.

For the duration of your stay, you’ll feel like you’re a local. Your fully outfitted kitchen is sufficient to cook full meals or order in, whatever you prefer. The property comes with round the clock security, off street parking for your rental car, and a just-add-water community.

Actually, we’ve already added the water. The pool in the center of the property is a great place to meet other travelers and locals as Balcones is home to a mixture of both.

The stories that get told around the pool in Balcones could fill a travel book with adventures and misadventures. It’s really a gem in Tamarindo.

Don’t be surprised if you get swept up in a local barbecue session. People are really friendly at Balcones del Pacifico.

Of course, if you are looking for something further from town or closer to the town center, don’t hesitate to reach out. The crew at Horizons Pacific Vacations loves to help travelers craft the best vacation memories.

Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Offering vacation rentals, property management, long-term rentals, as well as a complete concierge service. Providing you with a local contact during your stay, Horizon Pacific is a company you can trust, with the experience you need.