How to avoid sanitized resorts

Back in March my family and I traveled to Costa Rica.

We've never been big on resorts. They have their place. And they're beautiful in their own way. In sort of a sanitized Airbnb way.

Speaking of Airbnb. We rented one for the week in the hills of Uvita. And it was beautiful. But not overly sanitized. It was clear the owners came often and enjoyed the place. There is a difference. IYKYK.

So we embraced the towns, went to local beaches, paid for meat at the butcher shop using Bitcoin. Uvita is Bitcoin Jungle after all. We settled into the place and loved every minute of it.

But on the last day we did a tourist thing. And frankly, it was awesome. We went snorkeling at Caño Island. Crystal clear water, sea turtles, small sharks, and fishes everywhere.

It was one of those "Dear God, how are there places this beautiful" moments.

We take the boat ride back and land on the beach at Marino Ballena National Park. Home of the famous Whale Tail. It was nearing low tide. Our timing couldn't have been better.

You have to google it to understand. Basically it's a long, thin peninsula with waves crashing on both sides. Weird to say the least.

I tell the family I am going to go for a quick swim.

The water in Costa Rica is gloriously warm. But still refreshing. In this spot you can wade out forever. I go about 100 yards.

It's just me. Silence except for waves and sloshing water against nearby rocks.

I lay back. Float on my back and stare at the glorious blue sky. 30 seconds? Five minutes? Who knows? A single thought passes through my head: this is as good as it gets.

I wade back. Hug my wife and kids to irritate them and we continue exploring the Whale Tail.

And that was it. Warm water, an empty stretch of ocean, and four people I couldn't wait to annoy. The whole good life, right there, and none of it for sale.

We spend our whole lives chasing a bigger version of it. Turns out it's mostly free, and mostly already here. We're just moving too fast to float in it.

You don't need Costa Rica. You need to slow down enough to notice you're already standing in the water.

Best,

John Montgomery