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Inside Las Catalinas — the Car-free Costa Rica Beach Town Travelers Are Flocking to Now

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2 years ago

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From Atlanta, Georgia, it’s less than a four-hour flight to Liberia, Costa Rica, where access to an up-and-coming beach community, Las Catalinas, is about an hour away.

Call it new urbanism, a planned community, or a counter to the mega-resorts that have overtaken a chunk of the world’s coastline: Las Catalinas is the realized vision of entrepreneur Charles Brewer, who himself owns one of the car-free town’s largest houses.

Since its inception in 2005 (building began in 2009), Las Catalinas — inspired by the seaside towns of the Mediterranean with a respectful nod to the colorful homes and shops of Antigua, Guatemala, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — was envisioned to be a place where children can frolic freely while their parents sip cocktails overlooking the lapping Pacific waves.

But beyond the walkable cobblestone streets and plaza fountains encouraging children’s play is a community with stunning architecture, easy access to water sports like boogie boarding and snorkeling, and a handful of restaurants serving three squares a day. Las Catalinas director of sales and marketing Renae Johnson says architects would describe the enclave as a “short urban transect, [one that] indeed enriches life.”

Courtesy of Las Catalinas

Surrounded by roughly 1,000 acres of tropical dry forest, Las Catalinas is much more than sun and sand, though it has those in spades. In many ways, it feels perfectly aligned with many travelers’ changed priorities, since it’s largely uninterested in becoming a thriving tourist hub and would prefer to exist as a paradise for people to return to again and again. Buying a villa and staying forever is another viable option.

While there’s plenty to do in the surrounding areas, Las Catalinas is the kind of place that can keep visitors content during the duration of their stay. Johnson says settling into the rhythm happens easily here, and they even came up with a name for it: downshifting.

Courtesy of Las Catalinas

Despite its decidedly unique approach to a traditional coastal vacation, Las Catalinas shares quite a few similarities with the typical sprawling beach resort: Multiple dining options, though individually owned and operated, have various offerings, from tapas-style fare at Pascual to broadly interpreted (and somewhat basic) Mediterranean cuisine at Ponciana. There’s also a very good spa selling the usual beach wares and workout gear, and a gourmet food store presents the opportunity to DIY the occasional meal or pick up ready-made sandwiches to bring to the beach.

One key area that Las Catalinas stands apart from the mega-resorts is in its beach experience; you won’t find loungers and umbrellas or drink service on the sand — a welcome reprieve for some and a sorely missed piece for others.

Courtesy of Las Catalinas

For those hung up on some of the standard beach vacation amenities, there’s the Beach Club. Overlooking the sea below, it contains both an all-ages pool and an adults-only one with an adjacent bar. Tacos and margaritas from La Taqueria can be enjoyed via your chaise lounge or at a table, though access to the club is dependent upon what villa category you’re staying in.

Many villas have their own, albeit tiny, plunge pools, and the beach is public, so the category may not matter much, depending on your preferences. Plus, just before the pandemic, Santarena Hotel opened, and it, too, has a pool — on the rooftop — as well as a cafe serving espresso drinks, kombucha in a can, and buttery banana bread.

Pierre Theriault/Courtesy of Las Catalinas

While the town itself can’t entirely escape its manufactured roots, just beyond the manufactured cobblestones and gurgling fountains is a natural environment teeming with wildlife. Forty-two kilometers of well-maintained hiking and biking trails reveal families of howler monkeys feasting on leafy green trees above, giant iguanas effortlessly blending into nature and quickly scurrying about the grounds, and, if you’re lucky, anteaters meandering in the distant underbrush. You might also spot a fast-as-lighting puma racing through the land. But even without these endearing wildlife sightings, there’s something magnificent to see along these trails: The higher you go, the better the vista.

Courtesy of Las Catalinas

Of course, as with most beach towns, there’s an anything-goes vibe, and Las Catalinas takes its wellness quotient seriously — Pura Vida Ride has bikes for rent, and the adjacent Core by Chak Fitness center offers a range of classes, from power yoga to kickboxing.

Pots & Bowls makes excellent cold-pressed juices (try the Green Machine) and is ideally situated nearby, though technically, everything in town can be reached within minutes.

Plans for additional restaurants and a late-night bar (Las Catalinas currently lacks any kind of nightlife), as well as more retail and plaza space, are in the works. In the coming years, this stretch of Costa Rican coast won’t be such a hidden gem, but it’ll remain car-free — one of the town’s steadfast commitments.

Johnson says, “Turns out, when you remove [cars] from the equation and build towns similar to the way they were before cars existed, the result is sociability, beauty, and safety. Kids get more freedom this way, which often means adults do, too.”



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Shocking number of Brits ‘cannot identify foreign road signs when driving’

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1 hour ago

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August 10, 2025

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It can be hard to read up on all of the local laws when going on holidays, but road experts are urging Brits to learn the meanings behind local road signs to avoid accidents and fines

A survey has found most UK drivers don’t recognise key road signs abroad(Image: Getty Images)

Before you embark on your European road trip, make sure you’re up to date on the local driving laws. A new survey has revealed four in five British drivers admit they struggle to understand key road signs when driving overseas – which can have serious consequences.

In a research conducted by road experts at Ready Set Supplied, an overwhelming 80 per cent of the 440 Brits surveyed failed to correctly identify standard signage used across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other EU countries.

Furthermore, the study also found that 87 per cent of Brits do zero preparation before driving abroad – which includes failing to glance at local driving regulations. This means that millions of drivers are using guesswork to interpret restrictions and other unfamiliar signs. It comes after UK drivers were warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.

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Failure to recognise road signs can lead to accidents or fines(Image: fhm via Getty Images)

These findings come amid concerns that poor sign recognition is contributing to avoidable fines, missed turns and even potentially dangerous driving decisions when abroad.

Meanwhile, problems can also arise from the fact that sat-navs and Google Maps offer turn-by-turn directions, which don’t help drivers interpret symbols on unfamiliar roadside signs. Crucially, some of these can carry legal implications or even indicate unusual rules.

A spokesperson from Ready Set Supplied said: “Most UK drivers wouldn’t dream of driving here without understanding basic road signs. But as soon as they cross the Channel, that caution seems to disappear. The assumption is that it’ll all just make sense when you get there.”

Misunderstanding road signs can have serious consequences. These include fines for illegal parking and causing confusion, which can lead to both legal trouble and road safety issues.

This can also be dangerous when it comes to signs give advance warning of hazards like narrow passes, slippery road conditions or mandatory detours.

READ MORE: Hidden phone charge costing Brits who visit popular holiday destination £300

Experts warn that missing these cues raises the risk of sudden braking, poor positioning and even crashes. This is especially true on unfamiliar terrain.

Ready Set Supplied said: “People don’t realise that the layout and flow of roads abroad are designed with those signs in mind. If you don’t understand the system, you’re not driving safely.”

The survey also highlighted the lack of awareness around quirky local laws that can catch them off guard. For example, in many EU countries things like driving a dirty vehicle or listening to music at petrol stations can result in tickets or fines.

Experts cautioned that while drivers may assume that because they didn’t see a sign on their theory test it’s not important, that mindset won’t work outside of the UK.

To avoid running into trouble abroad, Ready Set Supplied is urging motorists to spend just ten minutes reviewing basic signage rules before hitting the road. They emphasise that a simple refresher on how foreign systems handle rules around lane priority, emergency stop areas and turn restrictions could make a massive difference.

A spokesperson explained: “Driving abroad shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. A little knowledge goes a long way—not just to avoid fines, but to genuinely protect yourself and other road users.”



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40 years through the lens: A photographer’s Tasmanian journey | The Examiner

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7 hours ago

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August 9, 2025

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Since this date, the darkroom doors have had over 30 photographers go through – Neil Richardson, Peter Aylett, Maria Connors, Matthew Stanley, Will Swan, Craig Sheriff, Michelle Webb, Jeremy Smith, Eddie Safarik, Tim Hughes, Lorisse Dart, Leila Williams, Sarah Rhodes, Simon Tennant, Sharee Smith, Simon Groves, Ben Vos, Glenn Daniels, Mark Jesser, Geoff Robson, Scott Gelston, Rod Thompson, Phillip Biggs and Craig George.



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6 Most Scenic Drives in Alabama

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11 hours ago

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August 9, 2025

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Known as the best state in America for freshwater diversity, Alabama is a nature lover’s paradise. However, unknown to many avid trippers, Alabama also boasts some of the most scenic drives in the country. You will enjoy heart-gripping views at thousands of feet above sea level, then swooping down to take in delicious waterfront views along the state’s white-sand beaches. Some roads cut through dense forests and deep canyons. Meanwhile, others showcase rolling hills, old barns, and other elements of a bygone era. Keep reading to discover the 6 most scenic drives in Alabama.

The Natchez Trace Parkway

Bridge over the Tennessee River on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Natchez Trace Parkway is a phenomenal drive that spans more than 400 miles and winds through three states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. To a large extent, it follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic artery used by American Indians, slave traders, soldiers, and even future presidents. You only need a minute on the historic parkway, and you will immediately appreciate why it is ranked as one of America’s 10 best biking roads. The Alabama segment spans slightly more than 30 miles in the state’s northwest corner, but its visual effect is profound in both scope and intensity. It starts on the Mississippi border, a few miles southwest of Cherokee, and winds through to the Tennessee border near Stewartville. Highlights include Colbert Ferry Park, named for Chickasaw George Colbert, and Freedom Hills Overlook, which features a steep, quarter-mile trail that leads to Alabama’s highest point on the parkway.

Alabama State Route 65

A birding trail in Paint Rock, Alabama.

There are road trips that leave you yawning at the dull expanse of sameness. Others give a sense of rural calm, especially as they feature curvy, tree-lined segments and offer tasty views that set the heart purring with joy and anticipation. Alabama State Route 65 (not to be confused with Interstate 65) is curvy but incredibly peaceful. Think of old barns, historic homesteads, and weathered farm structures. People skip it for long drives and big names, but this 27-mile eye candy is such a revelation, notably for the fact that it cuts through the entire length of the Paint Rock Valley, described as “the Little Sister to Virginia’s Shenandoah.” The route starts from near the slow-paced town of Gurley and leaps through the mountainous regions of northeastern Alabama to Francisco near the Tennessee border. Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve in Paint Rock has nice, flat trails to explore, while Curly Putman Park in Princeton is photo-worthy in every direction.

Selma To Tuskegee Through Montgomery

Aerial view of Selma, Alabama.

A significant portion of the route from Selma to Tuskegee through Montgomery is the historic Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which commemorates one of the most consequential moments in the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. A confrontation between peaceful protestors and law enforcement officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge pricked the conscience of the nation and sent sympathetic shockwaves across the globe. The route’s starting point is the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Selma, while the Alabama State Capitol marks the endpoint on the other side. An extension to the vibrant college town of Tuskegee winds through peaceful rolling countryside tastefully punctuated with forested stretches. Highlights include the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, where a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. stands, and the Lowndes Interpretive Center (White Hall), a nostalgic spot dedicated to participants of the historic march.

Talladega Scenic Drive

Sunset At Cheaha overlook in Cheaha State Park, Alabama.

Talladega Scenic Drive, also known as State Route 281 in Alabama, extends from U.S. Route 78 west of Heflin, a Hallmark-worthy town that serves as the gateway to the Southern Appalachian Mountains, to the intersection of two forest roads in the Talladega National Forest around Adams Gap, about 11 miles northwest of Lineville. It winds through the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the best vistas in the South, including Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. Rock outcroppings and small rural settlements dot the stretch, sitting as mesmerized witnesses to nature’s incredible grandeur, vastness, and majesty. There are several scenic overlooks to stop and pull over. You can then hide at the Cheaha State Park and explore the jaw-dropping trails around.

Lookout Mountain Parkway

Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. Editorial credit: Jimmy Rooney / Shutterstock.com

Lookout Mountain Parkway is a two-lane gem that spans approximately 93 miles and effortlessly imprints itself on the minds and memories of those lucky enough to experience its poetic beauty. The parkway starts outside the gates of Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park, where a path leads to a photogenic view of Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall steeped in Native American myth. The park and waterfall are in Gadsden, once Alabama’s second-most important commercial and industrial hub. The Alabama section of the parkway ends at the Georgia-Alabama border near Mentone before crossing into the Peach State. If you find Noccalula impressive, you will find DeSoto Falls, one of the most photographed attractions in Alabama, nothing short of stupendous. A short detour will take you to another unmissable highlight on the Lookout Mountain Parkway: the sandstone cliffs of the Little River Canyon.

Barbour County Governors’ Trail

Octagon House, Clayton, Alabama.

Barbour County Governors’ Trail has a giveaway name that easily reveals its overarching focus: the Alabama governors who called Barbour County home. The trail features 8 governors, including those with historical significance such as Governor Shorter, a strong secessionist and a co-author of the Confederate constitution. Still, despite its name, the Barbour County Governors’ Trail is not exclusively about governors. You can pass by the Octagon House in Clayton, which served as Union cavalry headquarters during the Civil War years. Alternatively, you can explore the gorgeous Blue Springs State Park, which features several attractions, including a spring-fed swimming pool. The trail begins in Clio and continues northeast through Louisville to downtown Clayton.

The Takeaway

Besides being some of the best stress-relievers out there, road trips are fun, enjoyable, and often come with a euphoric sense of freedom and adventure. Alabama, one of the most diverse states in America, is home to some surprisingly beautiful drives. The best part is that the drives travel the whole gamut: From the flat terrains with shimmering water views to cloud-grazing pathways with panoramic vistas. Depending on your pick, you can also enjoy a big dose of history. Keep in mind that several defining events associated with the Civil Rights Movement played out in Alabama, including the Selma to Montgomery March, making this state perfect for road-trip-loving history buffs.



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