Steph Sitt and Luke Shantz

Luke Shantz and Steph Sitt Bio

Luke Shantz and Steph Sitt are the couple behind Betting on Paradise, which follows their quest for the “Pura Vida” way of life in idyllic Costa Rica by risking it all on a high-stakes hotel transformation. The Canadian-born couple met in Taiwan while teaching English at a private school. A self-proclaimed jack of all trades, Luke’s career journey has spanned a variety of industries, including construction, landscaping and sales, during which he gained valuable expertise and resourcefulness along the way. With 16 years of experience in the hotel industry, Steph has honed her skills across various roles in front office and operations at numerous renowned hotel brands. Her expertise lies in guest service and creating exceptional experiences, earning her numerous accolades such as Employee of the Year and Manager of the Year at every property where she’s worked.

During the Covid pandemic in 2020, Luke and Steph decided to uproot their lives in Toronto, where they had lived for 10 years, and move to Costa Rica sight unseen to fulfill their dream of renovating a hotel property. Luke and Steph reside in Jacó, Costa Rica, with their two young daughters, Mia and Luna, and two rescue dogs, Sunny and Stormy. Their family thrives in the great outdoors, where they love swimming, exploring beaches, snorkeling, chasing waterfalls and hiking. Luke and Steph are also passionate about community involvement and giving back to nature through preservation efforts.