The Art of Staying Longer

There’s a certain magic in arriving just after the rush. Not when a destination is buzzing, booked, or bustling — but when it exhales. When the pace slows, the light shifts, and the character of a place steps into sharper focus. This is when seasoned travelers know to show up. They stay a little longer, wander a little slower, and understand that timing is as essential as location.

Because right now, these places are having a moment. The weather is dialed. The natural world is putting on a quiet show — swells landing with precision, wildlife making cameo appearances, and sunsets stretching luxuriously past cocktail hour. There’s more space. Fewer distractions. And the rare chance to feel like you’re not just visiting, but truly inhabiting the place.

Here’s where to go — and why staying longer turns a getaway into something greater.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

June & July

Green season isn’t just poetic — it’s the country at its most cinematic. In Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, the jungle hums to life with technicolor vibrancy. The air is thick with birdsong, the waterfalls are positively gushing, and everything feels deliciously alive. With the summer rains come sweeping views, cooler breezes, and the kind of wild beauty that doesn’t need a filter. This is the Costa Rica the locals love most.

Insider Tips: Green season brings the country to life and Costa Rica’s Little Summer or El Veranillo de San Juan, offers a perfectly timed escape. This brief dry spell, typically arriving in July, delivers sunny skies, glowing rainforests, epic sunsets, and plenty of outdoor activity options. This is also prime time for deep-sea fishing — expect marlin, sailfish, and stories worth retelling. Surfers will also find their sweet spot, with consistent swells and uncrowded breaks offering up some of the best waves of the year.

Real del Mar, Mexico

August & September

Late summer at Real del Mar Beach Club is the very definition of low-key luxury. The Riviera Nayarit stretches out languidly, the sun still strong, the beaches blissfully quiet. Think of it as Mexico’s golden hour — long, warm, and effortlessly flattering. Here, your days unfold like a well-paced novel. Ease into the morning with a mezcal-spiked cold brew at a hidden café in Punta de Mita. Then perhaps a private boat charter to the Marietas Islands, where snorkeling reveals technicolor reefs and secret beach alcoves.

Insider's Guide: Late summer brings a special charm to Mexico’s west coast. The beaches are quiet, the jungle’s alive, and the sea is bathtub-warm. It’s the perfect time to slow down and soak it all in. It’s sea turtle release season — when tiny hatchlings make their courageous dash to the ocean, often just steps from your lounge chair. Join the local conservation camp for a front-row seat to one of nature’s most tender rituals. Every Thursday in August and September, you can explore Puerto Vallarta’s Butterfly Sanctuary — a stunning subtropical habitat with a group of just 10 people. Learn about the life cycles of the delicate winged creatures and get a chance to release newly hatched butterflies. Guided visits focus on the diversity of the flora and fauna within Banderas Bay.

Los Cabos, Mexico

September & October

In the golden lull between summer and holiday season, Los Cabos settles into its most alluring rhythm. The sun still lingers well into the evening, the Pacific is warm enough for morning swims, and the beaches feel both alive and unhurried. At Esperanza, you’ll find cliffside serenity, palm-lined paths, and that signature Baja blend of earth and sea. Down the coast, Punta Ballena offers a more residential take on paradise — sprawling four-bedroom villas perfect for slow mornings, seafood feasts, and sunset swims with no end time.

Insider's Guide: As summer fades elsewhere, Los Cabos hits its stride — warm seas, fewer tourists, and the tail end of marlin season await. Enjoy complimentary meals and activities for kids 11 and under with all reservations during September and October. Mexican Independence Day is a full-sensory celebration. On September 15 and 16, Los Cabos transforms into a lively tribute to local culture — think handmade crafts, traditional flavors, live mariachi, and the electrifying “El Grito” to mark the country’s proudest moment.

No crowds. No hassle. No catch. These limited-time stays are the travel world’s best-kept secret — until now. So go ahead. Stay longer. Spend smarter. And squeeze out the last of summer to make it feel just that much sweeter.