Owning a vacation home has many advantages, it is a place you can escape to from your work routine and have a place to go any time you need to, it gives you all the privacy you like and want; you can travel with friends and family and have guests over, even bring your pets; you have everything you want and everything you need handy and the way you like it, so it is all about convenience and control.

Many tourists have chosen Costa Rica to buy a vacation home, celebrities included; buying real estate in this country has proven to be quite affordable, the warm temperatures year-round, the political and economic stability the country offers, makes it a safe investment.

If you have been giving this possibility some thought, here’s a list of the 10 best places to buy a vacation home in Costa Rica.:

1) Mal Pais/Santa Teresa: If you want to live close to the beach but you rather stay away from crowded vacation spots and instead opt for a more secluded area, this is what you will find in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa two neighboring communities located in the Nicoya Peninsula, in Puntarenas. A surfer’s destination and a place that leads to relaxation. There has been a spike in the recent years in new constructions and developments which means there are several options for you to find the right vacation home.

2) Papagayo Gulf: This area is more upscale, appealing to those that have a love for luxury and great comfort. Golf course, marina, beach clubs, you get the idea. Papagayo Gulf is in Guanacaste which is the North Pacific of Costa Rica, just 30 minutes from Liberia’s airport. Here you can find many options to buy a vacation home.

3) Los Sueños Marina and Resort: Nestled in the palm of the luxurious Los Sueños Resort, Los Sueños Marina is situated within the protection of Herradura Bay and is privileged to call itself the first government sanctioned marina to begin operating in Costa Rica. The 1,100 acre beachfront residential complex boasts stunning ocean-view condominiums and single-family villas, a lively Marina Village with a wide array of restaurants, shops, and services, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a private Beach Club. All property is titled and professionals make the buying process easy and safe.

4) Hermosa: There’s a good number of expats living here, it’s just a few minutes from the beach town of Jacó, there are several residential communities and close-by amenities.

5) Esterillos Este: Perhaps underrated, this is actually a very good option if you are looking to find an affordable home in a secluded area but that is also close to larger communities; Esterillos is in between Jacó and Manuel Antonio.

6) Flamingo: In Guanacaste, just fifteen minutes away from bustling Tamarindo beach town, the houses in Flamingo are nested in the mountain, surrounded by nature and allowing for privacy and relaxation with mesmerizing views of the blue water and white sand beaches. Tamarindo, Conchal and Playa Grande are also great options, they are all just a short drive away from each other and the three present very different settings; Hacienda Pinilla is one of the most popular gated communities but in this area, you have plenty to choose from.

7) Nosara: This region in Guanacaste is home to many foreigners, some of which established here many years ago. The beauty of Nosara lies in the fact that it has a little bit of everything to satisfy almost anyone, a beach that is ideal for surfing, another one that is great to just lay back and relax, a mix of comfort and luxury with a simple lifestyle. There are many developments in the area and you are sure to find your perfect fit.

7) Manuel Antonio, Quepos: The Manuel Antonio National Park is the most visited park in Costa Rica, that is no coincidence, the beauty and charm of the area is undeniable, There are a few options for vacation homes in the area. If you rather be in a nearby community, you can also consider Dominical and Uvita, no crowds and prices are better.

8) La Fortuna, San Carlos: It is not all about the beach, there are very good options for vacation houses in the mountains of Costa Rica. La Fortuna with the Arenal Volcano National Park, the hot springs, and a large number of attractions, is an awesome place to get your thoughts in order and give your body and mind a deserved break. It is also close to many other popular vacation destinations, so it’s very convenient.

9) Monteverde area: There’s a big community of foreigners from all over the world that have established in the communities close to the National Park, like Santa Elena and others that have their vacation homes here. All services are close by while at the same time you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.

10) Grecia and Atenas: Two neighboring cities in the Alajuela province, amazing weather, clean, beautiful views of the Central Valley, close to the international airport and close to many vacation activities.

As advice, if you are buying a vacation home in Costa Rica as an investment and you are looking to rent it out, buy your property within a project or residential community that already provides that service for you, it will save you a lot of headaches and money; otherwise make sure to get a good property manager.