Introduction

Named the “Destination of the Year for 2024” in the December 20203/January 2024 print issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine, Costa Rica is front and center being recognized by industry experts as the place to go next year.  Featured in the “Best of Guanacaste” story, the car-free, coastal town of Las Catalinas continues to flourish, offering a better of way of living for residents, travelers, and guests. From a referral from a fellow PR colleague, I was introduced to Las Catalinas in early 2016 and was fortunate to visit the seaside town then.

About Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas is Costa Rica’s newest beach town. The car-free, highly walkable town includes hotels, shops, restaurants, day spas, parks, plazas, and recreational facilities, all located between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches and 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest, which are interlaced with extensive hiking and biking trails. The walkable public spaces within the town are interwoven with nature, and the architecture emphasizes indoor-outdoor living and scenic views. Cars are refreshingly absent. Las Catalinas’ purpose is to create a better way to live that is healthier, more satisfying, more fun, and more sustainable.

Working with Las Catalinas

After my first visit to Las Catalinas, I experienced something that no other destination has ever made me feel. When I left the town, I realized I was up close and personal with something unique that would stay with me for a long time afterwards, if not forever.

In the beginning, just a few homes lined the main cobblestone street. What struck me on this first visit was the intention of this walkable town. And honestly, I’m not surprised that that deep intention is there seven years later, with the growth and development. I still feel the same way walking through town or running on the trails today as I did in 2016.

For a town that appeals to many people from those who love nature and the great outdoors to fitness enthusiasts focused on wellness and well-being to those with an appreciation for beautiful architecture and spaces, Las Catalinas appeals to many people, but it tells of a specific story that resonates with me on a personal level – a story of a town with its textured hardscapes encouraging maximum human-to-human interaction in a setting that harmonizes the people with nature.

Since June of 2022, I’ve conceptualized creative ways to tell their unique story while touching on the many facets of this exciting town that may appeal to a range of audiences. From niche, specialized outlets to top-tier publications to smaller, mid-market regional media, I’ve successfully garnered press coverage for Las Catalinas in a versatile list of outlets including Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine, Coastal Living, Women’s Health, Aspen Local Magazine, Marin Living Magazine, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, Trail Runner Magazine, Health, Artful Living Magazine, Shape, Women’s Running, WorkLife, Georgia Biz, Range Magazine, ELLE Quebec, Marie Claire, The Zoe Report, Venice Fort Lauderdale Magazine, Hospitality Design, Ocean Home, Architectural Digest France, Luxury Magazine, The Knot, Brides and many more.