Despite the challenge of getting here via Liberia, Costa Rica, the 45 Cousin Camp attendees were graciously welcomed by the staff at Rancho Santana, quickly helped into their beautiful rooms and suites overlooking the ocean, and then treated to a fantastic, family-styled dinner masterminded by Brian Block and Erik Wetz. Thanks in large part to Brian and Erik, Rancho Santana competes with the best resorts in the world in terms of guest experience. (Travel & Leisure consistently rates us in the top 100. Last time I checked, we were 38.)

There are four places to eat at Rancho Santana: La Finca y el Mar, a full-service restaurant attached to the hotel; La Boquita, a tapas restaurant at the edge of a beautiful cove; La Taqueria, a taco and tequila eatery on Playa Los Perros, one of our five beaches – the one where some of our party will be taking surfing lessons throughout the week – and El Café for a quick bite.