We have a group of ten people (4 girls, ages 7, 9, 9 & 12 and six adults) going to Costa Rica the last week in October. We are contemplating spending the nights of October 26, 27, 28 & 29 in either Nosara or Samara. Which area is the best, and are there any recommendations for a place to stay - either a vacation house or hotel?

I believe Lally has given you excellent information. We stayed at Villas Playa Samara, and how I wish we had known about Villa Kalimba at the time! It sounds like just what we were looking for! We haven't been to Nosara. But from what I understand, you will probably find more to do in Samara.

There is another thread about Samara vs Nosara that may help you. I'll try to find it and top it for you, or do a search on the 'search' box and it will come up.

I just 'topped' the other thread titled 'Samara vs Nosara' for you to look at. Maybe it will give some ideas for you.

Thanks - everyone. This is helpful.

Just back 2 hrs ago...and too tired to say much yet but Villas Kalimbas were great...some of the best days of our 2 wk trip...more to come later in the week! We had sooo much fun!

Welcome home, Joyce! Looking forward to hearing more! So get rested, then let's have it. . .

one more vote for villas kalimba. we stayed there for a month in june, actually we were the first guests ever to stay there. it was great- the owners, roberto and mara, are very warm, wonderful people and the villas are beautiful- right across the street from the beach. also, you and your kids might enjoy surf lessons at Jesse's surfing school. Nosara has much stronger surf and may not be good for kids, although I've never been.

Mad, you helped me find Roberto and thank you sooo much! The location is good as it is across from the beach(can run back & forth if you want), and close to town. Also, there is a great restaurant around the corner..and I will give you the name later in the wk. in a trip report. The villas have 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen. There is a table outdoors on a lovely patio for eating. Your group could rent a few of the casitas. They are in a circle surrounding a small, but very pretty pool. We also visited Carillo beach for the day (Roberto was happy to drive us as we used a driver). I really have to open mail...more later! Joyce

joyce, i'm so glad to hear that! glad to help. roberto and mara are close to our heart, as we spent almost a full month at their place and they treated us like friends. I'm glad you had a good experience too!