Reviews

2017

Instructional camp with National Champion Jennifer Lucore

and Tour Costa Rica

Jennifer Lucore’s Review of Pickleball Costa Rica in All Pickleball Magazine (allpickleball.com)

2017 (Jennifer was the instructor for our very first camp)

The tour organizers, Tony and Celeste Horpel live in Costa Rica and organize tours for the passionate pickleball player. Our tour included the “real” Costa Rica meaning we experienced a variety of things locals enjoy off the tourist “path”: We interacted with monkeys, iguanas and saw crocodiles, jungle cats, coatis, numerous tropical birds including toucans, macaws and parrots; hammocked on a desolate beach; and played pickleball in San Ramon and at the beach hotel with tour attendees and locals alike.

It was another pickleball adventure in the wonderful world we share – the awesome thing is wherever you go, pickleball players are so similar. They were welcoming, eager to share their little piece of heaven, smile a lot and just wanted to play pickleball. The tour goers whom we got to spend the week with were great! We shared some awesome sights, fabulous pickleball, and hearty laughs. I recommend meeting with Tony and Celeste to get both your Costa Rica culture and pickleball fix.  (from email) 2016

See their Facebook Page: facebook.com/pickleballcostarica

(Jennifer Lucore, 17-time National Pickleball Champion, and inductee into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in 2019 - San Diego)

To see her entire review, go to www.allpickleball.com/jennifersblog/pickleball-in-costa-rica (May 2017)

Thanks so much!!! We all had an awesome time!!! So many wonderful memories with these new pickleball friends in Costa Rica. Tony and Celeste introduced us to the real Costa Rica!!! 

— Beverly Youngren, USAPA Ambassador, San Diego, CA (from Google Survey) 2016

Hi Celeste & Tony,

It was indeed a pleasure to get to know both you and Tony a little better.  We truly enjoyed your company.  You do a great job with your tours and we hope they will continue to be successful for you.

Can’t wait to hear the story when we (hopefully) see you in Xxxxx.

 All the best,  Jean and Bob W. (via email) 2016

Tony and Celeste were awesome hosts. They were constantly trying to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. I liked that meals were included in the price of the tour. The dinners at Andy and Nancy’s house were amazing. Seeing the house was a treat. I loved the pickleball instruction by Jennifer Lucore and her dad, Bob Youngren. I would definitely consider going back again.
This was sooooo much fun! — Jacque S. (from Google Survey) 2016

Tony and Celeste; “Everyone on our tour loved it! We were a good group, weren’t we? We all enjoyed each other and really enjoyed the both of you. And what a wonderful video and so generous to do that for us! It made me feel warm and happy to view it.” — Janice G. (via email) 2016

2019

Thank you Tony and Celeste,

It was a great time for me to be with my son and everyone else.

Say hola to Celeste for me. —Larry F. (via email) 2019

Hi Tony and Celeste

We had a great time and enjoyed our trip from a picklebal and a Costa Rica point of view.  Our lives are enriched for having the time we spent together.  Hugs to you. — Shirley K. (via email) 2019

I was happy with the amount of play and the amount of tours we took and liked both the beach and the cool weather of the highlands of San Ramon, playing pickleball in both places.  I liked every places we took our group. (She gave the trip a 4 out of 5 for tour satisfaction on our survey). 

— Shirley K (via Google Survey) 2019

Hi Tony and Celeste

I had a lot of fun and feel I made some new friends!  I guess I shouldn't be surprised since us pickleballers are a friendly bunch.  It was wonderful to visit another country I've not been to and have heard a lot about.  It was a great experience and I really enjoyed myself getting to know you both and the others on the trip.  As everyone has said, it was a great trip with amazing people, instructor, and hosts.  Thanks again.  I wish you all the best and hopefully our paths will cross again sometime in the future.

— Kathleen T. (via email) 2019 recp19

Tony and Celeste, 

It was a great trip.  The country of Costa Rica is breathtaking, and the hospitality of the "Ticos" is exceptional.  The food is delicious.  Thank you, Tony and Celeste, for organizing an unforgettable trip and experiencing the "real" Costa Rica.  You two did a great job of organizing and showing us around.  Thank you, also, to Claudia Fontana for your great teaching and drills.  Costa Rica has always been on my list to visit, especially with my boys' dad being a "Tico".  We had such a wonderful group of people to experience the trip with.  God gives us different talents and the opportunity to love on others.  I look forward to seeing the photos and the video of our trip, and will keep in mind about a future trip.  Blessings to you both until we meet again.  PURA VIDA!!!

— Yovanna M. (via email) 2019

Hi Tony and Celeste, We had a wonderful trip.  Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I thought we had a great group of people.  You both were perfect hosts. 

— Robert R. (via email) 2019

He gave us a 5 out of 5 for satisfaction on the entire tour.  Satisfied with the amount of pickleball play and the amount of tours and liked playing at both the beach and the cool highlands of San Ramon.  He was satisfied with all of the places we took the group.

—Robert R. (same guest as above) (Google Survey) 2019

Tony and Celeste,

What a lovely letter you wrote, Celeste.  I can relate to being busy!  Hope you had a good time at your retreat.  The pickleball complex is an exciting thing!  I hope all goes smoothly and that Travis and I will one day enjoy playing pickleball there.

Everyone on our tour loved it!  We were a good group, weren't we?  We all enjoyed each other and really enjoyed the both of you. We appreciate the photos and especially the video you recently sent us. It made me feel warm and happy to view it.

— Janice G. (via email) 2019

Tony and Celeste,

Thank you once again for the lovely time we had together in Costa Rica.  It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed the activities you planned for us.

— Karen R. (via email) 2019

2020

Dear Tony and Celeste:

Buenos Dias!  Just wanted to say thanks for being the best tour guides a girl could ever have!  Costa Rica is a beautiful country.  I admire its people, culture, and enlightened ideas.  The coffee’s pretty darn good, too! 

Hope you both are relaxing on your patio and enjoying the sunsets!  You deserve some downtime. 

Bye for now,
—Julie Neste (via email) 2020

Hi Tony & Celeste,

Thank you for all the wonderful pictures and for such a great time in Costa Rica.  You had everything so well organized. It was an exciting experience for all of us.  We are still sharing pictures and remembrances.  Looking forward to getting everyone together again when you can return to Spokane.   Thanks again- much love, — Joanne M. (via email)

Hi Celeste and Tony,

Thanks again for the great time. I really liked Costa Rica

—Max R. (by email) 2020

Hi Tony and Celeste,

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. You had everything so well organized - - an exciting experience for all of us. We are still sharing pictures and remembrances. We just have a great group of pickleball players. Thanks for the video! You did a great job putting it together. Brings back so many great memories. I’m so glad we came.

 I am so glad we came in January when we did.  The world is in such a mess becuse of covid now, we would not make it.     A trip we will never forget!!   Thanks again - much love to both of you, thank you. 

Much love, Joanne  — Joanne M., Group Organizer (via email) 2020

Hello Tony and Celeste, I enjoyed my trip to Costa Rica so much. It was such a spontaneous impulse for me to decide to go, and I am so glad that I did. It was a really fun trip... a trip of a lifetime for me. It was made all the more special because of the care that you took of all of our group. It was appreciated by the whole group. Also, I really enjoyed all the videos you put together. It was a fun trip. I think fondly of you two often.

— Susan M. (via email) 2020

Hi Celeste and Tony

The tour/trip was awesome. We were just at dinner with friends from Canada, and Max and I had good experiences to share. I was particularly glad that Max got to go because she’s never had that kind of experience or gone anywhere except North America. She has expressed feeling left out when people talk about trips. But not anymore!  Her husband even heard new stories tonight at dinner. Thank you for making the trip so special and well-organized. We enjoyed getting to know you. 
Pura Vida and hugs to you. 

I love the video. It shows some of the wonderful sites we visited and the fun we had. It was a tribute to a beautiful country and people. Thank you for sharing and making it possible. 

Thanks again.  Jan H. (via email) 2020

Hi Tony and Celeste,

I wanted to sincerely thank both of you for leading such an amazing pickleball tour of Costa Rica. I had such a wonderful time. I loved and enjoyed all the tours. The hotels and places we dined at were all charming and delicious. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer travel experience!

You two are such patient, lively, lovely, charming, and forgiving people! You are perfect for leading the tours. The weather was great, and the company was fun and good. I was impressed with it all. Other than finding a scorpion in our bathroom, I truly had the time of my life. I have so many fond memories of our trip. I know what you mean about being so busy and the trip going by so fast! You and Tony made it very special for all of us. And thanks also for the great video! Good times!

My friend, Joyce, had a great time. I know she is glad she went.

It was because of your knowledge, friendship, and leadership that the trip was so incredible. Kudos to you both! I give you an A+++++! I wish you and Tony the best, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Thanks again for the fun times! And thanks for the great video.

— Mary S. (via email) 2020

Tony and Celeste,

The Costa Rica trip was the most memorable time of my life~! You and Tony made it so nice~! I thought you were so organized and every minute planned out. We all had such a wonderful time. I am still getting my pictures in order. Thank Tony for sending the ones from our trip. Such wonderful memories. You treated us all like royalty~!  It's hard to put into words the gratitude I have for you both, that I was able to come to Costa Rica with the Hub gang.  This has truly been a trip of a lifetime.  You both have made it so special!  It does not feel like January!... I am giggling and smiling!  May God continue to bless you and keep you.  I will close. God Bless You both. You kids are the best!

— SunnyLynne G. (via email) 2020

I just want to thank you for our tour of Costa Rica. I thought you both did a fantastic job. We really appreciated being able to tour Costa Rica through the eyes of a local couple. We have been telling everyone in our area how great it was and encouraging them to go.  It was fabulous to meet you both. Thanks so much!!! We all had an awesome time!!! So many wonderful memories with these wild and crazy picklers in Costa Rica. Tony and Celeste introduced us to the real Costa Rica!!!

— Laura S. (from Google Survey) 2020

2022

Tony and Celeste, 

All the excursions were wonderful! They felt personal and the right amount of time to still play Pickleball before or after the excursions. The resort you took us to is a great place to go. Very Costa Rican environment in an All inclusive venue and I loved the monkeys, iguanas and racoons! There were many other extracurricular things to do for non-Pickleball playing partners. Playing with the locals at John's bi-level Pickleball was great!  Andy's meal! Yummy!!! Andy's house! What a touch of class and friendliness. Loved it!  My host and hostess!  You have got to have a trained iguana that you can pick up so we can take pics!  Monkey Beach!  — Carlos A., USAPA Ambassador, Columbia, SC (via email) 2022 df622-30

Tony and Celeste,

I had a great time and improved my game. Also learned much about the country. All of the tour stops were outstanding. I would like to have played a little more.   — “Anonymous” (from Google Survey) 2022

I think you guys did a really great job. Really loved Andy and Nancy’s place and their wonderful hospitality. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. Loved Costa Rica.

— “Anonymous” (from Google Survey) 2022

What a great tour – it was a great mix of pickleball and getting to know Costa Rica. 

— “Anonymous” (from Google Survey) 2022

So happy I was a part of this pickleball tour in Costa Rica. Good luck in your future. Our group will always be the best.  — “Anonymous” (from Google Survey) 2022

Safe travels to all you fine people. It was a pleasure exploring Costa Rica with all of you folks. adios. I’m finally having some delicious Costa Rican coffee.

A June trip to Costa Rica to play Picklball turned into one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. Did I mention we had a little rain? Being a desert kid, it was more than we see in 5 monsoon seasons. But the troops rallied on and off our covered courts, and saw many sights around this beautiful country.

— Paddy H. (Via WhatsApp) 2022

It was wonderful meeting all of you, sharing this adventure, and pickleball!! And what a great group. Thank you so very much! And thanks for the great coffee.

—Dee F. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Safe travels, everyone!! We are home!!! Thank y’all for being part of our Costa Rica adventure!!! Keep in touch!

—Shari H. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Thank you, Tony and Celeste, for a great trip! We enjoyed meeting everyone on our tour!

— Marci S. (via WhatsApp) 2022

What a great traveling pickleball group! On the trip, we had pickleball leaders, event organizers (Tony & Celeste), certified coaches, all levels of players, and sometimes an audience. It was just perfect. Thanks to Tony & Celeste, Dee, and all for this unique opportunity. Unforgettable memories!!!

—Jenny L. (via WhatsApp) 2022

What a great trip with fun people. I’m looking forward to another pickleball adventure.

— Barbara M. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Jenny and I enjoyed the trip. Thank you all. Enjoyed meeting everyone.

—Ron S. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Recovering from my covid slowly. Still don’t have much sense of taste or smell. The worst thing is that I can’t try out the wonderful gift of Costa Rican coffee!

—Mary C. (via WhatsApp) 2022

I’m finally having some delicious Costa Rican coffee. Thanks Tony & Celeste!

—Paddy H. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Answer from T & C: Glad you’re enjoying it. Great photo of the coffee in the mug!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! .. (for the video you made of the tour).

—Dee F. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Tony, thank you for putting all of the pictures and videos together. It’s a great gift to all of us. I’ve watched it many times.

—Jenny L. (via WhatsApp) 2022

Thanks for the video!!! — Marci S., (via WhatsApp) 2022

“Fantastic Job ”— Bruce L. & Annie L. (via WhatsApp) 2022

OH MY GOODNESS, THAT VIDEO IS AWESOME!!! WHO MADE IT? WHAT A FANTASTIC MOMENT IN LIFE WE ARE ALL ABLE TO SHARE TOGETHER!! WELL DONE, TONY

—Shari H. (via WhatsApp) 2022

2023

Costa Rica Pickleball Family: I’ve had the opportunity to lead many teams, large and small, in my career. Never have I seen a team with such diverse backgrounds come together and bond so quickly and have so much fun together! God had a plan bringing all of us together!! I feel blessed! …until we meet again. —Louis E. (via WhatsApp) 2023 e319-2923

Good Morning, pickleball friends from Canada. Now that we’re back to reality, I’m off to play pickleball. Hope that everyone has a wonderful day. Pura Vida! —Pat L. (via WhatsApp)

I woke up this morning, and it felt so weird to be back home. Yep—I’m going through withdrawals from my pickleball family! I’m missing all of you so much!!! —Julie J. (via WhatsApp) 2023

George and I already want to turn back around and do this trip again. I told him this morning before he got out of bed, “before you get up, just remember we aren’t in Costa Rica anymore!” — Holly U. (via Whatsapp) 2023

The last two weeks were amazing and I’m already seeing results too! I won all of my games yesterday, and 5 out of 6 this morning! I’m watching and playing from a new perspective & critiquing each shot! LOL! —Holly U. (via WhatsApp) 2023

It was a pleasure meeting you, Celeste, and Tony. Thanks for a great Costa Rican experience. I, too, hope our paths will cross again some day. Pura Vida! —Pat L. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Great personalities, great group of peeps! Pura Vida! —Kim N. (via WhatsApp) 2023

I’m home playing and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from my 4.0 players in my group yesterday! The camp worked!!!

—Susan L. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Hey! FYI!! Just wanted to tell you that I miss all of you! That was such a special time together!

—Julie J. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Happy Easter, everyone! I, too, feel the camp has improved my game! I may not be the fastest or strongest person on the courts, but I’m playing a smarter game!! — Dzidra M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Thanks for the awesome time with a wonderful new group of friends. I think we all grew stronger mentally, phusically, and emotionally!! —Dzidra M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Pura Vida fellow pickleball campers! Our trip was everything we had hoped for, thanks to you all. See you on the courts.

—Rhonda W. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Goodbye, Costa Rica and all of my new pickleball friends! What great fun meeting all of you!

—Susan L. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Adios, Costa Rica and all of our new pickleball friends! —Herb K. (via Whatsapp) 2023

Costa Rica has been great! Pura Vida. Luego!! —Ebbonie W. (via Whatsapp) 2023

I wanted to thank everyone for helping me have a great time in Costa Rica.

—John S. (via WhatsApp) 2023

What a wonderful trip, and for me, it’s because of all of you! Thank you for the great memories, and I look forward to our reunion trip (and pickleball cheerleading 2.0!) — Holly U. (via WhatsApp) 2023

One funny thing I wanted to share: on the half-day of play, I was walking through the dining room in the early evening & I overheard a conversation at a nearby table. One woman was saying, “It’s so quiet in here! All of those pickleball players must be out on an excursion.” It cracked me up!!! —Louis E. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Had a great time with all of you! Hit me up if you’re ever in the Austin area! —Nan T. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Great to have met everyone. I learned a lot & had a lot of fun. —Herb K. (via Whatsapp) 2023

What a fun group of people! This was a great trip for me; meeting everyone, and watching you all play,..(but it’s still not a game for me). I’m going home with beautiful memories. Boynton Beach in sunny Florida is always open for visitors.

—Stephanie G. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Thanks, Tony and Celeste, for putting this together. Truly, it was an awesome time with an amazing group of people. Pura Vida!!

—Pat L. (via Whatsapp) 2023

I’m playing nearly every day now! The deep return of serve trajectory is still a winner! Thanks.

—Nan T. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Wow! Awesome! ..the video you made for us just transported me right back to Costa Rica and all the fun! Such a special time with such special people!! —Julie M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

I’m still telling everyone about our trip and especially the group. A very special time for sure!

—Julie J. (via WhatsApp) 2023

That was awesome! Let’s go do that again! Thanks all! It was so much fun! Helped me to meet all of you!

—Louis E. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Thank you guys. Great video of a wonderful trip. —Arnie M. (via whatsApp) 2023

Beautiful video! Great collage of a wonderful trip. Let’s do it again! Make it a tradition! Pura Vida! (2 separate comments combined).—Dzidra M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Tony, the video you made, Smiling the whole time watching…special place with great friends—miss you all!

—Mike M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Nice! Wonderful trip with special people. —Herb K. (via WhatsApp) 2023

This was well done. Great memories. Thank you, Tony & Celeste! And thanks for creating the great pictures and the video! It was a nice group of people, too. —Susan L. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Thanks for creating the video, Tony and Celeste! —- Rhonda W. (via WhatsApp) 2023

That was so well done. Great memories. Thank you, Tony & Celeste. —Julia L. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Julie and I moved up to 3.5 today! Thanks to all of the insights from all of you. We miss everyone!!

—Chris J. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Thank you, Tony & Celeste, for the awesome video recap!

—Avee Y. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Hi Everyone, I hope you’re having a great summer..I was just thinking about our Costa Rica trip, and it made me smile. Best camp ever. I hope everyone is happy and healthy and playing some good pickleball. Take care, all!

—Mike M. (via WhatsApp) 2023

Hello, Costa Rica family. Great trip, great group!

—Kim N. (via WhatsApp) 2023

2024

Thank you, Tony & Celeste. Miss you all and am missing those beautiful flowers and the leaf-cutter ants. Peace to you all!

—Karen D. (via WhatsApp) 2024

Thank you for an amazing experience in Costa Rica! You are all genuinely amazing!

—Lori & Jim K. (via WhatsApp) 2024

**This was the second time Carlos has chosen Pickleball Costa Rica! ***

Thank you, Tony, Celeste, and Claudia. And thanks for the photos!

—Carlos A. (via WhatsApp) 2024

THANKS, CARLOS!!! It was a pleasure to see you again!

Thanks to Tony and Celeste. I had a wonderful time. And also, thanks to Claudia for the amazing instruction! Thanks for the great photos. It was all a wonderful experience with all of you. —Diana N. (via WhatsApp) 2024

Thank you, Tony & Celeste for your warmth, friendship, and hospitality this week. Also, for the great photos…so much fun to see!! And to Claudia, thank her for the incredible coaching job. I loved her enthusiasm and wisdom on the court. Gracias por todo!

—Karen D. (via WhatsApp) 2024

Tony & Celeste, Thank you for the great photos, and it was so much fun! Also, Claudia did an incredible coaching/teaching job. I loved her enthusiasm and wisdom on the court! Gracias por todo!

—Diane O. (via WhatsApp) 2024

Thank you, Tony and Celeste, for your guidance % coordination of everything. Thank you, Claudia, for being an inspiring and creative teacher.

—Paula S. (via WhatsApp) 2024

This has been such an amazing experience. Thank you, Kevin, Glenn, and Kara, for all the knowledge we are taking back with us.  And Celeste and Tony, you are magnificent!  The tours were beyond our expectations.  The resort and staff were pleasant and very accommodating.  And thank you, campers, for all the laughs and great play.  I look forward to the next camp!

—Laurie T. (via WhatsApp) 2024

Thank you, thank you, thank you—Coaches and campers, you made this the most amazing experience!

—Laura M. O. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

That goes for us, too! The coaches were fantastic & Tony and Celeste, thank you!

—Russ P. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

What a wonderful camp this was… The coaches were fantastic, Tony and Celeste, thank you !

—Robin P. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

Best experience ever. Thank you, Tony and Celeste. Thank you, Glen, Kevin, and Cara. Love everyone! and I don’t want to leave.

—Beth D. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

Great camp, Great vacation! Thanks to all! 

—Cathy H. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

What an absolutely incredible experience! So grateful for our amazing coaches. Kevin, Kara & Glen, you were absolutely sensational! The skills you shared, your humor, camaraderie, and so much more ...Wow! 

WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIP, I am a non-pickleball player ….and will decide in the Spring if I will play again!!  Thanks to Celeste and Tony…the love birds who I caught holding hands several times… the tours were exceptional and your authenticity is so perfectly soothing…and rare!! Thank you, Tony & Celeste!

Thanks to Kevin for all his fabulously humorous coaching.

And many, many thanks to Glen for his creative interpretations and kind, focused instruction.

AND Kara -  for the joy that flows from her very being. She is a Pickleball poster girl!! Love to see her play! Even I know pickleball perfection when I see it…you make us proud, girl!!

Each group member so interesting and willing to share!!

Thanks, guys!

Tracy C. (via WhatsApp) 2024

What a terrific group! Thank you for proving that you can’t give flowers of kindness to others without having some of the perfume blow back on you.

—Glenn Jordan (via WhatsAppReviews) 2024 e

**This is Jim’s 2nd camp with us! Glad to have you back, Jim!

As a “repeat offender” of both Engage and Kevin, the camp and camper tribe exceeded all expectations. I had so many aha! moments during the technical camp (thanks Kevin, Queen Kara & Glenn) and even more OMG moments during the various excursions (thanks, Celeste & Tony). And many thanks to all you newly minted attacking pickleballers. Our camaraderie this week made the camp experience all the more special.  

As for the difference in the 2 camps I’ve attended, the 3 coach approach was a giant step up with the addition of another pair of eyes to assist and challenge. Also there were subtle changes in tactics training that reflected the continuing evolution of the game. Not least of all is this means of communication, another innovation to keep us in touch and challenge each other to continue to get better and motivate our friends to do the same. Pura vida, everyone.

—Jim B. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024:

THANKS, JIM. Great to have you back!

Paula and I really enjoyed the camp instruction, such excellent coaching, great meeting everyone, and beautiful Costa Rica.  Pura Vida!

—Rob R. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

**This is Lisa’s second trip with us!

Hello coaches and fellow campers (and now friends ) I’m so blown away by the quality of teaching and the dynamic play that we all experienced this week. There were so many Ah-ha moments that I stopped counting. Thank you coaches for breaking this game down into digestible pieces so that we all could grasp the subtleties of each precious nugget that you shared with us. I loved that your communication styles were all complementary and different, and the added humor made the learning even more enjoyable.  Thank you for reminding us all to reach out and extend a flower to new players and players who may not yet be at your level, and to play with a kind heart… we were all beginners once. 

Thank you Celeste and Tony for planning and organizing such fun tours for this group. Not only did we learn quite a lot about this beautiful country that we were visiting, but we played, soaked, ate, drank and danced ourselves silly. The pictures that you shared with us Tony are beautiful and will be appreciated for years to come. 

To my fellow campers: There are no mistakes. We were all put in this place at this time for a reason.   The connections we made were so special. I can’t wait to do it again. (We need time to practice our new skills though,  so we can make our coaches proud).  Please stay in touch and let us all know if you are planning another getaway  so we can continue this fun journey….. safe travels everyone. As Danny from TED LASSO might say, PICKLEBALL IS LIFE!!   Pura Vida!!!

—Lisa K. (via Whatsapp Reviews) 2024 Thanks, Lisa. It’s was so good to see you again!

comment from ( Diane F. 2024 adds: “ yes Lisa I will agree with that!! And thanks Tony for the extraordinary

photos… Mr photographer!!!

Thank you, Kevin, Kara & Glenn, for an amazing camp experience!  Russ & I look forward to drilling using all of your tips.  We were truly blessed to share this Engage camp with all you wonderful people (coaches & campers)!! Hope to meet you all again.

—Marcia P. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024:

We endorse every comment our fellow campers have already posted! Kevin, Glenn and Queen Kara - you’re inspiring! Tony and Celeste - sooo very helpful. Thanks again. Also, thanks to every member of the staff for all of their dedication to our every request.

Keep those photos coming. Hope to see many of you in the future.

—Jane and Dave F. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024:

I am reading and reading, loving these follow-ups so much. The camp with Kevin, Glenn, and Cara, was game-changing for me. Thank you for the tips, instructions, and personal attention. The trip itself was so rich and memorable! I look forward to using and practicing my new skills, drilling and playing. And following up with all. Much gratitude, Robi

—Robin P. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2024

Hi Friends. Back in NYC & still buzzing from the incredible experience. This trip started out as a quest to up my game but what unfolded was a treasure trove of experiences & connections with each and every one of you!

And Tony & Celeste, YOU TWO ARE ROCKSTARS!.

Be well, and let’s stay connected!

—Mae Lan C. (via WhatsApp) 2024

2025

Thanks to Tony & Celeste for coordinating a wonderful trip. Great fun with all of our fellow picklers.

Many thanks to Deli, Glen, and Kara for their entertaining instruction and coaching. Pura Vida!

—Aimee and Brian L. (via WhatsApp) 2025

** (This was Lonnie’s second trip with us. The First trip was in 2023)

Thank you, Tony and Celeste, for planning another beautiful Costa Rica getaway and working hard to keep all of us happy.

Thank you, Deli, Kara, and Glenn, for your amazing coaching, and it was fun while we learned. Great company too. I wish I could have participated more. It was a pleasure to get to know those of you I met.

—Lonnie R. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Lonnie, Thanks for coming again. It was so great to know you like our trips.

Hi, all of our pickleball friends. Thank you for an amazing time. It was a pleasure playing and enjoying a great time with all of you. Until we meet again, your pickleball friend from Canada, Pat.

—Pat M. (via WhatsApp) 2025

I had the most amazing time this week with amazing & wonderful people. So happy we got to meet all of you. Thank you all for the fun times! (2 messages here).

—Julie J. (via WhatssApp) 2025

What an amazing time this was with great pickleball, inspiring instruction, and magical moments. I enjoyed meeting each of you and hope our paths will cross again. Please look us up if you ever come to Raleigh.

—Louis E. (via WhatsApp) 2025

**This is Lisa’s second trip with us!

Hello coaches and fellow campers (and now friends), I’m so blown away by the quality of teaching and the dynamic play that we all experienced this week. There were so many Ah-ha moments that I stopped counting. Thank you, coaches, for breaking this game down into digestible pieces so that we all could grasp the subtleties of each precious nugget that you shared with us. I loved that your communication styles were all complementary and different, and the added humor made the learning even more enjoyable.  Thank you for reminding us all to reach out and extend a flower to new players and players who may not yet be at your level, and to play with a kind heart… we were all beginners once. 

Thank you, Celeste and Tony, for planning and organizing such fun tours for this group. Not only did we learn quite a lot about this beautiful country that we were visiting, but we played, soaked, ate, drank, and danced ourselves silly. The pictures that you shared with us, Tony, are beautiful and will be appreciated for years to come. 

To my fellow campers: There are no mistakes. We were all put in this place at this time for a reason.   The connections we made were so special. I can’t wait to do it again. (We need time to practice our new skills, though,  so we can make our coaches proud.)  Please stay in touch and let us all know if you are planning another getaway so we can continue this fun journey….. safe travels everyone. As Danny from TED LASSO might say, PICKLEBALL IS LIFE!!   Pura Vida!!!

—Lisa K. (via WhatsApp Reviews) 2025 Thanks, Lisa. It was so good to see you again!

(……. comment from ( Diane F. to Lisa K, 2024) adds: “ yes, Lisa, I will agree with that!! And thanks, Tony, for the extraordinary photos… Mr photographer!!!

To Tony & Celeste, our group coordinators, thanks so much for all of your hard work and for making it such a success.

To the coaches, terrific coaching..and even more so, even better people! You three worked together so well. Thank you.

—Alan R. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Please take care. Wish I had had more of a chance to know you all better and participate more but fate would not have it, I got the flu. Great people and tremendous instruction. Next time!

—Cathy L. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Many thanks to Tony and Celeste for coordinating a wonderful trip. Great fun with our fellow picklers!! Pura Vida!

—Brian & Aimee L. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Fun, love, Pickleball, good food, & more! Thank you!!

—Ildiko D. (via WhatsApp) 2025

We finally made it home…whoop whoop! A tough trip, but the camp was worth it! Thank you, everyone, for making this trip epic!!

—Diana H. (via WhatsaApp) 2025

Arrived home at 2 a.m…tough day…but super camp!!

—Lynette T. (via Whatsapp) 2025

What a trip!!! We had a fabulous time getting to know all of you. We hope to see all of you in the future. Anytime you’re in Spokane, look us up. Looking forward to a reunion in Spokane!

—Barb S. (via Whatsapp) 2025

What a great experience we had in a beautiful country. It was so fun meeting everyone. Thank you, Tony & Celeste, for all that you did to make it special for all of us. Please add me to your email list.

—Susie F. Via Whatsapp) 2025

It’s been great getting to spend time with this wonderful group. Safe travels, everyone!

—Doris (via WhatsApp) 2025

As the old saying goes, “Nothing beats fun for having a good time. Pura Vida”.

—Leo L. (WhatsApp) 2025

**(This is Jeff and Joyce’s second trip with us. First trip was 2022.

Thanks, everyone, for making this a great pickleball tour. Hopefully, we will run into each other in the future.

—Jeff N. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Great to see you both again and thanks for bringing your daughters, Jen & Betsy !!!)

What a great time! Don’t think I’ll be able to make it next year, but I’m already working on my guys for the year after. Keep me on the email strings..(for the pickleball complex too if that becomes a serious thing. And Barb, great pics!

—Josh F. (via WhatsApp) 2025

Hola, Pickleball Group Spokane; The new trip (trip #2) we’ll do through Pickleball Costa Rica, will be April 2 - 10th, 2026. Please visit Tony & Celeste’s website, pickleballcostarica.com, for the details. We will be taking 32 players next year. We’ll have drills, play, and tours. Players from other locations are welcome. Come have a ball with us like we did on our last trip in March ‘25!

—Dano Schwalbe (via WhatsApp) 2025

It was so nice to meet you all! What a wonderful, beautiful place to visit. Happy travels to you all! And thank you, Tony & Celeste, for the wonderful gifts.

—Clara C. (via WhatsApp) 2025

……………………………………

PHOTO TOUR TESTIMONIALS

Hello Tony and Celeste,

Greetings from Spokane where the weather is finally warming up. No monkeys swinging in the trees and no exotic birds chattering nearby however. I reminisce frequently and appreciate so much your thoughtful planning for this terrific and diverse adventure. I miss all that we did during our trip to Costa Rica. You made this trip worth it for all of us. Until we do it again, wishing you many good things.  

Steve D.

My husband and I recently returned from a two-week trip with Costa Rican Photo Tours, one of the most interesting and memorable trips we have ever taken. Our guides, Celeste and Tony Horpel, were professional, well organized, knowledgeable about Costa Rica, fluent in Spanish and simply fun folks to travel with. Tony is an excellent photographer and videographer and very willing to share his expertise.

The sites we visited were interesting to photograph, varied and, for the most part, off the usual tourist routes. Although the trip was planned with great attention to detail, there were lots of opportunities for spontaneous photo ops such as the day we happened upon a local wrangler training his horse to “dance” for an upcoming parade. My favorite part of the tour was our 4-night stay in a lovely resort/lodge located deep in the tropical jungle where we photographed foliage, insects, macaws, parrots, toucans, coatis, peccaries and a variety of other animals.

I’d highly recommend traveling with Costa Rican Photo Tours for a personalized, rewarding photographic experience.  

Jan Tenold

“When you can say ” there is not one thing you would change” after returning from a vacation, you want to let others know about it! If you are looking for the chance to soak in cross sections of Costa Rica and all that it offers, then this is the tour for you.

American-born but now locals themselves, tour guides Celeste and Tony offered us the best of the best…from where to see a great variety of birds and animals to where you can grab great food.

Their command of the language and easy- to -like personalities helped us to enjoy the local markets, the restaurants, and the friendly Costa Rican people.

The tour was planned out in detail, yet allowed for flexibility in the schedule so we could take advantage of an unexpected and delightful photo op (whether it was a town event, or a park with iguanas and monkeys, or groups of rummaging coati, colorful birds (including but not limited to those gorgeous Scarlet Macaws, or hermit crabs at night!).

The places we experienced were target rich for photos of eclectic buildings, local markets and towns with character, lush vegetation, and …oh, did we mention the variety of wild birds and animals??? 

Costa Rica has been on our list of adventures and we are so grateful to the Horpels for making our tour exciting as well as safe. PS It took us a LONG time to go thru our many images, but it was fun reliving the experience.”   

Dora Z.