

Steph and Luke - Betting on Paradise and Renovating a Decrepit Hotel in Costa Rica
May 21, 2025
Steph Sitt and Luke Shantz, co-owners of a hotel and restaurant in Costa Rica, share their inspiring journey of trading mundane city life for tropical paradise. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of renovating a decrepit hotel while parenting two young daughters. From the thrills of chasing their dream to the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic, they highlight the joys of community integration and the transformative power of their experiences. Their story reveals the complexities of entrepreneurship and the vibrant culture of Costa Rica.
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Pandemic Sparks Bold Move
- During the 2020 pandemic, Steph and Luke sold their house, packed their belongings, and moved sight unseen to Costa Rica to start a new venture.
- They embraced uncertainty and acted quickly to follow their dream despite having young children and no prior experience living there.
Costa Rica's Allure and Comfort
- Costa Rica attracted Steph and Luke with its friendly people, no army, and the Pura Vida lifestyle.
- They realized they wanted comfort like air conditioning and running water, so Costa Rica suited their needs over rougher options like farm living.
Rundown Motel Reality Check
- Upon acquiring a rundown motel, they quickly realized extensive rebuilding was needed, far exceeding their budget.
- Their initial hope for a simple makeover vanished as crumbling walls and infrastructure problems appeared.