Paul’s 40thCosta Rica

Phase 2 · October 9 – 11

Resort & Recovery

Hotel Riu Guanacaste, Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste. Wristbands on, nothing left to organize — and Paul’s 40th birthday celebration on October 10.

Oct 3Oct 4Oct 5Oct 6Oct 7Oct 8Oct 9–11
Hotel Riu Guanacaste beachfront resort at Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste at sunset

Resort amenities

  • 24-hour All Inclusive
  • Beachfront on Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste
  • Outdoor pool with swim-up bar
  • 7 bars + buffet & à la carte restaurants
  • Splash Water World water park
  • Renova Spa & wellness centre
  • Gym, tennis court & sports activities
  • Free WiFi throughout the hotel
  • RIU Party nights & entertainment

  1. 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

    Breakfast buffet

    Main restaurant, open seating.

  2. 11:00 AM
    Group gathering

    Pool cabana meetup

    Meet at the main pool / swim-up bar area. Grab a lounger as a group.

  3. 7:00 PM
    Reservation

    Dinner

    Group dinner at the resort. Dinner arrangements will be shared once we arrive.

  1. All day
    Birthday

    Birthday celebration at the all-inclusive

    Paul turns 40 — the whole day is his. Pool, beach, swim-up bar, zero logistics.

  2. 6:00 PM
    Key event

    Birthday dinner & toasts

    Oceanfront dinner, full group table. Dress code: light, beachy colors and fabrics.

  3. 8:00 PM
    Key event

    Private beach party

    Beach party to close out the birthday. Guitars encouraged.

  1. 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Breakfast & bag drop

    Luggage storage available at the lobby after checkout.

  2. 12:00 PM
    Hard deadline

    Resort checkout

    Standard checkout is 12:00 PM. Late checkout available for a fee — ask the front desk.

  3. Varies
    Check your time

    Shuttles to LIR airport

    Departures grouped by flight time — about 75 minutes from resort to LIR.

Free-time options

Surf lesson at Tamarindo (45 min drive) · Spa day at the resort · Catamaran sunset sail · Sea turtle watching · Or the correct answer: a lounger and a book.