Costa Rica Costa Of Living Update: Lunch for two on the beach while watching the surf roll in- under $20
I’m about to jump in a hammock but my full belly is making me especially lazy. There is a sleeping dog under a palm tree to my right, I’m sure his belly is full too. He’s as relaxed as I am right now.
Lola’s second restaurant is located at Playa Danta; their first at Playa Avellanas, south of Tamarindo. Playa Danta is the location of a new development called Las Catalinas, a place where each home has a small footprint so as to protect the natural beauty of the location. It is siesta time so everything is quiet here. Even the breeze whispers.
The owner of the restaurant introduces himself and we share our philosophy of living in Costa Rica. This was not his first profession, he purposely designed a different life for himself, one that gets him out of an office and into the sunshine.
“If I have an extra dollar at the end of the year I’m a happy man,” Donatus says. “You can’t have regrets in life, you have to find your passion and do it now. Don’t wait or it’ll never happen.”
I like what he says. I also like that he has a cute Dutch accent that reminds me of tulips and windmills. I wonder what images come to mind when people hear my New Jersey accent. Hopefully, anything but The Soprano’s.
The owner goes back to work; it’s a busy day. He crosses the sandy beach a dozen times bringing delicious food to his customers. He’s working hard, I’m sure this place will only get busier once more people hear about it.
My doggy friend picks up his head, glances over at me, and falls back to sleep. Unlike Donatus, he’s in no rush to please people. Costa Rican dogs always know when it’s siesta time.
If I didn’t take the risk moving here I would never have met this charming restaurant owner, or eaten this tasty meal on the beach, or be swinging in a hammock with a lazy dog at my feet.
I’m glad I quit my job.
that was a great piece of writing. created a visual. i will be visiting Lolas in two weeks. I plan to spend the whole day there.
Lola’s is awesome. It’s like how you imagine a beach restaurant would look in Costa Rica. And those hammocks… oh those hammocks. I’m surprised anyone ever gets out of them!
I just came back from there today:) Magical place. Great for children and the tuna sandwich looked great. We had the salad. I have traveled allot and highly recommed this place. You will spend half the day there so plan accordingly. You can rent bikes, paddle boards and boogie boards. Also i hear yoga on paddle boards on Friday. Well done place.
I love sitting at Lola’s and watching the paddle boarders. It’s such a relaxing place, makes you want to just kick back in a hammock and read a book…or take a nap after a nice lunch!
I already love this place! It sounds so amazing! Can you please send me some info?
The development sits in an intimate cove called Playa Danta. They are close to finishing a building that will house a rental company for kayaks, bikes, etc. Check out their website. The people in charge are very nice and helpful. I am sure they can give you lots more information.
I loved your post Nadine. It is possible it was one of my dogs taking the siesta. Popeye sleeps and Ozzy chases bait on the shoreline. Pura Vida,
I love the dogs of Costa Rica. I’m thinking I should have a weekly post on all the cute, and not so cute, ones you see here. The ones at the beach are always the funniest. After checking out your table to see if you have any scraps, they always find a palm tree to fall asleep under. I bet it was one of your dogs I saw. If I had a choice on reincarnation, I would come back as a Costa Rica beach dog!
I can almost smell and hear the ocean from your post. I am happy you quit your job too – now for mine!
I can easily drift back to that moment. The pizza and nachos at the restaurant were excellent. I’m thinking adding some of my favorite places to my blog. I am finding more and more of them!
Ah, wish I were there too. Love the name of your blog, by the way!
Loved that there will be kayak rentals. That was a great idea. The cove looked very calm the day I was there and I heard you can see whales once and a while.
I will be back!
How far is this place from San Jose? Are you on the Pacific or Caribbean side of the ocean?
I am 45-years old, single and would love to relocate to Costa Rica. I visited for a week in 2002, and just fell in love with it but never mustered up the courage to move. I spent a few days in San Jose, Jaco, and Playa Herrudas (if my memory serves me, this was 2 hours from San Jose on the Pacific Ocean side).
I am in Guanacaste now, so that is the upper Pacific region, about 6 hours from San Jose.
The places you visited are fabulous. That’s the problem, too many great places here, all with their own unique vibe. You can live in the mountains or reside at the beach. Such diverisity for a little country. I hope you come back again and explore some more.