Why the Soft Life Tour Matters
For over 20 years, I’ve celebrated my birthday abroad. Maybe it’s the Leo in me, maybe it’s just me in my Leo — but the celebration and focus on me is euphoric.
I love my friends and family, and I celebrate with them before traveling, but there’s something transformative about waking up in another country on my birthday. This year, I embraced what I call the Soft Life Tour — a chance to slow down, set aside schedules, and lean into balance, rest, and luxury. Costa Rica became the perfect backdrop.
Day 1: From Champagne in the Clouds to Sunsets in Guanacaste
The journey started in the clouds, champagne in hand, somewhere between Philadelphia and paradise. By the time I landed in Liberia, I already felt the shift — the pace slowing, my shoulders lighter.
I checked into The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, a jungle-meets-ocean retreat that knows how to set the tone for pure relaxation. Dinner that night was A Taste of Guanacaste — bold spices, fresh seafood, and live music floating through the air.
Afrobeats were calling from The Living Room lounge, but my body whispered “bed.” And for once, I listened.
Lesson of the Day: Rest doesn’t need an excuse.
Travel Notes:
- Airport: Liberia (LIR) – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
- Hotel: The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal
- Dining Highlight: “A Taste of Guanacaste” dinner with live music
Day 2: Poolside Rhythm
Breakfast started with me claiming, “I’m not even that hungry.” Yet somehow, my plate turned into a sampler of everything — fresh fruit, pancakes, bacon, and gallo pinto.
The rest of the day followed a perfectly soft life rhythm:
️ Floating in the infinity pool
Sipping something tropical
🥑 Chips, salsa, and guac
Ending up in a deep conversation with a young woman on her first solo trip — who just happened to be in HR (and funny enough, so many of my connections lately have been HR folks!).
The sun eventually beat me down with a headache, but even that was a reminder — slow down, retreat, and let the day be enough.
Lesson of the Day: Doing nothing can be the most fulfilling schedule.
Travel Notes:
- Vibe: The W pool scene is lively yet calm enough to nap between dips
- Food & Drinks: Poolside cocktails + light bites are the MVP
- Tip: The Guanacaste sun is no joke — hydrate and pace yourself
Day 3: A Birthday to Remember
For over two decades, I’ve kept one tradition: celebrate my birthday abroad. Costa Rica gave me one to remember. The day began with a birthday serenade at breakfast — complete with waffles, strawberries, sprinkles, ice cream, and a candle. (Yes, ice cream at 9 AM is as magical as it sounds.)
Then came paddleboard yoga — laughter, balance, and yes, I managed to stay upright. Next up: an 80-minute massage that pressed reset on my whole body. The afternoon was spent poolside, lounging, chatting with fellow travelers, and letting the day unfold.
That evening, I treated myself to dinner at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. A new friend joined me, and over complimentary sparkling wine, we traded stories, knowledge, and our shared passion for travel. We missed the live music, but honestly, the conversation was the music of the night — priceless, unexpected, and unforgettable.
As the sun set on my birthday, I thought: if today is any preview of what Chapter 54 will bring, I’m ready.
Lesson of the Day: Celebrate yourself loudly, softly, and unapologetically.
Travel Notes:
- Activity Highlight: Paddleboard yoga (book through W activities desk)
- Spa: 80-minute full-body massage at AWAY Spa — worth every minute
- Birthday Touch: Waffle + ice cream “cake” at breakfast
Final Reflections
I’m always on the go — even when I say I’m relaxing. Helping, planning, managing. Doing.
But this Soft Life Tour was about letting go. Not looking at email, not responding, not thinking, just… not doing. And I accomplished it.
A big part of that was thanks to The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal. This has to be one of the best resorts I’ve ever stayed in. The customer service is exceptional — from the moment you arrive, everyone takes the time to know your name and greet you personally. Even before I checked in, the pre-arrival information was phenomenal. If you’re considering your first solo trip, or planning a milestone event, book a W Hotel and make sure to note the occasion in your reservation. When I tell you I’d come back just for the service alone, I mean it.
Now, I’ll return to the things that make me me — but with a new sense of balance, a reminder to pause, and permission to simply let go.
So thank you for coming along on this journey. The Soft Life Tour isn’t ending here — it’s just the beginning.
If this inspired you to think about your own “soft life” escape — whether it’s a birthday abroad, a reset in Costa Rica, or simply a trip that gives you space to breathe — I’d love to help you create it. Start your journey at internationalcaty.com.
And of course, I’ll be sharing more adventures along the way. Follow me on Instagram @internationalcaty and Facebook to see where the Soft Life Tour takes me next.
Practical Travel Tips for Guanacaste
- Best Time to Visit: December–April for dry season, but the sun is strong — pack sunscreen and hydrate.
- Airport: Liberia (LIR) is the closest airport — about 1 hour to The W Reserva Conchal.
- Transport: Pre-book a private transfer or hire a trusted driver; taxis/Uber are limited.
- Vibe: Guanacaste is for slowing down, not rushing. Embrace it.
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