40th Wedding Anniversary Travel Ideas: Costa Rica Edition
When you’ve spent four decades building a life together, it deserves more than just a dinner out. And truly, there’s no better way to celebrate it than with an unforgettable anniversary trip. Think tropical breezes, breathtaking views, a private beach, and luxury villa accommodations that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, together.
Today, we’re sharing real-world 40th wedding anniversary travel ideas that go far beyond traditional resorts. Costa Rica offers the perfect backdrop for your celebration as it provides part romantic getaway and part family adventure. And at the heart of it all, Villa Punto de Vista delivers the kind of elevated hospitality that provides unforgettable moments every day.
Here’s what you can expect…
How to Plan: 40th Wedding Anniversary Travel Ideas in Costa Rica
Planning your 40th wedding anniversary trip isn’t just about picking a destination. It’s about curating an experience that feels aligned with who you are, and perhaps more importantly, who you’ve become together over the years.
Start by asking a few key questions:
- Do you want to include your kids, grandkids, and close friends who are like family?
- Are you looking for pure relaxation, meaningful adventure, or a mix of both? Spoiler alert: Costa Rica offers both.
- What would feel luxurious, exciting, and joyful to you right now?
Costa Rica makes it easy to say yes to all of the above.
Specifically, Manuel Antonio stands out for couples whose big milestones, like a 40th wedding anniversary. As one of the world’s most desirable destinations for milestone celebrations, it’s lush and wild, but refined. It’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, most charming towns, and most breathtaking ocean views. And unlike some destinations, Costa Rica is great in all four seasons, so there’s no need to worry about choosing the right season.
When it comes to where to stay, skip the standard hotel room. This isn’t just another trip—it’s your 40th!
You want luxury villa accommodations that give you space, privacy, and the kind of flexibility that makes group travel feel seamless. A private villa lets you blend group connection with personal downtime, offering the best of both worlds.
Celebrate With the Ones You Love Most
Some milestones are meant to be shared. While a romantic getaway has its allure, many couples celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary find the greatest joy in spending quality time with their children, grandchildren, lifelong friends, and chosen family.
At Villa Punto de Vista, you can have it all. Rent a luxury villa for your entire trip and celebrate surrounded by the people who helped shape your journey. We’ve had many clients recreate photos from family vacations decades ago on the soft sands of Manuel Antonio beach below the villa. Talk about a special keepsake!
The villa’s spacious design accommodates large groups while feeling like an intimate resort reserved just for you. You’ll enjoy multiple suites, expansive social areas, and plenty of tucked-away nooks for quiet moments together, making it the perfect place for both togetherness and retreat.
Imagine: a private chef to prepare dinners while our in-house sommelier creates the perfect pairings. Morning yoga on the rooftop deck. Poolside lounging while monkeys swing through the nearby treetops. Sunset toasts on the terrace.
Your anniversary celebration becomes not just a trip, but a full-sensory experience.
The time spent with loved ones—sharing laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments—makes every experience at Villa Punto de Vista even more meaningful. And you don’t need to rent a private island for it to be a completely epic anniversary trip!
Immerse in Costa Rican Culture: Adding Meaning to Your Milestone
When it comes to celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, Costa Rica offers a tapestry of experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. This is a country where romance, adventure, and culture blend seamlessly, creating the perfect backdrop for a dream trip you’ll cherish forever.
Imagine waking up in luxury accommodations nestled between lush rainforests and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. You’ll find world-class spa services, beach access, and breathtaking views at every turn.
Culture
But Costa Rica is more than just beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in rich history and vibrant culture.
While Costa Rica may not have the ancient temples found in destinations like Cambodia or Japan, it boasts its own unique historical sites and traditions that reflect its diverse heritage.
Spend your days visiting charming towns like San José on your way to us at the beach, a city where old world charm meets colorful street art and lively markets. Stroll through bustling plazas and discover the stories that have shaped this remarkable country.
Adventures
For those who crave adventure, Costa Rica’s natural wonders are second to none.
Swim among colorful coral reefs, hike through cloud forests, or paddleboard along the coastline. Each day brings new opportunities to explore, connect, and create memories—whether you’re learning to cook traditional dishes in a local class or sharing a sunset toast on a private yacht cruise.
You might also have the chance to see or participate in local festivals where traditional costumes are worn, adding an authentic touch to your cultural experience.
Romance & Relaxation
Evenings are made for romance. Savor candlelit dinners with expertly crafted wine pairings, indulge in spa treatments designed for two, or simply relax by a roaring fire as the sun dips below the horizon. Every moment is an invitation to celebrate your love and the life you’ve built together.
While destinations like the Florida Keys and the Amalfi Coast are renowned for their ocean views and charming towns, Costa Rica stands out for its unique blend of adventure, culture, and romance. Here, you can spend your days exploring, your nights celebrating, and your entire trip wrapped in the warmth of pura vida.
So, as you plan your 40th wedding anniversary or next romantic trip, let Costa Rica be the perfect place to celebrate.
Anniversary Trip Ideas: Sample 5-Day/4-Night Itinerary in Manuel Antonio
Wondering what your Costa Rican anniversary trip could look like?
We’ve had clients tell us that their experience with us in Manuel Antonio surpasses that of an overwater bungalow in the Florida Keys or the Maldives, fishing in Key Largo, enjoying wildlife on an African safari, or visiting Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon with the Northern Lights overhead.
Here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Welcome
- Arrive in Costa Rica and be greeted at the airport by a private transfer.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through lush landscapes to your villa in Manuel Antonio.
- Welcome cocktails and chef-prepared dinner on the rooftop with ocean views.
- End the night with a family toast and casual storytelling by the pool.
Day 2: Adventure + Relaxation
- Morning yoga or meditation on the panoramic deck.
- Late breakfast followed by a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins or whales during whale season from July to November.
- Afternoon downtime for world class spa services at the villa or time exploring the black sand beaches of Playa Biesanz.
- Private dinner under the stars with live music from a local acoustic duo.
Day 3: Nature & Culture
- Early morning guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park to see wildlife like sloths, toucans, and monkeys.
- Lunch in one of the area’s charming towns like Quepos or downtown Manuel Antonio, with time to window shop, explore, and enjoy a visit to a local market tasting all the fresh local fruits.
- Afternoon paddle boarding at Manuel Antonio Beach or simply relax in the infinity pool.
- Sunset vow renewal ceremony on the private beach.
Day 4: Custom Experiences
- Choose your own adventure: horseback riding, ziplining, cooking class, waterfall tour, or water sports like jet skiing or banana boat.
- For wine lovers, indulge in an in-villa wine tasting and wine pairings with a guest sommelier.
- Chef-curated farewell dinner inspired by your honeymoon destination. Perhaps a tango inspired dinner in Buenos Aires or a wine tasting dinner through Tuscan wine country?
- End the night with a surprise slideshow of shared memories and laughter by the rooftop hot tub under the stars.
Day 5: Farewell + Departure
- Light breakfast on the terrace.
- Morning group photo session on the beach.
- Private transfers back to the airport.
- Leave Costa Rica with full hearts, restored spirits, and a love more vibrant than ever.
Remember, this is just a suggestion! Every itinerary for every stay is intricately customized to meet your unique desires for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Why Villa Punto de Vista?
Here’s what makes Villa Punto de Vista the perfect place to spend your 40th wedding anniversary:
- A dedicated concierge to help plan your dream trip, from excursions to menus to surprise moments
- Full staff including private chef, housekeeping, and bartenders to make your stay effortless (think: no food shopping, spa treatments lined up at the drop of a hat, outdoor activities planned before you arrive, and craft cocktails around every corner)
- Multiple suites, social lounges, and terraces that feel like your own intimate resort
- Rooftop spaces, pools, a private beach, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
- Access to experiences that range from spa rituals to family-style fiestas
Villa Punto de Vista offers one of the world’s most exclusive and memorable anniversary experiences, making it a truly exceptional destination for celebrating life’s biggest milestones.
Unlike leading hotels or traditional resorts, you’re not one of many. The entire villa is yours, meaning no crowds, no interruptions, and no sharing the spotlight with other travelers. Just you, the people you love most, and a villa designed to feel like a private world of your own.
And if you want to recreate the magic of your honeymoon ideas from years past? We’ve got you covered. Want to relive that trip to the Amalfi Coast, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, or the Florida Keys? We can theme a dinner around it, complete with curated music, decor, and cuisine.
So, whether your idea of fun is sipping wine under the stars, dancing the night away, taking a spa day with your daughter, or watching your grandkids explore the jungle for the first time, this is where it happens. For couples celebrating a milestone anniversary, a stay at Villa Punto de Vista is truly one of the ultimate bucket list trips.
Let This Be the Year You Go Big for Your Anniversary Trip
You’ve raised families. Supported each other through highs and lows. Weathered the storms of life side-by-side. Now it’s time to mark the moment with intention and a dream trip. You deserve a week of wonder. A perfect trip where time slows down, laughter comes easy, and love is the guest of honor.
Gather your tribe for the kind of celebration they’ll talk about for years, a luxury stay in Costa Rica sets the tone for the next chapter of your love story. Plus, this can be a romantic trip AND a trip with your family. We’ll make sure you have the best of all worlds.
Let the warm breeze, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences of Costa Rica carry you into your fifth decade of marriage. And let Villa Punto de Vista be the place you remember as the highlight of a lifetime of travel, love, and shared adventure.
Explore availability for your 40th anniversary trip now.
