Popular HGTV shows have put towns and cities on the map — think Fixer Upper (Waco, Texas), Home Town (Laurel, Mississippi) and Fixer to Fabulous (Bentonville, Arkansas). Now, viewers can get ready to say hello to Jacó, the beach town in Costa Rica where HGTV’s new show Betting on Paradise takes place.

The show revolves around Luke Shantz (a construction and landscaping pro) and Steph Sitt (a designer with a background in hospitality). The duo sold their home in Canada four years ago and moved with their daughters Mia (age 10) and Luna (age 8) to Jacó, eventually purchasing and renovating a hotel they named Amavi. “Our goal is for our guests to feel like they have a friend in Jacó,” says Luke. “It truly changes a vacation when you know a local who can share their favorite spots for food, fun and shopping.”

Ahead, Luke and Steph do just that. Discover their favorite activities and hot spots in their new hometown and its surrounding area, plus their favorite travel essentials.

Sample Street Food at Their New Restaurant

This duo’s first recommendation is close to their hearts. “You’d think we’d have our hands full running a hotel, but we’re proving our risk tolerance knows no limits,” laughs Luke. “Steph is an amazing cook and this month we’re opening an Asian street food restaurant located right in Jacó called Tuk Shop, where her cheeseburger dumplings, Korean korn dogs and garlic chili fries are sure to be a hit with diners!”

Relax on a Beach

The couple treasures family time at the beach. “We find the ocean incredibly calming,” says Steph, whose favorite spot is the 5-mile-long dark pebbled beach where they got married. “Jacó Beach is exactly what people picture when they think of a Costa Rican beach with cascading cliffs on each end and tropical palm trees dotted throughout. It’s a great place to surf or ride horseback and if you’re agile enough, you can even attempt to knock down a coconut or two.”

Learn to Surf

There’s no better place to hang ten than in Costa Rica, where warm water temperatures and waves remain constant throughout the year. To master the ins and outs of surfing, Steph and Luke recommend BioSurf, where an enthusiastic and encouraging staff fit clientele with appropriate-sized surfboards based on their experience level and make the most dramatic wipeouts feel triumphant. “They truly get you excited about learning how to surf even if you’re just a beginner,” says Steph, who loves to take classes with Luke. Bonus: When you’re out on the water, an instructor will capture your experience in a photo or video.

Stop by a Jacó Bar

With a fun and welcoming vibe, Jacó Bar, located in the heart of Jacó, is known for its live music, DJs, local brews and generous portions of tropical-inspired foods. “You can never go wrong with their guacamole, ceviche, Cuban sandwich with homemade pickles and tuna bowls,” says Steph. Tourists enjoy sitting on the open balcony looking out at the street action below and appreciate the live streaming of their favorite sports teams, including NFL Monday Night Football games.

Get Ice Cream at Rebelissimo

Luke admits his guilty pleasure is ice cream. “My favorite flavor is the key lime pie at Rebelissimo, located right in Jacó, where everything is made by hand from natural ingredients,” says Luke. “This ice cream shop is Mia and Luna’s go-to spot after school.”

Sip Some Java at Café Bohio

Located in Jacó, Café Bohio is where you’ll find some of the best hot and cold brews in Costa Rica. Luke loves their Bohio-style iced coffee made with homemade coconut milk, while Steph is a fan of their mango ginger smoothie and iced chai latte. “You can purchase their beans to take home plus they have a breakfast menu that includes a delicious avocado toast made with their famous sourdough bread,” says Steph.

Go Ziplining at Carara National Park

As nature enthusiasts, Luke and Steph love taking their family ziplining over the dense forests at Carara Adventure Park, located within Carara National Park, about a 50-minute car ride from Jacó. Adventurers can make their way to the top in either an open bed truck or on a gondola before being instructed how to safely ride the lines. “You can choose to free fly or fly upside-down and when you’re done, share stories and photos of your adventure at one of the nearby restaurants,” says Luke.

Enjoy Local Cuisine at Gracias Madre

Based in Jacó, the Gracias Madre (translation: Thank You Mother) is a fun beachfront restaurant featuring gourmet tacos, delicious cocktails and live music — all served on a rooftop palapa with stunning ocean and sunset views. “They have these beautiful communal wood tables, making it a great place to meet friends for happy hour,” says Steph, who recommends the flaming margarita. “It’s the star of the show along with the short ribs and barbacoa tacos.”

Meet Monkeys in the Mangroves

The mangroves in Costa Rica help slow erosion while sheltering wildlife such as fish, iguanas, sloths, birds and reptiles from predators. “The most famous inhabitants of the mangroves are the monkeys,” says Luke, who shares one of his favorite ways to interact with them is on the Monkey Mangrove Chino Tour. Located in Quepos, about an hour and 15-minute car ride from Jacó, this tour company offers boat and kayak rides through the mangroves where visitors can enjoy the tropical flora and fauna while the guides explain the differences between the local groups of monkeys. “They’ll come right onto the boat and eat bananas out of your hand,” shares Luke.

Chill Out at the Nauyaca Waterfalls

Luke loves to meditate within Costa Rica’s natural habitats, so it’s no surprise the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls, located two hours south of Jacó, made his list of must-see places. “It’s the perfect spot for those in search of calm and adventure,” adds Luke. Set in a canyon accessible by foot or transport, the sound of cascading waters bring a sense of peace as visitors connect with nature. “There are two falls and at the bottom of each are natural pools you can swim in,” shares Luke. “There’s also horseback riding and hiking trails through the forest.”

Hike to the El Miro Ruins

Every morning at 5:30 a.m., Luke hikes with his two dogs, Sunny and Stormy. “You can start your day upset with the world but after a hike, life is good,” says Luke, who notes it’s a good idea to hike in the morning before the heat of the day or at night to capture a stunning sunset. “My favorite hike is a 20-minute trek up Miro Mountain, located right in Jacó. Once you get to the top, the views overlooking the town and the Pacific Ocean are amazing,” says Luke. “Plus, you’ll discover a shell of a hotel that was never completed and is now covered in colorful graffiti and artwork.” On the way up and down, hikers can expect interactions with monkeys, frogs and iguanas and once finished, they can head across the street to PuddleFish Brewery for a cold drink and some sliders.

Shop For Your Home

Every item in the Jacó-based specialty store Casa Mundo (translation: House of the World) is handcrafted in their workshop, from hand-painted bowls to rattan light fixtures to colorful wall art. “The female owner is passionate about using natural and native materials,” says Steph. “For our hotel, we purchased decorative pillows, throws and the ornate brass octopus figurine featured in our Casita King suite. I love that every piece in her store is beautifully designed.”

Snorkel Around Tortuga Island

There’s no better place than the calm waters of Tortuga Island, located about a 45-minute boat ride from Jacó, if you’re looking to snorkel. Most of the boat tour operators provide food and drinks on the way to the island, where sightings of leatherback turtles, dolphins and whales are often the norm. “The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are beautiful as are the colorful schools of tropical fish,” shares Steph. You can also hike the trails to the top of the island for amazing ocean views and chance encounters with deer, iguanas and wild pigs. A beach bar provides cool drinks and a souvenir shop is a good place to grab a few keepsakes.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Love to fish? Book a half or full day charter on Hooked Up, a 52-foot, 12-person boat anchored in Quepos, about a 50-minute ride from Jacó. “This is a very popular tour for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, marlin or sailfish, with a first-rate crew skilled at locating fish and handling the lines,” says Luke. “They get points for having a boat equipped with top-tier fishing equipment.” Internet is accessible via Starlink and a local Costa Rican-style lunch is included in the price of the charter along with snacks, drinks, live bait, rods, reels, tackle and a bed and bathrooms.

Hire a Travel Expert

For a hassle-free vacation, Luke and Steph recommend Toura Global, a company that leverages their local expertise and extensive networks to help plan customized getaways. “Their representatives create amazing, bespoke itineraries,” says Steph. From assistance with transportation, to hassle-free hotel bookings to the scheduling of a private masseuse, personal trainer or chef, this agency has visitors to Jacó covered.

Paddle on a Kayak or Canoe

With over 25 years of experience in the business, “The people who run Kayak Jacó are knowledgeable not just about the how-tos of paddling, but about the area’s wildlife that includes octopus, eel, starfish and rockfish,” says Luke. “One of my favorite excursions is a paddle on a kayak or canoe to a private cove where a guide builds a s’mores bonfire while you spend time exploring the cove as the sun begins to set.” Located in Jacó, the guides will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to your excursion — they’ll also provide waterproof bags for cellphones and cameras.

Check Out Crocodiles on the Tarcoles River

Luke and Steph suggest exploring the forests, mangroves and the biodiversity of the Tarcoles River, located in the neighboring town Tarcoles, about a 45-minute drive from Jacó. “You don’t want to miss the Jungle Crocodile Safari boat tour, where the guides point out the crocodiles in the water and along the banks of the river,” says Luke. “Plus, you get to see and learn about the area’s other wildlife, including the many local birds like the beautiful scarlet macaw, locally known as the guacamaya roja.”

Ride the Trails on an All-Terrain Vehicle

One of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica is a ride on an ATV. “The guides at AXR Extreme Riders will customize any adventure to meet your needs, including a visit to a waterfall where you can jump off an ATV and into the cooling waters,” says Luke. “You’ll have a great time speeding up mountains and through rivers and fields.” Also for rent: Bikes, scooters and motorcycles.

How to Watch Betting on Paradise

Watch Betting on Paradise on HGTV Tuesdays at 9|8c — and streaming on Max starting the same day and time. For more exclusive Betting on Paradise content, stay connected on HGTV’s digital platforms by following @HGTV and #BettingonParadise on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads. Follow Luke and Steph on Instagram at @steph.and.luke.