Las Catalinas is an impeccably executed, master-planned gated community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica – specifically, along Playa Danta (pushing into Playa Dantita), just north of Playa Potrero (3.75 miles/6 kms) and Playa Flamingo (5.25 miles/8.5 kms), and south of Playas del Coco (12 miles/19 kms).

It’s Costa Rica’s only car-free community (you can own and park a car, though!) and centers around a compact Beach Town – a walkable village in the style of the Old-World Mediterranean. Amenities include 24/7 gated security, hiking & biking trails, fitness facilities, and a Beach Club with ocean-view pools, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar.

Las Catalinas real estate is competitive, as there are few properties available and those that are, typically sell quickly. (If you lived here, you wouldn’t want to leave, either!). Prices start around $425,000-$600,000 for a studio and 1-bedroom condos and $1M for a villa or single-family home. Luxury properties start around $3M.