The Journey to Creating Our Costa Rica Pickleball Retreat
The Journey to Making It Happen
A year ago, we found ourselves in Costa Rica, not as retreat hosts, but as explorers on a mission. Our passion for pickleball and our love for travel had us wondering—what if we could combine the two into an unforgettable experience? We had seen other sports retreats thrive, and we knew the growing pickleball community was eager for something beyond the usual tournament scene. Inspired by this idea, we set off to find the perfect place to make it happen. We traveled there to scout locations, tour resorts, and envision what an international pickleball retreat could look like. We knew we wanted something special—a place that blended great pickleball facilities with incredible amenities, local charm, and adventure.
We started off in San Jose, the biggest city in Costa Rica, and went north to Tilajari Resort, where Engage hosts their retreats. Initially, we thought this was the perfect fit—great courts and an all-inclusive experience. However, we realized that guests would need a car or a guided tour to explore beyond the resort, which wasn’t ideal.
So, we continued west. Since the West Coast is the best coast back home, we wondered if the same would hold true for Costa Rica. We were right. Our first stop was The Club at Coco Bay, where we were introduced to Fernanda and Jeff, a couple managing the pickleball program there. We instantly connected, sharing our experiences of running a club as a couple. After a fun dinner and some fantastic matches the next morning—including an epic battle of the sexes game—we knew we had found something special. Also, Fernanda is on the Costa Rican national team. You can check her out here!
Next, we visited Margaritaville. While the facilities were nice, it felt a bit too much like a typical resort for what we envisioned. The drinks and views were great, though!
Our next stop was Tamarindo, which perfectly embodied the "Pura Vida" lifestyle—relaxed, welcoming, and full of charm. We fell in love with the 15-Love Hotel. Nestled among lush trees filled with monkeys and giant lizards, it was just a 10-minute walk from the beach. No car was needed—everything was within walking distance, making it an ideal retreat location.
Before finalizing our choice, we checked out one last option: Hacienda Pinilla, where an American named Mani had set up courts and offered accommodations in two separate four-bedroom houses Pura Vida Houses . While it was a great setup for large groups, sharing a house with strangers wouldn’t work for everyone.
In the end, 15-Love checked all the boxes: beautiful courts, a prime location, and an atmosphere that encouraged both relaxation and excitement.
Once we returned home, where it was cold and rainy, we reached out to 15-Love to confirm a week’s availability. Now, the big question was—could we get enough people to sign up?Would we be able to create an experience that lived up to our vision?
The answer soon became clear—YES. The response was incredible, and before we knew it, we had a full group ready to embark on this adventure with us.
In our next blog, we’ll take you inside the retreat itself—the daily pickleball action, off-court adventures, and unforgettable moments that made this trip so special. And if you're considering your own Costa Rica adventure, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to share our itinerary and recommendations!
